Finding out their basement has turned into an indoor pool is a nightmare for many homeowners. Discovering your basement flooded can be a gut-wrenching experience, leading to a lot of stress and anxiety, and with good reason. Some people may not know what to do in this scenario or if there is something they can do to help. But do not surrender to despair! You are not alone in this fight.
As IICRC-certified experts on water damage restoration, we have seen our fair share of flooded basements and know how disruptive this experience can be for homeowners. However, we also know precisely what you can do to start your path to recovery, and we will share this knowledge in this article.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps immediately after discovering a flooded basement, from prioritizing safety and assessing the damage to dealing with insurance and exploring professional cleaning options. So get ready to learn how to navigate this situation and restore your basement and peace of mind.
Key Steps After Your Basement Floods
There are actions you can take to mitigate the damage of a basement flood; however, take steps to ensure safety comes first and asses the damage without putting anyone at risk. Here is a checklist of steps to take immediately upon discovering a flooded basement:
☐ Turn Off the Electricity
Electrocution can cause severe damage to a person. According to MedlinePlus, an online health information resource from the National Library of Medicine, an electrical injury can cause damage to the skin or even the victim's internal organs. This damage can cause injury in four ways:
- Cardiac arrest.
- Muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction.
- Thermal burns.
- Falling after contact with electricity.
To avoid an accident, locate your main electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker for the basement. If the panel is wet, call an electrician –do not touch a wet electrical panel.
☐ Assess the Damage
Next, you need to find the source of the flooding. Is it a burst pipe, a malfunctioning sump pump, or overflowing gutters? Maybe a crack in your basement walls is letting outside water in. Whatever the case is, identifying the culprit will inform you on what to do next.
☐ Call Your Insurance Company
After you have taken the previous precautions, it's time to file an insurance claim for water damage. In cases where natural conditions were the cause of the flood (like a flood from a storm), you will require special flood insurance, which is an add-on to your regular policy. If the flood instead came from an appliance failure (like a broken sump pump) or a burst pipe, you will be covered by your standard insurance policy. Regardless of the case, we suggest you call your insurance and report the claim. Your insurance agent will inform you of your specific coverage and get you an insurance adjustor if it applies.
☐ Stop the Damage
If the flooding is due to a plumbing issue, turn off the water supply to the house. If it's something weather-related, wait for things to calm down before checking outside and temporarily closing the opening.
☐ Remove the Water or Call Professionals
The number one enemy with water damage is time: the longer the water sits, the more humidity will set in, causing more damage to your property due to mold growth. In cases that are not too severe, you can remove the water yourself with a mop or a bucket. Remember to wear protective gear (gloves, boots, and goggles) when cleaning floodwater, as exposure can lead to health hazards (particularly if the origin is a natural flood or a sewage line).
However, if the flood is a few inches deep, consider calling professional restoration services for assistance with water removal. They have the tools and expertise to remove all the standing water safely and efficiently while also dealing with the lingering moisture.
☐ Document the Damage
Once the immediate danger is addressed, it's time to take as many photos and videos of the basement as possible. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Remember to capture images of the water level, damaged belongings, and the overall state of your basement.
Why You Should Call Professional Restoration Services
As previously stated, contacting professionals is key to removing standing water. However, even if you can remove the water alone, reaching out for assistance in addressing any lingering moisture is still advisable. Allowing humidity to dominate your basement creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive in the space.
Another thing to consider is that flooding can severely impact clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics. While some items may be salvageable with home cleaning methods, professional cleaning services have specialized equipment and techniques to restore items affected by floodwater. They can address issues like deep-seated dirt, odors, and potential mold growth more effectively than DIY methods. Contacting professionals for these items is often the best way to maximize their chances of being fully restored.
Dealing with Insurance: Navigating the Claims Process
Dealing with your insurance company after a flood can be a complex process. This section guides navigating the claims process and maximizing your coverage:
- Contact Your Insurance Company. Once you discover the flood, you should report it to your insurance. Provide them with the documentation you've gathered, including photos and videos of the damage.
- Be Prepared to Answer Questions. Your insurance agent will ask about the flood's cause and the damage's extent. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage, depending on your case.
- Keep Detailed Records. Remember to write down information on all your communications with your insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of the individuals you spoke with.
Don't Deal with Basement Floods Alone!
A flooded basement can be an extremely stressful experience; finding water damage in your home can lead to anxiety and stress. By prioritizing safety, documenting the damage, removing water, and contacting your insurance company, you will take the first steps to address the situation. Your next step is to contact professional restoration services so they can help you with the drying and cleanup that are part of the restoration process. Contact Restore-It for expert help with your basement and other water damage-related services. Our technicians will help you restore your space back to its pre-damaged condition.
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