When anyone's residence is flooded, in many instances it is not covered. That surprise, along with the devastating consequences of the flood itself, can be doubly alarming. How does someone proceed when almost everything they have is under water because of a flood?

Depending on how much time the water has been standing in your home is going to decide, to at least some amount, how much water and mold devastation there will be done to the structures of your residence. However long it had water in there, the final consequences are not going to be good.

Providing you are in the situation like so many individuals have been and find that you are not covered by flood insurance, it may be vital to do much of the clean up and repair by yourself. This may be your only solution, and there are a lot of safety measures you have to observe.

In occurrences like tornadoes and hurricanes, many people's living spaces are inundated with water for weeks and major structural damage takes place. It is very dangerous to venture inside, even when the water recedes. The possibility of rotten floors and toxic mold are both real health risks.

If a home is just flooded for a few days, the structural consequences may not be so serious, but mold may still be a problem. Rubber gloves and clothing must be put on when first entering the residence. Breathing mask are important too to help prevent you from inhaling the mold spores that will make you ill.

All possessions must be taken out to figure out what may be rescued and what will not be. Paper, of course, must be thrown out, but many fabric items like curtains or rugs can be sanitized for reuse if they are not already molded.

Glass and plastic articles can be sanitized using bleach or other similar products. Carpeting will probably be hopeless, and usually can not be reused because of mud, silt, and other unsanitary things that might be hard to be entirely taken out.

Tearing out any sheet rock that was damaged by water is necessary. Mold can begin here very quickly and can contaminate the wood underneath too if it is not taken out as soon as possible. Wood flooring may need taking up as well.

If you are undecided as to the destruction, it is wise to get a professional to have a good look and let them give you advice about replacing damaged wood areas and the possibility of further mold growth. Mold is very hazardous and if possible, an expert should be called when damage is uncertain or severe.