Which Items Can You Keep After a Flood?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded home in Amberly Village, OH

Are These Soggy Assets Okay To Use?

Once floodwater subsides, homeowners are left with the daunting task of focusing on content cleaning needs. Are these soggy assets okay to use? Are guidelines available to lead you in making upcoming decisions? Residents should carefully think about each possession, concentrating on not only the room's exposure levels but also the item's composition and personal worth.

1. Is the Water Dirty?
There are three forms of fluid contamination. Clean water, for instance, saturates but is free of microbes. A flood from a typical household pipe burst often falls into this category. Salvage many of these belongings by drying them out and wiping them with soapy water. Black and gray water, though, have high levels of bacteria; therefore, these liquids pose more of a hazard. Take extra precautions when dealing with these situations:

• Sewage breaks
  
• Appliance leaks
  
• Toilet overflows
  
• River and ocean flooding
  
  

If any of the above events occur, think about the answers to the next two questions.

2. Is the Object Porous?
During content cleaning endeavors, think about permeation. Nonporous things do not absorb moisture, so they can be sanitized with traditional cleaners. Porous valuables, however, act like a sponge. Bacterial and fungal spores bury deep within a substance, reproducing quickly. Even if doused with bleach, the interior of these pieces still contains undesirable organisms. Placed back in the home, unwelcome growths can spread. It's best to designate suspicious articles for permanent disposal.

3. Is It of Significant Value?
Certain items, including electronics, photos and documents, may have sentimental or financial meaning; thus, they are deemed irreplaceable. A water restoration company in Amberly Village, OH, has specialized equipment such as gamma irradiation that can kill black water germs. Simply ask the experts about the various procedures available.
As you survey the destruction, be thoughtful about your content cleaning decisions. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact professionals who can assist you in this endeavor. Safety is a priority.