4 Tips To Stay Safe During Flood Cleanup

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling anything that has touched floodwater

Follow These Tips To Stay Safe During Flood Cleanup

After a business flood, you’ll likely want to start cleaning up your flooded company as soon as possible, but you should fight the urge to jump in with both feet. Flood situations can pose serious health hazards. 

1. Understand the Risk
Even clean-looking floodwater can be highly contaminated. Water from outside contains bacteria and other microorganisms and may be tainted with chemical pollutants. Floodwater from a broken pipe can contain human waste or other organic matter. Even clean water can become contaminated if it touches floors and other areas of your business, or mixes with contaminated water.

2. Call in the Pros
Before attempting any cleanup efforts yourself, call a professional flood damage restoration company in Morningside, GA. These experts have the proper training and equipment to deal with your flooded company quickly and safely. In addition to cleaning up the building, they can restore many contents of your business through freeze-drying, dry cleaning and other methods.

3. Wear Protective Gear
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that anyone who is exposed to floodwaters should wear waterproof gloves, rubber boots and goggles to prevent contact with harmful bacteria. The CDC also suggests wearing a splash-proof face shield and liquid-repellent coveralls, if possible. Remove all protective gear and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before getting into your car or leaving the site of the flood.

4. Practice Safe Hygiene
Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling anything that has touched floodwater. Never eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during flood cleanup. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, and before and after using the restroom.
The best practice is to leave flood cleanup to the professionals, who have experience working with potentially contaminated floodwaters. However, if you must enter your flooded company, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.