The short answer
Why PPE Matters
Floodwater is not clean water. It can carry bacteria, viruses, and chemicals from roads, yards, and overflowing drains. Even clear-looking water may hide sharp metal, glass, or nails. Touching it or breathing its mist can make you sick.
Your skin and lungs are the main entry points for these hazards. Wearing the right gear reduces your exposure while you clean. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves and before eating or touching your face.
Protect Your Feet and Hands
Rubber boots are the right choice for wet, muddy areas. They keep your feet dry and protect against punctures from submerged debris. Avoid canvas sneakers or sandals, which soak through quickly and offer little protection.
Heavy-duty waterproof gloves, like nitrile or rubber household gloves, guard your hands against chemicals and sharp objects. Wear them whenever you handle wet materials, tools, or trash. Replace gloves if they tear or get heavily contaminated.
- Rubber boots with non-slip soles
- Nitrile or rubber waterproof gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Safety goggles or glasses with side shields
- N95 respirator or better
- Old clothes you can throw away after
Protect Your Eyes and Lungs
Safety goggles keep water splashes and airborne particles out of your eyes. Regular glasses are not enough because water can splash around them. Choose goggles that fit snugly and do not fog up easily.
An N95 respirator filters out dust and some biological particles. For heavy mold or sewage situations, use a half-face respirator with P100 filters. These provide a tighter seal and better filtration. If you feel dizzy or have trouble breathing, stop and get to fresh air.
Dealing with Contaminated Gear
After cleanup, remove your boots and gloves carefully so you do not touch the dirty outside surfaces. Place them in a plastic bag before bringing them inside. Wash reusable gear with soap and water, then let it air dry.
Disposable items, like paper masks or torn gloves, should go straight into a trash bag. Seal the bag tightly and set it outside. Do not reuse disposable respirators after they get wet or dirty.
When to Call the Pros
Flood cleanup can be overwhelming, especially if the water is deep, sewage is involved, or the space is large. In those cases, local water damage pros have industrial-grade equipment and heavy-duty PPE. They also know how to handle contaminated materials safely.
If you live in Long Island, you can search for water damage help online. But remember that you do not have to do everything yourself. For serious flooding, especially with sewage backup, it is often safer to let the pros handle it.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Water damage does not wait
Call (516) 475-5895 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (516) 475-5895Frequently asked questions
Can I use a regular dust mask instead of an N95?
A regular dust mask does not seal well and lets small particles through. Use an N95 respirator for basic flood cleanup. It filters at least 95 percent of airborne particles. For mold or sewage, a half-face respirator with P100 filters offers better protection.
What should I do if I get cut during flood cleanup?
Stop working, remove your gloves, and wash the wound with clean water and soap. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding, then cover it with a bandage. If the cut is deep or you feel unwell, see a doctor.
How do I know if my PPE is good enough?
Check that your boots and gloves are waterproof and have no holes. Wear goggles that fit snugly, and use an N95 respirator or better. If you can smell strong chemicals or sewage through your mask, it is not sealing properly. Upgrade to a higher-grade respirator.