Red Cross offers flooding clean-up safety tips

Nearly two weeks after catastrophic flooding swept through Vermont, several communities are on the road to recovery, deeply entrenched in the clean-up process.

Cleaning up after a flood can be overwhelming. In addition to the other emotions, flooding survivors may feel anxious by the size of the task and uncertain of where to begin.

Every home’s needs will be different, and some damage can only be repaired by professionals. But for those tackling the work themselves, the Red Cross wants Vermonters to be safe. Disaster clean-up can expose individuals to a wide range of hazards, from contaminated water to splintered wood and sagging ceilings. At a minimum, everyone engaging in clean-up and repair should wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves.

To date, the Red Cross has distributed 1,761 clean-up kits to Vermonters in need. These free kits include items like a large bucket, mop, broom, gloves, sponges, bleach and other cleaning agents. 

They are available at the multi-agency resource centers around the state. Red Cross volunteers are also handing them out in some of the hardest hit communities.

Water damage is not just unsightly and unsanitary – it can also be dangerous. From wallboards to rugs, items that are not thoroughly dried can sprout mold and mildew.

The first task in addressing water damage is to remove any water that remains. That means pumping out standing water and drying out waterlogged surfaces.

• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
  
  
• Bring all soft items (such as sofas, clothing, bedding, and throw rugs) outside if possible – sunlight and wind will help them dry faster.
  
  
• Throw out items that have absorbed water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
  
  
• Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
  
  
• Consider removing vinyl floor coverings and tile to allow the substructures beneath or behind them to dry.
  
  
• Keep the windows open and run fans – or keep them shut and run dehumidifiers – to pull moisture out of wood floors and subfloors, beams, doors, etc.
  
  
• Any appliances that were inundated by flood water should be checked by a professional before you use them.

Be patient. Depending on the level of water damage incurred, it can take weeks or months for a home’s structural elements to be thoroughly dried. Only then should drywall, carpets and other floorcoverings be replaced.

For additional tips for cleaning and repairing a home after a disaster: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/disaster-cleanup.html