4 Ways To Salvage Your Home’s Contents Post-Flood

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

4 Ways To Salvage Your Home’s Contents Post-Flood

A flood ravaging Northglenn, CO, can destroy your home's contents and the structure itself. You'll need to take action swiftly. Whether clean water or black water, content cleaning will be a necessary part of the process if you're hoping to save damaged items. Here are the best approaches to protecting what is potentially salvageable.

1. Flooring
Carpets and rugs are likely to be unsalvageable after a flood, even if it's relatively clean water. They must be thoroughly dry within 24 hours of water exposure. Otherwise, mold can begin growing. If you're able to dry them in time to save, they'll still require professional cleaning.

2. Furniture
Soaked, upholstered furniture will probably have to be disposed of, as it won't dry quickly enough. Other porous materials such as wooden furniture can experience warping, discoloration and mold growth. Take these items outside to start drying in the fresh air and sun. You can speed drying time by removing drawers and shelves. Non-porous items should be fine once they're dry; just clean and sanitize them properly.

3. Documents and Photographs
Possibly the most delicate type of content cleaning is that of documents and photographs. When they've been affected by floodwaters, there's a chance that at least partial restoration is possible. This work is best left up to water damage restoration experts to limit additional damage. They have the professional equipment required for air-drying, dehumidification, freezer drying, vacuum freeze-drying and vacuum thermal drying.

4. Electronics and Appliances
Any electronics that you suspect have been affected by the water should NOT be turned on. Trying to operate an appliance after water exposure can pose a hazard. It can also ruin the machine. However, with proper cleaning and an inspection by an electronics technician, it might be salvageable.
Time is of the essence when it comes to saving your home and its contents from floodwaters. Putting a disaster plan in place now will be well worth the effort should the unthinkable occur. You'll immediately know who to call for your content cleaning and home restoration needs.