Dealing with Aftermath of a Flood: Guidelines for Storm Damage Cleanup
In the aftermath of a flood or storm, it's crucial to approach the clean-up process with care and caution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this challenging time.
- Safety First Wait for official clearance from emergency services and local authorities before returning to your property. Always avoid driving through floodwaters and ensure roads are accessible.
- Document Damage Thoroughly document all damage with photos or videos for insurance purposes before beginning cleanup.
- Prepare Your Cleaning Kit Gather a dedicated cleaning kit, bottled water, and necessary medication. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and waterproof boots, when cleaning.
- Shut Off Utilities Before starting, shut off water and power to the property to avoid electrical hazards. Only a licensed electrician or gas fitter should check and reconnect these systems.
- Remove Water and Debris Hose out any mud, dirt, and debris, and open all doors and windows to improve ventilation. Pump out standing water, shovel out mud and silt, and open doors and windows to improve ventilation.
- Disinfect Everything If mould has already developed, use a mould remover and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Disinfect everything with a mixture of bleach and water, or use a commercial disinfectant.
- Hire Professionals Seek professional help for inspection, cleaning, and restoration to ensure safety and thoroughness. Depending on your policy, your insurance company may also assist with sending a qualified professional to assess the safety of your home, organizing tradespeople for repairs, or arranging temporary accommodation if the property is assessed as unliveable.
- Stay Informed Contact local services such as the SES or use apps like VicEmergency for updates and guidance.
- Consider Environmental Hazards When cleaning outdoor areas, be aware of slippery terrain or strong water flows.
- Prevent Further Damage Start with urgent repairs to prevent further damage, but seek the advice of your insurance company before cleaning or hiring a professional.
- Dry Out Your Home Dry out the structure and contents of your home to prevent rot and mould. Hire industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and dryers to speed up drying times.
- Dispose of Un salvageable Items Throw away items that cannot be cleaned or disinfected.
- Monitor the Clean-Up Process Only start major repairs once moisture levels have stabilized. Remove water and mud quickly to prevent swelling, warping, and mould.
By following these steps, you can minimise health risks, secure your property, and support effective insurance claims. Remember, safety should always be your top priority during the clean-up process.
Incorporating environmental science into the clean-up process can help decrease the impact on the environment. For instance, using eco-friendly cleaning products or properly disposing of hazardous waste reduces pollution in the home-and-garden.
Lifestyle modifications, such as using energy-efficient appliances and implementing water-saving measures, are also beneficial as the home environment is being restored, which ultimately supports a sustainable future in climate-change mitigation.
