Enduring a flood that affects your property is traumatic enough, but cleaning up a flooded home brings its own hazards and difficulties. Given the construction and content of today's homes, a comprehensive plan for cleaning up a flooded home will probably require the services of a professional water damage expert to facilitate the immediate clean-up, as well as take steps to mitigate long-range hazards from mold and other contaminants.
Flood water is, by definition, a toxic substance. It commonly contains high levels of raw sewage, pesticides and industrial pollutants like benzene. Dissolved oil and gasoline are frequently present in large amounts. Organic hazards like bacteria including e Coli, Cryptosporidium and Staphylococcus spread through flood waters and present a hazard during the post-flood period as they may be inhaled or infect through cuts and scratches common during clean-up.
Here are some general safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Until clean-up is completed and the premises are inspected by a professional, keep children and pets out of flooded areas.
- While you're in the flood zone, protect yourself with attire including rubber boots, gloves and eye protection.
- Any household items contaminated by flood water which cannot be subjected to disinfection process must be discarded.
- Flood-soaked drywall must be removed and discarded.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces in the home with hot water and common detergent such as laundry or dish detergent.
- Use fans, A/C units and dehumidifiers to dry out the interior of the house. Always take proper precautions, however, when using any electrical devices in a wet environment.
Rytech provides water damage restoration to 28 major markets in 17 states. Contact us for more information on professional services for cleaning up a flooded home.
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