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The devastating power of water - Brisbane & Queensland Floods
My thoughts are with you if you have been affected by the devastating floods in Brisbane and other Queensland areas.
I can only assume how you feel. My heart goes to you.
I collected a few tips that might help you to handle the clean up in an easy and safe way.
I can only assume how you feel. My heart goes to you.
I collected a few tips that might help you to handle the clean up in an easy and safe way.
Flood water can cause devastating ruin to your house, furniture, all your belongings.
It is important to clean everything properly, thoroughly and in a safe way.
Instructions
1. Use a shovel to remove as much of the mud that the waters carried into your home as possible. Chances are the mud is contaminated. Wear rubber gloves and boots. Hose off whatever mud remains after shovelling.
2. Scrub walls, floors and kitchen counters, built-in shelves and all other surfaces that came into contact with flood waters with a mixture of two tablespoons of chlorinated bleach per one gallon of warm water.
3. Remove all furniture, clothing, rugs, curtains and other such items and air them outside the house. Get rid of anything that is too damaged or cannot be properly disinfected and cleaned, such as rugs, carpets and some upholstered furniture.
4. Open windows and run a dehumidifier or air conditioner to remove the moisture from the house. Circulate the air in the house with fans. Vacuum up any mould or mildew.
5. Replace any wall board or panelling or remove any plaster that came into contact with flood waters. Remove any dampened insulation and discard. Pull up flooring such as linoleum to allow sub flooring to dry.
6. Clean mud and other debris from books, photographs and important papers. Place them in plastic bags and freeze them until they can be sorted and cleaned later.
Source:www.ehow.com
1. Use a shovel to remove as much of the mud that the waters carried into your home as possible. Chances are the mud is contaminated. Wear rubber gloves and boots. Hose off whatever mud remains after shovelling.
2. Scrub walls, floors and kitchen counters, built-in shelves and all other surfaces that came into contact with flood waters with a mixture of two tablespoons of chlorinated bleach per one gallon of warm water.
3. Remove all furniture, clothing, rugs, curtains and other such items and air them outside the house. Get rid of anything that is too damaged or cannot be properly disinfected and cleaned, such as rugs, carpets and some upholstered furniture.
4. Open windows and run a dehumidifier or air conditioner to remove the moisture from the house. Circulate the air in the house with fans. Vacuum up any mould or mildew.
5. Replace any wall board or panelling or remove any plaster that came into contact with flood waters. Remove any dampened insulation and discard. Pull up flooring such as linoleum to allow sub flooring to dry.
6. Clean mud and other debris from books, photographs and important papers. Place them in plastic bags and freeze them until they can be sorted and cleaned later.
Source:www.ehow.com
Tips & Warnings
- Take pictures or a video of all water damage before you clean up after a flood. Documenting the damage is a good idea when it comes time for insurance claims.
- Have an electrician check the wiring system. Any damaged outlets and wiring should be replaced.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water after you clean up after a flood. Clothes worn during clean up should be washed in warm water and detergent, separate from other items.
- Follow the old adage "When in doubt, throw it out" when it comes to cleaning up after a flood. If you think any furniture, canned food, toys or other items cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected or have been heavily damaged, throw them out.
- Do not attempt to reuse a mattress that has been damaged in a flood. Throw it out and buy a new one.
- Do not drink or clean up with water might be contaminated. Check with your local Health Department about the status of the water before using it. Bring bottled water to drink while cleaning up after a flood.
How to Disinfect With Bleach Following a Flood
Things You'll Need:
- Bleach
- Hot tap water
- Measuring cup
- Recycled ice cream bucket
- Rubber, non-disposable gloves
- Sponge or scrub brush
Instructions
1. Remove any visible mud and debris from the flooded area or item.
2. Dilute ¼ cup of bleach in ca. 4 litre of hot tap water. This ratio of water to bleach creates a disinfectant capable of killing the microscopic bacteria left behind after a flood. Use a recycled plastic gallon-sized ice cream container to hold the bleach solution.
3. Put on rubber, non-disposable gloves and dip sponges or scrub brushes into the bleach solution. Without wringing the sponges or scrub brushes out completely, began to wipe and disinfect all surfaces touched by the flood waters. Even if you cannot see the bacteria disappearing from the surfaces or objects or get the sponge or scrub brush into every tiny nook and crevice, the bleach solution will reach these spots and kill the bacteria.
4. Ventilate the area to promote faster drying so the water and bleach solution does not damage the surfaces or materials.
1. Remove any visible mud and debris from the flooded area or item.
2. Dilute ¼ cup of bleach in ca. 4 litre of hot tap water. This ratio of water to bleach creates a disinfectant capable of killing the microscopic bacteria left behind after a flood. Use a recycled plastic gallon-sized ice cream container to hold the bleach solution.
3. Put on rubber, non-disposable gloves and dip sponges or scrub brushes into the bleach solution. Without wringing the sponges or scrub brushes out completely, began to wipe and disinfect all surfaces touched by the flood waters. Even if you cannot see the bacteria disappearing from the surfaces or objects or get the sponge or scrub brush into every tiny nook and crevice, the bleach solution will reach these spots and kill the bacteria.
4. Ventilate the area to promote faster drying so the water and bleach solution does not damage the surfaces or materials.
Tips & Warnings
- Prepare a new water and bleach solution if your first solution begins becomes dirty or cloudy.
- Consider wiping the surfaces down twice with the bleach and water solution to ensure that the bacteria is killed.
- Start the cleaning and disinfecting process as soon as possible after a flood, before dangerous moulds and mildews begin growing.
Advice from Queensland Government/Health Department
Coping in times of Crisis or Disaster - click here
Recovering from flooding – Health and Safety advice - click here
Dealing with mould after a flood - click here
Preventing harm from flood water - click here
Coping in times of Crisis or Disaster - click here
Recovering from flooding – Health and Safety advice - click here
Dealing with mould after a flood - click here
Preventing harm from flood water - click here
Need a hand?
If you later on need a hand in your office or home with any organising, de-cluttering, research, To-Do lists - please feel free to contact me as long you are max. 45 minutes drive away from Cleveland/Redlands.
I'll offer special, affordable rates to flood affected people!
I'll offer special, affordable rates to flood affected people!
