What To Do When Your Basement Floods

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

A basement flood in Norman, OK, can be stressful. Building owners should know what to do when flooding occurs. You must remove the water, repair damage, prevent mold growth and file an insurance claim.

Causes

Flooding can happen for a number of reasons:

• Rain
• Melting snow or ice
• Broken pipes
• Overflow from appliances
  

If the flooding is not being caused by environmental factors, you should shut off the water source as quickly as possible to minimize damage.

Removing the Water
When your basement is flooded, you need to remove the water as quickly as possible. You should open doors and windows to allow air to circulate. For small amounts of water, you may be able to use towels to soak it up. For large amounts of water, you will likely need a pump or industrial vacuum. Always check that the electricity in the area is shut off before making contact with the water.

Repairing Damage and Preventing Mold Growth
Water can damage building materials, such as wood or drywall. It can also damage electrical wiring. A water damage restoration service in Norman, OK, should inspect the area and repair any damage. They will also make sure everything is fully dried and then clean the area with antibacterial sprays that prevent mold growth.

Filing an Insurance Claim
Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage to be sure a basement flood is covered before an emergency occurs if possible. After the flood, make a list of belongings that were damaged and take photos of any damage for your insurance provider. Contact your agent as soon as possible to begin filing a claim.
If you experience a basement flood, you can minimize damage if you know what to do. Remove the water from the basement, repair damage, prevent mold growth and file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Before a flood occurs, make sure your insurance coverage includes flooded basements.