How to Get Rid of Water After a Flood
Floodwaters can contaminate your home with harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew. It is important to take steps to disinfect and clean your home as soon as possible to prevent the spread of sickness.
Steps to Disinfect and Clean Your Home After a Flood
- Remove standing water. Use a pump or bucket to remove standing water from your home. Be sure to wear rubber boots and gloves to protect yourself from contaminated water.
- Clean surfaces with soap and water. Use a strong detergent to clean all surfaces that have been exposed to floodwaters. Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water.
- Disinfect surfaces with bleach solution. A solution of 1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water can be used to disinfect surfaces that have been exposed to floodwaters. Be sure to wear gloves when handling bleach and to ventilate the area well.
- Dry out your home. Open windows and doors to air out your home. You can also use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry out your home more quickly.
- Inspect for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can grow in damp areas, so it is important to inspect your home for signs of these contaminants. If you find any mold or mildew, be sure to clean it up immediately.
Preventing Water Damage
In addition to disinfecting and cleaning your home after a flood, there are steps you can take to prevent water damage in the future. These steps include:
- Install a sump pump. A sump pump can help to remove water from your basement or crawl space in the event of a flood.
- Elevate your belongings. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider elevating your belongings off the ground to prevent them from getting damaged in the event of a flood.
- Have a flood plan in place. In the event of a flood, it is important to have a plan in place for how you will evacuate your home and protect your belongings.
By following these steps, you can help to protect your home from water damage and the harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew that can come with it.