RECONDITIONING AND SANITIZING FLOODED ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Do not try to use washers, refrigerators or other large electrical appliances until they are checked by a serviceman. Attempting to run equipment before it is properly cleaned could seriously damage it. Each manufacturer’s authorized dealer has detailed information for the inspection and repair of its specific equipment and should be called for repairs if possible.

1. Be sure electricity is disconnected.

2. Remove fixtures that were submerged. Clean outlet boxes and wiring.

3. Clean fixtures and dry the wiring.

4. Clean dirt from sockets.

5. Completely disassemble and clean floor and table lamps. Clean wiring, sockets and switches.

6. If a switch cannot be opened for cleaning, replace it.

7. Replace all damaged cords and plugs.

Electrical Cords

1. Throw away any damaged or fabric-covered cords

2. Rubber-covered cords in good condition (with no cracks in the rubber) can probably be reconditioned

as follows:

a. Remove connections from both ends.

b. Peel back rubber covering until inside braid is dry.

c. Cut off damaged part of cord.

d. Clean up plug and receptacle; connect to cord or replace.

SANITIZING LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT

Washers and dryers should be sanitized if they have been immersed in flood water.

After appliances have been cleaned and reconditioned, sanitize them as follows:

1. Pour a disinfectant (quaternary, chlorine, pine oil or phenolic) into the empty washing machine. Then operate a 15-minute cycle at the "hot" water setting.

2. Unplug the dryer and wipe or spray the drum with a disinfectant solution. Be sure to wipe all areas of the drum and dryer door.

3. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water.

4. Leave the dryer door open until all parts are thoroughly dry—preferably overnight.

5. When the drum is dry, plug in the dryer and resume normal service. In addition to disinfecting the washer and dryer, be sure to sanitize clothes baskets, work surfaces and containers where clean, sanitary clothes will be placed. Keep clean, sanitized clothes separate from those not yet clean and away from surfaces likely to be contaminated.

SANITIZING REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

If water seeps into an older model refrigerator or freezer, it will probably lose its insulation and have to be discarded. Appliances with ruined insulation will either run continuously, frost up on the outside or develop bad odors. Newer models with foam insulation will probably be all right. Have the refrigerator or freezer checked by your local serviceman to be certain the motor and freezing unit are in safe working order. Then clean and sanitize as follows:

1. Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food.

2. Remove shelves, crispers and ice trays. Wash them thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

3. Rinse with a disinfectant solution (1 teaspoon chlorine bleach for each gallon of water).

4. Wash the interior of the refrigerator, including the door and door gasket, with hot water and baking soda.

5. Rinse with a disinfectant solution.

6. Leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow free air circulation.

7. If odor remains, place several pieces of activated charcoal in an open container, or use a commercial refrigerator deodorizer.

8. Wash the outside of the refrigerator with a mild detergent and hot water. If stains are difficult to remove or soil particles remain use a mild cleanser or spray cleaner. Be careful not to damage the finish.

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND EQUIPMENT

The whole electrical system should be checked for short circuits by an electrician or competent person, before being turned on. Ask your power supplier for advice and help with electrical systems.

Things to do before the electrician arrives:

1. Be sure electricity is shut off at both the meter and in the buildings.

2. Remove covers from all switches, convenience outlets, light outlets and junction boxes that have been under water.

3. If the box is filled with mud, remove screws holding receptacle or switch in box. Pull receptacle, switch and wires in junction boxes out about two inches from box. Clean out all mud and dirt from box and receptacle switch. Do not remove electrical connections. Leave boxes open.

4. Remove all fuses and cover from entrance panel. Clean out all mud. Wires can be moved, but Do Not Disconnect.

After above has been done and wiring has a chance to dry, the electrician can check the system without delay. For some equipment such as pumps, a temporary line can be installed by an electrician until the permanent wiring has a chance to dry.

APPLIANCES

1. Motorized appliances: Remove the electric motor and take it to an electrical repair shop. The controls (thermostat, pressure switches, wiring, etc.) will have to be cleaned and dried. Insulation should be dried and all dirt removed. Sealed units on refrigerators and freezers should not be harmed by water. Clean up unit and recondition controls.

2. Heating appliances: Disconnect and flush with clean water. Float out water with commercially available drying agents. The insulation on hot water heaters will be soaked. Remove all panels and, if possible, the top of the heater. This will give the insulation a chance to dry. Clean and dry thermostat and wiring. Apply rust inhibitor to all metal parts.

3. Lamps and Lights: Remove fixtures that were submerged. Clean outlet boxes and wiring. Clean fixture and dry out wiring. Check socket for dirt. Floor or table lamps should be completely disassembled and cleaned. Clean up wiring, sockets and switches. If a switch cannot be opened for cleaning, replace with a new switch. Unless the cord is in good shape, replace it. Check the plug.

4. Extension Cords: Any cords not in excellent condition should be thrown away. Fabric covered cords should be replaced. Rubber covered cords in good condition (no cracks in rubber, etc.) can probably be reclaimed. Remove connections from both ends. Peel back the rubber covering until inside braid is dry. Cut off damaged part of cord. Clean up the plug and receptacle and connect to cord or replace with new ones.

5. Grounding: For your protection, all metallic appliances should be grounded when in use to prevent an electrical shock. This applies especially to such appliances as washers, dryers, ranges, waffle irons, etc., and to equipment such as portable drills, saws and grinders. Attach a wire from the frame of the appliance to water pipe or to the ground wire in a grounded wiring system.