Getting back to normal – the steps to take after a flood

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it’s time to start the recovery process.

Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud, so here’s what you can do to begin restoring your home.

Prevent mould by removing wet contents from your home or business immediately.

Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect and seek medical treatment if you injure yourself during the clean up.

Your house

Before entering
Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse. Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.

Insurance claims
Contact your home insurance company. If your insurance covers the damage, they will tell you what they require. List damage and take photos or videotape as you clean. You'll need complete records for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.

Contaminated mud
Shovel out as much mud as possible, then use a garden sprayer or hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.

Clean and disinfect every surface
Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per 3.5 litres of water or use product that is labelled as a disinfectant to kill germs.

In the kitchen

• Dispose of any food stuffs left in fridges that were turned off or exposed to flood waters
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per 3.7litres of hot water. Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel.
• Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes. Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken.
• Cupboards and counters need to be cleaned and rinsed with a chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes.

Furniture and household items

• Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry as soon as possible.
• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture or open at least two windows to ventilate with outdoor air.
• Use fans to circulate air in the house.
• If mould and mildew develop, brush off items outdoors to prevent scattering spores in the house.
• Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant.
• Wear a two-strap protective mask to prevent breathing mould spores.
• Mattresses should be thrown away.
• Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from floodwaters and should be cleaned by a professional.
• Toys and stuffed animals may have to be thrown away if they've been contaminated by floodwaters.
• Photographs, books and important papers can be frozen and cleaned later. They should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags and put them in a frost-free freezer to protect from mildew and further damage until you have time to thaw and clean them or take them to a professional.

Ceilings and walls

• Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed.
• Plaster and paneling can often be saved, but air must be circulated in the wall cavities to dry the studs and sills.

Electrical system
The system must be shut off and repaired and inspected by an electrician before it can be turned back on. Wiring must be completely dried out- even behind walls. Switches, convenience outlets, light outlets, entrance panel, and junction boxes that have been under water may be filled with mud.

Heating and cooling systems and ducts-
Will need inspection and cleaning. Flood-soaked insulation should be replaced.

Appliances
Wet appliances may cause electrocution. Get them professionally cleaned and checked or replace them.

Floors
Open windows and doors to expose floors to as much air as possible.

Carpeting-
Clean and dry carpets and rugs as quickly as possible or discard them. To clean, drape carpets and rugs outdoors and hose them down. Work a disinfecting carpet cleaner into soiled spots with a broom. To discourage mildew and odours, rinse with a solution of 2 tablespoons bleach to 3.7litres of water, but don't use this solution on wool or nylon carpets. Dry the carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing the carpet. Padding is nearly impossible to clean so should be replaced.

If the carpet can't be removed, dry it as quickly as possible using a wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier. Use a fan to circulate air above the carpet, and if possible, lift the carpet and ventilate with fans underneath.

Vinyl flooring and floor tile may need to be removed to allow drying of subfloor.

Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling. Remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.

Your yard

• Fruit and vegetables grown in your garden in contact with flood water may be contaminated and should not be consumed.
•  Any electrical equipment connected to an onsite waste water treatment system should be examined by a licensed electrician before the power is switched on.
• Once the tanks have been pumped out and inspected make sure that any manholes or inspection openings are closed and secured.

The City of Ballarat Council will continue to assist the Ballarat community to get back to normal as quickly as possible.