5 Steps of Flood Cleanup

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

When your home in West Boca Raton, FL, gets flooded, it easily creates a stressful situation but one that needs immediate attention

Flood Cleanup in 5 Easy Steps

When your home in West Boca Raton, FL, gets flooded, it easily creates a stressful situation but one that needs immediate attention. As you start dealing with the mess, it’s important to follow the cleaning requirements below.

1. Wear PPE

While a simple sink overflow may not require anything more than a towel and bucket, any water issues that come from natural flooding or sewage issues require wearing safety gear. These types of water sources mean the water has potential contaminants. It is recommended to wear safety goggles, a face mask, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

2. Remove Water-logged Items

Once your insurance provider gives the go-ahead, remove any items that are water-logged. From clothes to mattresses and papers, the longer they sit in the home, the more chances that mold will start to grow.

3. Extract Water

Extracting the water is essential for proper cleanup. While a wet/dry vacuum is better than a mop and bucket, it may take a while. If possible, rent an industrial-grade pump to get the water out as fast as possible.

4. Dry Out Affected Areas

Once the water is gone, it is important to dry out anything that water has touched. Use fans to help circulate the air, as well as open windows if the humidity levels outdoors aren’t too high. It is also a good idea to run a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air.

5. Use Approved Flood Disinfectant

After everything is dry, the real cleaning process starts. Cleaning requirements include sanitizing and deodorizing anything that has come in contact with water. It is vital to use cleaners that can eradicate biological and other contaminants. Be sure to clean all hard surfaces, walls, ceilings, flooring, and furniture. If the floodwater level was relatively high, it may be best to call in a flood clean and restoration company. In many cases, cleaning alone won’t do the trick. Drywall, carpeting, and other porous materials in the home may need to be removed and replaced.

While you may want to get your home back to normal after a flood, be sure to follow cleaning requirements to avoid lingering issues.