While rain keeps our country nice and green, it can wreak havoc on our homes. A major issue that it causes is flooding in people's basements. When you find that your basement is flooded, what do you do? These are some helpful tips:
Speak to your home insurance company. 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. Don't throw out any receipts that you get for repairs.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Turn off the electricity, if water is approaching the level of the electrical outlets, or if you see sparks, frayed wires, or power cords submerged in the water. If this involves stepping in water, don't. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. When you shut off the gas, have a professional come in to restore it. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The longer they're in the water, the more likely they are to be seriously damaged.
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove water, along with mops and rags. Get your rugs off the floor, or at least roll them back. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I had only an inch or two of water, and I didn't cut out the drywall, will it be OK?
A. No, it is not okay. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. Wet drywall must be removed and replaced almost immediately.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
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. The speed at which mold grows is frightening.
When your basement floods, even if you have insurance for the loss, it's your responsibility to prevent any further damage. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
Speak to your home insurance company. 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. Don't throw out any receipts that you get for repairs.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Turn off the electricity, if water is approaching the level of the electrical outlets, or if you see sparks, frayed wires, or power cords submerged in the water. If this involves stepping in water, don't. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. When you shut off the gas, have a professional come in to restore it. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The longer they're in the water, the more likely they are to be seriously damaged.
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove water, along with mops and rags. Get your rugs off the floor, or at least roll them back. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I had only an inch or two of water, and I didn't cut out the drywall, will it be OK?
A. No, it is not okay. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. Wet drywall must be removed and replaced almost immediately.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
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. The speed at which mold grows is frightening.
When your basement floods, even if you have insurance for the loss, it's your responsibility to prevent any further damage. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
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