You were likely just going about your day when you opened the door to your basement and noticed that something was wrong. Before you panic and start to feel helpless about the situation, take some time to remember that while a flooded basement is certainly an unfortunate event – there are steps you can take to get your life back on track.
Total Restore is your trusted partner for 24/7 water restoration recovery services. We’re confident that we’ll be your first and only call, leaving us to restore your basement back to normal. We’ve assembled this helpful guide which provides you with tips for dealing with a basement flooding situation.
Tips for Dealing with a Flooded Basement
Shut Off Power, Water, & Gas Connections Around the Area
- Prior to doing anything else, it’s essential that you shut off any electrical power, water lines, or gas connections in the area surrounding the flood. If damaged by the flood, these connections can pose a serious threat to your safety. If you aren’t sure how to shut off these connections, call a professional prior to starting any type of work in the basement.
Wear Proper Attire Before Entering the Flooded Basement
- While we recommend letting the experts at Total Restore handle the cleanup process for you, wearing proper protection is important if you must enter the area. Gloves and boots are the minimum and a protective mask is even better. Remember to tread carefully to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance
- If you have flood insurance, be sure to contact your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible to report the flood. You’ll be able to confirm your claim procedure, deductible amount, and coverage limits.
Avoid Electrical Items
- Even if you’ve shut the power off, refrain from touching or moving electronic items such as TVs, lamps, or stereos. Leave them to dry in place and wait for a qualified professional to remove them properly.
Ventilate as Much as Possible
- To help speed the drying process, make sure to open windows and doors to increase ventilation to the room. Total Restore Inc. uses specialized dehumidifiers which remove moisture and help prevent mold/mildew from spreading. If the flood was caused by heavy rains or harsh weather conditions, wait until the weather subsides before opening doors and windows.
Remove Damaged Item and Wet Carpet as Soon as Possible
- Things like cardboard, particle board, paper, and other materials which have gotten wet should be removed immediately before mold and bacteria begin to grow. If flooding levels have subsided enough to work, removing soiled carpet is a great way to get a head start on the cleanup process. Be sure to wear proper protective equipment before removing carpet. Better yet, let the professionals at Total Restore Inc. handle the cleanup.
Prevent Mold Growth
- It’s important to act fast in order to prevent the growth and spread of dangerous mold following a basement flood. A great way to get ahead of mold growth is by cleaning damaged walls with warm water and bleach or a specialized cleaning product with thorough scrubbing. Mold growth can spread rapidly, making it especially important to begin the cleanup process as soon as possible.