From gutting to drying: The slog ahead for residents as floods recede

The problems will be far from over for residents in flood-afflicted Victorian towns when waters recede from their inundated homes.

From contaminated couches and sodden skirting boards to ruined wiring and damp so deep that special dehumidifying machines are required, cleaning up a flooded house is a time-consuming and expensive business.

The State Control Centre has warned that mud and debris in houses could be contaminated with sewage or other dangerous substances, while Walter Romanic, owner of flood restoration company Flood Response, said most affected houses would need to be stripped-out to remove contaminants such as pesticides carried in the floodwater.

This black water was “almost considered fecal water because it’s deadly”, he said.

Romanic said people should call their insurer, which would then contact a restorer. Residents with severe damage would need to find temporary accommodation until the works were done.

An electrician would ensure power systems are safe, then staff might remove soft, porous materials such as carpets, floor coverings, floor linings, skirting boards and insulation.

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