A flooded basement is not something you want, but unfortunately, it happens. Not only can it damage your basement, but it can affect your health as well. It is important to deal with flooding sooner rather than later. Here are a few tips on how to clean up a flooded basement.
Assess Damage
Before you can do anything, you need to assess the damage. While doing this, try to see where the water is leaking from. It can come from a variety of factors including busted pipes, plumbing, sewage, or environmental factors. Recognizing where the damage is coming from is the first step. This will help you figure out what precautions you need to take. When assessing the damage, do not step directly in the water before this next step.
Power
The safest thing to do before moving forward is turning off your power. If you do not have access to do so, call an electrician. There could be a possibility of exposed wires in the water, which is a serious health threat. An electrician will know how to turn off your power and avoid shock or even worse, electrocution. Once the power is safely turned off, you will have a better chance of assessing the damage. What you find next will determine if you need to call someone else.
Removal
Try your best to clear the space of any furniture or objects you can remove. If you have standing water, you need to remove it. You can either do this yourself or call a professional to help. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you take proper safety precautions. Do not stand in sitting water without wearing rubber or waterproof boots, gloves, and a mask, You do not want to directly breathe in the water, because there is a high chance that mold has begun to grow.
It is likely following this step you need to contact a professional about your situation. At any point in the flood clean up process – you can call professionals to help. At Spotless Cleaners and Restoration we specialize in flooding and water damage. You do not have to lift a finger during this process if you don’t want to. Call us when you discover your flooding, and we will take care of the rest. We are here to help you through this process, and can even advise you on how to make an insurance claim. For more information on our restoration services and 24/7 emergency services, check us out online here. You can also reach us at (423) 926-9251 at any time!
