Flood waters often contain sewage and other hazardous materials. If you plan to take part in the cleanup, make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected. Also, use antibiotic ointment on any open cuts or wounds that come in contact with flood water. For professional help, contact Flood Cleanup Utah.

First and foremost, if you’re working on flood cleanup or are near a flooded area, follow all safety warnings. Floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals, and can cause serious injuries and illnesses. If possible, wait until the water recedes before entering a building or walking through a flooded area.

When you’re ready to start cleaning, make sure you have the right equipment. This includes personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, rubber gloves, and work gloves, as well as a pump, wet/dry vacuum, fans, and dehumidifiers. If you have access to a generator, this can be useful as well.

Be sure to check for and repair any damage caused by the floodwaters, including foundation cracks, roof leaks, and weakened walls. In addition, be aware that drywall and insulation may need to be removed if it’s been soaked by floodwaters or sewage.

If you’re unsure about the safety of an area, evacuate and only return when authorities indicate it’s safe. Remember that dangers can lurk even after the water recedes, such as chemical and sewage contamination, electrical shock, and inhalation hazards.

Throw away any foods that have been in contact with floodwaters. The same goes for beverages. Only drink clean, potable water or bottled beverages after cleanup. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and clean, boiled or disinfected water. Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as needed. Be sure to wear a mask when using any cleaners or bleach solution. If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, or a suppressed immune system, you should avoid contact with mold. This is especially important if you’re doing the cleanup yourself. Mold can lead to a number of health problems, such as allergic reactions and infections.

Disinfect All Surfaces

Once the floodwater has been removed it is important to clean and disinfect all surfaces that have been exposed. The water from a flood can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. If the area has been affected by sewage, the disinfection process will need to be more intense.

Any non-porous items that can be cleaned should be thoroughly washed with soapy water and disinfected. This includes sinks, countertops, floors, and walls. Any porous items that cannot be washed should be thrown away (including carpets, stuffed animals, pillows, foam-rubber toys and books).

The disinfection process should be done in a well-ventilated area with the use of rubber gloves, masks and protective eyewear. Disinfectants should be used according to the instructions on the label. It is also a good idea to wash any clothing that may have come into contact with the contaminated water.

Infants, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid the flooded area until clean up is complete. These groups are more susceptible to infections from chemicals and germs. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and shoes during the cleaning process and take frequent breaks. Drink plenty of fluids and take care not to overheat.

If you are unsure of how to clean an item or surface after a flood, it is best to seek advice from a professional cleaner. A reputable and experienced cleaner will be able to help you disinfect and dry out your home and its contents quickly and efficiently. They can also assist with any necessary structural repairs. In some cases, insurance companies will offer assistance with restoring your property after a flood.

Dry Out All Areas

Once the flood waters recede, you need to dry out all areas of your home to prevent mold growth and other serious health issues. Depending on the water contamination level and exposure time, some items may be salvageable while others will need to be discarded.

Mould and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments after a flood. Not only do they ruin surfaces and furnishings, but they also create a musty smell and exacerbate existing respiratory problems. If left untreated, these fungi can cause permanent damage and may require professional remediation.

If your house was flooded by dirty or contaminated water, it is important to throw away all food, perishables and canned goods exposed to the water. Even if the food looks, smells and tastes normal, it can make you sick. You should also discard any utensils and cleaning supplies that came into contact with the water, as well as stuffed animals.

Non-porous objects, such as metals and plastics, can generally be saved with a thorough scrub using a strong cleaner and hot water. However, it is imperative to clean porous objects such as wood and drywall immediately after a flood to minimize the risk of mold growth.

When working with wet and soaked materials, it is vital to wear rubber gloves, goggles and an N-95 respirator. It is also a good idea to wear rubber boots, especially when handling and disposing of potentially harmful materials. Finally, be sure to use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Discard Contaminated Items

Floodwaters often carry silt, raw sewage, oil and chemical waste that can cause a wide range of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. It is important to assess the damage and understand which items should be discarded to prevent health risks and to avoid wasting time and resources trying to salvage them.

Throw out furniture that is warped, has severe water damage and/or retains a lingering smell. These items may contain mold and fungus that can cause serious health issues, especially for those with asthma or other lung conditions.

Discard mattresses, carpeting, rugs and stuffed toys that have absorbed floodwater and cannot be completely washed and disinfected. Discard any drywall, insulation and wood that has been wet or damp for more than 48 hours.

Any food and medicines that have come into contact with contaminated floodwater should be discarded, even if the packaging is intact. Floodwaters may carry harmful bacteria, filth and other contaminants that could make you sick if you consume the food or medications.

You should wear gloves, eye protection and a mask while cleaning up contaminated areas. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after touching surfaces and contaminated food or medicines. Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks during the clean up process. Seek medical attention if you develop any signs of illness during or after your cleanup work, such as fever, nausea and fatigue. If you have an immune suppression disorder, it is advisable to consult your physician before participating in any disaster cleanup. Mayo Clinic Health System physicians also recommend avoiding direct skin contact with contaminated floodwater and not swallowing it, regardless of whether you can see or smell raw sewage.

Take Pictures

Once the water recedes and the flood cleanup has begun, it is important to take lots of pictures throughout the process. These photos can be very helpful in documenting damage, especially for insurance purposes. Remember, safety should always be your first priority when taking photos during a flood. Be careful not to enter any standing water and follow any instructions from public safety officials. It is also a good idea to stay away from any electrical circuits and appliances that may have come into contact with water.

It is also a good idea to keep a record of any items that were not able to be saved. This will help you to better understand the amount of damage that was incurred and what steps can be taken in order to prevent future flooding.

Photographs of the inside of your home are also important for documenting any damage that may have occurred. This will help to make the process of insurance claims much easier down the road. Be sure to carefully inspect each room of your house and make note of any damaged or destroyed items.

In addition to taking photographs, it is a good idea to keep an inventory of your belongings as you work through the cleanup process. This will be helpful in making a claim to your insurance company and will ensure that you are properly compensated for any items that were lost or damaged during the flood.

Lastly, it is important to remember that any porous materials that have touched contaminated flood water should be discarded immediately. These include porous wallboard, wallpaper, insulation, carpeting, seat cushions, mattresses and pressed wood furniture. These materials can easily be contaminated with mold, which is difficult and time-consuming to clean.