A Guide on Restoring Your Home After a Flood

​After you’ve encountered a flood, remove carpets, upholstered furniture, and stuffed animals that have been under contaminated flood water. Thoroughly drying out areas that were deeply flooded can help avoid mold growth. Appropriate cleaning can help you from getting infected with diseases and illnesses from viruses and bacteria.

Throw What Can’t Be Cleaned
Don’t force yourself into cleaning items that are too damaged to clean, no matter how sentimental they are. In the end, they will most likely end up at the back of your cabinet, not to be seen after a couple of years. You can, however, take pictures of every damaged item for insurance claims. Wash all your curtains, clothes, and bed sheets with warm soapy water. You can bleach them after to kill the remaining bacteria. After drying, make sure to iron them.

Wear the Appropriate Attire
For added protection from bacteria and germs, surface molds, and harmful chemicals from cleaning supplies, wear the appropriate attire. You can wear boots, pants, long sleeves, and rubber gloves. To protect your eyes and nose from inhalation of hazardous substances, you can purchase goggles and an N-95 mask from the hardware store. Use cleaning products with disinfectants and remember not to mix bleach and other cleaning supplies. Open windows and doors to avoid concentrated fumes in one area.

Thoroughly Dry Flooded Items
Furniture or items that have stayed damp for 48 hours have a possibility of mold growth. If carpets, clothing, or upholstered furniture can’t be dried completely, it’s ideal for throwing out. If the electric circuit still works, switch on all the ventilators – in the bathroom and kitchen – to maintain air movement. You can also use a fan to help in drying damp items and furniture. Make sure to check if there isn’t any standing water before plugging in an appliance.

Additionally, try not to pump out water into the sewage system, for it might only worsen the underlying problem. Only pump water out in your yard or drain pipes.

Remember, all your damaged property and losses can still get covered by your insurance company. Use the photographs that you took as proof of the claim. If you don’t have flood insurance behind your back and you live in a highly flood-prone area, it’s ideal to invest in one now.

At Infanger Insurance Inc, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (208) 557-8157. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.