How to Dry out After a Flood

Evaluate the type of flood water you're dealing with. If it's from a broken water pipe or a roof leak, it falls into Category 1 and poses no health hazard. Category 2, or grey water, contains chemicals that do pose a risk to humans. Seawater and groundwater rife with toxins and silt falls into Category 3 and is also dangerous. Cleaning either Category 2 or 3 water requires special protection.

Put on the appropriate protective gear before entering your house. You'll need gloves, respiratory protection such as a mask, and rubber boots at the least. Sewage and carrion are just some of the nasty things floating around in flood water that can cause serious illness.

Pull out all the soaked belongings, such as furniture and rugs, so that the floor is mostly empty, except for the water.

Get rid of as much water as you can using wet-dry vacuums, pumps and mops. Sweep and mop out the silt and mud left behind. Sanitize every surface that came in touch with the flood water using a combination of one cup chlorine bleach per gallon of cleaning water. Allow 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off.

Turn on large fans if you have electricity. Pair the swift-moving air with large heaters to dry the house. Don't use fuel-fired heaters, which produce moisture.

Discard wet insulation from the walls and pull out the damaged drywall. Wet walls must either be completely dry before they are sealed back or you run the risk of mold. Choose paperless drywall, which is mold resistant, if you believe flooding will occur again.

Pump water out of the basement slowly. Outside groundwater is exerts pressure on the walls and can cause the the basement walls to collapse. Local first responders can help with pumping out a basement.