Your first thought at seeing your basement flooded might be to panic, run in and save what you can. But experts recommend using a safety-first approach to prevent putting your life in danger or worsening the damage.
When you find a flooded basement, here’s what to do –
- Go back and turn off the power.
A flooded basement can be more dangerous than you think, and the first thing you want to do is cut off any electrical power to it. If your electrical panel or controls are not in the basement, turn off the power in the home or in that area. Only use a powerful torchlight to see the room. If your electrical panel is in the basement, call an electrician to handle the electrical hazard. Do not enter the basement.
- See what you can do
With the electrical part solved, enter the basement to assess the water level or damage caused. If any property can be saved, take them out, and be sure to take pictures of the situation for your insurance claim. Depending on what caused the flooding, the water level may be high or low. If it’s possible to clean out the basement yourself, do so and call a contractor for basement damage repairs. When it’s not possible, call a plumber or flood clean-up company. If you have windows in the basement, open them up for air.
- Call your insurance agent
In case of any repairs or damages, you might need your insurance to cover it. Call your insurance company to know your claims and how you can restore your basement.
With the right professional contractors, you can restore your flooring, remove pollution, and any other damages in your flooded basement. Always hire a contractor that is experienced with insurance-related restoration.