Your school building experienced water damage and flooded. After the water is gone and debris is cleaned up, it’s time to return the building back to normal and get the school running again. However, even with the clean up done, there are still problems that need rebuilding.

Flood water is not clean water, which means that most porous building materials (like wood that was submerged or covered in water) must be replaced.

Here’s how to start the deep cleaning process and to know what should stay and what should go after the flood.

Be Prepared – Always Use Caution with These Steps

It’s important to be protected when you’re starting the inspection of your school water damage throughout the building. After a flood, there can be hidden dangers that you may not be aware of. First step is to prepare yourself to find these problems before they become larger issues.

1. Start by wearing sturdy shoes, gloves, and protection over your eyes.
2. Watch for structural damage.
3. Check the outside of the building for any signs of electrical damage. If you notice anything that looks questionable, do not enter the building.
4. With flooding, it’s always best to assume there is mold present. Wear a respirator so you do not breathe in mold spores.

What Can Be Salvaged?

While it may be tempting to save as much as possible to prevent waste, it is more important to stay safe!

1. Food – When dealing with food, anything that is commercially prepared and packaged in metal cans may be saved. Begin by removing the labels and thoroughly wash the cans, making sure to disinfect them with a sanitizing solution. Remember that flood water is not clean water, and sanitizing the cans means no dirt will find its way into the food.
   Relabel the containers with the type of food and expiration dates to make it easier for storage.
2. Utensils – Pots and pans that are metal or ceramic may be salvaged. Again, you must wash these with hot soapy water, and sanitize by boiling them in clean water.
3. Carpets and Rugs – Carpets and rugs can go both ways, it really depends on the level of damage associated with the flooding. If salvage is attempted, it is best to spread out the carpet outdoors and hose it off as quickly as possible. A professional carpet cleaner is best for this step – they can come in and make sure that the carpet is mold free and safe to return to your building.
4. Furniture – Solid wood, metal, or plastic furniture may be cleaned, sanitized, and taken back into the building.

Removing Structural Components

When dealing with flooding, structural components may or may not be salvageable. Working with a professional restoration company like McMahon Services is the best way to ensure that the restoration of your building is handled correctly.

To prevent lasting water damage and mold, it is important to open up all walls that the flood has touched. Ventilation will save the structure from decay and issues down the line. You may notice that baseboards require removal along with drywall and other affected areas.

Preventing Mold

Preventing and controlling the spread of mold in the upcoming weeks and months is incredibly important. Removing anything that is waterlogged or that has been affected by standing water is step number one.

This includes furniture, rugs, subfloof, baseboards, even drywall – anywhere that mold could grow and thrive. This is why a professional service is so important – we make sure the mold is gone!

Call in the Professionals at McMahon Services

Cleaning up after a flood is overwhelming. Making sure that your school is ready for occupancy and safe for students can be nerve wracking. The restoration and water damage professionals at McMahon Services are here to take away the stress and bring your building back to normal as quickly as possible. Give us a call today.