When flood, fire, storm or winter damage your property it is important to have it restored as quickly as possible. This helps minimize damage, saves money and reduces loss of income.
After floods swept through Montpelier, Vermont in 2024, piles of debris and sodden river mud choked downtown streets. Workers who enter affected areas should wear personal protective equipment and follow specific worksite safety guidelines. Visit Utah Disaster Cleanup to learn more.
Removing Flood Water
The first step in flood cleanup is to clear the area of standing water and soaked materials. This mucking out process must occur before walls and floors can be cleaned and restored, so it’s important to start early.
Be sure to wear proper protective equipment, such as a hard hat, dust mask or respirator, rubber boots, and goggles. If contamination from sewage or other dangerous substances is present, CDC guidelines recommend that cleaners also use a thickly applied face shield.
It is also recommended that all cleaners wash their clothes and equipment in hot, clean water after each flood cleanup session. A laundromat is a good place to do this until your onsite sewer system has been professionally inspected and serviced. If you do not have a laundromat available, wash clothes and linens in a commercial laundry with hot water and detergent. If possible, make arrangements to bring in a portable washing machine to avoid pumping out contaminated wastewater into unaffected areas.
Protect any items that escaped the water with plastic sheeting or move them to safer areas. Items made of wood, metal, or hard plastic are often salvageable. Carpets, fabrics, pressboard and plywood furniture, and other absorbent or porous materials should be discarded.
After surveying the site and donning your safety gear, you’ll be ready to begin mucking out. It’s important to keep in mind that the clock starts ticking the moment flooding waters enter a home, so return only after local authorities say it is safe.
During the muck out process, be sure to remove any electrical components that have come in contact with floodwaters. These could be energized and pose an electrocution risk, especially if they are wet or have been submerged for a long period of time.
Once all the mud, debris, and sand have been removed, you’ll need to begin assessing the damage and cleaning the affected areas. If contaminated materials such as asbestos, lead paint, or pesticides are found, you’ll need to have an environmental professional handle the removal and disposal.
If mold or mildew are found, thoroughly disinfect the space with a chemical that inhibits their growth, such as quaternary ammonium compounds or hydrogen peroxide. Thorough rinsing and drying are vital to prevent the development of unhealthy microorganisms and the release of toxic chemicals into the air.
Cleaning Up Contaminated Areas
If sewage systems are damaged by floodwaters, they can leak and contaminate homes. Floodwaters can also carry oil, gas and chemical wastes. People who contact contaminated materials are at risk of developing bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases.
The safest way to handle contamination is to wait for local officials to announce that it’s safe to return home. When they do, make sure that the power is turned off at the breaker box and that all outside gas lines are closed. Check to see if the house or structure is in danger of collapsing and listen to local TV and radio for official announcements and instructions.
If you must enter a building, wear heavy work gloves and protective clothing. Avoid walking on weakened floors and stay away from ceilings that may collapse or be covered in mold. Check for structural damage and watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may be seeking food or shelter. Air out the home, and start cleaning and disinfecting.
Flood waters contain silt, bacteria, fecal material and other contaminants that can lead to disease. Disinfecting household items helps prevent infection, but not all contaminated items can be cleaned. Be sure to ask local health department officials for rules and regulations about bagging, labeling and disposing of contaminated goods.
Cleanup can be dangerous, so get help if you can. A disaster cleanup company knows how to safely remove debris and disinfect surfaces, and they can save you time and money by working faster. They can also save you from dangerous conditions that could harm your family or pets.
Before you begin, dispose of trash in a secure pile away from the curb, sidewalks, street, electric or water meters, fire hydrants and storm drains. If sewage was in the water, a utility knife and permanent marker will be useful for marking areas where contamination was visible. Place a line at least a foot above watermarks or drywall seams. Cut the marked sections with a utility knife and pry up the pieces with a pry bar.
Debris that’s not contaminated should be placed at the curb for pick up on a scheduled date. Contact your local authorities to learn where and when this service will be provided.
Disinfecting the Area
When sewage, chemicals and bacteria invade homes and businesses during flooding, fires or storms they leave behind contaminated debris that must be disposed of. The debris and contaminated soil must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of mold and other health threats. Disaster cleanup specialists can handle this task in a shorter amount of time than a homeowner can.
The first thing to do is to take photos or video of the damage and keep serial numbers and other documentation for insurance claims. Then, you must begin drying out the items in your home to avoid further damage. If you do not have enough time to completely dry your possessions, they should be wrapped in plastic and frozen until you can work with them.
CDC guidelines suggest wearing protective gear such as rubber gloves, goggles and a mask or respirator when cleaning up contaminated areas to avoid exposure to dangerous contaminants. Wearing a face shield is especially important when there is potential for sewage contamination.
Before you start to clean, be sure the electricity and gas are turned off to avoid electrocution. Do not touch plugged-in appliances or extension cords. If you are not certain they are unplugged, it is safest to wait until a professional checks the wiring.
After removing debris, you must wash down and disinfect any walls and floors that came in contact with flood water or sewage. Using a two-bucket method is best: one bucket for the cleaning solution and a second for rinse water. Use a non-sudsing cleaner or laundry detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water.
Disinfecting the area can also help prevent disease from spreading. Make sure hands are washed frequently while cleaning. Smoking should be avoided because soiled fingers can carry disease germs to the mouth and nose when you pick up a cigarette or smoke a cigar.
Finally, it is best to have all clothing and articles that came in contact with flood or sewage water professionally cleaned. It is also a good idea to have an emergency kit prepared for natural disasters such as bottled water, food, blankets and flashlights.
Restoring Your Property
The restoration process after a disaster is long and complex, but it’s essential to protect your family, home and health. The right disaster cleanup and repair specialists will decontaminate, dry and disinfect your property, make necessary repairs, and remove any hazardous materials that may be present. The company should keep you informed as the work progresses and follow all local building codes and regulations to ensure that your home or business is safe and structurally sound.
If your home or business has been severely damaged by a flood, tornado, hurricane, wildfire or winter blizzard, it’s important to wait until authorities have given the All Clear before returning. In many cases, disaster damage can pose serious safety risks, including chemical spills, sewage, downed power lines, uprooted trees, weakened floors and ceilings, and electrical hazards. If you return before officials say it’s safe, be sure to wear protective clothing and have your property inspected by a professional before moving in.
When deciding to move back into your home or business, make sure you hire a reputable disaster cleanup and restoration specialist that is certified by the National Institute for Certification in Cleaning and Restoration (NICAR). This certification means the company is trained in how to assess and restore properties following major damage from natural catastrophes. In addition to being NICAR certified, a professional disaster restoration company should be insured and bonded. This means if the company goes out of business or fails to complete the work, you can claim the money that was paid to the company for unfinished work.
It’s also a good idea to keep all receipts related to your disaster recovery expenses, especially any that are not reimbursed by your insurance provider. Some disaster cleanup companies have years of experience in dealing with insurance policy claims and can help you file a claim with your insurer, ensuring that you get a fair share of compensation for your losses.
It’s also important to remember that many states and the federal government offer financial assistance to people who have been affected by natural disasters. These resources can include emergency funding to cover food, water and shelter costs, as well as grants to repair or replace homes and businesses. Check with your state’s emergency management office for information on eligibility and deadlines.