A flooded basement should be addressed and cleaned as soon as it’s discovered to avoid the possible growth of mold and avert further damage.
Take Safety Measures: For safety reasons, it is safer to turn off the source of electricity before venturing into the flooded basement. If the breaker box is located in a place where one can only reach it with wet feet, then it is advisable that he hire an electrician. Other precautionary measures that should be taken include the use of gloves, a mask, and rubber boots since the water is contaminated and dangerous to the touch.
Remove Any Remaining Water: Buckets, shop vacuums, sump pumps, and wet/dry vacuum cleaners are great tools for clearing out standing water. A sump pump will work best in areas where there is a chance of a significant flood, while a wet/dry vacuum cleaner would work best for relatively modest amounts of water.
Dry Out the Area: To reduce moisture content in the affected area, introduce fans and dehumidifiers or open the windows of the water filled basement. Ventilation should be provided to prevent further growth of mold and ensure no further damage is done to the structures. This should be done till the basement is thoroughly dry.
Clean and Disinfect: The water from the basement flood might contain bacteria and other germs. To clean all the affected areas, use a solution of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. This will help prevent the formation of mold, other bacterial growth and other necessary disinfections. Sweep and mop the floors, walls, and anything that one can wash.
Check for Mold: It is important to inspect the basement for mold when the surface has dried and been cleaned. Mold may develop 24-48 hours after the flood. If mold is present and can be easily seen, then use a mold-killing solution.
Restore and Repair: Begin the repair process after removing any debris and ensuring that the basement is dry. Some examples of this include painting, floor alteration, and wall fixing that might require new siding. To ensure that there are no more difficulties, make certain that any repair work carried out utilizes materials that are not affected by water.
Prevent Future Floods: Stay dry by— avoiding contact with water, installing a sump pump, ensuring that the ground and the foundation around the structure slopes away from it, sealing the cracks on the foundation walls, and cleaning and maintaining gutters and downspout systems.
By taking these precautions, you can lessen the harm that a basement flood does and avoid it from happening again.
