How to Dry-Out After the Flood Waters Recede
Knowing how to safely and effectively dry your home and belongings after a flood is imperative in the prevention of costly and damaging mold growth, especially in low-lying areas such as basements and basements.

It is important to dry out the water-damaged areas as quickly as possible. Relative humidity levels rising above 60 percent stimulate the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and other biological allergens, which can potentially create dangerous living conditions.

The first step is to remove all of the remaining floodwater as quickly as possible either by using sump pumps or calling a local restoration professional. After you are sure the area is safe to enter, follow these steps provided by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater.asp):

• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

Drying rates are greatly improved by lowering relative humidity, adding heat and increasing air movement; all functions of a high powered dehumidifier. Experts recommend using dehumidifiers with a regenerative heat exchanger and high capacity fan, like the units offered by Santa Fe. These features are necessary for fast and effective drying.

Not All Dehumidifiers Are Created Equal
Santa Fe dehumidifiers feature a large moisture removal coil, regenerative heat exchanger and high-capacity fan, which allow the units to remove 2-3 times more moisture per kilowatt of electricity than a conventional dehumidifier. In addition, Santa-Fe dehumidifiers allow for high efficiency air filtration. These freestanding residential units are built with the same components as the company’s commercial units and as a result are able to remove up to four times more water than the units available at home improvement stores.

Santa Fe high capacity dehumidifiers are the most energy efficient on the market and are designed to effectively and quickly remove excess moisture due to flooding. The units can help maintain the structural integrity of your home, minimize mold growth, and improve the indoor air quality of the overall home by removing odor-causing moisture.

If you are unsure about how to clean an item you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration, carpet and rug cleaning, and water damage are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references and look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

Download PDF:

Santa Fe Press Release - How to Dry-Out After the Flood Waters Recede

Additional Resources:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/
http://www.lung.org/healthy-air/home/resources/emergencies-disasters/flood-water-damage.html
http://www.ready.gov/floods
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood