Prevent After-Flood Risks and Damage

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Contents of a home damaged by floodwaters

Prevent After-Flood Risks and Damage

There are many dangers and lurking hazards during and after a flood, whether you're looking at a home flood from a backed-up toilet or a citywide flood after a major storm passes through Palm Springs North, FL. Some of these risks are more obvious than others:

• Electrocution
• Water contamination, such as chemicals, feces, and asbestos
• Hidden objects such as broken glass, nails, and debris
• Mold growth
• Build up of fumes and noxious gasses
  
  

After floodwaters recede, it's important to take the right steps to clean up your home and property.

Dry Everything Thoroughly

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends three steps after a home flood. Start by clearing away as much water as possible. Make sure that your home and belongings are thoroughly dry to prevent secondary storm damage, such as weakened structures and mold. Use fans and ventilation to move excess humidity out of your home.

Clean Up Your Belongings

Cleaning up after a flood may seem overwhelming, but a professional restoration company can alleviate a lot of your frustration. Technicians have the resources to save some of your hardest-to-clean items, such as electronics, paperwork, photographs, and rugs. If you contact pros quickly, they may be able to save your favorite belongings before mold has a chance to start growing. A simple solution of one gallon of water with two tablespoons bleach can be used to clean surfaces throughout the home. Take care not to leave too much water behind.

Throw Out Items You Can't Save

The final step, and hopefully one you can avoid, is throwing out moldy or damaged items. There are some products that must always be thrown away after a flood, such as exposed foods, makeup, and medications. When it comes to other items, a good rule of thumb is if you can't clean it, then throw it out. For example, you can't wash the padding under your carpet, so throw it out and replace it.

It's important to clean your home from top to bottom after a home flood. After working through the rest of your home, don't neglect the attic, basement, and crawlspace.