Your basement is one of the most vulnerable areas of your home to a flood. Basements are at risk due to heavy rains or a leaking appliance.
A flood has the potential to cause massive financial damage. In fact, the average insurance claim costs up to $46,000.
Failing to take the correct response to a flood can increase costs. This happens often as homeowners do not know what to do when a basement floods.
Read on to learn what to do when your basement floods. Explore topics such as how to hire a water removal company and mold remediation services.
What To Do When Your Basement Floods?
When you discover basement flooding, a sense of panic is sure to set in. There will be many things running through your mind.
It is important to maintain a cool head. Flooding presents both safety and financial risk.
You need to keep your priorities in line when you find water in the basement. Continue reading for a breakdown of the most important actions to take:
Shut the Power Off
Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. There is an electrocution risk present in the event of standing water.
The first thing that you should do is shut off the power to the basement. This is strictly for safety reasons and to make sure no one gets hurt.
Call Your Insurance Company
You need to get in touch with your insurance company before you start removing water. Start off by taking pictures of the basement flooding.
This photographic evidence will be invaluable when you submit a claim for repairs and replacing personal property. Your insurance agent will also get the claims process rolling. This way, you have money for the many repairs and replacements that are necessary.
Stop the Water If Possible
Obviously, there is nothing you can do if torrential rains are flooding your basement. Only the end of the rainstorm will allow you to correct the issues that are contributing to basement flooding.
However, many basement floods are caused by burst pipes or leaking appliances. If this is the case, cut off the source of the water so you start pumping it out.
Water Removal
Once you have stopped the water, it is time to remove it. If your basement is flooded, it means that you have thousands of gallons of water to get rid of.
You are going to need heavy-duty pumping equipment to get the job done. Also, industrial-strength fans to dry the area and prevent mold from setting in.
Mold Remediation Services
Mold is one of the greatest risks of a basement flood. If mold spores take root, you are looking at thousands more in damages.
The best service companies can prevent this from occurring. They will remove sheetrock and other items that host mold spores. Also, they can treat mold in the event that it does spread.
Your Guide to Basement Flooding
You are now prepared to react if your basement floods. Steps like stopping the source of water and shutting off the power are a given. Water removal and mold remediation may require professional assistance.
If you are dealing with basement floods, contact us today to schedule an appointment.