There are few disasters more devastating that floods. In addition to washing away memories, they leave behind mud, contaminated water and various forms of debris. Clean-up can be expensive and time-consuming, so whether the flood is from Mother Nature or a leak in the home there are some tips that homeowners can follow.
Home Inspection
Once the flood waters have receded, have a qualified home inspector come and go through the house to assess the damage. One of the most important items to check is the home’s wiring. Many homes have security systems, some of which can automatically shut off the water if there is a leak from a water heater, hot tub or other spot in the house. You can check your security system’s home page online to see if they have experience with floods.
Grab the Shovel
If the flood is the result of Mother Nature, there’s mud in the house. Shoveling out the mud needs to be done as soon as possible. Most mud is contaminated, so wear rubber boots and gloves while cleaning. After you’ve shoveled out as much as possible, hose off the remaining part to get surfaces cleaner.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
Many people try to keep their belongings after a flood, and that’s usually not a good idea. Items such as mattresses, clothing, rugs, furniture and curtains probably need to be tossed out with the garbage due to being too heavily damaged or unable to be disinfected properly.
Get Some Fresh Air
After a home gets flooded, the smell of mold and mildew is very difficult to get rid of. If possible, open the windows if the weather is warm enough to let the place air out. If you’ve got a humidifier, air conditioner or fans turn them on and let them run awhile to help dry out the rooms.
Freeze-Dry the Important Stuff
If important papers, books and photographs got damaged they can still be salvaged if the damage isn’t too severe. After getting them cleaned off, they can be put in plastic bags and put in a freezer until they can be attended to by someone. This helps preserve them while keeping them out of the way of being additionally damaged.
Anyone who has lived through having a home or business flooded knows it’s something to not wish on your worst enemy. By using these tips, it’s possible to take a bad situation and turn it into a positive situation for everyone.