While rain keeps our country nice and green, it can wreak havoc on our homes. A major issue that it causes is flooding in people's basements. How do you clean up a basement after a flood? These are some helpful tips:
Call your home insurance provider. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Electricity in your home should be turned off if there are frayed wires, power cords under water, if you see sparks, or if it's nearing your electrical outlets. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
If there are hissing noises or an odor of gas, open the windows. If you needed to shut the gas off, hire an expert to turn it on again. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Your insurance provider should be given photos of damage to your home. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The longer they're in the water, the more likely they are to be seriously damaged.
Use a wet/dry vacuum, mops, or old rags to soak up excess water. Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water. Dehumidifiers and fans will help dry the basement out more quickly.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. You won't be able to see the mold growing behind the drywall. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
A. Headaches, clogged sinuses and difficulty breathing, especially for people allergic to mold or with weak respiratory or immune systems. You may not be able to see mold growing, but it could be there under the carpet or behind the drywall. It can't be stressed enough that mold can not be allowed to grow there. Growth of mold happens faster than people expect.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Take the steps that are needed to reduce damage and protect your home, unless it's unsafe to do so. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
Call your home insurance provider. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Electricity in your home should be turned off if there are frayed wires, power cords under water, if you see sparks, or if it's nearing your electrical outlets. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Get in touch with your power company and have them advise or help you to turn off the power.
If there are hissing noises or an odor of gas, open the windows. If you needed to shut the gas off, hire an expert to turn it on again. Only go into the basement after you know that it's not dangerous. Some gear that you should wear for your protection are safety glasses, a mask, gloves, and rubber boots. Flood water could be contaminated with bacteria from raw sewage.
Your insurance provider should be given photos of damage to your home. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The longer they're in the water, the more likely they are to be seriously damaged.
Use a wet/dry vacuum, mops, or old rags to soak up excess water. Roll back or remove rugs close to the source of water. Dehumidifiers and fans will help dry the basement out more quickly.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No. An inch or two of water will travel up the drywall several feet, especially if you have insulation in the wall. You won't be able to see the mold growing behind the drywall. The drywall needs to be cut out and replaced.
Q. If we have mold in our house, what are some symptoms we might exhibit?
A. Headaches, clogged sinuses and difficulty breathing, especially for people allergic to mold or with weak respiratory or immune systems. You may not be able to see mold growing, but it could be there under the carpet or behind the drywall. It can't be stressed enough that mold can not be allowed to grow there. Growth of mold happens faster than people expect.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Take the steps that are needed to reduce damage and protect your home, unless it's unsafe to do so. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. Your policy will likely include some water damage coverage, but you will need to ask your provider if you would like additional protection to be added.
About the Author:
For further details, please visit this blog, or if you're a first time home buyer visit www.squareoneinsurance.ca.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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