Do you have a flooded basement? Are you stressed with the different things that you need to do to salvage your things and your basement? Do you feel like you can never recover from this devastating happening? If you answer yes to all three questions, do not fear. Read along and find out how to recover from a flooded basement in nine easy steps.
* You need to act quickly in order to minimize the damage on your things and basement. Keep in mind that in doing so, you also need to keep your calm to avoid committing more mistakes that can result to a bigger problem.
* Call your insurance company to help you out. The damages to your basement might be covered by your home insurance policy. Ask them to be sure. You can also call your local water removal company to help out with the draining of water from your flooded basement.
* Uphold safety above everything else. Before entering your flooded basement, make sure that the main electric switch is turned off to avoid being electrocuted. Remember that electricity and water do not mix. Also, if you hear a hissing noise or you smell a gas leak, open the windows and leave the property immediately.
* Determine if your basement is safe to enter before doing so. Make sure that you are wearing protective clothing to avoid being in direct contact with the different organisms that can be in the water. Before you move anything, take pictures of your basement so that you can send it to your insurance company if you are filing for a claim.
* Remove things from your basement quickly. Categorize the things submerged in water. If the item is valuable and irreplaceable then choose to save it first.
* If your flooded basement is caused by a flash flood, you must make sure that the floods outside your home already subsided before draining the water inside your flooded basement. Drastically draining your flooded basement while your home is still surrounded by flood water might damage it structurally which might cause it to cave in. If the external flood receded already, you can drain the water in your flooded basement slowly, removing 1 to 3 feet of water per day.
* After you drained the water inside your flooded basement, drying it will be the next task. You can make use of a dehumidifier to help you do this. You can also open the door and windows of your basement to let the natural air come in and help with the drying process. This can also eliminate the moisture that is accumulated inside your basement.
* Clean and disinfect the walls and floors which came in contact with the water, you can make your own disinfectant solution by mixing chlorine bleach with clean water.
* If you have a carpet installed in your basement, remove it and use a wet vacuum to remove the water from it.
Now that you know the different tips that can help your recover from a flooded basement, you will now be better equipped in facing this situation. Use these tips to ensure an efficient recovery from a flooded basement.
