Flood Cleanup

Floods are usually associated with natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis and rainstorms. Floodwater contains numerous toxic pathogens, including chemicals, mold, bacteria and viruses. These hazardous pathogens may affect humans and animals through drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Cleaning and washing open wounds with dirty water and treading through floodwater may expose open cuts and scrapes to these contaminants as well. After floods, areas with standing water attract disease-carrying mosquitoes, which may spread outbreaks of epidemics. It is precisely because of these dangers that flood cleanup is such an important priority for the safety and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities affected by natural disasters.

Flooding may at times be a national catastrophe, affecting a great number of people across a large geographic area. Flood cleanup then becomes an overwhelming task that requires careful organization, coordination and mobilization of federal and state resources in an expeditious manner. Moreover, flood cleanup, healthcare services, disease outbreak prevention, food and water safety, physical rebuilding of infrastructure and other aspects of functional restoration of daily life will be of paramount importance to the community at large. In such a disastrous situation, the return to normalcy as quickly as possible is the objective.

As floodwaters recede and local authorities determine that conditions are safe to enter flooded areas, some precautions are prudent. They include the following:

Make sure all family members are safe and accounted for. Also, keep children out of flooded areas until area is dry and flood cleanup is complete.
Turn off electricity at the main power switch and turn off all circuits before entering the property.
Wear protective gear that includes thick rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and N-95 mask when handling flood cleanup.
Take photos of flood damages to substantiate any water damage claims, if safe to do so.
Discard any food or drink contaminated with floodwater.
Call a water damage restoration company to check the premises and begin water extraction, flood cleanup and repair and restoration efforts.
Contact your insurance company to report a claim and for further instructions.