Water damage is a serious household challenge that demands prompt, careful action. If flooding strikes your Michigan home, these eight tips will help you respond safely — while you wait for a professional crew.
1. Put Safety First
- Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water (it can carry harmful bacteria)
- Work quickly to limit how far the damage spreads
- Wear masks, gloves, and waterproof footwear
- Watch for wildlife carried in by floodwater
- Check gas and power lines before starting
- Look for structural damage — foundation cracks or sloping floors
- Turn off utilities when it’s safe to do so
2. Move Out What Can’t Be Saved
Removing damaged property reduces professional labor costs. Discard exposed food, beverages, medicine, dented canned goods, and anything in cardboard or soft packaging. Salvageable books and photos can be frozen or set aside for professional cleaning.
3. Prep and Ensure Clean Running Water
Flush toilets to check for clogs, inspect cabinetry, patch holes, and open windows and doors for airflow. Never do electrical work in standing water, and never run a gas generator indoors.
4. Remove Standing Water and Dry What You Can
Standing floodwater breeds bacteria and mold quickly. A wet/dry vacuum can handle manageable amounts — never use a regular household vacuum.
5. Second-Stage Cleanup
Once waterlogged items are out, disinfect remaining surfaces thoroughly. Clean twice if needed.
6. Break Out Every Fan and Dehumidifier
Mold can develop within 48 hours. Run fans and dehumidifiers to dry the space fast and keep humidity down.
7. Tackle the Demolition You Can
Doing demo yourself saves on labor: roll up carpet and padding, remove baseboards and waterlogged drywall, and pull floor tiles (after confirming they aren’t asbestos-containing).
8. Protect Yourself Going Forward
Declutter basements, use elevated shelving, store items in sealed containers up high, and prepare before flooding happens.
When water damage strikes in Michigan, Doan Restoration of Michigan responds 24/7/365. Call (586) 842-8142 or request a free estimate.
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