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Flood Damage Restoration
Texas Department of Health
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Flooded homes should be thoroughly dried out, a process
that may take several days or weeks.
Wet carpet and padding should be removed and discarded.
Porous materials -- those that absorb water -- such
as sheetrock, some paneling, fiberglass insulation,
cellulose insulation, mattresses, pillows, wallpaper
and upholstered furniture should be discarded.
Sheetrock and other porous wallboards should be removed
to at least 12 inches above the water line. Check for
wicking, the upward movement of moisture to higher levels.
Clean wall studs where wallboard has been removed
and allow them to dry completely.
Floors, concrete or brick walls, countertops, plastic,
glass and other non-porous materials should be washed
with soap and water and then with a solution of one
to two cups of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water
and allowed to completely dry.
Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when using bleach
and make sure area is well ventilated. Never mix bleach
with any cleaning product that contains ammonia. Consider
using an N-95 rated dust mask if heavy concentrations
of mold are already growing.
Materials that cannot be effectively cleaned and dried
should be placed in plastic garbage bags for disposal.
Launder clothing, sheets, and towels.
Valuable items such as books, wood furniture, or papers
should be cleaned or discarded. Saving damaged items
may require hiring professionals such as conservators
who are familiar with cleaning and restoration techniques.
Check your air conditioning and heating systems for
damage. Discard water-damaged filters. You may wish
to hire a professional to inspect your system.
Reference:
Indoor Air Quality Branch of Texas Department of Health
Website: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/beh/iaq/Mld_Cln_702.htm
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