Rain is important for trees and vegetation to grow, but in your home, rain can be a serious issue. One problem that occurs much too often is basement flooding. How do you clean up a basement after a flood? Try some of these suggestions:
Speak to your home insurance company. Insurance providers know what to do in these situations, and can assist you in finding the support you need to repair and clean up your flooded basement. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Open any windows to let air flow through. In a case where water is so high that it could make contact with your electrical outlets, if power cords are under the water, there are any frayed wires or sparks, shut off your home's electricity. Do not step in water to accomplish this. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
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. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Your insurance provider should be given photos of damage to your home. Remove as many of your belongings as you safely can. Your things will be less damaged if you can get them out of the water quickly.
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove water, along with mops and rags. Get your rugs off the floor, or at least roll them back. Drying the basement will be faster if you use fans, and if you have a dehumidifier, use that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. Are there some common symptoms if someone has mold inside their home?
A. Breathing difficulties, sinus issues, and headaches are common, and they are worse for anyone who has a respiratory or immune system issue, or mold allergies. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It's really important not to let it get to the mold stage. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for water damage, however, be aware that there are always exclusions. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
Speak to your home insurance company. Insurance providers know what to do in these situations, and can assist you in finding the support you need to repair and clean up your flooded basement. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Open any windows to let air flow through. In a case where water is so high that it could make contact with your electrical outlets, if power cords are under the water, there are any frayed wires or sparks, shut off your home's electricity. Do not step in water to accomplish this. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
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. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Your insurance provider should be given photos of damage to your home. Remove as many of your belongings as you safely can. Your things will be less damaged if you can get them out of the water quickly.
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove water, along with mops and rags. Get your rugs off the floor, or at least roll them back. Drying the basement will be faster if you use fans, and if you have a dehumidifier, use that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. Are there some common symptoms if someone has mold inside their home?
A. Breathing difficulties, sinus issues, and headaches are common, and they are worse for anyone who has a respiratory or immune system issue, or mold allergies. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It's really important not to let it get to the mold stage. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for water damage, however, be aware that there are always exclusions. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
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