Flood Damage Cleanup - Hazardous Waste In Flood Water

Managing impure flood water is a specialty at Stover's Restoration - since 1980 we have been the trusted name in flood restoration throughout Wichita, Maize, Salina and the surrounding communities.

Floods are set off by a natural disaster such as heavy rain fall, torrential downpour and several days of ongoing rain. Whether the rain leads to high water tables, strong runoff or pooling water, the results can be disastrous for basements and foundations. As the water swells and overflows the available runoff areas, homeowners may encounter flooding of their basement, crawlspace or other parts of their home. Sometimes flooding areas may run into the basement through egress or basement windows. When this happens from the strong waters or pooling water, the resulting water may be more hazardous than a homeowner may imagine, as it may be contaminated with any number of foreign elements, from fertilizer to sewage.

Many disgusting and hazardous materials may wind up in flood water and other pooling water that seeps into your home or floods your basement. Flooding water may have elements including animal manure, trash, organic waste, germs and parasites. As a result, we encourage to you to take precautionary steps and call the professionals at Stover's Restoration to assess the damage and threat before you put yourself in harm's way.

Flood waters can create sickness or even death if a person doesn't take into account the potential for hazardous materials that may also be present in the water. Sometimes during flood conditions, sump pumps and other lines may back up and push raw sewage up with the rainwater. Sometimes this includes incredibly obvious foul odor, while other times, no odor may be present but is not necessarily any safer to be cleaned up without proper protective gear.

More types of dangerous waste will also blend into the rampant flood waters. Pesticides, hazardous waste from infirmaries, toxic chemicals, and even radioactive substances could end up in the water. These chemicals in the flood water can poison somebody who comes into contact with it - whether it is consumed or taken in through the skin. It is imperative that every safeguard be taken to keep anyone that may be exposed to floodwater to remain protected.

Quick Checklist:
• Make certain all your immunizations are current before you attempt to perform any form of flood damage clean up.
• Drink bottled water until all threat of water contamination has been reviewed and an all clear provided
• Wear appropriate protective gear
• Wash your hands often with fresh (bottled) water when working in the presence of waste water/flood water

Fresh Water

Extract water from carpet and pad.

Apply disinfectant if necessary.

Dry carpet, structure and pad.

Restretch carpet if necessary.

Clean carpet.

Rain Water

Locate wet areas.

Extract water from carpet

Remove and dispose of damaged pad.

Apply disinfectant.

Dry carpet and structure in place.

Replace pad.

Restretch carpet.

Clean carpet.

Sewer

Apply inital disinfectant and extract sewage.

Remove/dispose of carpet and pad.

Steam clean floor.

Apply final disinfectant.

Install drying equipment and air cleaner.