Ensure Structural Safety
- Contact a qualified building inspector or contractor to assess the building’s structural integrity, if necessary.
- Confirm that floors, walls, ceilings, and foundations are stable and safe.
- Do not allow staff or vendors inside until the building is cleared.
Restore Utilities and Verify Safety
- Have licensed professionals inspect and restore electricity, gas, HVAC, and plumbing.
- Ensure all utilities are functioning safely and without contamination.
- Flush water lines and verify water supply is safe (check with local health department if boil-water advisories are in effect).
Document Damage
- Take photos and videos of all affected areas for insurance and regulatory documentation.
- Record inventory loss, equipment damage, and structural impacts.
Remove Standing Water and Begin Dry-Out
- Pump out water safely and avoid entering rooms with standing water and energized electrical systems.
- Use industrial dehumidifiers and fans.
- Remove all porous materials that cannot be sanitized (carpet, upholstery, soaked drywall).
Deep Cleaning and Sanitization
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants.
- Pay special attention to food prep areas, refrigeration units, storage shelving, and floors.
- Sanitize dishwashers, sinks, drains, and food-contact surfaces according to FDA food code requirements.
Evaluate and Clean or Replace Equipment
- Replace equipment that cannot be cleaned or has been submerged.
- Verify all refrigeration units reach safe temperatures.
Handle Food Safety
- Floodwater is considered contaminated. Discard all food and beverages submerged in floodwater, except for undamaged commercially prepared foods in metal cans and retort pouches. Learn more about how save undamaged food products exposed to flood water
- Throw out any items requiring refrigeration that may have been temperature-abused.
- Restock only after the facility is fully sanitized and safe.
Check Pest Control
- Flooding can drive pests indoors.
- Schedule a pest control inspection if necessary and treatment before reopening.
Address Potential Mold and Air Quality
- Inspect for mold growth on surfaces, in storage areas, and behind walls, if necessary.
- Use professional remediation if mold is present or humidity was high for more than 48 hours.
- Ensure proper ventilation and acceptable air quality before reopening.
Perform a Final Walkthrough
- Inspect all areas for cleanliness, safety, functionality, and compliance.
- Ensure staff receive guidance on new procedures or changes.
- Obtain approval to re-open.