Salvaging Your Belongings After Hurricane Flood Damage: What to Keep and What to Toss

After a hurricane, the devastation can be overwhelming, but knowing what to keep and what to toss can make the recovery process less daunting.

Assessing the Damage: First Steps to Take

After a hurricane, the first and most crucial step is to assess the damage thoroughly. Ensure the safety of your family and yourself before entering the affected area. Wear protective gear such as gloves, masks, and boots to avoid direct contact with contaminated floodwater.

Document the damage with photographs and videos for insurance purposes. Make a list of all affected items, categorizing them into those that can be potentially salvaged and those that need to be discarded. This initial assessment will help you prioritize your efforts and streamline the recovery process.

Items You Can Salvage with Proper Cleaning

Some items can be salvaged with thorough cleaning and disinfection. Solid wood furniture, some types of clothing, and certain household items such as glassware, metal, and some plastics can often be restored. Upholstered furniture and mattresses, however, are usually difficult to salvage due to their absorbent nature.

Clothing and fabrics can be washed multiple times in hot water with detergent and disinfectant. Non-porous items like glass and metal should be cleaned with a bleach solution. Always ensure that any salvaged items are thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.

Belongings That Pose Health Risks and Should Be Discarded

Certain items should be discarded immediately due to health risks. These include porous materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and stuffed toys, which can harbor harmful bacteria and mold. Any food items that have come into contact with floodwater should also be thrown away.

Electronics and electrical appliances that have been submerged or exposed to water are generally unsafe to use and should be discarded. Waterlogged drywall and insulation are also breeding grounds for mold and should be removed and replaced.

Effective Cleaning and Disinfecting Methods

Effective cleaning and disinfecting are essential to ensure that salvaged items are safe for use. Use a bleach solution (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water) for disinfecting non-porous items. For fabrics, use a laundry disinfectant along with regular detergent and wash in the hottest setting possible.

For solid wood furniture, use a mild detergent solution and wipe down thoroughly. Allow all cleaned items to air dry completely, preferably in the sun, which helps kill lingering bacteria and mold spores. It is also advisable to use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in your home.

Preventive Measures for Future Floods

Taking preventive measures can help mitigate damage in future floods. Elevate electrical appliances and utilities above potential flood levels. Use flood-resistant materials for home repairs and renovations, such as ceramic tiles, concrete, and pressure-treated wood.

Install sump pumps and backflow valves to prevent water from entering your home. Keep important documents and valuables in waterproof containers and consider creating a flood emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and emergency contacts.