How to clean your flooded home

Before entering your home, the American Red Cross recommends:

• Check for hazards: Look for standing water, gas leaks, and loose power lines outside your home. If any issues are found, contact the appropriate utility company.
• Turn off utilities: Shut off gas and electricity before entering, even if services are off in your area.
• Inspect for structural damage: If you're unsure about safety, consult a contractor or home inspector.

The EPA suggests you wear safety gear like:

• N-95 respirator
• Safety goggles without vent holes
• Gloves
• Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
• Boots or work shoes

The American Red Cross suggest that you bring a flashlight, a camera or video camera to record the damage, any tools you might need (such as a hammer and a crowbar), trash bags, a wooden stick for turning items over.

What are the steps for cleanup?

1. Save valuable items: Prioritize irreplaceable items like photos, money, and jewelry. Clean them later.
2. Prevent further damage: Open windows and doors for ventilation, cover holes, remove debris, and brace sagging structures.
3. Drain basements slowly: Avoid pumping water out too quickly, as this can damage the walls. Drain gradually.
4. Remove mud: Use a shovel and garden hose to clear mud, as it may carry health hazards.

Floodwater causes damage through water saturation, contaminants, and mold growth. Here are some ways to mitigate the effects:

• Reduce humidity: Open windows, use fans, dehumidifiers, and desiccants. This could take weeks.
• Sort items: Separate salvageable items from debris and garbage.
• Drain walls and ceilings: Puncture holes to release trapped water, then dry thoroughly. Remove soaked wallboards if necessary.
• Dry floors: Most flooring will need to be discarded. Ensure proper airflow to dry out the area.

If you have flood insurance, FEMA says you should retain samples of items such as carpets, wallpaper and drapes, to help the adjuster. You should also set any damaged items aside so the adjuster can look at them. FEMA warns that you should take photographs of and then immediately throw away any items that pose a health risk, such as perishable food items.

It may take some time before a repair professional can come to your home and fix any utility issues you might have. If that's the case, do as much cleaning as possible while you wait for your utilities to be restored.

• Clean and disinfect all areas that were flooded, using appropriate cleaning products. Avoid mixing chemicals like bleach and ammonia, as this can produce harmful fumes.
• Dispose of contaminated food: Throw away any food exposed to floodwaters, including canned goods. If you're unsure, contact the USDA’s Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555 for guidance.