What Are the Dangers of Attempting to Clean Up a Flood-Damaged Home Yoursel?

 

Every year, more people die from floods than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Trying to restore a home after flood damage is not an easy task and may involve extensive labor, costly equipment and time-consuming repairs.

Depending on the size of the flood, it may be possible to do the cleanup yourself or it may be necessary to hire professional services to help with the work. Either way, it's important to start the process as soon as possible after a flood occurs.

First things first, check the surrounding area for water leaks or flooding. This will give you a clear idea of where your home is at and if it's safe for you to enter. If you're unsure, move to higher ground or a higher floor of your home and call for assistance from your local emergency response team.

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If your property is safe to enter, begin removing personal items, furniture and carpets from the flood zone as quickly as possible. Place soaked furniture, carpets and other items in plastic bags to avoid contamination from the sewer and prevent mold growth.

Once you've removed all contaminated items, take photos to document the extent of the damage so that you can make an insurance claim if necessary. This will also help you to track down items that have been displaced due to the damage, if needed.

When removing any material from the flood site, be sure to use protective gear such as goggles, gloves and masks and wash your hands with disinfectant after each use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage so you don't want any of it coming into contact with your skin or other body parts.

Next, thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that have been flooded with bleach or chlorine. These disinfectants will kill any germs and bacteria that have been brought into the room by the flood waters.

The bleach solution can be applied to hard and smooth surfaces like walls, floors and countertops. Be careful to rinse the bleach off the surfaces after using it so you don't spread it around the house.

After cleaning, use a dehumidifier to dry out any remaining water in your home. This will help you to speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in your home.

If the cleanup is going to be an ongoing process, look into storage options for your undamaged belongings. This will keep them from becoming contaminated with moisture and mold while you're waiting for professional help to come in to repair the damage to your home.

Be sure to turn off the electricity in the affected areas and to wear rubber boots and gloves when entering a wet area so you won't become ill or injured from bacteria-filled water.

You should also contact your insurance company if you have any questions or need help with your flood recovery efforts. Many insurance companies offer tax-free assistance in the form of cash or grants that don't need to be paid back, which can help you to cover the cost of restoring your home after a flood.