4 min read
A basement submerged in water is a scene no homeowner ever wants to witness. Water intruding on your personal space is not just a minor inconvenience – it’s a disruption that impacts your comfort and routine until your home is back to normal. Even worse, prolonged exposure to water can weaken your home’s foundations, cause wood to rot, and create an ideal breeding ground for mold.
The first 48 to 72 hours after a flooding event is crucial. After a basement flood, here’s what to do to start getting your home back in order, save as much of your possessions as possible, and prevent future complications.
1. Shut Down the Utilities and Stop the Water Source
Before anything else, shut off all electrical power and gas lines to ensure your safety and prevent electrical shock or gas leaks. If the floodwater is high and you cannot safely reach your circuit breaker or gas valve, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible.
Once it’s safe, identify the source of the flooding. For example, if your basement flood was caused by a burst pipe or other controllable source, shut off the water to prevent further damage.
2. Document the Aftermath
You must take photos or videos of the extent of the flood damage as soon as possible. Ensure you also capture all angles, showing the water level and damaged items. Additionally, make a detailed inventory of all damaged property, including furnishings, electronics, and personal items. Comprehensive documentation is critical in filing insurance claims.
3. Remove Standing Water
Start removing standing water quickly to limit water damage and prevent mold. Equipment like sump pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or even simple tools like mops and buckets can help you remove the water faster.
If you experienced significant flooding and cannot handle this task alone, don’t delay hiring a professional basement flood cleanup company. Leaving water standing can cause structural damage and encourage bacterial growth, so this step is time-sensitive.
The affected area must also be dried and ventilated thoroughly to prevent mold and further damage. Pockets of moisture left unchecked after a water event can allow contamination to grow and spread within the next 48 to 72 hours. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and natural ventilation to dry out your basement promptly.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can. Provide them with the evidence of the damage you’ve documented. The quicker you file a claim, the sooner the assessment and repair process can begin.
It’s also best to discuss your policy specifics with your insurance agent to understand the extent of your coverage. This includes what is covered, what is not, and how the claim process works. Taking this initiative to clarify your policy’s inclusions and exclusions makes it easier for you to plan your restoration project’s finances with certainty and peace of mind.
5. Assess What Else You Can Do
The next step is to assess what else you can safely do independently. Remove damp items such as carpets, furniture, and personal belongings to speed up drying. The walls and floors may also be disinfected to prevent basement mold. However, be cautious of any electrical risks and structural damage that may necessitate professional attention.
BONUS! Call Your Local Basement Flood Cleanup Experts for Help
Sometimes, the damage from a flooded basement could be handled alone, or it may require technical expertise to ensure a thorough job. If you’re dealing with overwhelming flood damage or simply want a smooth and efficient restoration journey, know that you can also call professionals for help.
Working with flood cleanup and water damage restoration experts means receiving swift and effective solutions. These can minimize the damage, reduce the risk of long-term problems, and expedite returning your basement to its pre-flood condition.
The most significant advantage of seeking professional assistance is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that experienced technicians are handling your flood damage and restoring your property for you alleviates much of the burden. With trusted teams like Restoration 1, you can rest assured that your basement cleanup is in capable hands.
Reclaim Your Basement With Restoration 1 of Kansas City
A basement flood can be a stressful experience for any homeowner in Kansas City, but knowing what to do after a basement flood can help you regain control of the situation. However, remember that safety always comes first, and local professionals are ready to help you deal with the overwhelming aftermath of property damage.
Call our local Restoration 1 team to start reclaiming your basement and sense of normalcy – contact us to get started!
