People generally tend to feel safe in their homes.
Though there’s always a risk of disaster striking from outside sources, internal issues often seem like little more than a distant thought.
With that being said, quite a few homeowners are living under a false sense of security.
According to a recent report, 98 percent of homes with basements will eventually suffer some level of water damage.
That damage amounts to an average of almost $7,000 for most homeowners, and insurance doesn’t necessarily cover flooding or water damage.
Thwarting the Cost of Basement Flooding
In light of the high costs of water damage, including household repairs and property losses, most homeowners aren’t financially capable of covering such expenses out of pocket.
Since most people typically believe disasters like that just won’t happen to them, most are also sorely unprepared for such an emergency.
Understanding how to handle a situation like basement flooding is the key to minimizing the damage and overcoming the aftermath.
What Not to Do If Your Basement Floods
First of all, we’ll cover some of the things you shouldn’t do if you’re ever faced with a flooded basement.
One of the most important mistakes to avoid is forgoing a home warranty.
Contact a home warranty company when you purchase a home, so you’ll have an extra layer of protection if it happens.
That’s only one way to safeguard yourself.
1) Don’t Ignore It
Many homeowners wait to take action.
They hope the floodwaters will subside on their own. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
The longer the water is left to sit, the more damage it will cause.
2) Don’t Try to Handle It Yourself
All types of flooding can be dangerous. You could sustain an injury while trying to take care of the problem on your own. Additionally, floodwaters carry countless pathogens no matter where they come from. Those bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be deadly.
3) Don’t Enter the Flooded Basement Prematurely
Exposure to waterborne pathogens and subjecting yourself to other potential dangers hidden in floodwater are risky, but they’re not the only hazards that could be awaiting in a flooded basement.
If there’s electricity running to your house, you may be running the risk of electrocution by entering the basement.
Don’t go down there unless you’re absolutely certain the power supply has been interrupted.
Even then, protect yourself appropriately.
What You Should Do When Your Basement Floods
Now that we’ve covered the don’ts of basement flooding, lets move along to what you should do if your basement floods.
Keep in mind that it’s best to prepared ahead of time by knowing where the basement floor drain is and whether you have a sump pump.
If you don’t, get one and check it periodically to make sure it’s working properly.
If a flood does take place, you can take the next steps in the remediation process.
1) Call Your Insurance and Home Warranty Providers
Your first measure should be calling your insurance and home warranty providers to find out the extent to which you’re covered.
They can also give you advice on how to proceed and which local professionals to contact to handle the aftermath.
2) Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company
Whether you have a sump pump in place and just need help cleaning up after a flood or require the full array of water damage restoration services, contacting the right professionals for the job as quickly as possible is crucial.
3) Get Rid of Contaminated Items
As mentioned, floodwaters carry pathogens.
They also create breeding grounds for mold.
After the basement is safe to enter, dispose of porous materials like paper, cardboard, clothing, carpeting, and other items that can pose health risks.
In a Nutshell
Those are some of the critical aspects to consider when it comes to basement flooding.
Do what you can to be prepared beforehand.
Keep yourself and your family safe during the flood.
Then, take the appropriate reactive measures to eliminate safety hazards and restore your home to its original condition.