How to Handle Damaged Belongings After a Flood.

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

If your building was damaged during a storm, the items inside may have been affected as well. If this is the case, it can be problematic to determine how you should proceed. If you are unsure about how your possessions should be treated, the following content cleaning information may help you.

1. Curtains and Other Fabrics

Because these materials are spongy, they can absorb a lot of water. This can be especially difficult when black water is involved. It carries a high level of contaminants such as waste, mud and bacteria that can be difficult to remove. While you may be able to salvage some porous items with a thorough cleaning, some of them may need to be thrown out.

2. Hard Surfaces and Non-Porous Items

Content cleaning for objects with hard, non-porous surfaces is usually much easier. Because the contaminated water is not absorbed, you don’t need to worry about bacteria lingering beneath the surface. With these items, scrubbing them with an anti-bacterial cleaner will likely be enough to sanitize them.

3. Artwork and Paper Items

These items can be important and sometimes irreplaceable, so it can be upsetting when they are damaged in a flood. The good news is that they are not necessarily ruined beyond repair. A professional service will likely have access to high-quality equipment that will be able to dry these items and remove the bacteria and other contaminants.

4. Electronics and Equipment

Like spongy materials, electronics can be difficult to save if they have been damaged by contaminated water. For the best results, you should have them taken to a professional like SERVPRO of Champaign-Urbana right away for inspection. Do not attempt to use these items before you know it is safe as you may cause more damage.

If your items have been damaged by contaminated water, then the best thing to do is have content cleaning done by a professional. A cleanup and restoration service can salvage many of your belongings and can perform any necessary repairs on your building as well feel free to call SERVPRO of Champaign-Urbana anytime at (217) 355-0077.

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