Cleaning up After a Flood

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After a Flood

If your Wright County home floods, mold growth is a major concern. The following steps outline how to clean up after a flood to prevent further damage.
Make sure the property is safe. Standing water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. You will need to call an electrician or the power company to fully disconnect your home from all electricity. The electric meter needs to be removed. Turning off the power at the circuit breaker is insufficient when dealing with flood conditions.

Dry the property. Mold growth can occur within 24 hours, so it is important to dry out your home as soon as possible. Using buckets or pumps (plugged into a dry area), extract the standing water. Then use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out all remaining moisture. It might be helpful to take smaller items outside to dry in the sunshine. Windows and doors can be opened to speed drying time.

Clean affected areas. Flood water often contains bacteria, so it is important to properly sanitize all items that come into contact with the water. Even originally uncontaminated water, such as from a supply line, can breed bacteria if allowed to stand for more than two days. There are a variety of disinfectants on the market, so you should be able to find one appropriate for the item you are cleaning. You will likely need several types of cleaners. Some items, especially those with porous surfaces, cannot be thoroughly disinfected. These items should be thrown away.

Repair and replace damaged items. When everything is clean and dry, it is time to begin making repairs. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to do some of these repairs yourself. If you have delicate items, such as antiques or electronics, you may need to hire a specialist.
Water damage and subsequent mold growth is an unfortunately common occurrence, and the cleanup process can be daunting. Fortunately, an experienced restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.  Call us today to schedule your inspection.