The time after a flood can be critical to mitigating as much water damage as possible. Keep reading for what you should do post-flood.
Flood Safety
Flooding is hazardous, so you must exercise caution. Here are our tips for staying safe during a flood:
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, as moving water can sweep away bridges without warning.
- If it’s flooding outside, avoid driving as much as possible.
- If you are told to evacuate, evacuate immediately and avoid driving over barricades.
- If you are trapped in a building, make your way to the highest floor. Avoid going into an enclosed attic so that you won’t end up trapped by rising water.
- Avoid wading in deep floodwater to avoid potential debris or stray electrical charge.
Safety Tips for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood
Once there is no longer an immediate danger, you can begin caring for your home and trying to mitigate any water damage. To keep yourself safe during the cleanup, consider following these tips:
- Avoid touching electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water as you run the risk of electrocution. If it’s safe to do so, turn off the power to your home before entering.
- Wear heavy gloves and other protective clothing to protect you from broken glass and sharp objects.
- People with asthma or other respiratory conditions shouldn’t enter buildings with water leaks or mold that can be smelled.
- Open windows while cleaning to allow any fumes to escape.
- Be mindful that snakes and other animals may have entered your home during the flood.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and when you finished cleaning.
- Children should not help with after-flood cleanup.
Cleaning Up After a Flood
To avoid mold growth, try to dry out your home within 48 hours. Everything in your home will need to be cleaned if it has come into contact with contaminated floodwater, particularly cloth items and upholstery, as floodwater can introduce bacteria and viruses into your home. Although it may be hard, it’s best to throw away wet items that can’t be cleaned. Take photos of these items before you throw them away for insurance purposes.
When cleaning up after a flood and managing flood damage, it’s best to get expert help. The workload can become overwhelming, and it’s vital that you do a thorough job to protect yourself and your family from potential illnesses. Choose a trustworthy company that offers 24/7 emergency services so you can have help when you need it.
Let Black Diamond Restoration Help
If your home or business has recently flooded, let us help with all the cleanup and restoration that must be done after a flood. At Black Diamond Restoration, we take pride in providing expert water damage, mold, fire, sewage, storm, and biohazard cleanup to residents and businesses in the Salt Lake Valley. Contact us today to get your free evaluation.
