Floods can carry sewage and other harmful substances. All items that have been in contact with flood water should be cleaned, disinfected or discarded.

Protective clothing and gloves should be used during the cleanup process. Children and those with weakened immune systems or chronic breathing problems should not take part in the cleanup. Contact Flood Cleanup Utah for professional help.

As a homeowner, it is important to assess the damage caused by flooding to ensure your safety and that you take appropriate steps to clean up the water and prevent further damage. If possible, wait until the flood waters recede before entering a home to check for potential structural damage and hazardous materials. If it is unsafe to enter, call a professional to inspect the property and provide advice on how to proceed.

Once it is safe to go inside, it is crucial to evacuate all contents of a flooded house immediately so that further damage can be avoided. Any items that have come into contact with flood water should be discarded or cleaned thoroughly to ensure they are free from contaminants and bacteria. This includes all upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpeting, rugs, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys and pillows. In addition, drywall and insulation that has been contaminated by sewage or flood water should be removed and discarded. All other surfaces, including flooring and concrete should be washed with hot water and detergent to remove dirt and debris.

Before moving back into a house, it is necessary to air it out by opening doors and windows and using fans to blow fresh air outdoors or through the windows. This helps to speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of mold growth. It is also a good idea to use dehumidifiers to help reduce the level of moisture in the air.

When cleaning up after a flood, it is important to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber boots and gloves and to wash your hands frequently. Floodwaters are contaminated with sewage, chemicals and debris, which can pose health hazards if not properly cleaned and disinfected.

It is also important to be aware of any potential risks associated with the use of gasoline powered pumps, generators, pressure washers or other equipment. Never operate these machines indoors or less than 20 feet from a door, window or vent, as carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. It is also a good idea to monitor local radio and television stations for up-to-date emergency information and to follow EPA flood cleanup guidance when cleaning a flooded home.

Creating a Plan

If you’re going to tackle flood cleanup yourself, be sure you have a plan for doing so. This should include things like identifying what can and cannot be saved, obtaining tools and supplies, and providing temporary solutions that will keep further damage from occurring until clean-up is complete.

Begin by documenting the entire scene, including details like water lines on walls and destroyed appliances and furniture. This will help you prepare for insurance claims, FEMA assistance and contractor estimates. Also be sure to take photos of everything, especially any damaged items that will need to be discarded or sold off.

Floodwater isn’t just dirty—it’s often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, bacteria and debris that can cause immediate illness and long-term health problems. Protect yourself by wearing rubber boots, gloves and masks during your cleaning. Avoid areas with standing water and consider hiring professionals when the damage is extensive or family members have a preexisting condition that makes DIY cleaning unsafe.

Standing water must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth and other structural damage. This should be done using pumps and wet/dry vacuums as needed. In addition, it’s a good idea to use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process.

Next, sort through what can be salvaged and dispose of anything that is severely damaged or beyond repair. Discard any absorbent materials like carpeting and padding, drywall that has been submerged and insulation. These can retain moisture and encourage mold growth even after apparent cleaning and disinfection. Non-absorbent items, however, may be saved with proper cleaning and drying. This should be performed using detergent and disinfectants, followed by thorough aeration and drying.

Finally, create an area in an unaffected part of your home to dry salvageable furniture and personal belongings. Be sure to sanitize and disinfect any surfaces that were exposed to floodwaters, such as kitchen counters, tables and floors. It’s important to follow the recommended contact times and conditions on disinfectant labels, as too little may not kill all microorganisms. Also be sure to use an open windows and fans during the sanitization and drying processes.

Getting the Right Equipment

Flood cleanup can be dangerous and requires specialized equipment to ensure safety, efficiency and thoroughness. Professional water damage restoration specialists have the training, experience and specialized equipment needed to safely and effectively clean up, dry and disinfect flood-damaged spaces. They can also provide a detailed assessment of the extent of the flooding and water damage and help you determine what items may be salvageable and which must be discarded.

Assessing the water level is an essential first step, and various tools can be used to get a precise reading. Check wall markings, stick a thermometer in the corner of a room, or observe floating debris to gauge water levels and determine what areas are safe to enter. Getting an accurate reading will help you formulate your removal plan and prioritize tasks effectively.

The next step is to remove all water and debris from flooded areas. A wet vacuum is an excellent tool for this task, and it can be found at most hardware stores. However, the effectiveness of a wet vacuum depends heavily on how much water and dirt is present. If the water level is high, use a pump to drain excess water before starting the wet vacuuming process.

Absorbent materials like carpeting, upholstered furniture, insulation material and drywall that was submerged are difficult or impossible to disinfect thoroughly. They can harbor bacteria and mold even after apparent cleaning, creating ongoing health risks for your family. Focus disinfection efforts on non-absorbent materials like metal furniture, glass items, ceramic dishes and sealed wood furniture.

After removing all the standing water, it’s important to run drying equipment continuously for days or weeks depending on the scope of the flood and local humidity levels. Industrial fans, dehumidifiers and sometimes heaters work together to remove moisture from the air and structures quickly and effectively. Checking moisture levels with a pin-type or pinless moisture meter will let you know when surfaces and materials are ready for further cleaning or repairs.

If power was lost during the flood, a portable generator can keep critical equipment-like vacuums, dehumidifiers and fans-running for as long as necessary. Invest in a quality model that has enough wattage to power multiple devices at once.

Cleaning Up

Flooding can ruin furniture, wallboard, carpeting and appliances. It can also damage private sewage and water systems, utilities, foundations and roofs. It can be difficult and expensive to clean up. It can also be dangerous, especially with contaminated water and damaged electrical wires. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not participate in the cleanup process. People should also avoid contact with standing shallow water and mud. People should also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning up after a flood. This includes waterproof boots and gloves, safety glasses and a mask.

People should also avoid using contaminated flood waters for drinking or cooking. They should only return to flooded areas after authorities have declared that they are safe and once the water has receded. People should also keep animals away from buildings until a veterinarian inspects them and determines that they are healthy enough to return. Livestock that has been in contact with contaminated floodwater should be isolated and taken care of by the local humane society.

Once people are allowed to return to flooded areas, they should check for any structural damage. They should also look for sagging walls and ceilings and weakened support columns. People should also take note of any foul odors coming from basements and sewers.

It is important to sanitize the house before returning to it. This should include disinfecting any surfaces that touched contaminated water and wiping down all items with a disinfectant solution. The disinfectant should contain a mixture of 5%-9% unscented liquid household bleach with clear water. Bleach should be used sparingly, and it should never be mixed with ammonia or other cleaners because it can release poisonous gas.

Afterwards, people should air out their home and use fans to dry it thoroughly. They should also throw away anything that has been soaked with floodwater. This includes mattresses, carpeting, rugs and foam-rubber items such as baby toys. Wood furniture that was in the floodwater should be thrown out as well if it has been structurally compromised. People should also wash all clothes that were worn during the flood cleanup with hot water and detergent and separately from other clothes.