BELFOR Property Restoration (belfor.com) in Omaha provides disaster recovery and property restoration services to Omaha and surrounding areas throughout Nebraska. Homes and businesses damaged by fire, water, mold, or storms can contact BELFOR to get the clean-up and restoration job done. BELFOR believes in “restoring more than property” – they restore pride in communities and restore hope by making progress every day.
A flooded basement can leave even the handiest of homeowners feeling helpless and underwater, which is why BELFOR put together this list of steps for dealing with a flooded basement both safely and effectively.
Dangers Of A Flooded Basement
When a basement floods, there’s bound to be some damage – whether it’s furniture and other items being ruined by the water, or carpets and floors becoming waterlogged and generating mold growth. Property damage isn’t the only concern; flooded basements can also be dangerous to health and safety. Here are a few dangers that can occur when a basement floods:
- The structural integrity of your home and foundation can become compromised due to severe flooding or untreated water damage.
- Electrical shocks can occur if the floodwater comes into contact with wires or electrical components.
- Floodwater can lead to system failure of appliances in the basement, such as HVACs, water heaters, and washers and dryers.
- Unless the flooding comes from a broken supply line or another source of clean water, floodwater is often contaminated with harmful chemicals, bacteria, and other substances that can cause serious illness in humans and pets.
If you are worried or uncertain about any of these potential dangers when dealing with a flooded basement, the safest course of action is to contact a professional water damage restoration service.
How To Deal With A Flooded Basement
Step 1 – Shut Off The Power
Even a small amount of water can reach sources of electricity such as cords, wires, and floor outlets. Therefore, before locating the source of the flooding, be sure to shut off all power to the basement. If you are unsure how to shut off your power or cannot do so safely, contact an electrician or your utility company.
Step 2 – Locate The Source of The Flooding
Once you are sure that the power in the basement is off, the next step is to locate the source of the flooding. Some flooding, such as a failed water heater, the homeowner can likely remedy themselves. However, if a pipe has burst or a drainage system has backed up, professional assistance will be required.
If you need to venture into the flooded area of the basement, be sure to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective rubber boots and gloves. If the flooding is higher than a pair of boots will protect against, it is best to contact a professional water extraction and drying service to handle your flooded basement cleanup.
Step 3 – Remove Water
If you’ve been able to locate and stop the source of the flooding safely, the next step is to begin removing any sitting water. Utility pumps and wet vacuums are great for removing smaller amounts of water from a basement floor.
Contact your local BELFOR office today and get started with professional flooded basement cleanup service to help limit damage to your property.