Floodwater Contamination: What NY Homeowners Know
Floodwater looks like ordinary water, but it is not. As it moves across streets, yards and basements it can pick up sewage, chemicals and debris, and that is why it is treated as contaminated. If floodwater has entered your home, avoid contact with it and arrange flood damage cleanup from a professional.
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This guide explains floodwater contamination in general terms for New York homeowners. It is safety information, not a cleanup guide.
What floodwater may carry
Floodwater may carry sewage from overwhelmed drains, fuel and chemicals from roads and garages, and debris ranging from mud to sharp objects hidden under the surface. None of that is visible in murky water.
Because of what it may carry, floodwater is treated as Category 3 black water, the same category as sewage.
Floodwater is not safe water
Floodwater is not safe to touch, to drink, or to clean up without protection. Wading through it, even for a few steps, brings you into contact with whatever it is carrying.
Do not enter a flooded building, and do not handle electrics in or near standing water. If water is near electrics, stay out and call for help.
What professional cleanup covers
Professional cleanup in general terms covers removing the floodwater, removing affected materials where necessary, cleaning, and drying. The exact methods are matters to confirm with the operator.
Basements are a common place for floodwater to collect in New York, and emergency water removal is usually the first stage once the area can be entered safely.
After the water is out
After removal comes cleaning and drying, and a check for mold in general terms. Materials that were soaked by floodwater are handled as contaminated, and some cannot be kept.
The same rules apply across the state, from Buffalo to Long Island, because floodwater carries the same risks wherever it enters a home.
Key Takeaways
- Floodwater may carry sewage from overwhelmed drains, fuel and chemicals from roads and garages, and debris ranging from mud to sharp objects hidden under the surface.
- Floodwater is not safe to touch, to drink, or to clean up without protection.
- Professional cleanup in general terms covers removing the floodwater, removing affected materials where necessary, cleaning, and drying.
- After removal comes cleaning and drying, and a check for mold in general terms.
Ready for the Next Step?
Call to arrange a water damage visit in New York. Describe what you found and we will talk through the next step.
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