
Storm Dennis
16th February a date that will live long in our memories!
The day that storm Dennis took the country literally by storm.
Large swathes of South Wales ended up under water! The above image taken from a helicopter highlights the devastating effects of Storm Dennis in only one area, Caerphilly.
Further areas and thousands of businesses and houses were affected by flood damage.
Properties were filled with up to 6 foot of contaminated water, and as floodwater subsided inches of silt were left on every surface.
People were evacuated and even rescued from their properties by life rafts, fire brigade, police and all authorities were involved.
Roads were shut and blocked off and many houses were not accessible until the water subsided, which took a few days.
Councils in many locations provided skips in streets for people to dispose of items. Council trucks drove around collecting items from outside peoples houses, The streets resembled a disaster zone with the roads and pavements covered in silt and affected contents lined the pavements as above.
Rainbow International South Wales were called in to help in many properties, we started with the triage process of contents, we prioritised the removal of sentimental items and high value antiques and wooden furniture.
Followed by the stripping out of affected saturated floor coverings, Once the properties were emptied of contents, we could then start to remove the silt and mud from inside the properties, we sanitised and extraction cleaned, decontaminated all affected structures/surfaces and then started the appropriate drying regime.
Various drying regimes were used for the differing types of properties and their differing floor and wall constructions. Utilising the most effective cost/drying regimes on an individual claim basis