When Disaster Strikes: The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Contaminated Floodwater and Why Professional Cleanup is Essential

Flooding can be one of the most devastating experiences a property owner faces, but the immediate water damage is only the beginning of your concerns. It’s wise always to assume that floodwaters are contaminated with sewage and avoid them whenever possible. Understanding the serious health risks posed by contaminated floodwater and the critical importance of professional remediation can mean the difference between a safe recovery and long-term health consequences for you and your family.

The Hidden Health Threats in Contaminated Floodwater

Floodwater is far more dangerous than it appears on the surface. We don’t know exactly what is in floodwater at any given point in time. Continuous, heavy rainfall can cause rivers to overflow and may overwhelm and damage water infrastructure like sewer and drainage systems, contaminating floodwater with animal and human waste.

The health risks from exposure to contaminated floodwater are numerous and serious:

• Gastrointestinal Illness: Swallowing contaminated floodwater can cause digestive issues such as stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. “Any type of floodwater that has sewage in it is extremely pathogenic,” and “The most immediate risk is gastrointestinal.”
• Skin Infections and Wounds: Small cuts and wounds can develop secondary infections when exposed to bacteria in contaminated water. Vibrios, for example, are naturally occurring bacteria that live in certain coastal waters and can cause skin infections when an open wound is exposed to them. This can happen during floods.
• Respiratory Problems: Standing water, damp buildings and soggy items can promote mold and bacteria growth. These toxins can trigger an allergic reaction and cause asthma to develop or flare up.
• Chemical Exposure: Floodwater may contain hazardous household waste (e.g. bleach, antifreeze, weed killers, drain cleaners, and cleaning solutions), medical waste (soiled dressings, body parts, bodily fluids, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices) and industrial waste (paints, acids, bases, radioactive materials, heavy metal solutions, and wastewater with hydrocarbons) that can cause illness.

Why Professional Remediation is Non-Negotiable

While the temptation to tackle flood cleanup yourself may be strong, professional remediation is essential for several critical reasons. Restoration companies follow industry standards and requirements for a successful and safe remediation process.

One of the most crucial requirements of any flood or water damage situation is removing the water as soon as possible. Removing the water from the property quickly lessens the severity of damages, including possible mold damage. Professional restoration companies understand that the main goal is to get to dry standard, which is typically below 3 days, anything after 3days may require demolition. Preventing mold growth by making sure all moisture is removed within 72 hours.

Industry Standards and Safety Protocols

Professional flood remediation companies must adhere to strict industry standards. This Standard describes the procedures to be followed and the precautions to be taken when performing water damage restoration in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, and the systems and personal property contained within those structures. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets these standards to ensure safe and effective restoration.

Professional teams follow comprehensive safety protocols, including:

• Restoration professionals wear protective gear such as gloves, eye protection and sometimes a respirator when cleaning up after a flood.
• Protect yourself from mold by using an N95 respirator and wearing gloves, boots, and long pants and shirts when cleaning up flood-related damage. Wear goggles that don’t have vent holes to avoid exposing your eyes to mold.
• De-contamination, sanitization and disinfection are all important parts of the cleaning process, and are required to finish the restoration process thoroughly. Depending on the type of damages and class of water damage, different types of cleaning materials are used.

The Professional Restoration Process

Professional restoration follows a systematic approach that ensures thorough remediation:

1. Assessment and Documentation: We begin with a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the water damage. A customized restoration plan is created to minimize downtime for businesses and protect the structural integrity of the property.
2. Water Extraction: Our team quickly mobilizes to begin water extraction and mitigation. The goal is to stop further damage and avoid issues like mold growth. Water is removed using high powered pumps and vacuums, followed by the setup of drying equipment, including air movers and dehumidifiers.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: Clean up and dry your home quickly after the storm or flood ends- within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
4. Cleaning and Sanitization: Thoroughly clean all wet items and surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. For example, you’ll want to clean any flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.

When to Call Professionals Immediately

Certain situations require immediate professional intervention. Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include upset stomach, intestinal problems, headache and other flu-like discomfort. Anyone experiencing these and any other problems should immediately seek medical attention.

You should contact professional restoration services immediately if:

• The flooding involves sewage or contaminated water
• Extensive areas are affected
• Structural damage is present
• You lack proper safety equipment
• Mold growth is suspected or visible

Protecting Your Wisconsin Property

For Wisconsin residents facing flood damage, professional restoration services are readily available. Companies like Flood Guys WI understand the unique challenges that local weather patterns and flooding can present to homeowners and businesses throughout the state. When searching for flood damage cleanup Milwaukee services, it’s essential to choose a restoration company that combines rapid response times with comprehensive industry expertise.

At Flood Guys, we are a trusted restoration company dedicated to helping you recover from water, fire, and mold damage. We provide a diverse range of restoration services tailored to meet your needs, ensuring expert support and efficient recovery from various emergencies, no matter the situation. We pride ourselves on our rapid response time, which is typically under 60 minutes for emergency calls. Our 24/7 availability ensures that we’re there when you need us most. Prompt action is crucial in minimizing damage, so you can count on us to arrive quickly and begin the restoration process.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Risk Your Health

Contaminated floodwater cleanup is not a DIY project. The health risks are too serious, and the technical requirements too complex for untrained individuals to handle safely. Keep in mind that contamination and other hazards can linger even after the flood has receded. Professional restoration companies have the expertise, equipment, and safety protocols necessary to protect your health while effectively restoring your property.

When flood damage strikes, remember that the cost of professional remediation is minimal compared to the potential long-term health consequences and property damage that can result from improper cleanup. Choose certified professionals who follow industry standards and prioritize both your safety and the complete restoration of your property.