{"id":19455,"date":"2023-06-28T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T17:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/?post_type=blog&p=19455"},"modified":"2023-06-28T17:07:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T17:07:00","slug":"deciding-what-to-salvage-and-what-to-part-ways-with-after-a-flood","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/chicago-il-puroclean-evanston\/blog\/deciding-what-to-salvage-and-what-to-part-ways-with-after-a-flood\/","title":{"rendered":"Deciding What to Salvage and What to Part Ways with After a Flood"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Experiencing a flood can be an overwhelming and distressing event<\/a>. 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s go step-by-step through the challenging task of determining what items to save and what to part ways with<\/a> after a flood, and share essential tips and insights to aid in your recovery efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prioritize Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. 90 % of all basement floods in Chicago are from sewer water. Even if it only looks slightly dirty, it is most likely sewer water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always better to be safe than sick, so it\u2019s wise to keep the following points in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn off utilities<\/strong> \u2192 Disconnect the main power supply, gas, and water lines to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of electrical shocks or gas leaks<\/a>. Any appliances that were affected by moisture should be professionally checked before plugging them back in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear protective gear<\/strong> \u2192 Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)<\/a> such as rubber gloves, boots, and masks to protect yourself from contaminants and other hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assess structural integrity<\/strong> \u2192 Check for any visible damage to the building’s structure. If you notice significant cracks or signs of instability<\/a>, evacuate the premises and seek professional assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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<\/a>,  navigate the aftermath of a flood, and rebuild your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salvaging the Possibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you have established a safe environment, consider these factors when deciding what to salvage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n