STEPS TO TAKE AFTER FLOOD

In recent times, there has been an increase in the number places being ravaged by the disaster of flood. Places that were never prone to flood are now being affected by the damaging effects of excessive water. Like the recent flood experienced in Lagos state (lekki, ajah and surulere) where there was an unpredictable rise in the level of water. The effect of flood water not only damage structures, it may also damage valuable properties in the home. The water from the flood could contain mud and bacteria carried all over from muddy places have now contaminated your personal belongings. After the effects of the flood has subsided, which have to removed the contamination from our clothing, shoes, furniture, kitchen, floors and laundry equipment. 

Here are the basic tips to follow when cleaning up our home after a flood disaster;

1. Immediately contact your insurance company/agent:

• First things first: call your insurance agent or company where cover is hopefully in place.
• 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.

    2. Evaluate the damages and Set up a step-by-step action plan to:

• remove all water, mud and other debris
• dispose of contaminated household goods
• rinse away contamination inside the home
• remove the rinse water
• clean and dry out your house and salvageable possessions.

   3.  Make tough decisions:

• Be prepared to make difficult decisions about what to keep and what to throw out.\
• Household items that have been contaminated by mud water or sewage, or that have been wet for a long time, will have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations.

   4. Assemble clean-up equipment and supplies:

• gloves, masks (respirators) and other protective gear
• pails(buckets), mops, squeegees, plastic garbage bags and unscented detergent
• large containers for wet bedding and clothing, and lines to hang them to dry
• you may also need to rent extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, and dehumidifiers or heaters.

   5. Store valuable papers that have been damaged in a dry place until you have time to work on them.

   6.  Remove all soaked and dirty materials and debris, including residual mud and soil, furniture, appliances, clothing and bedding.

Here are more detailed cleaning steps for specific places in the home.

In the kitchen-

       a. Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of hot water. Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel.  

       b. Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes. chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken.

       c. Cupboards and counters need to be cleaned and rinsed with a chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes.

Furniture and household items-

       a. Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry as soon as possible.

       b. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture or open as least two windows to ventilate with outdoor air.

       c. Use fans to circulate air in the house.

       d. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant.

       e. Wear a two-strap protective mask to prevent breathing bad air.

       f. Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from floodwaters and should be cleaned only by a professional.

       g. Photographs, books and important papers should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags to protect from further damage until you have time to clean them or take them to a professional.

Electrical system-

       a. The system must be shut off and repaired and inspected by an electrician before it can be turned back on.

       b. Wiring must be completely dried out - even behind walls.

       c. Switches, convenience outlets, light outlets, entrance panel, and junctionboxes that have been under water may be filled with mud and thus need to be cleaned by a professional.

FLOORS

I. Carpeting-

•   Clean and dry carpets and rugs as quickly as possible.
• If sewage-contaminated floodwater covered your carpeting, discard it for health safety reasons.
• Also discard if the carpet was under water for 24 hours or more.
• To clean, drape carpets and rugs outdoors and hose them down.
• Work a disinfecting carpet cleaner into soiled spots with a broom.
• Dry the carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing the carpet.
• Padding is nearly impossible to clean so should be replaced.
• If the carpet can't be removed, dry it as quickly as possible using a wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier.
• Use a fan to circulate air above the carpet, and if possible, lift the carpet and ventilate with fans underneath.

II. Wood floors-

• Wooden floors should be dried gradually.
• Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting
• Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling.
• Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.

III. Tiled floors-

• Mop and dry the surface gradually.
• Work a disinfecting tile cleaner on the surface and mop dry
• Quickly dry the surface using a dry vacuum.
• Use a fan to circulate air on the surface for complete dryness.

You can also suggest additional of cleaning up after flood. 
If you would like to know more about how to protect/insure your home against flood with our Householder Insurance Cover.

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