Well, you did it! You found a way to help after the recent flooding as a mud out volunteer. You’re going to make a difference to those affected by flooding. But where do you start? What do you pack? What should you expect? Preparing for mud out doesn’t have to be hard. The best way to get ready is to talk to someone who’s done it before (or read their blog).
Mud Out Basics
As the name implies, mud out isn’t the cleanest job in the world. It can involve mud, however, most of the time your jobs will involve removing contaminated personal belongings. You’ll haul out carpets, books, appliances, furniture, clothing, and many other items destroyed by floodwaters.
Common Flood Recovery Tasks
Mud out and flood recovery tasks change from job to job. Flash flooding may leave behind more debris, hurricanes may add in additional damage along with the storm surge.
Regardless, there is a core set of tasks that are standard for most homes.
- Removing personal belongings & furniture
- Removal of drywall and insulation
- Tearing out tile floors & carpet
- Pulling nails out of studs (lots and lots of nails)
- Tearing out showers/bathtubs
- Power washing
- Spraying with a fungicide like Shockwave
Remember, while these items may seem like nasty trash that needs to go to the curb, to their owners they are personal items filled with memories.
The goal isn’t always speed when working with a homeowner. You have become part of their recovery process, not just physically, but also emotionally. Listen to their stories. The items replaced just two years ago after the last flood, the furniture that has been in their family for generations, and their child’s favorite bedtime storybook are all precious memories destroyed as the waters tore through their home.
The Golden Rule of Flood Recovery
Don’t Open The Fridge!
-Mudout Golden Rule
Refrigerators and freezers will contain spoiled food that has been without proper cooling for days to months. They can also collect flood water and seal it inside. Duct tape it shut and move it carefully!
Mud Out Volunteer Specific Packing
- Bug spray
- Ibuprofen/muscle pain meds
- Rubber gloves
- Snacks
- Extra worn/stained clothes
- Extra footwear
Floods leave a lot of standing water. Standing water allows mosquitoes and other insects to breed. A good bug repellant is a must. Honestly, in some places, you can just give up on an evening walk. No amount of repellant will keep away that many bugs. Duct taping between your shoes and pants can keep some of them out if you’re working outside.
Flood recovery is hard work. Swinging hammers, carrying heavy objects, and walking will be common tasks. If you have something that works well for sore muscles, bring it!
Try preventing muscle soreness by taking some snacks with you to keep your energy and electrolyte levels up. Be sure to drink plenty of water too!
What Clothes Should I Bring?
Be prepared to get filthy.
This isn’t a deployment to dress up for. Bring old paint clothes, ripped shirts, and anything you’re okay with destroying. You’ll want to be presentable as you work around the public, but you’ll be working in homes with mold, mud, and all the contaminants that get picked up in a flood so you won’t want to be wearing brand new outfits.
Some organizations will offer disposable coveralls. These work pretty well and are great for crawling under houses. They are also warm, so not everyone uses them. N95 masks are recommended, especially in moldy homes.
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Hard But Rewarding Work
Don’t let hard work scare you! Helping in such a practical way is a huge blessing to both the family and you! It feels amazing to be part of the recovery process.
The first group of people I worked with was mostly retired volunteers. The average age of our group was in the upper 60s. My age significantly reduced that average as well! They got up and worked themselves harder than anyone in their 20s, tearing out walls, hauling furniture, and loving on the homeowners. Some of them would go home and take weeks to recover from that week or two of work, but every time a call went out for help, they’d be back. They didn’t do it for themselves. They did it for the hope it brought to each one of the lives they touched.
Flood Recovery Dangers
Mud out can be fun, but there are dangers you should know about.
First, you have your basics like electricity. The electricity and other utilities should be off already. You don’t want to play in a flooded house with active electricity. Electricity isn’t normally on in a flooded home but always double-check. Flip the breaker to make sure it doesn’t come back on as electric companies repair the utility lines!
You’ll also want to make sure the gas is off, especially if you are pulling out gas appliances.
With the electricity off, your work environment is at the mercy of the weather. It could be 100 degrees or it could be below freezing. Neither extreme is pleasant, and you’ll need to make sure you’re staying hydrated in the heat and warm in the cold. Heatstroke or frostbite aren’t the way you’ll want to finish your first job!
Watch out for mold and mildew, especially if you have asthma and allergies. Don’t forget to pack your allergy relief and inhaler if you have one!
Floodwaters are some of the nastiest, most contaminated waters you’ll experience. From sewage to chemicals, whatever contacts the water gets mixed in. Wash your hands before you eat and be careful what you touch. Treat any cuts and punctures quickly!
Conclusion
Alright, well, I said this was just some of the basics, right? Hopefully, this article has instilled a little more confidence in you and helped you know a bit more about what to expect and take with you. Feel free to ask questions or add a note from your experience in the comments here! We’ve got a few other articles for you to check out as well, like this one on travel.
A cooler works great for drinks and lunch- but don’t forget the wipes or something to clean your hands with while you are on the site. And comfy shoes/sandals for when you are done for the day and relaxing back at wherever you are staying. A small first aid kit is probably smart too.
Thanks for the extra tips, Rachel! Yes, clean hands are really nice after all that dirty work! I always look forward to whatever shower is provided after a long day of work. Even a cold one!
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