What To Do After A Flood?

If your home or business has water damage after a storm, you need to act fast to save as much of your home and belongings as possible. When it comes to flood cleanup, there are some things you can and should do immediately. To ease your stress and guide you through what to do after a flood, we put together this list of flood cleanup tips.

Check For Safety Hazards

Here are a few questions you should ask to ensure your safety: is your home structurally secure? Call the authorities for a safety inspection. Water damage can threaten the stability of your home, from its foundations and floors to its supporting beams and ceilings. If the flood water level is significant or you are concerned the structure might collapse, do not risk entering your home. Is your power still on? Standing water mixed with electricity puts you at risk for electrical shock, so don’t proceed without taking a few precautions. If you have safe exterior access to your breaker box, turn off the power before coming into contact with any standing water. If not, contact your local power company before going inside. If you’re unsure whether your power is still on, do not enter your house, especially if the water level is above your outlets. Is the flood water contaminated? Sewage and harmful chemicals often contaminate flood water, which can put your health at risk. If you suspect contaminated flood water, seek help to assess the damage, start cleanup, and protect your health and belongings.

Remove Items Within Your Reach

When authorities allow you to return to your home, remove as many items as you can to prevent further damage. Even items not in immediate contact with water can be damaged by increased humidity and moisture after a flood. The faster you remove items, the more likely they can be repaired or restored. Take particular care removing electronics, as they too can create electric shock if powered up or plugged in, yet they are often the items you want to save most. Do not attempt to remove submerged electronics unless they are unplugged and your power is off. Dry any recovered items completely to prevent mold growth and water damage, then store them in a secure, dry area.

Extract Water And Prevent Mold

Depending on how high the water level is and whether you have carpets, you can attempt water extraction on your own or call in flood damage restoration experts. If you choose to remove the water yourself, rent a wet vacuum or submersible pump and remove as much of the water as you possibly can. To prevent mold growth, it’s absolutely critical to keep the humidity level as low as possible while you dry your home and furnishings. Open as many windows as you can and run fans and dehumidifiers to increase the ventilation around your house and accelerate the drying process.

Clean And Sanitize

Once water-damaged areas have dried out, you must clean and sanitize the surfaces to avoid toxic mold growth, infection, and disease. All carpeting and upholstery need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Carefully wash and sanitize anything touched by flood waters. You’ll need different techniques and approaches to clean floors, countertops, carpets and furniture, clothes, and personal belongings. Some items may be beyond saving and should be replaced.