What Do You Need to Know About Flood Clean-Up

Record flooding throughout the United States followed by a new round of monster hurricanes has Americans wondering what's next - and will the levees hold?

Whether you live in a flood plain, marshland, riverfront property, or coastal community doesn't really matter after a flood strikes your home. After all, the damage is done. In addition, even homes located in "safe" zones are susceptible to flooding. You can live in a house on stilts on top of a mountain located far away from any body of water and still get flooded due to plumbing mishaps, heavy rainfall, a leaking roof, sewer backups, or any other calamity.

So, what do you need to know about flood clean-up? First, let's look at the effects of water in the aftermath of a flood:
Water kills
Water is a mess
Water damages
Water contaminates
Water is a breeding ground for nasty infestations

Drownings and electrocutions are two of the most commonly associated dangers of water. Take care not to be the next victim. Structures are unstable after a flood and it is completely possible to falling through soggy floorboards and drown. Similarly, if the power is still on, electrocution is a major danger.

While it looks kind of fun to see people paddling canoes or riding jet skis down Main Street, it's not recreation. This isn't crystal clear lake water - this is floodwater filled with mud, leaves, branches, building materials, animal feces, sewage, and who-knows-what-else. When the water recedes, all of the solids will be left behind. In short: a mess.

Even if the floodwaters were crystal clear, the presence of water where it doesn't belong is damaging. Imagine a typical one story, three bedroom home flooded with just six inches of water. What would need to be replaced? Starting from the bottom up, you're looking at flooring, carpeting, carpet pads, area rugs, baseboards, drywall, wallpaper, insulation, wiring, lower cabinets, furnishings, long draperies, and any electronic equipment stored on the floor. And that's just for starters.

Remember all of that debris in the water? Imagine a soupy mass of water in your home. While the debris such as broken boards and tree branches can be removed, what about the contaminants within the water? Raw sewage, fertilizers, chemicals, and other contaminants are mixed into the water and are sure to leave a residue of pure nastiness behind once the waters recede.

While water dries out, belongings can be replaced, and contamination can be cleaned up, another major water damage concern exists: infestations. Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in such an environment. Waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are also a concern. Finally, mold infestations are a real and imminent threat.

Because of the mess, damage, contamination, and potential for nasty infestations, flood clean-up should begin ASAP. Power must be turned off because of the risk of electrocution and homes must be inspected before entry. Next, the water source needs to be dealt with. This may involve sump pumps, mops, sponges, siphoning, patching holes in the roof, or turning off the water supply. From there, the building needs to be "hosed down" or scrubbed and dried out. Everything should be discarded or decontaminated depending on the extent of the water damage. In addition, mold inhibitors should be applied.

Repairs, such as replacing the damaged wiring, roof, insulation, drywall, and flooring, should take place next. Finally, once the clean-up is done, homeowners should consider preventative measures to protect themselves from another flood event.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

Mr. Mark Decherd
http://www.dryout.net
1415 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, Fl. 33907
1-800-330-1504
Water Damage