Fixing The Damage From A Flood
When a flood occurs it is never a minor issue. Water creates a path of destruction and disaster throughout the affected area. In your home it can create issues with the structure of the home, family’s personal artifacts and the health of those inside the home. Water from floods is often full of contaminants and sludge. Items throughout the home, no matter their value, are susceptible to the flood water whether it is one inch or ten. Carpets, walls, electric appliances and expensive furnishings can be destroyed with just an inch of water. Whereas deeper flooding will wreak havoc on the systems contained within the home. The more substantial the flooding the more likely the ducts, heating & cooling systems, homes structure and well could be affected.
Cleaning up after a flood occurs takes time, patience and proper technique. It will not be a process that happens overnight. Sanitation and cleansing processes should be attempted in more serious flooding by restoration professionals.
When you contact your insurance agent, which should happen immediately after you notice a flood has occurred in your home, they will put your in contact with restoration professionals. The damage will be assessed and pictures taken to help value the damage in financial terms. Complete records are a must. Photo or video documentation is necessary in order to apply for assistance, claims in insurance and tax deductions.
When the home floods it will not be chlorinated pool water. The water will be sludgy and a mix of mud and water will be throughout your home. The first thing that will occur is the removal of this substance. It can be shoveled out and then sprayed down to release dried mud for removal. This will be a long exhausting process.
Every surface will need to be sanitized and disinfected. This can be done using several different solutions. The one recommended is to begin with a hot water and bleach solution. A quarter cup of bleach should be diluted with each gallon of water. This combination of chemicals is sure to rid breading bacteria from surfaces. It is important after an initial clean to go room by room and do a thorough cleaning. Below is an example of what should be done for an individual room.
