The flooding process occurs when floodwaters reach the boundaries of natural bodies of water, like streams and rivers. It then spreads over the earth and contaminates everything in the path. Soil microorganisms, rotting insects, animals’ droppings, animal waste, oils and fluids from highways, and even pesticides and fertilizers discarded from the fields and gardens could cause water pollution.
Cleaning your own home is not easy enough, but cleaning your home after being flooded is even more difficult. A flood is a catastrophic catastrophe in and of itself, but it can cause even more destruction if not addressed. Flood clean-up entails more than just letting things dry in the sunlight.
Preparing for A Flood Clean-Up?
As a result of property flooding, you may have to face expensive repairs, dirty conditions, and a lengthy clean-up. Understanding how to clean up following a flood promptly is vital to your health, valuables, and your home’s structural stability. The following advice can aid you in planning to avoid harm in the event of and then clean up following any flooding.
1. Property Structure
Stay away from the house when it’s severely damaged and appears unsafe, including cracks or damage to the roof, or cracks in the walls, until an engineer or building inspector has checked the property. Be vigilant for damage that could remain undetected. If you’re unsure, don’t go. Examine the walls, ceilings, and flooring with a flashlight.
Sagging floors and ceilings may indicate foundation issues, and ceilings that have sagging may indicate flooding on the roof, so get out of the building as soon as you notice signs of flooding.
Companies that offer flood cleaning services can save your property from total destruction. They can also save you time and funds because they know how to remediate the problem and solve it in the shortest amount of time.
2. Electrical Safety
Every electrical wiring in a structure entirely submerged in floodwater must be examined by a qualified electrician or electrical inspector before being put back into service. Any wire that has escaped inspection should be considered “live” and pose a serious hazard. Power lines that are damaged or damaged, electrical equipment, and electrical tools in standing water can be fatal if not dealt with immediately.
3. Gas
Before using your gas system, make sure you check your meter and regulator. Floodwaters may have shifted your home’s foundation or put more pressure on gas pipes and damaged gas appliances or propane tanks that have been moved. Be sure to stay out of the building if you smell gas or find evidence of gas leakage. Shut the main shut-off valve off to cut off the gas.
The rule is to not smoke or open naked flames around flooding areas. Even if your home does not have a gas line gas bottle, loose gas bottles or gasses that are trapped may be present, and old gas connections or other connections could be damaged.
4. Animals
If an animal appears to be sick after a flood should be checked by a veterinarian immediately. Animal carcasses could be discovered when cleaning up if you live in the region or rural area. They should be treated safely, using personal protective equipment. Avoid contact with dead animals’ bodily fluids and dispose of deceased livestock, pets, and wild animals according to local laws.
Remember to look out for live animals that aren’t usually within your premises or workplace — rodents, spiders, snakes, animals trapped or seeking refuge in your facility could result in physical bites, venom, and disease.
5. PPE and Hygiene
After cleaning after a flood, always wear personal protective gear (PPE). Face masks with N95 or eye protection without holes are the most well-known instances of this kind of protective equipment. The long length of your pants, sleeves, and gloves are also recommended to avoid touching mold. Use rubber boots to protect the feet against shocks while keeping them dry.
Discuss with your doctor your cleaning plans if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory problems. Use a waterproof dressing to protect your skin from cuts and abrasions and clean your wounds after washing.
