Dealing With A Flooded Basement

By Tom Vandermore


Rain is important for trees and vegetation to grow, but in your home, rain can be a serious issue. A major issue that it causes is flooding in people's basements. When you find that your basement is flooded, what do you do? Here are some steps you can take:

Call your home insurance provider. They can help you locate restoration companies, with the tools, skill, and materials to cope with water damage. Don't throw out any receipts that you get for repairs.

Increase air flow by opening up the windows. Turn off the electricity, if water is approaching the level of the electrical outlets, or if you see sparks, frayed wires, or power cords submerged in the water. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Talk to your local power company to find out the correct procedure to keep you safe.

Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. When you shut off the gas, have a professional come in to restore it. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Wear good protective gear, like rubber boots, gloves, safety eyeglasses, and a mask. Bacteria is sometimes present in flood water from sewage, so keep this in mind.

Your insurance provider should be given photos of damage to your home. Get your personal possessions out of the basement if it's safe to do so. The quicker you can get your things out of the water, the less damaged your items will be.

Use a wet/dry vacuum, mops, or old rags to soak up excess water. Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water. Dehumidifiers and fans will help dry the basement out more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When there is just one or two inches of water, the drywall will be fine right?

A. No, it is not okay. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. You won't be able to see the mold growing behind the drywall. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.

Q. Are there some common symptoms if someone has mold inside their home?

A. Headaches, clogged sinuses and difficulty breathing, especially for people allergic to mold or with weak respiratory or immune systems. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It can't be stressed enough that mold can not be allowed to grow there. Mold grows very quickly.

If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Take the steps that are needed to reduce damage and protect your home, unless it's unsafe to do so. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.

Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. If you would like the best possible protection from water damage, ask your insurance provider to add this on to the policy on your home.




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