CLEANING SEWAGE AND CONTAMINATED WATER DAMAGE

All floods are dangerous, but those that come from outside sources, such as overflowing rivers, can be much more dangerous than those that occur due to a burst pipe in the basement. Bursting pipes often spray large volumes of clean water which can do damage to the structure, but an “outside” flood can carry many other contaminants into a home or business.

Flood waters can contain many other things besides water that can be harmful or even deadly to human beings. Flood water is usually not “pure” water; instead, it contains everything from sewage to harmful bacteria. There are several rules to follow when dealing with flood waters that may have in any way come into contact with possible contaminants, including:

• Never come into contact with raw flood water if possible. If your home is filled with flood water or if your floors have been saturated, the best thing you can do is to stay away until professionals have done a thorough job of cleaning and sanitizing. If you must visit the property, wear sturdy footgear and long pants to avoid skin contact with contaminated water or surfaces.
• Be aware that flood waters can contain dangerous creatures such as snakes. While it is unlikely that your home will contain unwanted wildlife after a flood, it is possible, particularly if the water remains deep for some time. Never wade into flooded areas if you cannot see what is in the water.
• Thoroughly wash your hands after contact with any flood-contaminated objects. Bacteria can live in floodwaters for some time. Be sure that you thoroughly clean your hands before touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Additionally, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is advised as you may breathe in contaminants.
• Never use any object that has been touched by floodwater until it has been cleaned and sanitized. Do not try to salvage dishes, furniture or any other objects unless you plan to have them cleaned thoroughly.

For emergency purposes only, you can clean many objects by dipping them in a solution of bleach and clean water. However, it is usually better to allow a professional to clean all of your possessions at once to avoid any possibility of cross-contamination.
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The experts at J&M Keystone in San Diego are here to help you if your home needs professional cleaning due to flood damage. Call today to talk to our experts.