Do's And Don'ts Of Flood Damage Cleanup

There are different causes to flooding and water damage to homes or business establishments. Natural disasters can cause serious flooding to homes and cause serious damage to basements, kitchens and even the whole house structure. Unexpected storms, river overflows, and continuous torrential rains can cause floods. Other causes can be manmade due to lapses in utility maintenance like burst pipes or sprinkler system malfunctions. In any case, floodwaters should be removed and flood damage cleanup performed to restore habitable conditions for the home or building.

The following are basic guidelines for flood damage cleanup. Any homeowner can use these dos and don'ts list as restoration resource when performing the remediation process and quickly recover losses in their homes and their businesses.

The Do's in Flood Damage Cleanup:

a. Consult with experts before attempting any flood damage cleanup activities. Homes that were completely submerged in flood or those which have incurred large-scale damages could have compromised structural integrity. This can pose a serious danger to anyone entering the site.

b. Always wear protective clothing while performing any flood damage cleanup activities. Floodwaters carry with it a variety of possibly harmful bacteria, microorganisms, and even toxic chemicals. These could pose health hazards if it comes into contact with the skin, or if expelled fumes are inhaled. Wear rubber boots, gloves, goggles, masks and respirators when entering a flooded area.

c. Electricity should be cut off from the area. Water and electricity can prove to be a lethal mix, so this should be considered before starting any flood damage cleanup activity. If electrical appliances are still in the area, relocate these items and perform separate restoration activities.

d. Do use submersible pumps to remove the floodwater, particularly for large water quantities remaining in the area. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners can also be used. Finish up with mopping or by using absorbent sponges or chamois cloth.

e. Remove any materials that have been contaminated by floodwater from the area. Clean affected items from dirt and grime accumulated from the floodwaters, and put them in separate areas to dry. If the material is waterproof, it should be cleaned using detergent and bleach before drying.

f. An integral part of flood damage cleanup is to completely dry the affected area at the soonest possible time. These can be done through air blowers, dryers, and dehumidifiers. Do allow proper ventilation into the affected areas by opening windows and doors to let the flow of air in.

g. After drying, do check the area for any signs of mold infestations. Discoloration and musky smell are some noticeable signs of mold growth. Clean affected area immediately and apply fungicide.

The Don'ts in Flood Damage Cleanup:

a. Do not enter a flooded home when electricity is still on. Do not unplug wet appliances from sockets if power is still flowing.

b. Do not enter a flood-damaged building or house if you think that the integrity of the structure is not intact. Have this confirmed by experts.

c. Do not use standard vacuum cleaners to remove water from floors or carpets. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners are the only types capable of handling water.

d. Do not handle furniture or any other materials that have been infested by molds. These microorganisms produce toxins that are hazardous to human health.

e. Do not delay or postpone flood damage cleanup as soon as the flooding have subsided. Mold growths can occur within 24 to 48 hours and put inhabitants at risk.

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