Flood Preparation: Get Ready for the Next Event

Flood Preparation: Get Ready for the Next Event

How to Prepare for a Flood: Preparation & Response Guide for Restorers

Supporting Australian restoration businesses with the right tools, consumables, and industry standards

Introduction

When storms or floods impact Australian communities, restoration professionals must be ready to respond immediately — often in challenging, high-risk environments. Preparation is the difference between a controlled, professional deployment and a stressful, reactive one.

At Restore Solutions, we support restorers with a clear, practical pre-event preparation guide. This checklist is designed to help your teams:

  • Prepare for flood jobs early
  • Stock the correct equipment, PPE, and consumables
  • Reduce common industry mistakes
  • Follow best practices aligned with AS-IICRC S500 principles
  • Use products and tools proven for professional restoration

This article provides a quick, saveable checklist to review before severe weather hits.

Download a printable preparation checklist here.

Professional Flood Readiness Checklist

1. Equipment & Tools

Confirm all core restoration equipment is operational, calibrated, tested, and ready for deployment.

Category What to Check
Dehumidifiers Inspect and clean coils and filters, check cords and drainage, confirm amp draw
Air Movers / Axial Fans Clean units, confirm tagging and airflow
HEPA Air Cleaners Replace HEPA filters, inspect seals, check pre-filters
Moisture Meters Calibrate meters and check batteries
Thermal Imaging Cameras Confirm accuracy and inspect lenses
HEPA Vacuums Inspect hoses, clean filters, confirm suction
Portable Extractors Test pumps, seals, vacuum motors and brushes; inspect hoses and extraction tools
Heat Drying Systems Run system checks, verify sensor connections, clean heaters with compressed air
Extension Leads & RCDs Ensure testing and tagging per AS/NZS 3760
Generators & Work Lights Test under load and confirm fuel levels

Tip: Build a “Ready Crate” containing meters, PPE, spare HEPA filters, tagged leads, and containment tape for immediate deployment.

2. PPE & Safety Essentials

Flooded environments expose technicians to mould, bacteria, chemicals, and electrical hazards. Equip the team according to WHS principles and AS-IICRC S500 guidance.

PPE Item Why It Matters
P2 respirators (carbon optional) Protects against mould, aerosols and odours; ensure respirator cleanliness and filter condition
Nitrile and chemical-resistant gloves Safe handling of contaminated water and antimicrobials
Disposable overalls Prevents cross-contamination
Boot covers Protects clean environments
Goggles or wraparound safety glasses Prevents chemical splash and debris injury
Waterproof boots Essential for flooded zones

Restore Solutions stocks full PPE kits designed for professional restoration conditions.

3. Antimicrobials & Cleaning Products (Protox Range)

For Category 2 and Category 3 flood water, use only professional-grade antimicrobials. Restore Solutions recommends:

Protox Product Application
Protox Hysan Mould cleaner and disinfectant for pre-cleaning, mould and bacterial contamination
Protox WR20 Deep-penetrating antimicrobial cleaner for porous and semi-porous structural elements
Protox DES Ready-to-use surface disinfectant for final sanitisation

All Protox products are supplied with SDS documentation and professional application guidance.

4. Consumables & On-Site Essentials

Consumables are often forgotten — but they are critical for efficient flood response.

Consumable Use Case
Microfibre cloths High-absorption cleaning and antimicrobial application
Gloria sprayers Pressurised application of Protox products and cleaning solutions
Containment plastic (160 µm) Zoning, sealing and isolating contaminated areas
Zippers, tape and fixings Building containment doors and barriers
Rubbish bags and heavy-duty liners Safe disposal of contaminated materials
Floor protection films Prevents cross-contamination during inspections
Rags, scrapers and sponges Pre-cleaning and debris removal

Restore Solutions can supply consumables in bulk for large events or multi-team deployments.

5. Documentation & Standards

Correct documentation ensures insurer acceptance and protects your business.

Documentation Step Why It Matters
Calibrate meters and record calibration dates Ensures accuracy and legal defensibility
Record baseline psychrometric readings Required for AS-IICRC S500-compliant drying
Daily moisture and GPP tracking Provides objective proof of drying progress
Photograph affected areas before work Critical for claim processing
Prepare printed job sheets Useful if networks fail in remote locations

Restore Solutions provides technical guidance on correct meter use and psychrometry.

6. Warehouse & Logistics Preparation

Before the storm hits, protect your depot and streamline deployment.

Action Purpose
Raise equipment and chemicals off the floor Protects against internal flood risk
Check drainage and door sealing Prevents water ingress
Charge radios, tablets and meters Maintains communication during outages
Pre-label transport crates Speeds mobilisation between jobs or regions
Prepare spare consumables kits Eliminates supply gaps during the first 48 hours

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using household chemicals instead of professional antimicrobials
  • Deploying uncalibrated moisture meters
  • Relying on visual drying alone
  • Skipping GPP and psychrometric data
  • Failing to isolate power before entering
  • Not pre-testing dehumidifiers or HEPA scrubbers
  • Running out of consumables mid-job

Restore Solutions helps restorers avoid these issues with professional tools, consumables, and technical guidance.

Final Word

Preparation is the cornerstone of safe, effective flood response. With the right equipment, consumables, documentation, and the Protox antimicrobial range, your team is ready to deliver compliant, efficient restoration services from the first call.

Restore Solutions is here to support your business with:

Need help getting storm-ready? Contact us.

15th Jan 2026

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