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Home & Garden Articles
Flood Damage Clean Up
Thu 26 Jun 2008 - 13:29
Flood Damage Clean Up
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sanjay_Sett]Sanjay Sett
Water accumulated due to flood causes extensive damage to the flooring ad structure of the home and it is essential that the accumulated water should be removed as quickly as possible. If water has been stagnant on the structure for more than a few hours extensive damage will be caused. In most cases the floor and the walls that have been submerged by the water will be damaged. It is extremely vital to start the drying process throughout the structure. The best way to promote drying out of the interiors of the structure is through cross ventilation. To do this one has to open al the doors and windows facilitating maximum air movement throughout the room. One should also open closets that have been submerged in the water.
It is not advisable to use dryers or heaters to help the drying process since the same helps promote humidity in the structure and this will lead to the formation of bacteria and mildew. Rather one should turn on the fans and air conditioners. One should let the ventilation process till the interiors are totally dry. One can purchase a water meter that is available in paint and hardware stores to check the humidity level of the soaked surface.
A humid ground is the breeding place for bacteria and fungus. Once all the damaged materials have been removed one should wash down all the surfaces using disinfectants. The bleach that one uses in the household is best suited for this purpose and the same will help one you to get rid of mold and mildews and will also prevent them from growing too. Strong bleach in the ratio of 5:1 (five parts of water to one part of bleach) is recommended and the same can be sprayed using the standard garden sprayer. One should be adequately protected and should wear goggles and face mask along with rubber gloves. Do not use the bleach on fabrics since it might discolor them and even damage the fabric. Some items like mattresses that are totally soaked cannot be recovered and it is best to dispose them.
There are some precautions that one should follow when working in areas that have been inundated with contaminated water and these should be carried out only when there is no standing water left in the house. If your vaccination is not up to date, take a tetanus shot. Electric supply should be turned off from the mains before one enters the house to avoid electrocution. Get the wiring tested from a certified electrician before turning on the power. One should also check that all the gas appliances are turned off and that the main valve of the pipe supplying the gas is turned off too. One should try to avoid direct contact with the contaminated water too. Keep an eye out for insects and small creatures. These get displaced from their natural habitats when flood occurs and tend to flow with the flood water. Hence it is recommended to check out for them throughout you home, especially in corners, cabinets and dark spaces.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjay_Sett http://EzineArticles.com/?Flood-Damage-Clean-Up&id=1273509
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