Flood Restoration Guide 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first priority before entering a flood-damaged structure?
- Verify electrical and structural safety (Correct answer)
- Start drying carpets
- Photograph for insurance
- Apply antimicrobial spray
Correct answer: Verify electrical and structural safety
Personal safety, including electrical and structural hazards, must be confirmed before any restoration work begins.
Question 2: Floodwater from a river overflowing into a home is classified as which water category?
- Category 1 (clean)
- Category 2 (gray)
- Category 3 (black) (Correct answer)
- Category 4 (sterile)
Correct answer: Category 3 (black)
Floodwater from rivers or ground surface is grossly contaminated Category 3 black water.
Question 3: Which instrument measures the moisture content inside drywall and wood?
- Anemometer
- Moisture meter (Correct answer)
- Manometer
- Hygrometer
Correct answer: Moisture meter
A moisture meter reads moisture levels in building materials to guide drying.
Question 4: Why is contaminated drywall typically cut and removed after a Category 3 flood?
- It changes color permanently
- It wicks contaminants and cannot be safely sanitized (Correct answer)
- It is too heavy when wet
- It blocks airflow
Correct answer: It wicks contaminants and cannot be safely sanitized
Porous drywall absorbs black-water contaminants that cannot be fully removed, so it must be discarded.
Question 5: What does a 'flood cut' refer to?
- Cutting power to the building
- Removing drywall 12-24 inches above the waterline (Correct answer)
- Trenching around the foundation
- Slicing carpet into strips
Correct answer: Removing drywall 12-24 inches above the waterline
A flood cut removes wall material a foot or two above the visible waterline to ensure all wet material is gone.
Question 6: Which equipment removes airborne moisture to speed structural drying?
- Air mover only
- Dehumidifier (Correct answer)
- Negative air machine
- Ozone generator
Correct answer: Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers extract water vapor from the air, lowering humidity so materials release moisture.
Question 7: Standing floodwater should be extracted promptly mainly to prevent what?
- Higher utility bills
- Mold growth and secondary damage (Correct answer)
- Paint fading
- Insurance delays
Correct answer: Mold growth and secondary damage
Rapid extraction limits the window for mold and further material deterioration.
Flood Restoration Guide 2
What is the first priority before entering a flood-damaged structure?