Recovering from a flood house can be a time consuming and labor-intensive project, but in most cases, it can be done, and life can eventually go back to normal. Whether a pipe burst while you were away from home or a nearby river flooded over its banks, cleaning up from a flooded home starts the same way.
Get the Correct Equipment
Flood clean-up is a messy business, so be prepared with the right equipment. Always wear gloves, boots and goggles. You most likely won’t have safe electricity, so bring in battery operated lanterns or other emergency power Ann Arbor MI to light up the dark corners that could harbor hazards like animals or snakes that got washed in or nails or broken glass.
Throw Most of It Away
It may be heartbreaking, but most flood damaged items can’t be salvaged. Unless it can be put in the washing machine and washed with bleach and hot water or is a hard surface that can be scrubbed, it will probably need to be thrown away. That means mattresses, books, cushions, rugs, stuffed animals and paper will need to be hauled away in garbage bags or left out for the trash. In addition, drywall and insulation will need to be cut out and discarded.
Clean What You Can
Plastic items and plumbing can be scrubbed with hot water and soap. The same goes for the concrete floor after the soggy carpet has been removed, countertops and wood or metal furniture. Getting everything dry will be key, so bring in portable fans, dehumidifiers, and turn on the A/C if possible. If not, leave windows and doors open.
Replacing the things that you lost is easier if you have flood insurance, so it’s wise to keep your policy up to date. Flood recovery is doable with grit and determination.