Earlier this month, we discussed the steps you should take when returning to a house that has been in a natural disaster. As there is much to say on this subject, we thought we would talk about a few more of the actions you would need to take after a disaster.
Be aware of the hazards that exist in floodwaters. Even if most of the water has drained away from your home it will leave behind dangerous toxins and bacteria like that found in sewage, etc. It will also leave you with a mountain of dirt and debris to clean up. Before you begin the clean-up process, it is essential that you have the right protective gear. Make sure this includes sturdy footwear, a good pair of gloves, and a breathing mask so that you don’t breathe in any of those hazardous bacteria.
It is not easy to go through damaged belongings and you will naturally want to salvage as much as you can but be aware that if any items have come into contact with floodwater, they will also have bacteria on them. If it is not possible to clean these items thoroughly, they should be thrown away. A mattress for example is one such item that will likely need throwing out.
Always put safety first when deciding whether to keep an item or not. For example, when sorting through food and drink items, if you are unsure if they were touched by floodwater, it is best to throw them away.
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