What To Do With Your Belongings After a Flood

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Flood cuts performed after this basement flooded in Salt Lake City, UT.

You likely know that a flood and the black water that comes with it can damage your home, but what about your belongings? While some things can successfully undergo content cleaning, others may need to be thrown away.

After significant flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, the task of cleaning up can feel overwhelming.

These tips can help you stay organized: 

• Take pictures of the damage before you begin, for insurance purposes
• Prioritize items that you want to save
• Call in a professional cleanup crew
• Put objects that you can’t clean immediately in open bags
• Take it one step at a time

Debris

Many storms can bring hazardous debris to your yard and into your home. Before you can work on your belongings, you may wish to throw out this debris. Not only can it cause disease and mold, but throwing trash away first thing can give you a sense of accomplishment that can drive the rest of your efforts.

Porous Objects

Porous belongings, such as mattresses and pillows, should be thrown away. The black water from the flood can contain toxins that may never come out of these items. It’s better to be safe than seriously sick.

Air Drying

Whenever possibly, you should air dry your salvageable belongings. When the weather permits, open your windows and allow the air to work for you. This gentle drying process can help save more delicate belongings.

If you cannot open a window, you can use dehumidifiers throughout your home. These devices pull moisture from the air and can help dry even delicate objects. For most things, you should not use a hair dryer or other heated devices.

Bleach

You can clean nonporous items with disinfecting solutions, such as bleach. Remember that the flood water likely carried bacteria, so you want something strong with which to wash. This isn’t the time for gentle cleaners like essential oils.

Content cleaning after a flood with black water is no small feat. Be sure to call in a professional team in Salt Lake City, UT, if you need to, and always be sure to breathe and take it one step at a time.