Its important to take precautions while doing certain tasks to ensure that you get your basement back to normal. Anytime your house floods, you can almost guarantee your basement is going to be affected and if you’re like us, chances are you have some storage or boxed items stored down there.
Check your power supply.
First and foremost, always check the power and electrical supply to make sure that all power is off and that there are no loose wires exposed to the water. Put on a pair of gloves and thick soled boots before you enter the flooded area to prevent yourself from mold, mildew, sharp objects, or any other potential threats floating around in the water. If you just have minor damages, you can take a mop, sponge, or broom to clean up the mess. In the case of major flooding, you’re going to have to drain the entire basement thoroughly with a sump pump. When draining the hard hit areas always make sure you’re only draining 3 feet every 24 hours. Rapidly draining all the water at once can cause the soil and foundation to shift leaving your home weak and vulnerable to caving in. Once all the water is removed completely, run a dehumidifier to remove any moisture that has built up on windows and walls.
What can be salvaged?
After you have finished removing the water and moisture, now is the time to sort through what items can be salvaged and which ones need to be trashed. Items such as books, papers, or files are most likely to damage but items like furniture, rugs, or curtains can be rescued by drying out and shampooing clean.
Sanitizing your basement.
As soon as you’ve cleaned and cleared out your basement, your going to need to sanitize it with a mixture of 1 cup bleach mixed with gallons of water which will create a solution that can be used to scrub down all affected areas. This solution will help kill off all bacteria and mold saving yourself from future problems including your health. Once you have fully sanitized the basement, open up any windows to air out any odors the water left behind.
Iron River Construction
Dealing with a flooded basement is never fun but don’t let the problem get out of control to the point where it can’t be fixed. These procedures will help you get your basement back to its original form but if you find yourself needing help or have any further questions feel free to contact us, Iron River Construction!
