Salvaging and Remodeling after a Flood

If your business has been involved in a flood, you will need to observe a few simple precautions as you begin the cleanup process. Start running your business again, without risking your own health, or the health of your customers.

Food and beverages

Not all food or beverage items can be saved after a flood. You must discard any items in soft packaging, screw-top glass bottles, or pop top canned goods and beverages that may have been in contact with floodwater. In some cases, you may be able to save commercially canned goods in metal cans or rigid plastic containers. The condition of the container is very important.

Discard canned goods if

• Can surface is rusted or pitted
• Can is swollen or leaking
• Can is badly creased or dented at the rims or seams

To salvage canned goods in metal cans

• Remove the labels
• Wash in safe, warm water and detergent
• Sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon bleach in one gallon of safe water

When relabeling, be sure to include

• The common or usual name of the product
• The net contents of the container
• The name, address and zip code of the “distributor” (i.e. the firm that relabeled the product)
• Any label codes from the original label
• Any other required labeling information

Note: Only the owner or a licensed salvage professional (known as a “salver”) can legally recondition food products. For more information, call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6000.

Salvage items in rigid plastic containers only if

• They have not been submerged in floodwater or other liquids
• The product is not contaminated
• All traces of soil can be removed and there is no soil on the cap or closure
• There is no evidence of rusting or pitting on the cap or closure and the seal is completely intact
• The cap or crown is not dented in any way that affects the rim seal
• The container is not defective in any other obvious way

Salvaging beverage items

• Salvage corked wine bottles sealed by foil or wax
• Do not salvage beverage containers with twist, screw, or pop tops

Equipment

Thoroughly clean and sanitize all salvageable equipment. Use a detergent and a sanitizing solution made with one tablespoon bleach in one gallon of safe water.

You can generally save equipment if

• It is made of stainless steel or other nonabsorbent material
• It contains only nonabsorbent, closed cell polyurethane insulation (this material is used in newer refrigerators and freezers and may require cleaning – contact the manufacturer

Discard any equipment that contains

• Fiberglass insulation, or an old Freon compressor that needs recharging
• Rusted or deteriorating surfaces
• Damage that cannot be repaired to NSF standards
• Flood damaged wood/particle board or plastic laminate components (counters, cabinets, bars, etc.)

Always use extreme caution when starting equipment with electrical components.

Furnishings

Some furnishings and fixtures will need to be discarded if they have been in contact with floodwater. They include:

• All upholstered furniture including chairs, bar stools, benches, booth seats and bar armrests
• Any tables or booths that cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized

Buildings

When cleaning buildings, remember to

• Remove stainless steel wall panels and set them aside for later reinstallation
• Open, clean, decontaminate and dry out cavities in walls, floors and ceilings (to prevent mold and mildew, try to do this job within 24-48 hours after the flood waters recede)
• Discard plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paneling or insulation if it has been in contact with floodwater
• Discard all absorbent floor coverings, including carpet and carpet pads
• Remove any linoleum or asbestos tile that has been flooded so you can clean and dry the subflooring. See: Floor Tile Removal
• Thoroughly scrub floors and woodwork within 24-48 hours after floodwaters recede, using a stiff brush, water, detergent and sanitizer
• Discard any ceiling tile or other absorbent materials contaminated by floodwater

Additional resource

• Floods (FEMA)