Rain is important for trees and vegetation to grow, but in your home, rain can be a serious issue. Flooded basements are a serious problem when rainfall gets heavy. When you find that your basement is flooded, what do you do? Try some of these suggestions:
Call your home insurance provider. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Don't throw out any receipts that you get for repairs.
Open any windows to let air flow through. 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. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Call the power company, and get professional advice or assistance.
Open a window if you smell gas, or hear a hissing sound. When you shut off the gas, have a professional come in to restore it. Don't enter the basement until you've determined it's safe. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Sometimes sewage gets in the flood water, and dangerous bacteria is present.
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. Rugs on the floor need to be rolled back, and if they're wet, take them out to dry. Dehumidifiers and fans will help dry the basement out more quickly.
Typical Questions
Q. When there is just one or two inches of water, the drywall will be fine right?
A. No, it is not okay. If the drywall is wet at all, the moisture will actually move through it and spread, and affect the insulation as well. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
A. Symptoms include clogged sinuses, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and for those who have compromised immune systems or allergies, it's intensified. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It's really important not to let it get to the mold stage. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Don't throw away any damaged property until your insurance adjuster has had a chance to take a look at the damage.
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for water damage, however, be aware that there are always exclusions. You may also need to specifically request and pay to add the broadest water damage protection to your policy.
Call your home insurance provider. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Don't throw out any receipts that you get for repairs.
Open any windows to let air flow through. 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. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Call the power company, and get professional advice or assistance.
Open a window if you smell gas, or hear a hissing sound. When you shut off the gas, have a professional come in to restore it. Don't enter the basement until you've determined it's safe. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Sometimes sewage gets in the flood water, and dangerous bacteria is present.
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. Rugs on the floor need to be rolled back, and if they're wet, take them out to dry. Dehumidifiers and fans will help dry the basement out more quickly.
Typical Questions
Q. When there is just one or two inches of water, the drywall will be fine right?
A. No, it is not okay. If the drywall is wet at all, the moisture will actually move through it and spread, and affect the insulation as well. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
A. Symptoms include clogged sinuses, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and for those who have compromised immune systems or allergies, it's intensified. Mold will begin to grow under the carpeting or behind the drywall and on the insulation, completely out of sight. It's really important not to let it get to the mold stage. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Do whatever is necessary to protect your property, as long as you can do it safely. Don't throw away any damaged property until your insurance adjuster has had a chance to take a look at the damage.
Most home insurance policies do provide some coverage for water damage, however, be aware that there are always exclusions. You may also need to specifically request and pay to add the broadest water damage protection to your policy.
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