Floods can do a lot of damage to homes and this will also damage the overall integrity of the property. And you need to act quickly and immediately when flood damage occurs so that further damage can be mitigated.

You have to ensure your safety before you start flood damage repair. If flooding poses an immediate danger to you, you need to evacuate the premises and go to higher ground. It is never recommended to come into contact with floodwater as it can be contaminated with hazardous substances, debris and bacteria. You have to wear protective equipment such as boots, gloves and face masks so that you can minimise exposure to contaminants. You have to first assess the damage caused by floodwater and this can be done by inspecting the interior and exterior of the property. You have to pay attention to water infiltration, structural damage and the condition of the building materials. Check the condition of your personal belongings, appliances and furniture as well. You need to take photos of the damage so that it can be used for insurance claims and other documentation purposes.

You need to remove standing water

So that further damage to your belongings and the structure can be prevented. This will also minimise the risk of mould growing. Standing water can be removed using buckets, wet-dry vacuums and pumps. You can do this in crawl spaces, basements or in rooms where there is a lot of water accumulated. Contaminated water should be disposed of according to local regulations. Once you have removed standing water, you have to focus on how to dry out the property. This is important in preventing the growth of mould and mildew. You need to open doors and windows so that airflow is promoted. The drying process can be accelerated by dehumidifiers, fans and air movers. You can contact professional flood damage restoration specialists as they will have heavy-duty tools to bring your property back to its original condition. You need to monitor the levels of humidity regularly and continue the drying efforts until moisture levels are within acceptable levels.

Then comes the cleaning

And disinfection stage where you have to clean hard surfaces, floors, walls and furniture with soap and water to remove any mud, dirt or debris. Surfaces can be disinfected so that viruses, bacteria and mould spores can be killed. You have to pay attention to areas where mould growth can occur such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. Assess all the furniture, personal belongings and other household items that are affected by the flood to see what can be cleaned, disinfected and restored. There may be items that you need to dispose of as well and you have to take proper precautions when handling hazardous materials. Structural damage has to be addressed so that the integrity of the property can be restored. You have to carry out a thorough inspection of the floors, walls, roof and foundation for signs of water damage or deterioration. If any building materials are damaged, they can be repaired or replaced such as flooring, insulation, drywall and electrical wiring.