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Restoration Industry Association Provides Homeowners with Flood Clean Up & Repair Tips

-- Wear heavy rubber gloves, thick-soled boots, goggles, hard hat and an N95 dust mask.

-- Enter the house only during daylight hours. Do not use candles or gas lanterns.

-- Leave the house immediately if there is an odor of gas or any suggestion of instability in the structure.

-- Change work clothes before entering any clean areas in a building to avoid cross-contamination.

-- Wash work clothes separately from regular laundry.

-- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Rest frequently to avoid overheating and exertion.

-- Wash hands and face frequently using an anti-microbial soap. Keep fingers away from eyes, nose and mouth.

-- Have a first-aid kit handy. Treat cuts and abrasions immediately with an antibiotic ointment.

-- If there is a boil-water advisory, boil water for washing for at least one minute or add 1 teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes.

-- Children, pregnant women, and people with health problems should avoid the flooded area until cleanup is complete.

-- Only use electrical equipment in dry environments to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

-- If the power is off, turn the main electrical breaker off and tape it down to prevent it from accidentally turning on when the power is restored.

-- Turn off natural gas at the meter and fuel oil or propane valves at the tank.

-- Circulate fresh air throughout the house. Open doors, windows, closets and cabinets.

-- Remove all contents from areas that were under water and hose down.

-- Double bag and discard all food items.

-- Discard rugs, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture and other porous materials that have been affected by water.

-- List and photograph damaged contents during removal.

-- Washable garments, towels and linens can be laundered in hot water and detergent. Items with visible mold are not restorable.

-- Discard refrigerators and other appliances that contain internal insulation.

-- Hard items such as metal, glass, china and finished wood may be decontaminated and restored.

For more information, visit the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA, formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.

SOURCE Restoration Industry Association