In our earlier blog, we talked about the initial steps you would need to take upon returning to a house that has been flooded. As there is much to say on the matter, we will continue the theme in this blog as well.
You must think about the hazards that exist in floodwaters. Even if all the flood water has drained away by the time you return to the house, it will have left behind a plethora of hazardous bacteria. Floodwaters usually contain sewage, which will remain among the dirt and debris that is left behind. All of this means that wearing protective clothing is essential when cleaning up the house. Be sure to include a breathing mask, sturdy footwear, and a good pair of gloves.
Keep in mind the bacteria levels when sorting through damaged possessions. It may be possible to save some of your belongings by giving them a thorough cleaning, but other items should just be thrown out. Mattresses are an example of this.
Err on the side of safety if you are not sure what to throw out and what to keep. For example, if there are food or drink items that may or may not have come into contact with floodwater, it is better to toss them out than to risk exposing yourself to harmful bacteria.
