How to Clean up After a Flood
A flood is a devastating disaster in itself, but if left untreated, can lead to even further damage. Standing water and wet floors can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold if not cleaned up effectively.
Flood water may also contain sewage from overflowed or burst pipes, making it even more critical that you take the proper steps in protecting yourself and your family during the cleanup process.
Flood Cleanup – Before You Start:
- Keep children and pets out of the area until flood cleanup is complete and you’ve determined it’s safe for them to enter the affected area.
- Always wear rubber or other non-porous boots, gloves, and eye protection when working in the area.
Walk through the affected area to identify which items are salvageable and which are not.
- While difficult to part with personal belongings, if they can’t be washed and disinfected you will need to remove and destroy them.
- Common items that can’t be disinfected include mattresses, pillows, carpeting, rugs, books, cosmetics, baby toys, and upholstered furniture.
- Drywall and insulation also can’t be disinfected after they come in contact with sewage or flood waters and should be removed and destroyed.