Biohazard and sewage clean up tips

What to DO
Biohazard contaminants are very dangerous and should be handled with top care to prevent serious health issues. Whether you’re dealing with sewer backup or flood water, your priority should be safety at all times. The contaminants range from sewage to pesticides and harsh chemicals that pose serious health risks.

You should call for emergency services as soon as you can and avoid exposure to these contaminants. Restoration often requires specialized safety gear, equipment and standard procedures that only professionals are trained to accomplish.

However, there are some things you can do as you wait for professional help. This includes:

- Stay as far as possible from the contaminants;
- Call for emergency service immediately if the risk is life-threatening;
- Turn off the HVAC system to prevent circulating the contaminated air to other rooms;
- Assume that all bodily fluids are contaminated.

What Not to do
Knowing what not to do during a biohazard and sewage emergency is just as important as knowing what to do. Below we highlight important tips on what not to do:

- Avoid leaving wet fabric, books, magazines and other colored items in place;
- Don’t use the household vacuum cleaner to remove water;
- Don’t turn on electrical appliances, such as the TV;
- Don't turn on ceiling fan or lighting if the ceiling is wet.