Flooded Basement safety and clean up tips
A flooded basement is not only a headache to deal with but can be potentially dangerous. Below are a few things you need to think about to stay safe and take care of the problem correctly.
- If you can get to it, make sure the electricity is turned off.
Turn off the main breaker box, but only do so if you can reach it without standing in water or on any wet surfaces. If you can’t shut off power yourself, call your power company and have them shut off service to your home until you have everything dried out.
If the power is out in your area, don’t assume it will stay off for any length of time. If the power were restored suddenly while you’re knee deep in water that’s covering an outlet it could be fatal.
- Be careful of structural damage.
If your basement is flooded then there is the potential that the earth outside the home may have become waterlogged and unstable. If something structurally looks even a little off, or your hear cracking or creaking noises, STOPeverything,get out and call a professional.
- Upon entering a dark basement.
Use a flashlight. Don’t use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside.
- Use generators and pumps wisely.
You will need a generator or gas powered pump to remove the water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and locate the generator or pump as far from your home as you can to avoid fumes coming into the house. Never run a generator or motorized pump inside your home no matter how good the ventilation seems; deadly carbon monoxide buildup can result.
- Clean up.
Once it is safe it is time to clean up. To insure your safety follow these steps below:
- Make sure you’re wearing boots with a good grip and thick soles and be careful where you step.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from contaminants. Make sure that you wash your skin thoroughly with soap if you come into contact with standing water from your basement.
- If available use a face mask.
- Move items out of the flooded area as soon as possible.
- Allow wet items to air-dry as quickly as possible
to prevent rot and mildew.
- Open doors and windows. If your furnace or air
conditioner is safe to use, turn it on to assist in
drying. Also use fans and dehumidifiers, if possible.
- Wash down walls, floors, etc. that have been under water with warm soapy water. If available use a wet dry shop vacuum.
- Disinfect all surfaces and equipment that came into contact with floodwater with a solution of ½ cup of liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. A pump-type garden sprayer works best for large areas, or small items can be dipped in a pail of the chlorine/water solution. Let everything air-dry.
- If your basement is finished with drywall and it became wet, it is best to discard it and replace that portion to avoid the growth of mold.
Final thoughts.
Although this can be overwhelming, always err on the side of caution and don’t panic. Contact your physician at any point during or after the incident if you start to feel ill.
If you are planning to handle this situation yourself, remember there is equipment available at local rental services that can make the job much easier.