Did You Know Biohazards are Present in Floodwater in Little Rock?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Even if the flood waters look clean, contaminants and debris can be present. Take precautions and contact SERVPRO for flood damage remediation.

Flood Water Removal Little Rock – How Dirty Is Flood Water

Flash flooding often occurs after a massive rainstorm and can overwhelm streets and homes in minutes and disappears in a short time. Floodwaters can pick up many contaminants as the water rushes through streets and homes. These contaminants are carried into homes, leaving a combination of debris, mud, chemicals, various animal, and human waste products. There is a yuck factor. However, these contaminants can also be dangerous.

SERVPRO knows what to look for when called for flood water removal services in Little Rock. We have been providing services to residents since 2002. Once we arrive on-site, usually in less than four hours, we immediately assess the site. Our technicians look for debris and the level of contamination, i.e., gray vs. black water.

Based on this assessment and local, state, and federal regulations, appropriate precautions are taken to protect the client and our technicians from infectious diseases.

Restore, Or Remove and Replace

The decision to restore vs. remove and replace depends on several factors. If the water is considered gray water, it is typically easier to clean and disinfect than black water. When cleaning carpets, however, under padding should be removed. Flooding composed of blackwater typically includes infectious material and sewage. Carpets and underpads need replacing, the drywall needs removing, and all structural elements must be pressure washed and disinfected.

Porous items, such as carpets and underpads, usually must be replaced. In most cases, it is too difficult to recover these items and too expensive. Non-porous items can usually be power washed and disinfected. SERVPRO can review decisions to restore or replace it with the homeowner and the adjuster.

We store clean items in a staging area that was not impacted by the floodwaters. We remove sewage waste following local state and city guidelines. Clients are encouraged to be very careful entering a flooded area due to potential exposure to electrical hazards and infectious waste until SERVPRO has completed an assessment.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Little Rock at (501) 803-9700 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Ferndale, Gibson, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.