Your Basement Has Been Flooded: What to Do Next?

Wet basements are nightmares. You should be concerned about more than just puddles. Mold and mildew are frequent post-flood problems. Understanding what to do following a flood will assist you in avoiding total calamity and regaining control. The appropriate flood response may differ between saving your home and assets. Appropriate flood water management and understanding when to call for assistance can help keep you and your family safe.

What to do if your basement floods?

If your basement has flooded recently, continue reading to learn more.

Never Go Downstairs

Basement flooding causes property damage and puts you and your family at risk. If you awaken to a flooded basement, immediately contact an electrician and a disaster restoration professional. If you do not have a basement circuit breaker, turn off the power to your house. When a device comes into touch with water, it may pose a hazard. The circuit breaker for your home is often located in the garage. An exterior fuse box may be located near the meter in older residences.

Get Rid of the Water

Drain the water and inspect the damage after removing any possibly harmful items. If your basement floods, you will need to replace your sump pump. A pump will not remove all the water from your basement; use towels to mop up the remainder. Notify a professional if the water level in your basement exceeds two feet. Drain the water immediately. Mold grows in moist conditions, increasing the cost of property damage.

Protect Your Damp Objects

By leaving damp stuff in your basement, you cannot dry it. Take away any damp things, such as couches and bookcases, and store them in a dry location, such as the garage. Your insurance provider should be capable of reimbursing you for the damaged property and the expense of cleaning and reconstructing the basement. You must file an insurance claim as soon as possible following the flood.

Apart from removing damp goods, rip the wet carpet up. Sometimes the carpet can be salvaged, but the carpet and padding must be replaced more often than not.

Clean the Area

It takes time to dry out your basement. You’ll almost certainly need to purchase or rent fans or industrial blowers. A dehumidifier can assist in removing excess moisture, expediting the drying process, and preventing mold growth.

Keep Mold at Bay

Mold thrives in moist, dark environments. After a flood, huge chunks of drywall may need to be removed to eliminate health issues. Soap and warm water should be used to clean your walls. Additionally, you can install a HEPA air purifier to eliminate mold spores and allergens. Following the flood, conduct routine inspections of the basement for mold. Bleach and warm water should be used to clean any problematic areas.

Stop Future Floods

Following the flood, attempt to determine what caused it. Is your grass flooded, and the water is draining into your basement? If so, in what location? Do you require a replacement sump pump? Consult a professional to upgrade your basement, reconstruct your foundation, or alter your landscaping and gutters to avoid another flood.

The Message

While flooding cannot always be predicted or avoided, taking these steps may help you feel more in control. Keep in mind that if the water is too deep, contaminated, or you fear you cannot properly clean it up on your own, you should get professional assistance.