Floods can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. They can also present health risks since flood water is often contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
During Flood Cleanup Utah it is important to document all of the damage. This can help you with future insurance claims and repairs.
Flooding can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses. Whether it is the result of a seasonal downpour, sewer line backup or a catastrophic hurricane, the aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful. It is important to document the damage as it happens and after the water has receded in order to submit these documents to insurance companies for assistance.
If you are able to enter your home, you should start by taking pictures of the entire area including the inside of any affected rooms. If possible, remove any items that are in the flooded areas including furniture and rugs to prevent further damage and to help dry the area out. It is also a good idea to move any electrical equipment that is in the water or wet areas to avoid electric shock.
It is important to wear protective clothing during this time, especially when using a power washer. Wear long sleeves and pants, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask if possible. If the floodwater is contaminated or electrically charged, it can be extremely dangerous. Be careful not to wade into the water if it is deep, as there could be hidden debris that can cut or shock you.
If it is safe to do so, use a pump or buckets to remove any standing water in the house. Depending on the level of contamination, you may need to use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum or even a vacuum cleaner with a special hose attachment. Never use gasoline powered equipment in enclosed spaces such as a garage or house, as carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. If you are unable to remove the water yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional flood clean up company.
After the standing water has been removed, it is a good idea to disinfect all surfaces and items. This will help prevent the spread of mold and other contaminants. It is a good idea to wash any clothing and bedding that has come in contact with the floodwater as well. If you have children’s toys that were in the floodwater, it is a good idea to discard them. Foam rubber mattresses can be washed with a garden hose and a detergent solution, but solid toys should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before they are used again.
Remove the Standing Water
Standing water in your yard or basement is an eyesore that can also cause structural damage to your home. It is important to remove as much water as possible and dry out any items salvageable, such as furniture and clothing. The longer these items remain wet, the greater the potential for mold and mildew, which not only destroys household belongings but also affects indoor air quality and can pose health problems.
Flood waters can contain raw sewage, chemicals and petroleum products, as well as animal and plant debris. This can contaminate surfaces and infect people and animals. It is important to wear work gloves and eye protection during flood cleanup and disinfect all areas that have come into contact with contaminated materials. If you have asthma or other lung conditions, you should wear a face mask during this time.
As soon as it is safe to do so, use a pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove the majority of the water from affected areas. It is also important to move anything that cannot be soaked up, such as furniture, from the area and bring it into the house to prevent mold and mildew from growing. If you have a dehumidifier, place it in the room to help speed up the drying process.
Structural Damage
Prolonged exposure to flood waters weakens the foundations and walls of buildings, causing extensive and costly repair costs. In addition, weakened or damaged structural members may collapse or become unstable.
Infiltration of sewage
During a flood, private septic systems can overflow and spill into the surrounding soil. This sewage is then mixed with the rising flood waters, and can infiltrate basements and other interior spaces of homes and businesses. In addition, public sewers can also be overwhelmed by the influx of sewage, leading to infiltration into basements, streets, and other public areas.
Stagnant water in your garden beds can suffocate plant roots, lead to root rot, and make plants more susceptible to disease and pests. To avoid this, dig furrows, poke holes in the ground to aerate the soil, or use a hose or pump to redirect puddles away from garden areas.
Clean and Sanitize
Flood water can carry sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that pose health risks for humans and animals. If a home was flooded by contaminated water, it may not be safe to return until clean-up is complete and a supply of freshwater has been provided. When cleaning up after a flood, it is important to wear safety gear including gloves, goggles and masks. People with chronic respiratory or immune problems should not handle contaminated materials. Children and pregnant women should also avoid contact with flood waters or wet materials.
All contaminated surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the area can be used again. This includes floor coverings such as rugs and carpeting, which should be removed and thoroughly cleaned before replacing them. Wall interior surfaces should be scuffed and scrubbed and then disinfected with a bleach solution. Clothing and bedding that have come in contact with floodwaters should be washed on a hot setting. Stuffed toys and other soft fabrics should be washed or discarded, as they can harbor germs.
Clean all floors in the house that have been flooded using a nonsudsing household cleaner or laundry detergent and a disinfectant such as pine oil or 5%-9% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach. A two-bucket method is recommended: one bucket for the cleaning solution, and a second bucket for rinse water. Mop or sponge with the cleaner, then rinse the mops and cloths in the bleach solution. Bleach residues should be wiped off surfaces after the wash.
Ventilate the Flooded Area
If possible, open windows and doors during dry days to increase airflow and reduce moisture levels in flooded areas. This will help to prevent mold from growing.
Be sure to use proper ventilation when cleaning a flooded area and never attempt to sanitize a contaminated space with the use of an open flame, such as a torch or an oven. This creates dangerous fumes that can be inhaled and cause burns to the skin. A fire or explosion can also occur if these gases are ignited by combustible or flammable substances that are present in the water.
Dispose of Contaminated Items
Flood waters can contain dangerous bacteria, sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that pose serious health risks. Exposure to contaminated flood water can cause upset stomach, intestinal problems and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, prolonged exposure may lead to disease and even death. Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling anything soaked in floodwaters and before eating food that has come into contact with it. If you develop any signs or symptoms of illness, seek immediate medical attention.
All fabrics that have been contaminated by flood water should be washed in hot, soapy water and washed separately from uncontaminated fabric. If you don’t have enough hot water, you can use a 5%-9% unscented household chlorine bleach to add to the laundry water – just don’t exceed the label instructions.
Throw away any items that cannot be washed and disinfected, such as mattresses, carpets, cardboard boxes, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, books and most paper products. All foods that have been contaminated by flood water should not be eaten, and any canned goods that are a concern must be thoroughly washed or sterilized before being used again.
Insulation materials, drywall (plaster/gypsum/Sheetrock) and carpeting that have been saturated with flood water should be removed and discarded. Throw out contaminated laundry, dishes and other kitchen items as well.
If the sewer system has been impacted by floodwaters, you will need to have it checked and repaired before returning to normal operation. It’s also a good idea to clean floor drains as soon as possible to prevent any debris from clogging them.
If you’re unsure of where to dispose of your rubbish after the flood, contact your local council for information. They will likely tell you where to take it, and if they don’t, they may be able to provide you with a temporary bin. Any contaminated waste should be placed in a biohazard bag and disposed of immediately, and not left to accumulate. Also, make sure to place any bags in a second, sturdy, rigid container for extra protection.