Carrying Out a Plan to Clean the Entire Home Affected by Flood

Although the clean up process can take a long time, it is necessary to protect health.  These are tasks that must be done:

1. Stop the water intrusions first.
2. Identify and protect vulnerable populations, which include children, the elderly and anyone with chronic diseases or a suppressed immune system.
3. Identify the extent of the contamination. Be sure to trace the pathways of the water to find where damage has spread.
4. Plan and carry out the clean up.  The clean up plan should include these steps:
   • Contain the damaged materials and furnishings and protect workers and occupants from exposure to them.
   • Clean and dry out materials that can be completely dried.
   • Remove damaged materials that cannot be completely dried, including any materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried in 24 to 48 hours.
   • Evaluate whether the space has been successfully cleaned.
   • Repair and reconstruct the spaces to prevent or limit the possibility of recurrence.
   • There are no accepted standards for airborne biological contaminants, including mold.  There are no accepted standards for interpreting sampling of the air to determine extent of a problem or clean up. 
   • Air cleaning devices can help remove some indoor air pollution, but won't solve the problems alone.  Cleaning up the water, the contaminants, and the damaged furnishings and material are essential steps and nothing can substitute for them.  Avoid using air cleaning devices that emit ozone. Ozone has not been found to clean indoor air, including mold problems. Ozone can harm lung health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma and chronic lung diseases.

   Here is a list of common techniques for sanitizing and cleaning flooded items:

   • First things first: call your insurance agent. If your insurance covers the damage, your agent will tell you when an adjuster will contact you. List damage and take photos or videotape as you clean. You'll need complete records for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.
   • Contaminated mud- Shovel out as much mud as possible, then use a garden sprayer or hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.
   • Clean and disinfect every surface. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water or a product that is labeled as a disinfectant to kill germs.

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