Discovering a flooded basement can be alarming for any homeowner. Yet, familiarizing yourself with the steps you should follow and taking prompt action can minimize the extent of flood damage. Knowing the following tips could help you in the event your basement ever experiences widespread water damage.

3 Steps to Follow When Your Basement Has Flooded

1. Shut Off Utilities

Wading through a wet basement can be dangerous if your electricity is still on, as it could cause electrocution. For this reason, you should shut off the power source before attempting to enter your basement. If you can’t get to your main circuit breaker without wading in the water, contact your power company for instructions. Additionally, if you suspect that the flood damage is due to a burst pipe instead of incoming rainwater, turn off the main water valve for your home. 

2. Remove Water 

If your home has a sump pump, it should kick on automatically. It requires electricity to operate, so you may want to leave the power on and keep your distance from the basement. 

A flooded basement usually means the sump pump failed or was overwhelmed by the volume of water, however. If you've lost power and the sump pump doesn't have a backup battery to run on, or your home doesn't have a sump pump, call restoration professionals promptly.

Depending on the extent of the problem, there are steps you can take while you wait for service. Wear protective equipment, including rain boots, as the floodwater could have contaminants. Use a wet vac to begin removing water. You can also turn on fans and open any windows to speed up the drying process.

3. Relocate or Remove Damaged Items

Once the water removal process has begun, it’s time to take inventory of what’s been damaged. Document everything with photographs so you can file a claim using your home insurance if you’re covered for flood damage.

Bedding, rugs, and other cloth materials should be removed, as they could harbor mold. If you have furniture that sustained minimal damage, consider relocating it so the next steps of the restoration process can be carried out.

A fourth, important step for handling flood damage is contacting restoration specialists. Drymaxx Ohio in Dayton has more than 25 years of experience in water damage restoration to minimize the impact of flooding on your flooring, walls, and other home features. They also offer post-cleanup inspections to ensure remediation was carried out successfully and your home is free of mold. Contact their team 24/7 by calling (937) 470-3053, or visit their website to learn more about their services.