Rain is important for trees and vegetation to grow, but in your home, rain can be a serious issue. A major issue that it causes is flooding in people's basements. If your basement floods, do you know what to do? Here are some steps you can take:
Get in touch with your home insurance agent. Insurance providers know what to do in these situations, and can assist you in finding the support you need to repair and clean up your flooded basement. Keep any receipts for emergency repair work.
Increase air flow by opening up the windows. Electricity in your home should be turned off if there are frayed wires, power cords under water, if you see sparks, or if it's nearing your electrical outlets. Do not step in water to accomplish this. Talk to your local power company to find out the correct procedure to keep you safe.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. If you turn off the gas, contact a professional to turn it back on. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Wear good protective gear, like rubber boots, gloves, safety eyeglasses, and a mask. Bacteria is sometimes present in flood water from sewage, so keep this in mind.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The quicker you can get your things out of the water, the less damaged your items will be.
Remove the water using rags, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No, it won't. If the drywall is wet at all, the moisture will actually move through it and spread, and affect the insulation as well. You won't be able to see the mold growing behind the drywall. Cutting out and replacing the drywall is the only option.
Q. Are there some common symptoms if someone has mold inside their home?
A. Breathing difficulties, sinus issues, and headaches are common, and they are worse for anyone who has a respiratory or immune system issue, or mold allergies. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It can't be stressed enough that mold can not be allowed to grow there. Mold grows very quickly.
Damage caused by flooding must be kept to a minimum, and this is the responsibility of the home insurance policy holder. Protecting your home from further damage should be your highest concern, of course after you consider safety. Only dispose of your flood-damaged property after the insurance adjuster has been able to assess it.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. If you would like the best possible protection from water damage, ask your insurance provider to add this on to the policy on your home.
Get in touch with your home insurance agent. Insurance providers know what to do in these situations, and can assist you in finding the support you need to repair and clean up your flooded basement. Keep any receipts for emergency repair work.
Increase air flow by opening up the windows. Electricity in your home should be turned off if there are frayed wires, power cords under water, if you see sparks, or if it's nearing your electrical outlets. Do not step in water to accomplish this. Talk to your local power company to find out the correct procedure to keep you safe.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. If you turn off the gas, contact a professional to turn it back on. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Wear good protective gear, like rubber boots, gloves, safety eyeglasses, and a mask. Bacteria is sometimes present in flood water from sewage, so keep this in mind.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The quicker you can get your things out of the water, the less damaged your items will be.
Remove the water using rags, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No, it won't. If the drywall is wet at all, the moisture will actually move through it and spread, and affect the insulation as well. You won't be able to see the mold growing behind the drywall. Cutting out and replacing the drywall is the only option.
Q. Are there some common symptoms if someone has mold inside their home?
A. Breathing difficulties, sinus issues, and headaches are common, and they are worse for anyone who has a respiratory or immune system issue, or mold allergies. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It can't be stressed enough that mold can not be allowed to grow there. Mold grows very quickly.
Damage caused by flooding must be kept to a minimum, and this is the responsibility of the home insurance policy holder. Protecting your home from further damage should be your highest concern, of course after you consider safety. Only dispose of your flood-damaged property after the insurance adjuster has been able to assess it.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. If you would like the best possible protection from water damage, ask your insurance provider to add this on to the policy on your home.
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