Flooding can cause significant damage to your property, and recovering afterward can feel overwhelming. Taking the right steps during the cleanup process can help minimize further damage and ensure a safe environment. After a flood, clean up efforts typically include:

• Water removal
• Inspect and clean electrical outlets, wiring, and panels for safety
• Remove and discard soaked furniture, carpets, and items beyond repair
• Clean or replace damaged flooring materials like hardwood, tile, or carpet
• Remove waterlogged drywall and clean or disinfect surfaces
• Check and clean water-damaged appliances, ensuring they are safe to use
• Clean and disinfect air ducts, vents, and HVAC equipment
• Address mold growth with caution for health
• Check for leaks or contamination in water and sewage lines
• Clean and disinfect salvageable belongings, such as clothing, documents, and electronics
• Remove mud and debris left behind by floodwater

However, before you get to work, it’s important to plan out the process to keep you and your team safe. Remember, flood damage doesn’t just include the physical destruction of property - it also poses serious safety risks. After a flood, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and others from potential hazards.

Here are five tips to help you effectively and safely restore your property after a flood.

Ensure Safety First

Before entering your property, prioritize safety. Floodwaters can weaken the structure of a building, and there may be hidden hazards such as electrical issues, gas leaks, or contaminated water. Turn off the electricity and gas if it's safe to do so, and avoid wading through water until you've confirmed it’s not contaminated. 

Always wear protective gear during cleanup and avoid using appliances or electrical systems until they’ve been cleared by a professional. Prioritizing safety is just as important as addressing physical damage.

Document the Damage

Before starting any cleanup or restoration work, take the time to thoroughly document the damage:

• Take pictures and videos of the affected areas, including any water damage to walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. 
• Document hidden areas like basements, crawl spaces, and storage units that may have been impacted. 
• Keep a written inventory of damaged items, noting their condition before the flood and any estimated costs for repair or replacement

This visual record will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim, helping you prove the damage, secure compensation for repairs and replacements, and avoid disputes with your insurance provider. Proper documentation ensures you maximize your claim and streamline the recovery process.

Remove Water and Dry the Area

After documenting the damage, focus on removing any standing water from the property. Use pumps, wet vacuums, and buckets to get rid of the water as quickly as possible. Afterward, use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote airflow and dry out the property. 

The longer floodwaters linger in an area, the greater the threat to both health and property. Stagnant water becomes an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, mold, and mosquitoes, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, respiratory problems, and vector-borne illnesses like the West Nile virus. 

Extended exposure to floodwaters can also lead to significant structural damage, as moisture infiltrates foundations, walls, and electrical systems, gradually weakening them. Furthermore, the longer the water remains, the more likely it is to absorb contaminants such as sewage, chemicals, and hazardous debris, making the environment increasingly toxic and hazardous for both residents and cleanup crews.

Salvage and Dispose of Affected Items

Once the area is dry, carefully assess which items can be salvaged and which must be discarded to prevent potential health hazards. Porous materials such as furniture, carpets, upholstery, and textiles are prone to absorbing contaminated water, which can hold bacteria, mold, and harmful chemicals. 

These items often pose significant health risks and should be discarded if they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Items like mattresses, insulation, and drywall are particularly vulnerable to water damage and are typically beyond saving due to their tendency to trap moisture, making them a breeding ground for mold.

On the other hand, non-porous items made of metal, glass, and certain plastics may be salvageable if thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. These materials do not absorb water as readily and can often be restored with proper sanitation. 

However, it's important to carefully inspect all items for signs of damage, as even non-porous materials may have hidden contamination or damage that could cause issues later on. When in doubt, consult a professional to determine what can be safely salvaged and ensure that your home is restored without posing ongoing health risks.

Seek Professional Help for Restoration

Even after cleaning, it’s wise to consult professionals for the restoration process. Flood damage can be extensive and may affect areas you cannot see, like inside walls and under floors. 

Restoration experts can assess the full extent of the damage, provide mold remediation services, and ensure your property is thoroughly dried and restored to a safe condition. Additionally, professional assistance may speed up the insurance claims process and reduce the likelihood of further issues down the road.

Avoid the Costly Clean Up and Invest in Flood Protection

With all of the above, it’s clear that clean up efforts can be significantly costly and time-consuming. The cost is often equal if not more to the cost of investing in proper flood prevention products and services, such as Flood Vulnerability Assessments and a professional Flood Protection Plan. 

Without proper protection, businesses can face extensive damage, leading to cleanup efforts that can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. From removing water-damaged materials and disinfecting contaminated spaces to repairing structural damage, the process can be both financially and operationally devastating. 

In contrast, investing in flood protection products, such as flood panels and barriers, can prevent these disasters before they occur. By proactively safeguarding vulnerable areas, businesses not only protect their property but also avoid the enormous costs, disruptions, and health risks that come with extensive flood cleanup.

Flood Response Assistance can help safeguard your property through expert flood proofing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our team assesses vulnerable areas, offering customized flood protection products such as flood panels designed to prevent water intrusion. We don’t just install flood protection; we provide a comprehensive plan that includes maintenance, training, emergency response, and mock deployments to ensure your property is protected year-round.
Contact us today to get started on protecting your property from flood damage.