How To Deal With A Flooded Basement: Steps To Take For A Quick Recovery
Discovering a flooded basement can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare.
Whether you return home from a trip or wake up to the sound of flowing water, the situation can be overwhelming.
However, it’s essential to stay calm and act swiftly to minimize damage and ensure safety.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to take when your basement floods.
Let’s get right into it.
Step 1: Assess Safety
Your immediate reaction might be to rush into the basement to understand the extent of the problem. However, your safety should always be the top priority.
Start by gauging the amount of water. If it’s just a small puddle in one area, it may be safe to enter. However, if you encounter standing water or if you’re unsure of the depth, it’s best to avoid entering until you can confirm it’s safe.
Electricity
Remember that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water has reached electrical sockets or appliances, there’s a risk of electrocution.
If possible, access your electrical panel without entering the basement and turn off the power. If the panel is in the basement, contact a water damage restoration company like 407 Restoration or an electrician to turn it off at the power supply.
Gas
If your basement houses gas-fired appliances, they could also be affected by flooding. In such cases, contact a professional to shut off your gas supply. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately.
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe to enter, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Identify The Source Of Water
Understanding the source of the flooding is crucial for effective mitigation. Some common causes of basement flooding include:
1. Floor Drain Issues
Problems with sump pumps or drainage systems can lead to basement flooding. Sometimes, backups in city sewer lines can also cause flooding. Contact your local water damage company or the water and sewage department if the issue extends beyond your property.
2. Plumbing or Appliance Failures
If an appliance has malfunctioned, such as a washing machine or water heater, it’s relatively easy to identify the source of the flood. Shut off the water supply to the malfunctioning appliance and arrange for repairs.
3. Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall can lead to basement flooding. The water level will continue to rise until the rain stops. If it’s safe, turn off your basement’s water supply and move valuable items to higher ground.
Step 3: Salvage Your Belongings
Floods can result in significant property damage, but not everything may be lost. As soon as it’s safe to enter your basement, prioritize the items you can salvage:
-Unplug electronics: Remove electronic devices to prevent further damage.
-Save important documents: Retrieve passports, house titles, and financial documents that are difficult to replace.
-Preserve sentimental items: Family heirlooms, photo albums, original books, and souvenirs should be prioritized.
-Dispose of water-damaged electronics, and discard any wet drywall, carpet, and rugs. Fabric items that haven’t been dried within 1-2 days should also be discarded.
Step 4: Dry And Clean
Proper drying is essential to prevent mold growth and further damage.
The approach you take depends on the depth of the water:
-Shallow water: Use a mop and bucket to remove shallow water. Involve family members to expedite the process.
-Deep water: Deep standing water may require a wet/dry vacuum or a submersible pump for removal.
-Once the water is gone, promote airflow by opening basement windows and using fans. Combining space heaters with dehumidifiers helps reduce humidity.
Preventing Mould After A Basement Flood
Mould thrives in moisture, so preventing it is crucial.
Here’s how to do it:
-Clean: Use a disinfectant like bleach and water to clean flooring and walls. Repeat the process once they’ve dried.
-Furniture: Clean any furniture that came into contact with floodwater. Air-dry items that got wet and use mold-control products on surfaces.
– Call a water damage restoration company. They have the appropriate equipment that’ll properly help you remove and prevent mould infestation.
Understanding Your Insurance
Lastly, understand your insurance coverage.
Typical house insurance may cover specific causes of flooding, like appliance malfunctions, burst pipes, or overflowing sinks. However, it may not cover natural disasters such as heavy rain or sewer system backups.
Consider specific flood insurance for comprehensive coverage.
Interesting statistics related to floods in Canada
1. Frequency of Floods
Canada experiences an average of 20,000 to 25,000 floods each year, making it one of the most flood-prone countries in the world.
2. Costly Natural Disasters
Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in Canada. They account for approximately 80% of all disaster-related property damage.
3. Annual Economic Impact
Flooding results in an estimated annual economic impact of $1 billion in Canada, including damages to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture.
4. Rising Insurance Costs
Over the past decade, the cost of home insurance in flood-prone regions of Canada has increased by as much as 300%, reflecting the growing risk and impact of floods.
5. High-Risk Provinces
Provinces such as Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick are among the most flood-prone regions in Canada, with significant occurrences of riverine and flash floods.
6. Rising Water Levels
Due to climate change, water levels in some Canadian rivers have been rising steadily. For example, water levels in the Saint John River in New Brunswick have reached their highest points in decades.
7. Flooded Communities
In recent years, major floods have affected various communities in Canada, including the 2013 Alberta floods, which resulted in 100,000 people being evacuated from their homes.
8. Wildfires and Flooding
Canada often experiences a combination of wildfires and subsequent flooding. Wildfires can lead to soil erosion and reduced vegetation, increasing the risk of flash floods during heavy rains.
9. Floodplain Development
Despite the risks, many Canadians continue to live in flood-prone areas. Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians resides in areas susceptible to flooding.
10. Mitigation Efforts
Canadian governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels have been investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as improved flood forecasting, dykes, and reservoirs, to reduce the impact of floods on communities.
These statistics highlight the significant and growing challenges that floods pose to Canada’s communities, economy, and environment, emphasizing the importance of effective flood risk management and climate change adaptation strategies.
Summary: How To Deal With A Flooded Basement
- Assess safety
- Identify source of water
- Salvage belongings
- Dry and clean
In conclusion, dealing with a flooded basement requires prompt action and a focus on safety. By following these steps and understanding your insurance coverage, you can mitigate damage and protect your home and belongings from further harm.
If you have any questions about our article, “How To Deal With A Flooded Basement: Steps To Take For A Quick Recovery” or need basement water damage restoration services, contact us on LiveChat, social media or (289) 271-3022.
