ADAPTATION GUIDE

 Dear Disaster Diary,

 

Water is the driving force of all nature.

- Leonardo Da Vinci

• A storm brought heavy bands of rain to Southern England on Thursday, flooding an already saturated area.

• In France, fire services and local governments have conducted more than 700 evacuations.

• In Germany, the army was deployed to help reinforce dikes against rising floodwaters.

   

  Dealing with a flooded home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can efficiently navigate the cleanup process. 

  This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to help you restore your home after a flood, ensuring a safe and thorough cleanup.

  1. Safety First: Wearing the appropriate protective gear is crucial. Equip yourself with gloves, rubber boots, a head covering, goggles, and a painter's overall when dealing with potentially toxic water. Safety should be your top priority throughout the cleanup process.

  2. Documentation: Start by taking photos of the flood-damaged areas, using a camera if possible. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims. Remember to photograph both the items you intend to keep and those you plan to discard.

  3. Furniture Handling: Exercise caution when lifting furniture, as wet items are significantly heavier. To prevent back injuries, enlist help and use proper lifting techniques. Discard any furniture that cannot be completely dried within 48 hours.

  4. Discarding Items: Dispose of soaked carpets, mattresses, couch cushions, and stuffed animals promptly. Create a separate pile for damaged items, including those you plan to discard. If you have flood insurance, hold onto everything until the claims adjuster assesses the damage.

  5. Salvaging Non-Absorptive Materials: Items made of plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, porcelain, or sealed wood may be salvageable. Wash them with soap and water, disinfect with a bleach solution (eight drops per gallon), and dry thoroughly.

  6. Salvaging Belongings: Attempt to salvage items that can dry within a couple of days. Wash and disinfect curtains, clothing, sheets, blankets, and comforters. For rugs and furniture, flush with clean water, shampoo, and air-dry. Steam clean larger carpets if necessary.

  7. Food Safety: Dispose of any perishable food that appears, smells, or feels abnormal after a power outage. Salvage canned, jarred, or pouched items by washing, disinfecting, and relabeling. Discard items with screw caps, twist-off caps, or snap tops, and all food in cardboard containers.

  8. Water Source Safety: If your drinking water comes from a well, do not use it until it has been tested and disinfected. Contact your local or state health department for guidance. Play it safe and boil your water for cooking a couple weeks.
     

  9. Temporary Repairs: Make temporary repairs to ensure your home is livable until the flood-insurance adjuster arrives. Cover holes in the roof with a tarp, board up broken windows, brace damaged walls, and clear away debris. Keep receipts for materials and continue taking pictures for documentation.

  10. Drying Out: Use fans to aid in the drying process, ensuring your home is well-ventilated. Position fans to blow air out the window to avoid spreading dust and mold. Only use appliances if you have power and it is safe to do so.

  Conclusion: The aftermath of a flood is challenging, but by following this comprehensive tutorial, you can systematically address the cleanup process, restoring your home to a safe and habitable condition. Remember to prioritize safety, document the damage, and work efficiently to reclaim your living space.