A basement flood is gross to deal with. No matter how severe it is (or isn’t), it’s still a giant hassle and can turn into something even bigger. Of course, there’s also the concern of safety to deal with. You can’t go into floodwaters in your basement safely. Between the risk of contamination and the potential for electrocution, it’s just not worth it. You should always wait until you’re sure that it’s safe or call the professionals who can make it safe and clean it up for you.
If the water has stopped and the flooding is receding, you will be in a much better position to start the cleanup process. You will need a lot of fans and dehumidifiers. Sometimes, it’s best to use a restoration service because their commercial equipment will provide better results than any consumer-grade tools and appliances that you use.
Call the Pros and Ask for Tips
Even if you think you don’t need a professional restoration crew, you could probably benefit from their experience. Not only that, but they could have helpful tips on what you can do yourself to speed up the process or reduce the cost of the repair bills.
Feel free to ask for help and advice along the way, or even when you first call while you’re waiting for them to arrive. You could gain a lot of insight and probably save yourself a lot of headaches along the way, as well. Clarke Contractors Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio is a great resource for basement flood advice.
If you can, take some safety precautions with your basement flood and disconnect the power or shut off the circuit breaker to ensure that there isn’t a risk of electric shock. Also, NEVER walk through standing floodwater, even if the power is off. There are too many things that could go wrong.
How Long To Dry the Space
Depending on the level of flood damage, your restoration crew will probably suggest a timeframe for the dry out process. They may want to let a good quality dehumidifier run for a day or two. In some cases, you may be advised to use a dehumidifier and fans for the foreseeable future. Either way, heed their advice because if you don’t, you run the risk of developing potentially dangerous mold.
Wash any towels or mops that you use with bleach after cleaning, or just throw them out and replace them with new ones. You don’t want the flood water being left behind or any contaminants getting into other areas of your home. Consider installing a dehumidifier permanently or investing in a waterproofing solution if basement flooding becomes an ongoing problem.
There are so many things to consider when you’re dealing with figuring out how to dry out a basement flood, but having the right people on your side makes a big difference. Call your insurance company and then call the water damage restoration experts so that you can get your basement back in shape and avoid serious long-term water damage and related effects.