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Flood Damage Cleanup

Mar 17, 2011; 8:17 AM ET

First make sure your building is safe to enter in regard to gas, electricity and building structure. Take extensive photos and video for insurance claims. Also, wear rubber boots, a safety mask and water proof gloves to handle contaminated items while photographing and cleaning. Wash your hands and face often-with soap and drinking-quality water.

Using Cleaning Products

Before using any product, read the label. It's important to understand that cleaners remove dirt, and disinfectants stop growth of disease causing germs. NEVER mix chlorine bleach with ammonia. Together they make toxic fumes. Experts suggest combining chlorine bleach at a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to disinfect furniture and rugs. Trisodium phosphate cleans hard surfaces, walls, woodwork, linoleum floors and tiles. Liquid cleaners can remove mud, silt and greasy deposits. Liquid detergents work on washable textiles. Use diluted bleach if item is safe for bleach.

Clean Up Your Home

Once you have cleared the standing water and removed the wet materials for further cleaning or disposal, you can begin the cleanup of the building itself. Walls, floors, doors, closets, and shelves should all be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

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