Floods bring more than structural risks to buildings – they also introduce contaminants that pose health risks. Rapid and thorough flood clean-up reduces risk for long term damage and safeguards occupants’ safety and health.

Personal protective equipment is essential for flood clean-up, as are ventilation and dehumidification to control moisture levels. Proper disposal of contaminated items further protects individuals from illness and injury. Contact Flood Cleanup Utah for professional help.

Flood damage can be devastating to homeowners, whether from a seasonal rain storm that causes rivers and water bodies to overflow, septic or sewer line back-ups into homes, or a catastrophic hurricane that creates massive waves and inundates entire communities. Regardless of the type of flood damage, it is important to document all the areas affected by flooding and what items were destroyed or damaged as part of the cleanup process. This documentation will be essential to filing a claim with insurance companies and government agencies for disaster assistance.

As soon as it is safe to do so, the homeowner should inspect their home for significant structural damage or safety hazards that may have been caused by the flood. It is also recommended that the homeowner wear long clothing, work gloves and a mask when cleaning up after a flood as floodwaters can be contaminated with dangerous debris or electrically charged from downed power lines.

Once the house has been inspected for safety, a thorough cleaning should be undertaken. It is a good idea to start at the highest point of the home and work your way down, making sure that all areas that were exposed to floodwater are cleaned thoroughly. This includes all carpets, flooring and wall coverings. If floor coverings are removed, the subfloor should be sanded and resurfaced before new carpet is installed.

It is also a good idea to disinfect all areas of the house that were exposed to floodwaters, especially those that are used for eating and cooking. Flood water is often contaminated with sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that pose health risks. It is recommended that the homeowner wash their hands frequently during the clean up period and use disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces that have come in contact with floodwater.

All electrical equipment that was energized during the flooding should be inspected and tested for damage. Generally, equipment that is not impacted by direct water exposure can be restored; however, small signal relays, switches and variable resistance devices should be replaced. Breaker racking gears that have been submerged in flood waters should be cleaned, cosmetic discoloration removed and contacts relubricated.

Dispose of Contaminated Items

The next step in flood cleanup is to remove all items that came into contact with water, especially anything that could be contaminated by sewage or other toxic substances. This includes furniture, carpets and drywall. If these items cannot be cleaned or disinfected, they will need to be thrown out. Any food that was in contact with flood waters should also be discarded. If you have a well or a spring for drinking water, it is important to test it before using it again. If it has been contaminated by sewage or other contaminants, it should not be used for drinking or cooking. Instead, get water from a known safe source like the local public library, town hall, fire department or school.

If you decide to use your home for living during the flood recovery process, be sure to set up a zone in an unaffected part of the house or outside where salvageable items can be placed. If you do this, you will be able to save any rugs and carpets that can be washed or bleached. You should also be able to save official documents and family treasures.

Make sure that you wear proper safety gear before beginning to clean up after a flood. This should include rubber boots, protective gloves and an N95 mask. The mask will protect you from airborne sewage and other contaminants that may be present in floodwaters.

Flood waters often contain sewage and other toxic substances that can make you sick, so it is important to keep children and pets away from any flooded areas until they have been cleaned up. You should also avoid eating food that has been in contact with floodwaters, especially if it was canned. This can cause serious infections.

When you are finished cleaning, be sure to inspect your building for structural damage. You should also check for downed power lines and gas leaks. If you find any of these hazards, be sure to call your local utility company immediately. It is also a good idea to air out the building by opening all the windows and doors. This will help to prevent further damage to the building and will clear out any lingering gases.

Clean and Sanitize

Flood waters can contain sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that pose health risks. If you plan to clean contaminated items or enter your home, make sure that you wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with flood water, including countertops, sinks, floors, and other areas that can harbor bacteria. It is also a good idea to use bleach to clean and disinfect non-porous fabrics that have been in contact with floodwater, such as clothing.

Food that has come into contact with flood water should be discarded, as well as any utensils or cooking equipment. All wood and plastic items that have been in contact with floodwater should be washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and then disinfected using a solution of 3/4 cup liquid chlorine bleach to one (1) gallon of water. This solution should be left on the contaminated surface for 30 minutes, and then rinsed with clean water. This process should also eliminate any odors that may have been caused by the flood water.

If you plan to use a private well or spring as your main source of drinking water after a flood, have it tested for bacteria. If the results show that coliform and E coli bacteria are not detected, it is safe to drink. Otherwise, it is a good idea to get your water from a public water supply.

Residents and workers who come into direct contact with contaminated debris or polluted flood water should wash their hands regularly with soap and safe, clean water (or boiled water) and use alcohol hand sanitizers as an alternative if soap is not available. Workers and residents should also check with their physician to ensure that they have an up-to-date tetanus immunization.

Floodwaters can carry hazardous waste materials, chemical spills, and animal carcasses that pose injury hazards. If you find any of these materials, contact your local environmental services or fire department for information about disposal. It is also a good idea to notify the authorities if you see any potential structural damage to your home or business from floodwaters.

Dry Out

Flooding can leave behind an abundance of water that soaks carpets, warps floors and ruins drywall. In addition to ruining personal belongings, it can also damage important systems like ductwork, HVAC, appliances and private sewage and well systems.

One of the most important things you can do to prevent mold and mildew is to remove standing water as quickly as possible. This can be done with a heavy-duty pump or wet/dry vacuum. Once all of the water is removed, you can start to clean and dry the area. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process. It is also important to clean and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with flood waters.

If you have any questions about disinfecting after a flood, it is always best to consult with a professional. These professionals will have the proper tools and knowledge to get the job done right.

It is also very important to thoroughly dry the area. This can be done by opening windows and doors to improve air flow, using fans and dehumidifiers, and by throwing away any items that are unable to be cleaned or dried quickly (mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys).

When it is safe to do so, evaluate the structural and electrical damage caused by the flood and make any necessary repairs. Remember to take pictures of the damaged areas for your insurance company. It is essential to have documentation of the damages for any future claims you may need to file with your insurance company.

It is important to remember that floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals and debris, which can pose health risks. Inhaling these contaminants can lead to a variety of respiratory and other health issues. When cleaning or entering a home after flooding, be sure to wear protective gear and wash your hands frequently. Additionally, if you think you have been exposed to any contaminant or have any concerns about your health, consult with a doctor immediately. The longer a person remains in a flooded environment, the greater their risk of developing long-term health issues.