5 Ways You Can Clean Up After a Building Flood

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

A flooded building in Raleigh, NC, can be a nightmare to deal with, but it can be fixed.

No one wants to experience a flooded company building, but it happens from time to time. In order to get back to business as soon as possible, you can do a few things before the professional cleanup crew arrives.

If you caught the flooding early, these steps can help start the cleanup process. If the water has been standing for several days, however, it is best to contact an expert to deal with possible mold or sewage contamination.

1. Power Down

If you can safely reach your breaker, shut off power to the building immediately. Please call an electrician if you have to walk through standing water to access the power switch.

2. Get Ready to Clean

Be sure to wear boots, gloves and a face mask while moving furniture and cleaning up a flooded company building. If your damage was caused by a broken pipe, you will want to be extra careful about exposure to chemicals or toxins.

3. Remove Water

Try to remove as much water as possible. Once the standing water is gone, run a dehumidifier and fan to begin the drying out process. The key here to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the moist environment.

4. Get Rid of Damaged Items

Paper products, carpeting and wall coverings usually do not hold up after being flooded. Discard or recycle anything that appears to have been damaged by water. Hard surfaces and clothing can be cleaned.

5. Wash Your Clothes

Be sure to wash any clothing that you or your employees wore during the cleanup process. They can potentially be contaminated with mold or sewage. This clothing should be washed separately from uncontaminated items.

A flooded building in Raleigh, NC, can be a nightmare to deal with, but it can be fixed. Taking the above steps and talking to a restoration expert can save you on costly downtime and damage.