Steps to clean a flooded basement
A flooded basement can be a very frightening experience. These are some of the steps that can be taken to clean a flooded basement.
* It is important to turn-off electricity and valves before entering a flooded basement.
* Check for structural damages and avoid going in if it is likely to cave-in.
* Open all windows and doors and let some fresh air into the basement.
* The excess water has to be pumped out using a pump. It is preferable to avoid an electric pump. Also, the water has to be pumped out gradually. When the water is drained out immediately, it can cause structural damage.
* It is advisable to wear latex gloves and face masks to avoid any health hazard due to contaminated water.
* After all the water has been drained out gradually, the remaining debris can be cleaned.
* Remove the soaked items and place them in a dry place carefully.
* Excess moisture from these items can be dried using paper towels or sponges. Printed material should not be used to absorb the excess moisture as the ink can blot. Fans can damage some things and so it is better not to use it for drying any wet items.
* The wet items may contain molds. Molds are fungi that thrive on water and damp places. They are slimy and moist. Molds have to be dried first. Once they are dried, they become powdery and this powder can be removed easily using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
* All important documents, photos and manuscripts can be dried using a process called freeze drying. The documents are placed in huge driers that will dry the object without damaging the item. Freeze drying is a service offered by certain companies and they can be used if the items are very important and if they are heavily soaked in water.
* Walls and floors have to be sanitized.
* The flooded basement can be dried using fans, dehumidifiers or heat.
* The final step is to repair the walls and floors that have been damaged.

In order to avoid flooded basements in future, it is better to install sewer back flow valves. These valves will drain out the excess sewage water. Also, flood proofing all heating and ventilation units can make cleaning easy. Above everything, all important documents must be kept in a safe place that is not prone to water.

A flooded basement can be stressful but taking the right steps can make cleaning easy. It is very important that nobody should panic. Everything should be done at a regular pace. Hurrying things can cause structural damage. In many cases, it is better to take professional help. They have the right kind of training and equipment to clean flooded basements. These people can help make life less stressful.