Drying Out And Cleaning Up After The Storms
Release Date: July 1, 2003
Release Number: 1474-12
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- Floodwaters are toxic. The contaminated debris from flooding that began on June 11 requires special handling. Disaster officials of the WV Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge owners of flood-damaged homes to keep several important facts in mind as they continue cleaning up.
Homeowners should assume that anything touched by floodwater is contaminated. Mud left by floodwater can contain chemicals from varied sources such as your garden, a neighbor's propane tank, or the oven cleaner you stored in the kitchen.
It is important to thoroughly dry all areas of your home. Flood-damaged homes are likely to have damp areas where mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive. Even though the surfaces of walls or cabinets are dry, it is not safe to assume they are dry all the way through. Hidden moisture can breed molds, mildew, and other organisms. Rebuilding too quickly and trapping moisture inside walls can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations and deterioration of the wood and wood coverings.
STEPS TO TAKE FOR DRYING OUT THE HOUSE:
- Turn off the main power
- Open up the house to allow moist air to escape
- Remove all wet furniture, contents and carpets or rugs. If you decide to keep some of these items, they must be cleaned and disinfected
- Discard all contaminated food products
Walls must be allowed to dry thoroughly from the inside out. The drying process may take weeks or even months, depending upon initial moisture content and drying conditions. For home interiors, keep these tips in mind:
- Interior plaster walls must be drained if they are still holding water.
- Remove and throw away flood-soaked wallboard.
- Remove wet insulation and discard. Rigid foam insulation is an exception. It can be removed and disinfected. Once it is completely dry, it can be reinstalled.
- Wash and disinfect the exposed wall cavity and framing using hot soapy water and bleach rinse. Allow wet areas to dry VERY thoroughly.
- Lower the humidity, and everything will dry more quickly. You can speed the process by opening up the house, opening closets and cabinet doors, and using fans and dehumidifiers
- Wet floor insulation must be removed and the framing disinfected and dried out.
If you live in a flood-prone area, water-resistant materials such as ceramic tiles, rigid foam insulation, and even marine plywood may be appropriate materials to consider when you are rebuilding.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center to gather information on specific rebuilding strategies. For more information, a joint publication from FEMA and the American Red Cross has been published. "Repairing Your Flooded Home" is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager. It is also available from FEMA Publications, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, DC 20024, or call toll-free 1-800-480-2520, extension 4.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-Jul-2003 12:56:01