Cleaning Up and Rebuilding After Flooding

Aftermath
February 27, 2018

Safely cleaning up after a flood

Take photographs of the damage before cleanup. Residents are encouraged to begin cleanup as soon as possible, floodplain permits are not required before cleanup begins.

Flood cleanup safety tips:

Before entering your home, check for damaged power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks and

other exterior damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home.

If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and contact the fire department

Do not walk into a flooded basement because of the risk of electrocution. Turn off gas, water and electricity—if you can without wading into water.

Check news outlets for the safety of the local water supply.

Discard any food, medicine or cosmetics that may have come into contact with floodwaters.

Floodwaters can carry chemicals and germs that could be harmful to your health. Protect yourself during cleanup by wearing boots, gloves and masks. Clean and disinfect everything that may have come in contact with floodwater.

Open all doors and windows to circulate air and dry out your home. Dehumidify as soon as possible.

Get a permit before you repair or build in a floodplain

MSD is responsible for permitting and inspecting all new construction—including repairs and improvements to existing structures in the floodplain, according to the Louisville Metro Floodplain Ordinance.

To apply for a floodplain permit

Download the Application for a Permit to Develop/Repair in a Floodplain, visit http://www.msdlouky.org/insidemsd/pdfs/apppermit.pdf

For repairs or improvements to an existing structure, provide an itemized estimate of material and labor costs of the repairs or improvements to be made, including demolition costs—even if this work is to be done by the homeowner or a volunteer. It is not required to include cleanup costs in the estimate.

Provide building value—PVA data or owner-provided appraisal.

Submit the application and all documents listed above.

In person:

MSD, 700 W Liberty Street, Louisville, KY 40203

Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm

Or by email:                           

FloodPermits@louisvillemsd.org

For questions concerning floodplain permitting, call 502.540.6126.