June 24, 2003
Keep Safety in Mind During Flood Cleanup
LINCOLN, Neb. — Safety should be top priority for Nebraskans cleaning up the muddy mess left by recent heavy rains and flooding, a University of Nebraska specialist said.
While household items need immediate attention to prevent mildew and odors after water damage, safety issues also are critical, said Shirley Niemeyer, housing and environment specialist in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
"It's safety first and then the approach to clean up," Niemeyer said.
Storms on Sunday (June 22) dropped up to a foot of rain in Thayer County, while another round of thunderstorms hit the state Monday night. Severe weather is forecast through Wednesday.
"Before undertaking the cleaning task, contact your insurance company to determine the extent of insurance coverage and what records, photos or examples you need to keep for proof," she said. Contact the utility companies about gas and electrical services and safety issues before returning home.
Before entering a building, people need to check for structural damage and make sure the building isn't in danger of collapsing, she said. A professional contractor or an engineer can offer advice about structurally damaged homes or other buildings.
Before entering, be sure the outside gas line and electricity are off. If in doubt, contact the utility company or a qualified professional. When entering a building, use a battery operated flashlight, never an open flame.
If it is safe to enter and electricity has been restored, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliances for safety before using electricity.
Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. Electrical appliances wet from recent flooding should not be used because electrical parts can pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire, she said.
Wet-dry vacuum cleaners also can pose an electric shock hazard.
"Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock. Do not allow the power cord connections to become wet," she said.
It's also important to check the siding and roof for damage to keep further moisture out of the house, she said.
"There are places that we don't think about where water may have gotten," Niemeyer said. "Crawl spaces, wall cavities and floor joist areas may need to be dried out, especially if there was extensive water damage."
Floor moldings, drywall and insulation can be removed to allow the water to escape from wall cavities and dry. Wallboard should be partially or completely removed depending on how much water has been absorbed.
A moisture sensor or moisture meter helps determine how much moisture is in wall cavities and wooden studs. Wall cavities should not be covered or closed up for several weeks or months to allow complete drying and prevent mold growth.
Mold can start growing in 24 to 48 hours, especially next to anything organic, such as paper or wood. To minimize mold and mildew, run a central air conditioner, dehumidifier or fans to accelerate the drying process if this equipment is in good working order.
Water damaged furniture and household linens need immediate attention to prevent mildew and odors. To begin the cleaning process, air dry all items in the sun if possible. If the furniture or item has a hard surface and is not porous, it usually can be cleaned.
Hard surfaced items contaminated with anything but clean rain water should be disposed of or disinfected if possible, Niemeyer said. Follow label directions when using disinfectants and wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles.
Porous items need to be discarded because they are difficult to clean and to remove contamination, moisture and soil below the surfaces, she said.
Carpet that has been under flood water or contaminated with sewage, pesticides or other toxic materials should be discarded.
"You may be able to save carpet that has been soaked with clean rain water and if the water damage is a small area," Niemeyer said. A professional carpet cleaner or restorer can provide cost estimates.
"If you must attempt to salvage the carpet yourself and if it has been contaminated with clean rainwater, remove the carpet and discard the pad. Carpet with a foam backing should be discarded."
Carpets should be cleaned outdoors on both sides with a hose. Apply a carpet shampoo or an all-purpose cleaner and spray again. Do not replace carpet padding until the flooring and floor joists are throughly dry.
For more information about salvaging flood-damaged materials, consult the following NU Cooperative Extension NebFacts, all of which are available at local Cooperative Extension offices or online: NF94-200, Making Choices About Salvaging Wet or Flood Damaged Carpet; NF94-199, Making Choices About Salvaging Flood Damaged or Wet Furniture; or NF94-198, Making Choices About Cleaning Flood Damaged Bedding and Household Linens .
For more educational resources, contact local Cooperative Extension offices; the Extension Disaster Education Network Web site; the American Red Cross; or the Federal Emergency Management Association Web site.
6/24/03-SA
Shirley Niemeyer - Ph.D.
Textiles, Clothing and Design
Professor
(402) 472- 6319
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Textiles - Clothing and Design
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