Volunteers spend hours helping residents of a flooded neighborhood
Volunteers spent hours delivering sandbags and helping residents evacuate a flooded Richmond Hill neighbourhood as floodwaters continued to rise.
Cleaning up a home after a flood can be a daunting task, but by taking systematic steps, a home can be restored efficiently and safely.
“It’s not cheap to hire a remodeling company to do the work,” says David Chance, who works in business development for the remodeling industry at Servpro of Athens. Here are the steps Chance recommends homeowners take.
1. Safety first
Before entering the home, make sure it is safe. Check for structural damage and make sure the electricity and gas are turned off. Wear protective gear such as gloves, masks and boots to protect yourself from contamination.
2. Remove water and dry the house
Use pumps, wet vacuums and buckets to remove standing water. Open windows and doors to ventilate and speed up the drying process.
3. Dispose of contaminated items
Floodwater carries harmful bacteria and chemicals. Dispose of all contaminated items, including carpets, furniture and bedding. Items that can be salvaged should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
4. Clean and disinfect all surfaces
Clean all surfaces and remove any remaining bacteria with a disinfectant spray. Mold can quickly form in humid environments. Use mold-killing products and ensure that the house is well ventilated.
5. Documentation
Take photos and keep records of the damage for insurance purposes. This documentation is critical when filing claims and applying for financial assistance.
6. Seek professional help if necessary
In the case of major damage, restoration companies have the expertise and equipment to effectively repair severe flood damage.
For more information about ServePro, visit www.servpro.com.
