Every year, thousands of homes are severely affected by flood damage. Other natural disasters like hurricanes, torrential downpours, and melting snow wreak havoc on the structure of houses and buildings, and valuable belongings inside. Dealing with the aftermath of flooding or any disaster is a daunting process. Nevertheless, there should be immediate action to avoid further damage to your property. Standing water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites, and mold. It can also contain fertilizers and other chemicals that may be potentially harmful to the health of your family members. If you experience flooding, remember not to lose hope because it’s possible to restore your home if you take the necessary steps.  If your property is affected by severe flooding, follow these seven tips to help rebuild the damaged areas in your home. 1. Document the flood damage Before you begin the cleaning process, take many photos of the damage that occurred to serve as a reference for your insurance company. Capture detailed shots of all the damaged areas to help substantiate your claim later on. 2. Inspect your entire home for additional flood or water damage Before attempting to move back in, do a complete assessment of your entire home. Pinpoint potential safety risks, such as loose or fallen power cables, impaired gas lines, and foundational damage to the structure. Assess the stability of every corner of your house and take note of everything that needs repair.  3. Salvage furniture and important personal items Inspect the entire area and remove water-logged furniture and personal items that can still be salvaged and transfer them to a safe place. Doing so can increase your chances of saving or repairing them, and you’ll have more space to move around as you begin the flood cleanup process. 4. Clean up any standing water As mentioned before, standing water can contain harmful bacteria, so it’s best to clean them up right away. Use towels or a mop to soak it up if there are only two inches of water. If the water levels are slightly higher than that, it’s best to use a pump or a bucket to remove the water. You can also opt to use a wet-dry shop-style vacuum to suck the remaining moisture from the floor, walls, and other surfaces. 5. Allow the moisture caused by the flood to evaporate Fans and dehumidifiers are useful in drying out affected areas. For cabinets and closet doors, it’s best to open them up to improve airflow and decrease drying time. Applying heat to various items can also help to remove moisture quickly. 6. Go through the remaining items and clean them Perhaps the most critical part of the cleanup is wiping and disinfecting affected areas and items. Know that hard surfaces can easily be cleaned with mild detergent, and non-bleach disinfectants can be used for sanitation. Deodorize carpets and fabrics with baking soda, and for porous materials like rugs, air them out outside under the sun. If you deem it necessary, make use of commercial disinfectants on other surfaces that are harder to clean. 7. Restore your home Dispose of and replace items that are beyond repair and rebuild various materials around the house, such as the walls, flooring, and cabinets. Accept the fact that not every item in the house can be saved. This is because you do not want to risk mold and mildew growth by keeping upholstered furniture. Severely damaged furniture can probably still be fixed with professional repair, while others may only require minor repairs. Flood cleanup is a time-consuming and laborious process. If you need help with this, AAA Restoration in Utah provides a variety of water damage and water cleanup restoration services that can make your job much easier. Get in touch with us today to see how we can best help you!