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When the rain comes to a stop and everything else falls silent, the only thing left to see is the damage caused by flooding. Then only one thought enters one’s mind: time for flood damage cleanup. While it is a painful sight to see, and while it may be a long process, several steps can be taken to ensure a successful flood damage cleanup.

Depending on the damage caused by flooding, flood damage cleanup may be undertaken by the house owner. However, it is still best to consult a professional clean up service to make sure that your house has been cleaned safely and effectively.

The following steps are undertaken in flood damage cleanup:

1. Remove all damp, wet or soaked materials from the vicinity, and then proceed with disinfecting all the areas that have been flooded. Clorox is a good disinfectant that can get rid of possible mold growth.

2. When the water has gone down to a level that is workable, you can then begin flood damage cleanup. Before proceeding, go to your local doctor and get a tetanus shot, to ensure the safety of your personal health.

3. Make sure all electricity has been turned off.

4. Do a walk-through of the whole area that has been damaged. Carefully assess each affected area and make sure no other animals (especially snakes) have been able to enter.

5. Take pictures of the area and carefully note details of each area. This information will be handy when you need to contact your insurance company.

When undertaking the actual flood damage cleanup, this is the usual sequence that is followed:

1. Foundations - Make sure to inspect all aspects of the foundation and check again for animals that have found access to it. If a lot of mortar has been damaged but the foundation is still standing and seems to remain stable, it may not be necessary to replace the entire foundation but just to replace the mortar that experienced damage.

2. Floors - The first thing to do is remove carpets if there are any. Any padding underneath any carpet must be removed as well. Depending on the floor material, you may need to proceed with caution as certain floors are very slippery when wet (ex. Vinyl, vinyl asbestos and vinyl composition tile). Wood floors are the worst because they are the likely to be the most damaged after getting wet. Most likely, they will need to be replaced.

3. Interior Walls - Walls made of sheetrock that have been exposed to extensive water damage (more than two hours of being soaked) will need to be replaced. Also, any walls that have insulating features that have been damaged severely need to be replaced.

4. Ceilings, doors and cabinets - Follow the same assessment rules. Check the material and assess how much damage it has experienced. Then make a decision to replace or salvage the item.

Flood damage clean up can be done right with the proper information and the proper tools. Ultimately, the process is simple. Assess, ask for professional opinions, then decide - now that’s proper flood damage cleanup.

Wendi Watson distributes information on water issues for New Rochelle, Peekskill NY flood damage restoration and Sleepy Hollow, NY flood damage clean up