The sight of water pooling on your basement floor is enough to cause homeowners to panic. The thought of thousands of dollars worth of damage, an insurance claim, the time, and expense to clean up the mess is not something you want to have to deal with. But if a basement flood happens, you need to know the steps you need to take to minimize the damage and get control of the situation.
Here we will outline important steps you should take when dealing with a basement flood emergency. We will also provide you with some advice on what not to do in this situation.
How To Handle A Basement Flood Emergency
Here is what you need to do upon the discovery of a basement flood:
- Shut off the water: Shut off water access to the basement.
- Shut off the power: Cut the electricity to the basement. Water may be overlapping electrical outlets which is a significant safety issue. If it is not safe, call your power company to assist you.
- Call a professional: Timing is vital when recovering from a flood. Call basement restoration professionals as soon as possible. They can help you create a plan to effectively remove water from the basement.
- Put on protective clothing: Always wear boots and gloves to protect yourself. This is particularly important if you suspect there may be sewage in the water.
- Identify the source of the flood: Do your best to identify the source of the leak. It could be a floor drain, sump pump, crack in the foundation or cracked pipe.
- Check the floor drain: Ensure the floor drain is working to remove water from the basement.
- Check the sump pump: Make sure your sump pump is working properly to help drain out the water.
- Start removing items from the basement: Start with high value items, and things that are not water resistant. The more you can move, the more you will be able to save.
- Work with your restoration professional: Once they arrive on site, work with them to establish a game plan. Start ripping up damaged flooring and prepare the basement to be dried out.
What Not To Do When Dealing With A Basement Flood Emergency
It is also very important to know what not to do when your basement floods. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Do not assume things are safe.
- Do not go into the basement without first assessing the situation.
- Do not enter rooms with sagging ceilings or walls.
- Do not touch electrical outlet, switches, plugs, or items.
- Do not use heat to try to dry affected areas.
- Do not allow children or pets to enter the basement.
Following these steps will help you make the best out of an unfortunate situation. If you experience a basement flood in the GTA, give us a call at 416-639-1722. Our experts will help you start the process of getting things back to normal as quickly as possible.
