5 Ways To Care For Your Home After Floods.

Tips for Cleaning Up After Flooding in Chennai

Heavy overnight rain led to flooding in various parts of Chennai on November 7, 2021. Tamil Nadu received 43% surplus rainfall and Chennai registered 26% excess rain since October that year. Dealing with flooding in your home can be daunting, but it's crucial to act quickly to minimize damage. Here are some essential tips to help you clean up after a flood:

1. Wear Protective Gear

Your safety should be the top priority. Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. When cleaning up, always wear:

• A well-ventilated mask like an N95
• Eye protection without holes
• Long pants and sleeves
• Waterproof gloves
• Rubber boots to avoid shocks and protect your feet

Assemble a first-aid kit for minor injuries that may occur during cleanup.

2. Drain the Water

Remove as much water as possible quickly. Use buckets or containers to bail out water. Shovel mud and debris while it's still wet to prevent crusting. Consider using Sodium Polyacrylate, an affordable and safe absorbent that turns water into easily disposable solid lumps.

3. Clean and Dry Out the Walls

Thoroughly dry your home from the inside out before inhabiting it. Rinse walls multiple times, then clean and disinfect them using chlorine bleach, starting from the bottom. Remove wall coverings like paneling, wallpaper, and insulation up to at least the highest visible water line. Even if plaster appears undamaged, ensure wall cavities are dried quickly.

4. Keep Your House Ventilated

Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold growth and remove contaminants. Keep all fans running and use ventilators to keep air moving. Mount box fans in windows, set to blow air out, to help extract dirt, dust, and mold spores.

5. Clean and Disinfect Items

Clean, sanitize, and dry every hard surface using a product that kills germs. Use cleaners containing bleach to sanitize surfaces. Diluted chlorine bleach disinfectants can be used to rinse carpets and furniture. For textiles, use all-purpose detergents. Consult a professional dry cleaner for damaged wool or silk items.

The total drying time depends on factors like building materials, air circulation, and moisture content. Be patient, as complete drying may take longer depending on the flooding duration and house construction.

Floods can wash away everything but they cannot wash away the hope in our hearts.