Flood cleanup can be a hazardous task. You should never enter a flooded area until an electrician has checked the power system for safety.
Any soaked items should be thrown away to reduce contamination and mold. This includes textiles like carpeting, mattresses and pillows, stuffed animals and furniture. Even if they look clean, these materials could have harmful contaminants or organic soils imbedded in them that may not be fully removed by cleaning products. Visit Our Website Here to learn more.
Floods cause immense damage to property and can leave behind a wide array of debris. They can also contaminate surfaces, leading to the spread of bacteria and viruses. Flood water may carry sewage and other harmful chemicals. Children, pregnant women and people with chronic health problems like asthma should not take part in a flood clean up.
If items are salvageable, they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This can be done by washing in hot water with a diluted bleach solution or by spraying a chemical disinfectant onto surfaces and leaving it for the contact time recommended on the product’s label. If items are too damaged to be saved, they should be discarded.
Damp materials encourage the growth of dust mites, cockroaches and mold. These can aggravate respiratory illness and allergic diseases. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to infection.
Be sure to wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and sturdy shoes or boots while cleaning up. Wear an N95 mask if possible to protect against airborne germs and toxic substances. Make sure to turn off the electricity before beginning cleanup and air out the building to remove escaping gasses.
Keep a record of the items that were contaminated or destroyed during the flood. This will be important for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions. It will also help you determine how much clean up is needed once the flood water has receded. This will allow you to make an informed decision about hiring professional restoration services.
Remove the Water
Flood waters can be dangerous, as they are often contaminated with sewage and chemicals. The first step in any cleaning or repair effort is to remove the water from the area. This may be done by pumping or using a wet/dry vacuum. You should also clean any mud, dirt and debris that is in or around the area.
If you must walk through flooded areas, wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves. It’s a good idea to wear an N95 mask when working in these areas, too, as dust and mold can be present.
As soon as it is safe to do so, take important items out of the flooded areas and move them to a dry place. You should also remove all upholstered furniture, mattresses and box springs. These can harbor mold and mildew if they remain wet for more than 48 hours. Wood furniture that has been structurally weakened by floodwaters should be discarded, too.
You should also discard any food that came in contact with flood water. It’s best to boil any drinking water that is in the house, as it may be contaminated with bacteria from floodwater.
Any rooms that have been affected by flooding should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and dried. This is important to prevent rot and other problems from developing in the future. A wet/dry vacuum can be useful for this task, along with fans and dehumidifiers.
If you have any electrical units in the affected rooms, you should turn them off at the breaker or fuse box and call an electrician to check that the wiring is in good condition. If it’s not, you’ll need to replace any faulty or damaged parts before turning them back on.
If the flood waters have come in through a wall, you’ll need to remove any sections of drywall that are damaged or soaked. You’ll also need to remove any insulating materials and paint that were soaked. If you’re planning on repairing any walls or installing new flooring, it’s best to hire a professional builder instead of trying it yourself.
Dry Out the Area
After the floodwaters recede, it is important to dry out the affected area before re-entering it. The contaminated water may contain bacteria, sewage, chemicals and other harmful pollutants that could pose health risks. This is especially true if children, elderly or sick persons enter the flooded areas and handle any cleaning products used in the cleanup.
When possible, open windows and doors to ventilate the space and run fans to speed up the drying process. This will also help reduce the possibility of mold and mildew.
If possible, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water from the floors and furniture. This is the most efficient way to get rid of water from the floors, walls and ceilings without causing further damage or health problems.
Everything that came into contact with the contaminated water should be disinfected. This includes walls, floor, ceilings and furnishings. The best disinfectant to use is a solution made of two tablespoons of bleach per one to two gallons of water. This can be used in a bucket and should be scrubbed onto surfaces, then rinsed off with clean water. It is advisable to wear rubber gloves during this step.
Absorbent and porous materials such as rugs, carpets, mattresses and pillows should be thrown away. These materials are so saturated with contaminated water that mold growth will likely be underway by the time the floodwaters recede. They will also be extremely difficult to clean without risking further damage or contamination.
It is a good idea to have any electrical systems that were exposed to the floodwaters serviced by a professional electrician before using them again. This is because flooded electrical outlets and switches can become energized and pose safety hazards.
If there are any open wounds or cuts that came into contact with the floodwaters, it is essential to wash them immediately with soap and clean water or alcohol, then apply an antibiotic ointment. The wounds should then be covered with a waterproof bandage and the person should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of infection.
Clean Up
Whether you are cleaning up after a flood that entered your home, or simply working to clean up the mess left behind, safety is essential. Always follow local emergency and law enforcement guidelines. Return to your home only after authorities have declared it safe. Flood water may contain sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that can make you sick. Beware of downed electrical wires and other structural problems.
If you are using bleach or other disinfectants, wear rubber gloves and eye protection. If your hands become wet, wash them frequently with soap and water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol. Be sure to take a break when you need to, especially when lifting heavy items. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen when working outside.
Before you begin cleanup, shut off the electricity to any areas of your home that have been affected by flooding at the breaker box. Do not turn it back on until an electrician has inspected the wiring for safety. Be sure to shut off the gas as well, if your house is occupied.
Remove all mud and debris from floors, stairs and walkways. This can be very slippery. It is also important to protect yourself from mold and other diseases. Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. Disinfectants are available at most hardware stores, and they can be purchased or made at home. It is a good idea to hire a professional mold remediation company, if necessary.
Be sure to take photos throughout the flood cleanup process for insurance purposes. This will help you determine what was damaged by the flood and what items were able to be saved. If you have a septic system, be sure to check it and make sure there is no raw sewage entering the home. If you do find raw sewage, call your local waste management company. Also, check your hot water cisterns to see if any of the water has been contaminated by flood water. If it has, then you will need to boil all drinking water for 48 hours and use bottled or treated water for cooking and cleaning until the problem can be resolved.