This winter, one in six UK homes are at risk of being flooded. When the extreme weather hits, most occupants’ first instinct will be to clear out the debris and start cleaning up the property.
But there are a specific set of steps you must follow when you return home. Or else, you risk health problems from damp, mould, festering bacteria, and maybe even high-cost home repairs down the line.
ICE Cleaning is a specialist cleaning company that provides a range of flood and water damage services including restoration, water extraction, mould remediation, leak detection, and damp odour removal.
Keep reading to hear from the experts what you should do after a flood.
Contact your insurer
You will need to notify your insurer of any damage or loss to your home or belongings. Take pictures or videos before anyone starts clearing up the damage for claims. Don’t forget to record the flood water height, or ask your insurer before getting rid of items that can’t be cleaned, like carpets.
Your insurance provider can also provide guidance on which cleaning services you require, and even appoint professionals to clean and repair your home.
Start the drying process
To remove flood water from your home, you will need special pumps. For that, you have to know how much water must be pumped out and how quickly. It is recommended that you bring in professionals as they can select the right equipment for the job, and use them the most effectively.
Air bricks and ventilation holes in the walls and floor of your home will also need to be unblocked during the flood restoration service to help excess flood water escape your property.
To dry out the building, you will require air conditioners and fans, as well as specialist equipment like dehumidifiers to help remove excess moisture. Instead of renting specialist equipment yourself, hire professionals who have the experience to dry your property rapidly and thoroughly. Otherwise, you could be at risk of mould problems in the future.
Clean your home
Clearing your property of contaminated debris and cleaning is a hazardous process. Flood water often conceal obstacles which can injure you and be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If a sewer has flooded, the water will contain human waste which is very dangerous to touch or be exposed to.
Only professionals should clean a flood water damaged property as they have the necessary PPE, equipment, and experience to rigorously decontaminate the property. If you try to clean it yourself, you might not properly sanitise surfaces and belongings, and could put yours and others’ health at risk.
Technicians at companies like ICE Cleaning can take care of the entire flood restoration process for you, and are available to respond to any emergency nationwide, 24/7.
To find out more about ICE Cleaning’s flood damage services, click here.
