Twelve Steps to Take After a Flood

1. Control the source of flooding...fix the roof leak, fix the plumbing, etc.
2. Remove as much water as possible from the area. If depth is over 2 inches, use a sump pump. If less than 2 inches, use a wet-dry vacuum.
3. After removing standing water, bring in dehumidifiers and fans. The room contents will continue to give off water, and the dehumidifier will pull it out of the air.
4. Dry at a temperature above 70F (20C) in order to open the pores of the wood.
5. Ventilate all wall cavities. To do this, pull the baseboard off and blow air in. You may need to cut holes to improve the air movement. Some older wall materials contain asbestos.
6. Often the cheapest solution is to cut off the lowest 4 ft. (120 cm) of sheetrock / drywall and replace it later, instead of trying to dry it.
7. If wet carpet is 12 years or more in age, replace it. Drag it out of the building so it doesn't keep bleeding water into the air.
8. Use electronic testers to determine the moisture content of the room air (humidity) and of solid materials. You must keep the humidity under control.
9. After drying is completed, use an ozone machine to kill musty odors. Run it at night when the area is un-occupied. Treatment may require up to 3 nights.
10. After a mold-repair job, you must dispose of all the dust.
11. Encapsulation is OK, but only after all the mold is removed.
12. Keep good records during a flood restoration project: Photos, humidity readings, etc. These will help with insurance claims and perhaps on your next income tax return.

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