Hurricane flooding has caused extensive damage to homes and businesses here in Clearwater and Tampa Bay.
Properly drying out your home is important to preventing further damage and health risks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Expert Adages: Helpful Points We’d Like to Stress
- “Dry to the eye isn’t dry”: You need a moisture meter to determine whether something in your home is properly and fully dry. Visual inspection alone will not tell you.
- “Air circulation alone won’t cut it”: Fans and open windows are helpful, but dehumidifiers are needed to removing moisture from the air to prevent mold growth. There is enough moisture in Florida’s air alone to cause mold growth if untreated.
- “Mold can start growing in 24-48 hours”: It’s important to act quickly because mold can grow within just 1 to 2 days after flooding.
- “Hidden moisture is the real enemy”: Moisture will linger behind walls, under floors, and in other hidden areas, leading to long-term damage if not properly addressed.
- “Disinfection is as important as drying”: Floodwaters carry harmful bacteria and contaminants, so thorough cleaning and disinfecting are also needed.
None of the above mean that any work you do to remove water and dry your home are not important—you should do all you safely can to remove water as quickly as possible to prevent damage and mold. Just be sure that you then work to fully dry out your home—even beyond the obvious standing and visible water. You’ll do this with industrial-grade dehumidifiers if at all possible, or by hiring a team like Mold Solutions that already has the equipment.
Here are the 10 steps you should take, and please reach out to us if you need help:
1. Ensure Your Safety
Before you start dry-out and cleanup, make sure your home is safe. Turn off electricity and gas to prevent accidents and fires. Floodwater is often contaminated, so wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and rubber boots.
2. Remove Standing Water 1st
The first major task is to remove any standing water. Use pumps, wet vacs, buckets, or mops to get rid of the water as quickly as possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause to your home’s structure and contents.
3. Clear Out Debris
After the water is removed, you’ll likely find mud, dirt, and other debris left behind. Clear these out to prevent any blockages and to make the drying process more effective. Shovels and brooms can be helpful tools for this task.
4. Remove Wet Items
Take out any soaked furniture, carpets, and belongings from the affected areas. These items can retain moisture and contribute to mold growth. If possible, move them to a dry, ventilated area where they can be cleaned and dried separately.
5. Ventilate the Area
Open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through your home. This will help to reduce moisture levels and speed up the drying process. If weather conditions permit, keep them open as long as possible.
6. Use Fans and Dehumidifiers
Place fans and dehumidifiers strategically around your home to expedite the drying process. Fans will help circulate air, while dehumidifiers will remove excess moisture from the air. This combination is effective in drying out your home more quickly.
7. Check Hidden Areas
Moisture can hide in places you might not initially think to check, such as behind walls and under floors. Use a moisture meter to inspect these hidden areas. If moisture is detected, you may need to remove sections of drywall or flooring to allow these areas to dry properly.
8. Clean and Disinfect
Floodwater can bring in bacteria and other contaminants. Use cleaning solutions to thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas. This will help to prevent mold growth and eliminate any harmful pathogens that may have been brought in by the floodwater.
9. Monitor Moisture Levels
Continuously monitor the moisture levels in your home using a moisture meter. This will help you ensure that everything is completely dry before you begin any repair work. Lingering moisture can lead to mold growth and further damage down the line.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If the damage is extensive or if you encounter mold issues, it’s best to seek professional help. Mold Solutions deals with these sorts of scenarios daily and we have the experience and equipment to handle severe damage and get your home properly dried and remediated.
If you need professional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our hurricane remediation and home dry-out experts.
We’re here to help you get your home back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.
