We all know that when a flood occurs, you need to get the water out of your house and dry the areas affected as soon as possible. That's just the general of flood damage cleanup. But what are you supposed to do with the specific parts of your house? Does the gas company turn off the gas and the electric company turn off the electricity? Do the ceilings need to be cleaned? These are all basic questions that many people have about flood damage cleanup. Hopefully these tips will help. Just as a note, as well, make sure that all damage is documented on paper as well as with photographs for the insurance company and as well as for anyone else that may need to help with the flood damage cleanup in your home later on for their information. The first thing to check when it comes to flood damage cleanup is the foundation. Above all, a building is only as strong as the bricks that it sits on, and if those bricks are leaking and full of cracks, then the house isn't in good shape. An older home will have mortar joints and you want to make sure they were not in some way make weaker due to the flood damage. This is a job that is more suited for a professional than for you (unless, of course, you are a professional). The next part is to check the floors. It is best to move the carpet if it is completely saturated (as you will probably need new carpet anyway). If you have any kind of a pad underneath the carpet, you will want to move it. Part of flood damage cleanup is removing these things because the flood water has so much bacteria in it which makes it dangerous to leave on the floor. Also, it will be hard for the floor itself to dry with the wet padding and carpet on top. Leaving the floor bare is the most healthy and best option while these other items are still wet. If you have a vinyl floor and the tiles have curled up that means they should be removed and eventually replaced. Also if there is more than one percent of asbestos fiber in anything it will need to be removed very quickly during the activity. This part of the cleanup should only be done by a professional as it is required by state and federal laws (required by the EPA and OSHA). The humidity caused by the flood may cause you to have to clean the ceilings. This may require the re-nailing and refinishing of the ceiling boards. Even if they look okay you may want to check them for mildew. If the mildew/mold grows, it will become a major health hazard. Doors and cabinets are another thing to think of when going through flood damage cleanup. They are typically made of wood, and as it is known, wood tends to swell which makes it unusable if it encounters high levels of moisture and humidity. If they swell too much they may even crack. A small part that some people don't think of is their ductwork systems. This is also a place within the home that needs to be flushed and disinfected after a flood. The reason for this is strictly to get rid of any bacteria that the flood may have left behind. Gas systems need to be checked by a professional and the gas in your house should be shut off by you until all of the water damage has been taken care of and dried. And electrical or gas fire could be very dangerous during the process. And, as always, protective gear should be used when cleaning up after any kind of a flood.
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