Has a Storm Damaged The Basement of Your Home? 4 Steps to Take When Your Home Basement Is Flooded
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
How to Deal With a Flooded Basement
Unfortunately, many homeowners have experienced a basement flood at one time or another. If you have standing water down there, it is vital to know how to deal with it. Before you begin the cleanup process, follow these steps.
1. Shut Off the Electricity
Before anything else, you want to shut off the electricity and power to the basement. Not doing so could lead to injuries, so take every precaution possible. If you are unsure of how to do this, it is best to call a water damage specialist.
2. Find the Source
If the basement flood was caused by rainfall, you can go ahead and begin the cleanup process. Otherwise, you need to find the source. To prevent any more contamination to the area, you should shut off the water. Once you have located the cause, you either need to fix it yourself or call a professional to come help.
3. Remove the Water
Getting rid of the water can take time. What you use depends on how badly the room was flooded. Sump pumps or pool pumps can be effective. If there is only a small amount of liquid on the ground, you may even be able to use a mop.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
You want to check on what type of insurance coverage you have after an ordeal like this. Oftentimes the company is more likely to pay if the problem is treated quickly and was not caused by negligence on your part. Using a trusted business to help with the cleanup may also help you get a better payout.
It is important to remember that a basement flood can be extremely dangerous. Take the utmost care when handling the damage yourself. If you feel at all uncomfortable or unsafe, call SERVPRO!