What to Do When Your Basement Floods

It’s the situation no home owner wants face. Whether it’s rainwater backup or a busted pipe, basement flooding happens. Here are some tips that can help.

Calm

The first thing to do when you have a flood in your basement is stay calm. If you panic you could make the situation worse. Try to remind yourself that you are not the first, and you won’t be the last person to experience this. Some tips to prevent damage are to keep objects up off the floor and in waterproof containers, and make sure your sump pump is working correctly.  

Since it is a readily occurring issue, there are several companies that offer emergency water removal in Alpharetta, GA. Many of these companies have immediate response lines where you can get help 24/7/365. Keep in mind that though it may look hopeless at first, many basements have been restored to their former glory, so it may not be as bad as you think.

Contain

An important safety tip you must remember is to never enter a flooded area while the power is on, you could be electrocuted. If you are unsure how to shut off the electricity and gas on your own, call a professional. If the water leak is due to a burst pipe you should shut off the water as well. Once the power has been turned off you can begin working. Wear protective gear like boots, wading pants, and gloves. Watch your step and tread carefully to avoid tripping.

You should begin removing the standing water as soon as possible. Depending on the amount of water you can use a pump, wet/dry vacuum, or mops, towels, sponges, and buckets. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the more hands working, the quicker the water can be removed, and the less likelihood of extended damage to the area. You should remove all saturated items and relocate them to a well ventilated area or outside to dry for at least 48 hours. Do not touch electrical items that are plugged in, even after the power has been turned off. Instead, let them dry in place. Discard any soggy cardboard immediately since it is especially susceptible to mold.

Clean

Now that the damage control has been done, it’s time to take the next steps. Call your insurance company to see if you have flood coverage, and clean the surfaces with anti-mildew products as best you can.

Mold and moisture can spread rapidly and be very tricky to stay in front of. Instead of trying to combat it on your own, you should work with a company that provides emergency water removal in Alpharetta, GA.