Flood Damage Cleanup: Basic Procedures
- By Gayelord Nash
- Published 10/26/2008
- Home
- Unrated
Incidents of flood damage have increased in the United States in recent years, according to the National Weather Service. The same is true for other countries particularly those areas which are prone to flooding. Damages have been estimated to reach several billion dollars, notwithstanding efforts from government agencies and local authorities to control and have effective early warning systems for such calamities. The following describe basic procedures in flood damage cleanup, with the aim of minimizing cost and losses incurred by flood damage.
Before any flood damage cleanup activities could get underway, owners or anyone performing the clean-up process should first take into account proper safety procedures. Electrical power should be turned-off. Electrical appliances should be unplugged from sockets and any lamps or light bulbs removed. Qualified technicians should check switches and sockets for integrity. If defective units are found, have them appropriately replaced. Safety gear like rubber boots, protective gloves, goggles and masks should be worn at all times during the flood damage cleanup process.
The following steps outline the basic procedures for flood damage cleanup:
* Remove any remaining standing water using submersible pumps. If these pumps are not available, rent or borrow from friends. Manually driven alternatives can also be used in the absence of electrical or gas powered pumps. Complete the water removal process using super absorbent sponge and chamois cloth.
* One of the hardest parts in the flood damage cleanup process is the removal of mud. Remove as much mud as possible and wash away any mud residues clinging to the walls, ceiling and the floors. Pressurized pumps, if available, would do the trick most effectively, but water at standard hose pressure would be effective as well.
* Check for structural integrity of the floors, walls and other partitions. Hardwood subfloors, if soaked in floodwater for a long time, may need complete replacement. Gypsum boards and partitions made from fiberboards would need replacement as well. Insulation materials that were
exposed to the floodwater should also be replaced. Vinyl and linoleum tiles can be removed and cleaned and can be re-installed.
* Using a combination of detergent and bleach dissolved in warm water, proceed with cleaning all surfaces. Rinse surfaces and treat with disinfectant to prevent occurrence of mold and mildew. Ensure that there is proper ventilation in the area being cleaned to allow fresh air to circulate and remove any fumes expelled during the flood damage cleanup process.
* Use air blowers, fans and dehumidifiers to hasten removal of excess moisture and dry-out the interior of the affected establishment. Low temperature dryers can be used to spot-dry areas that are harder to reach. The faster the structure can dry up, the lesser the risk of mold infestation can take place.
* Check for any material and surfaces that have been affected with mold or show signs of mold infestation. Molds can appear as spots of various colors and give off a strong musky odor. If these signs are detected, the surface should be cleaned immediately using an industrial grade brush or cleaner and applying the bleach-detergent combination. Treat the cleaned surface with disinfectant or fungicide to prevent recurrence of molds and ensure a complete flood damage cleanup process.
* It is advisable that materials already severely affected by mold be disposed off immediately to avoid spores from being released and cause further infestation. Bag these items and completely seal for proper disposal, which can be done after the flood damage cleanup process has been completed.
* Most electrical appliances could not be totally restored if they have been submerged in water for a long time. Recovery and repair would be more costly than replacement. Still, attempting drying and recovery could be a practical solution to minimize loss.
* Finally, have qualified technicians check the electrical system and other utilities. This should be done after the flood damage cleanup has been completed, and before people can once again occupy the house or the establishment.
These are just basic concepts that can be used as guides during the restoration process. It would be wise to seek the advice of professionals to ensure a safe and secure recovery of your home or business.
Before any flood damage cleanup activities could get underway, owners or anyone performing the clean-up process should first take into account proper safety procedures. Electrical power should be turned-off. Electrical appliances should be unplugged from sockets and any lamps or light bulbs removed. Qualified technicians should check switches and sockets for integrity. If defective units are found, have them appropriately replaced. Safety gear like rubber boots, protective gloves, goggles and masks should be worn at all times during the flood damage cleanup process.
The following steps outline the basic procedures for flood damage cleanup:
* Remove any remaining standing water using submersible pumps. If these pumps are not available, rent or borrow from friends. Manually driven alternatives can also be used in the absence of electrical or gas powered pumps. Complete the water removal process using super absorbent sponge and chamois cloth.
* One of the hardest parts in the flood damage cleanup process is the removal of mud. Remove as much mud as possible and wash away any mud residues clinging to the walls, ceiling and the floors. Pressurized pumps, if available, would do the trick most effectively, but water at standard hose pressure would be effective as well.
* Check for structural integrity of the floors, walls and other partitions. Hardwood subfloors, if soaked in floodwater for a long time, may need complete replacement. Gypsum boards and partitions made from fiberboards would need replacement as well. Insulation materials that were
* Using a combination of detergent and bleach dissolved in warm water, proceed with cleaning all surfaces. Rinse surfaces and treat with disinfectant to prevent occurrence of mold and mildew. Ensure that there is proper ventilation in the area being cleaned to allow fresh air to circulate and remove any fumes expelled during the flood damage cleanup process.
* Use air blowers, fans and dehumidifiers to hasten removal of excess moisture and dry-out the interior of the affected establishment. Low temperature dryers can be used to spot-dry areas that are harder to reach. The faster the structure can dry up, the lesser the risk of mold infestation can take place.
* Check for any material and surfaces that have been affected with mold or show signs of mold infestation. Molds can appear as spots of various colors and give off a strong musky odor. If these signs are detected, the surface should be cleaned immediately using an industrial grade brush or cleaner and applying the bleach-detergent combination. Treat the cleaned surface with disinfectant or fungicide to prevent recurrence of molds and ensure a complete flood damage cleanup process.
* It is advisable that materials already severely affected by mold be disposed off immediately to avoid spores from being released and cause further infestation. Bag these items and completely seal for proper disposal, which can be done after the flood damage cleanup process has been completed.
* Most electrical appliances could not be totally restored if they have been submerged in water for a long time. Recovery and repair would be more costly than replacement. Still, attempting drying and recovery could be a practical solution to minimize loss.
* Finally, have qualified technicians check the electrical system and other utilities. This should be done after the flood damage cleanup has been completed, and before people can once again occupy the house or the establishment.
These are just basic concepts that can be used as guides during the restoration process. It would be wise to seek the advice of professionals to ensure a safe and secure recovery of your home or business.
Gayelord Nash
Gayelord Nash does writeups for homeowners for Baltimore Flood Damage Cleanup and San Francisco Flood Damage Cleanup
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