Over 1000 flood buckets have been delivered so far to accommodate victims of extensive flooding in the Southeast District and North District, and more are urgently needed.   

The list of items needed to complete a flood bucket from UMCOR

1 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid

Buckets from fast-food restaurants or bakeries can be used if washed and cleaned.

Do not use buckets that have stored chemicals such as paint or pool cleaner.

Advertisements on the outside are acceptable.

Liquid laundry detergent

two 25-oz. or one 50-oz. bottle(s) only

Liquid household cleaner

12-16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water

no spray cleaners

Dish soap

16-28 oz. bottle, any brand

1 can air freshener

aerosol or pump

1 insect-repellent spray

6-14 oz. aerosol or spray pump with protective cover

1 scrub brush

plastic or wooden handle

18 cleaning wipes

handi-wipes or reusable wipes

no terry cleaning towels

remove from packaging

7 sponges

no cellulose sponges due to mold issues

remove from wrapper

5 scouring pads

remove from wrapper

no stainless steel, Brillo pads or SOS pads (nothing with soap built in)

50 clothespins

Clothesline

two 50-ft. or one 100-ft.

cotton or plastic

24-roll heavy-duty trash bags

33-45 gallon sizes

remove from the box

5 dust masks

2 pairs kitchen dishwashing gloves

should be durable enough for multiple uses

remove from packaging

1 pair work gloves

cotton with leather palm or all leather

Assembling directions

Place all liquid items in the bucket first. Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around

and between the liquid items. Sponges, scouring pads, clothespins and trash bags can be

separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket. Ensure the lid is closed securely.

Important notes

All items must be new except for the actual bucket and lid. 

All cleaning agents must be liquid and in plastic containers. No powders, please.

If you cannot find the requested size of a liquid item, use a smaller size. Including larger sizes of any item will prevent the lid from sealing.

If all of the items on the list are not included, please put a label on the bucket indicating what has been omitted.

Cleaning buckets are only used within the United States. They are not opened to verify the contents unless there is indication some items have been omitted.