3 Steps for Handling a Flooded Basement

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Santa Ana, CA

Knowing What Steps To Take Before And After Help Arrives

As a Santa Ana, CA, homeowner, few events are probably as stressful as a flooded basement. This type of flooding is usually caused by powerful outdoor storms, some of which can be sudden and unexpected in their intensity. If you find yourself facing a basement full of water, there are a few steps you can take until your water damage crew arrives.

1. Avoid Contact With Standing Water
While your first reaction to a basement flood might be to wade through the water and collect items you want to salvage, this could be dangerous. Electrical outlets, wiring and other sources of power are often housed in the basement, which could expose you to the risk of electrocution. You may want to wait for a qualified electrician to let you know it is safe to start taking items from standing water.

2. Prevent Humid Conditions
Flooding causes standing water that can increase humidity in your basement and lead to rapid mold formation, especially on the walls. You can work to keep humidity low by using dehumidifiers and fans, as long as they can be employed safely. Open basement windows if you can reach them and try to keep air circulating as much as possible until your water mitigation team arrives.

3. Ask for Salvage Advice
Whether your basement flood was caused by violent storms or a burst pipe, your water damage and restoration team can likely offer you advice about which items can be set aside for salvage. Important papers can be frozen for later restoration, once pipe repair is complete, but items affected by black water, which originates from outdoor flooding, may have to be discarded because of the toxicity of this type of flood.
Basement flooding at your Santa Ana, CA, home can cause you considerable stress and upset, especially when the event is unexpected. However, knowing what steps to take before and after help arrives can help you handle the situation with greater confidence.