How To Assess Flood Damage Outline

Decision Tree For: Carpet Categorize the type of water damage Clean Water, e.g. potable sources Steam Unsanitary Water, e.g. rain, ground water Contaminated Water, (Sewage) YES Within 24 hours & no previous water damage NO Remove & discard under controlled conditions Summer (high humidity) Discard Winter Follow procedure to clean & disinfect Discard (under controlled conditions) if unable to dry Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota Decision Tree for: Ceiling Tile Categorize the type of water damage Clean Water, e.g. potable sources Steam Unsanitary Water, e.g. rain, ground water Contaminated Water, (Sewage) Air dry & reuse YES Within 24 hours & no previous water damage NO Remove & discard with minimum controls Remove & discard under controlled abatement conditions Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota Decision Tree for: Electrical Check by building inspector or electrician Turn power off Discard electrical circuit breakers, GFI, fuses Within 24 hours & no previous water damage If in doubt, throw it out Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota Decision Tree for: Paper/Files Categorize the type of water damage Clean Water, e.g. potable sources Unsanitary Water, e.g. rain, ground water Contaminated Water, (Sewage) Steam NO Essential YES Place in freezer bags & freeze Remove & dispose Dry within 24 - 48 hours Cannot dry within 24 - 48 hours, clean with water & freeze Contact American Conservation Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota Decision Tree for: Furniture/Casework Categorize the type of water damage Clean Water, e.g. potable sources Steam Unsanitary Water, e.g. rain, ground water Contaminated Water, (Sewage) Upholstered, particle board, pressed wafer board, delaminated furniture/cabinets Hardwood/ intact laminates Clean appropriately and monitor Upholstered, particle board, pressed wafer board, delaminated furniture/cabinets YES Within 24 hours & no previous water damage NO NO Within 24 hours & no previous water damage YES Air dry & monitor Remove & discard with minimum controls Remove & discard under controlled abatement conditions Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota Decision Tree for: Sheetrock Categorize the type of water damage Clean Water, e.g. potable sources Steam Unsanitary Water, e.g. rain, ground water Contaminated Water, (Sewage) YES Within 24 hours & no previous water damage NO Dry through dehumidification/ ventilation -salvage and monitor NO Within 24 hours & no previous water damage YES Conduct testing to determine if microbial contamination has set in NO YES Simultaneously dry sheetrock through dehumidification and ventilation Remove & discard under controlled abatement conditions Remove & discard with minimum controls Contaminated? (swab/test tape) Adapted by Marilyn Herman, Extension Educator 2000 From research conducted by Neil Carlson, University of Minnesota