Flood damage can affect the home in a variety of ways. This is more evident in basements and kitchens, which are more prone to accumulation of floodwaters. Severe damage can occur if you don’t know some restoration resource and flood damage cleanup is not performed properly and at the earliest possible time.
The following provides basic guidelines in performing flood damage cleanup in kitchens. Floodwaters bring along a variety of bacteria and microorganisms that may be harmful to humans. These procedures are necessary to prevent possible health hazards that may be caused by floodwaters, which could endanger the wellbeing of occupants in the house.
Before starting flood damage cleanup and remediation ventures for a water-damaged kitchen, ensure that electricity in the area has been turned off. If there are still appliances connected to sockets, unplug them and relocate to another area in the house for appropriate repair and restoration.
Flood, aside from all the bacteria floating around in its murky waters, can also bring a variety of creatures that have been displaced from their homes. There is a possibility that some of these creatures, snakes, insects and other small animals have sought refuge in the kitchen. Ensure that none are present before continuing with the flood damage cleanup. Check cabinets, closets and drawers to make sure none of these critters are present.
Dispose of any food left in the kitchen during the flood. Refrigerators that have been water damaged risk contamination of the food inside. Dispose of meats, fruits and vegetables from the freezers and compartments. Exposed food in cardboard boxes should be discarded. Bottled water and drinks, as well as food in jars should be thrown away if these have been exposed to floodwater. Damaged canned goods should likewise be disposed if they show some possible seepage. These should be removed from the kitchen before the rest of the flood damage cleanup activities are to resume.
Tools and other utensils used for cooking may have been exposed to floodwater. To ensure proper decontamination, clean these items with bleach and detergent dissolved in warm water. Separate sub-parts like handles or lids to check for floodwater seepage inside. Rinse these items with water laced with disinfectant. Have them thoroughly dried out.
If there is heavy flooding on the kitchen floor, water removal can be performed by using submersible water pumps. Other water remains could be removed by a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Finish up with the flood damage cleanup by cleaning the area with the detergent and bleach solution. Brush up contaminated surfaces with this solution to remove the accumulated mud, dirt and grime that were carried along with the floodwater. Rinse with water treated with disinfectant solution.
The final step in the flood damage cleanup work is to dry out the kitchen area. Place air blowers or electric fans and direct them to the floors and other wet surfaces. These can hasten the drying process. Opening doors and windows, letting good airflow in, should also maintain good air circulation. If available, use dehumidifiers to hasten the drying process even more.
These practical and simple tips can be used by homeowners in the event of flooding at the kitchen, and in any other areas of the house. Health risks provide the most imminent danger in this situation, so it is advised that flood damage cleanup be performed immediately right after the flood has subsided.
james farkenfur writes articles and shares information on fire and water for baltimore flood damage cleanup and tampa flood damage service
