Tips on Dealing with a Flooded Basement

by | May 15, 2012 | Home Improvement

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Cleaning up after a flood or fire is an uphill task. However, water damage deteriorates your home and get progressively worse, if left unattended. Seeking immediate professional help for a flooded basement can help to save your property from further deterioration and extensive repair work. If you engage hired professionals at the onset, you can salvage most of your belongings and prevent additional damage to flooring, carpets and furnishings.

Another reason to seek licensed contractors for water removal and extraction from your flooded basement is to mitigate the growth of mold. Home owners often overlook the patches and discolorations that indicate the formation of mold. Mold growth can result in serious health issues, allergies and lung problems in elderly residents or young children. If you suspect you have mold caused by past flooding, calling in licensed contractors can provide a satisfactory solution.

The home owner can prevent water damage, or mitigate it if it has already taken place, by observing some practices:

Steps to Mitigate Water Damage:

1. If possible, turn off the source of water. Call a plumbing professional if you don’t know how to turn off the mains.

2. Before removing or unplugging electrical devices in a wet area, turn off the breaker or remove the fuse.

3. Wrap aluminum foil around the legs of furniture if resting on wet carpeting. This prevents the occurrence of stains on the carpet. Alternatively, put plastic bowls under legs of furniture.

4. Lift off curtains and draperies from wet carpeting.

5. Take out area rugs.

6. Remove and shift paper goods, books, potted plants, shoes and other household items to a dry place. These items could potentially stain wet carpets or absorb moisture and undergo deterioration.

7. Keep the air conditioner at a temperature of 72 degrees and above to dehumidify the area and to accelerate the drying process. Do not attempt to switch on the AC unit is situated in a wet area.

8. If the ceiling is wet, do not attempt to turn on ceiling lights. Punching holes in a sagging ceiling can let out trapped water and reduce strain.

9. Remove clothing and other articles made of fabric and place them in a dry area.

10. Remove decorative items and pictures from the walls if they are wet.

11. Report the damage to your insurance agent. If you have to arrange for alternative accommodation until your home is restored, provide your insurance agent and contractor with your contact address.

Calling professional restoration contractors and your insurance agent is vital if you have a flooded basement. Albany, NY homeowners can find restoration contractors in the area offering effective solutions for fire and water damage.

Flooded basement Albany, NY – If you are looking to restore a flooded basement, Albany, NY is home to Professional Fire Restoration Services. They offer wide range professional services to clean and repair water damage.

 

flooded basement

flooded basement

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