If you are expecting a hurricane or dealing with the aftermath, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and take smart steps for cleaning up and rebuilding your lives. At Metrowide Restoration, we specialize in flood cleanup and restoration of property that is damaged by hurricanes or heavy flooding. We have seen firsthand what these massive storms can do, and we are ready to help you with everything from mold removal, sewage cleanup, water removal, and fire and flood damage. If you have suffered damage already, just reach out to us so we can help you throughout the entire cleanup and restoration process. We can make this overwhelming time in your life as stress free as possible.
Here are some quick tips that can help you start cleaning up after a hurricane floods your home. Performing these steps as soon as you can will help minimize the damage and cost to rebuild your home.
5 Tips For Cleaning Up After Hurricane Flooding
Dress appropriately and bring the right tools.
If you can, wear waterproof boots, long pants and sleeves, as well as a pair of work gloves. You don’t know what kinds of bacteria, animals, or other dangers are lurking within your hurricane damaged home. It’s a good idea to get a pair of plastic eye protection and a hard hat ahead of time, especially if you live in an area where hurricanes can hit. Disposable masks are another essential item that can protect your lungs from airborne toxins and mold.
Hurricane cleanup items checklist:
- Rubber gloves
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Bleach
- Sponges
- Heavy duty trash bags
- Buckets
- Mops
- Shop brooms
- Utility knife
- Eye protection
- Hard hat
- Face masks
If you have considerable damage, you will need professional help for the restoration process. But as you access your circumstances and start cleaning up, you’ll at least need to acquire the items above.
Check for structural damage and other hazards.
Upon returning to your home, you want to be as careful as possible. Many people mistakenly believe the dangers are over, but deadly accidents are common after storms. First, take note of where the power lines are, and check gas lines for damage. If your home appears to have incurred considerable damage, don’t force your way in. Waiting for the approval of an inspector or emergency management crew can potentially save your life.
If your ceiling or floor is sagging, don’t add any weight or go upstairs. Don’t get caught up in the moment and make a bad decision. Before you make any attempts to clean up, take pictures of the damage without putting yourself in harms way. It is always good to document damage in preparation for insurance claims you may have to make.
Dispose of standing water.
One of your first tasks is looking for standing water and disposing of it as quickly as possible. Not only can still water contain disease-causing bacteria, it can cause structural damage. There may be moments when you have to decide between keeping and disposing of an item. If so, make sure it is something you can completely dry off and clean.
If an item can’t be cleaned appropriately, it simply isn’t worth hanging on to, no matter how sentimental. To remove small amounts of standing water, you can use a wet/dry vacuum that can be found at most hardware stores. You should also look into renting or purchasing high-powered floor fans that can greatly speed up the drying process. Drying out your home as quickly as possible should be your highest priority as you dispose of standing water.
Check your electrical and water systems.
There is always a danger of electrocution during and after storms, including hurricanes. When you are cleaning up, keep an eye out for exposed wires, especially near areas of standing water. If possible, turn off your main breaker or fuse to eliminate the danger of accidental shock. And be sure you aren’t standing in a puddle as you attempt to do this.
Like your electrical system, it is important to give your water and plumbing systems a good once-over. If you think water pipes or sewer lines leading to your home have been damaged, shut off your water valve just to be safe. The best thing to do in this situation is call a plumber, who can accurately diagnose and repair your system. This is another area of expertise for our professionals at Metrowide Restoration, making us a handy company to call if you fall victim to water damage.
Disinfect inside and outside.
You may not think to disinfect your patio furniture, patio area, or deck as you would a kitchen counter, appliances, and other indoor areas. But it is important to clean off everything that has been touched by the storm with a disinfectant solution, which you can make with a mix of bleach and clean water. Any carpet that was drenched by floodwater should be thrown away.
It is very important to dry out your home and all items that you intend to bring back into the home. Poor air quality is a common problem after hurricanes and floods. The moisture-rich air is like a petri dish for harmful bacteria. Create as much ventilation as possible when drying out and cleaning your home. Sometimes, cleaning agents can cause people allergic reactions, which can also be prevented with more airflow.
Are you better prepared to clean up after a hurricane?
We hope this information helps you understand the importance of safety and sanitation in the process of flood cleanup and restoration. It isn’t easy to get your life back in order after hurricane flooding, but it is possible. It can also be a lot less stressful with the right partners to make sure you do it right, as quickly and cost-efficient as possible. Write our number down, just in case you need us in the future. Or give us a call today so we can help you rebuild your life after flood damage.