Deciding What to Salvage and What to Part Ways with After a Flood

Experiencing a flood can be an overwhelming and distressing event. Once the waters recede, you are left with the arduous task of assessing the damage and deciding what to salvage and what to let go. It’s crucial to approach this process methodically to ensure the safety of your property and the well-being of your loved ones.

Let’s go step-by-step through the challenging task of determining what items to save and what to part ways with after a flood, and share essential tips and insights to aid in your recovery efforts.

Prioritize Safety

Before diving into cleaning or the sorting and tossing process, it’s vital to ensure your safety and that of your family. Flood waters can be contaminated with raw sewage, gasoline, and other toxins, and leave behind harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold. 90 % of all basement floods in Chicago are from sewer water. Even if it only looks slightly dirty, it is most likely sewer water.

It’s always better to be safe than sick, so it’s wise to keep the following points in mind:

Turn off utilities → Disconnect the main power supply, gas, and water lines to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of electrical shocks or gas leaks. Any appliances that were affected by moisture should be professionally checked before plugging them back in. 

Wear protective gear → Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves, boots, and masks to protect yourself from contaminants and other hazards.

Assess structural integrity → Check for any visible damage to the building’s structure. If you notice significant cracks or signs of instability, evacuate the premises and seek professional assistance.

It’s crucial that you remember to take plenty of photos and/ or videos for insurance purposes. Our specially trained and experienced disaster recovery technicians can help you deal with claims adjusters,  navigate the aftermath of a flood, and rebuild your life.

Salvaging the Possibilities

Once you have established a safe environment, consider these factors when deciding what to salvage:

• Health concerns: Porous materials, such as carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture can absorb water and become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Prioritize the disposal of such items to avoid health risks.

• Financial value: Assess the monetary value of the damaged items. High-value possessions like antiques, artwork, and electronics may be worth the cost of professional restoration.

• Sentimental value: Items with sentimental significance are often challenging to let go of. Evaluate the emotional attachment versus the feasibility and cost of restoration.

If you have important documents, pictures, or papers that have gotten wet, you can freeze them between pieces of wax paper until you’re able to thoroughly dry them. This will inhibit mold growth until you’re able to pay them proper attention.

Disposal Guidelines

Certain items are typically unsalvageable after a flood. Here’s what you should definitely plan on getting rid of with the assistance of your PuroClean of Evanston disaster recovery experts:

Heavily saturated or mold-infested items 

Discard materials such as wet drywall, soaked carpeting, and mold-infested belongings. These can pose health risks and hinder effective restoration.

Food and medicine 

Perishable food items and medications that have come into contact with floodwater should be discarded immediately. Consuming or using these items can lead to severe health consequences.

Damaged appliances 

Electrical appliances that have been submerged or heavily damaged by a flood should not be salvaged. The risk of electrical malfunctions or fire hazards outweighs the potential benefits of repair.

Contaminated personal items 

Items like cosmetics, toiletries, and children’s toys that have been exposed to floodwaters should be disposed of to prevent potential contamination.

Dealing with the Emotional Impact

Recovering from a flood goes beyond physical restoration, it also involves emotional healing. Coping with the loss of cherished possessions can be challenging — and it can take months or even years to feel as if everything is back to “normal.”

It’s critical to seek support. Reach out to family, friends, or survivor support groups to share your feelings and experiences. They can provide much-needed comfort and guidance during this difficult time.

You can also embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. Redefine your living space and prioritize safety and functionality during the rebuilding process with the assistance of a professional disaster restoration company. 

Deciding what to salvage and what to part ways with after a flood is a daunting task, but with PuroClean of Evanston on your side, you can make informed decisions and get the guidance you need. 
While the road to recovery may be challenging, our “Paramedics of Property Damage™” are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today!