Flood Cleanup: Methods, Hazards and Aftercare
This course gives LERT volunteers a practical foundation for flood cleanup work. Because no two floods, homes or communities are exactly alike, the course focuses on broad principles that help teams prepare for what they may encounter, work safely and know what to do and what not to do. Participants will review flood hazards, PPE, tools, assessment and cleanup workflow, drying, church-specific considerations and volunteer conduct while keeping the person affected by the disaster at the center of the work.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Recognize common hazards in flood-affected buildings and treat unknown floodwater as potentially contaminated
- Select and use personal protective equipment appropriate for flood cleanup conditions
- Identify common tools and equipment used for assessment, muck-out, drying and drywall work
- Describe a safe flood cleanup workflow from assessment and worksite setup through drying and homeowner handoff
- Recognize special considerations when flood cleanup involves churches, schools and other ministry spaces
- Apply LERT expectations for teamwork, stop-work authority, homeowner communication, privacy and whole-person care
Instructors
Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson
Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fairhope, AL
Director, LCMS Disaster Response (2013-2026)
Mr. Kris Schuldt
LCMS Missouri District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC)
