Until your public health department, your local company or utility declares that your water source after floods is safe for consumption, you will need to purify your water not only for cooking and drinking but also for washing dishes and your entire body. This is due to the fact that, the water contains a lot of impurities and it is damaged and restoration is a must.

• Food

Commercially prepared, undamaged food in all retort pouches or all-metal cans can be saved if you are in a position to remove the labels, wash the cans thoroughly, rinse, and disinfect them with a sanitizing solution that consists of potable water mixed with 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon. You can then re-label the pouches or containers which had been removed, including their expiration date, using a marker pen.

• Water

You will have to filter the water or pass it through a clean cloth, then let the water boil for at least a minute then cool it down. If you are unable to boil it, you can use strong unscented liquid chlorine bleach stir and let it stand for at least 30 minutes. Don’t use purification tablets or iodine as they are not recommended at all.

• Utensils

You will have to discard flood contaminated wooden spoons and cutting boards, baby bottles, plastic utensil, pacifiers, and nipples. You will have to thoroughly wash the ceramic and metal pans, dishes and utensils with soapy hot water and then sanitize by boiling them in clean water or immerse them in a solution of 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach for 15 minutes.

• Furniture

You will have to take the furniture outside in order for them to be cleaned.

• The mud has to be brushed off on all parts including doors, drawers. Everything has to be removed. You can either cut a hole in the back or remove in order to push out any drawer that is getting stuck. If there are any paddings that are flooded, you will have to discard them.
• You can use furniture cleaning products for commercial use, which are designed for the type of furniture you are cleaning and the particular material on it. You will have to wait until it is fully dry before you wax or refinish it.
• Use the direct sun to dry them slowly due to the effect of the sun which will warp the furniture. It might take several months or weeks for t to fully dry.