What To Do After A Basement, Crawlspace Flood
If you live in a flood zone, or experience annual heavy rain, you may have concerns about water flooding your basement or crawlspace. This can be particularly daunting, if you’re not sure you have the right insurance coverage.
Regardless, you shouldn’t wait idly by if water is pouring into your home. So, what can you do?
Below, the expert technicians at Professional Restoration simple steps to help mitigate damage if a basement or crawlspace floods.
Safety First!
If water is flooding into your basement or crawlspace, your first reaction may be to jump in and retrieve your personal belongings. However, this can be very dangerous, especially if the water is from a backed-up sewage drain or the water level is high enough to reach electrical outlets.
To avoid potential dangers:
- Avoid contact with standing water until a restoration company, the fire department, or a licensed electrician has safely turned off the electrical meter
- If you can access the gas line, turn it off. Gas leaks are common after flooding
- Wear proper safety equipment (protective clothing, respirators, etc.) and have a flashlight handy
- If flood water is from a sewage backup, avoid entering the water. Dangerous pathogens could make you or your loved ones ill
Once water has been mitigated and it’s safe to reenter the flooded space, the next step is removing property contents.
Dealing with Property Contents
It’s best to sort personal belongings into three groups: items that are damaged and need to be restored professionally; items that only need cleaning and sanitation; and items that are so damaged they must be thrown away.
Property contents can sometimes be restored with the help of a restoration company. At Professional Restoration, for example, we have tools and equipment to repair:
- Photographs and paper documents
- Antiques and family heirlooms
- Electronics
- Art and furniture; and much more
If you’re lucky, property content damage will be minimal, and may only require a deep clean and sanitation. In many cases, property owners can do this on their own.
Learn how to restore water damaged property here!
Unfortunately, there may be items that are too damaged to salvage. In this case, it’s safer to err on the side of caution rather than risk exposure to potential mold or disease.
However, these items should be well documented before you get rid of them. Your insurance claim will benefit from photographs and video of the damage as well as any receipts you might have specific to the damaged property.
When to Call the Pros
Minor leaks may not demand professional help. In general, if the damage isn’t worth reporting to insurance for claims purposes, it may not warrant hiring a restoration company. However, your decision may also depend on your competency with property repair.
Conversely, if you plan on making a claim or if the damage requires foundational repair, wall replacement, or electrical work, it’s highly likely you’ll need to contact a restoration company.
At Professional Restoration, we have decades of experience with crawlspace and basement flooding. We’ve been serving commercial businesses and family residence for almost 30 years!
More importantly, we’re available 24/7—because disaster doesn’t work nine to five. So, whenever you need us, we’ll be ready to take your call.
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