How to Meet Flood Cleaning Requirements After a Residential Flood

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Drying property after water damage in Sumner, OK.

How to Comply with Flood Cleaning Requirements Following a Home Flood

After a residential water incident, the flood cleanup process can feel like a long road. As you seek out cleaning requirements, remember that proper restoration will bring your home back to safety and suitability. Focus on the following essential prerequisites before resuming residence.

Work with an Electrician

Because water can have such a detrimental effect on electric outlets in a home, never begin flood clean-up efforts without the approval of a professional electrician. Hire an electrician to help in the following ways:

• Inform homeowners of downed power lines near sitting water
  
• Inspect water damage sustained to electrical outlets and fixtures
  
• Recommend professional cleaning services for electronic appliances
  
  

Focus on Drying

Once an electrician clears your home for the pursual of cleaning requirements, the first thing you should focus on is drying. Everything will need thorough drying from the home structure itself to all of the affected goods inside. Take pictures for insurance purposes of items that must be discarded because they are unsalvageable.

Pull back carpets and other flooring surfaces then use fans or fresh air to dry out the sub-flooring. If possible, open windows to create greater airflow throughout the building. If bedding or clothing gets wet in the flood, wash it thoroughly with hot soapy water and dry it on high heat to kill any bacteria.

Tackle Sanitation

At last, when the drying process has been completed, proper cleaning can be done with a few sanitation efforts. Some materials such as soaked wood or upholstery will have got to go. Plush animals and other difficult-to-wash items should also be disposed of. Sanitize all non-porous surfaces to reduce the chances of producing mold. Most surfaces can be sterilized using a heavy-duty flood disinfectant cleaner or a bleach and water solution.

When dealing with a home flood in Sumner, OK, the cleaning process can take time and effort. As you set-out to meet cleaning requirements, make safety and proper restoration the goal of your endeavors.