Take It Slow When Emptying Your Flooded Basement

If you find one day that your basement has flooded, and the water needs to be pumped out, remember not to go too fast otherwise damage to your home can result. The flooding should be pumped slowly to prevent any damage to the concrete foundation as well as the walls and floors.If the water in your basement recedes too fast, the outside pressure may increase dramatically, causing the floor or foundation to crack or even collapse.

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In this situation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends following these steps to avoid any serious damage or injury if your basement is flooded. Start pumping out a foot of water once the ground outside is no longer covered with flood water. Mark the current water level, and check it the following morning, repeating the procedure if it is not lower. Measure the water level, and if it is higher the next morning, wait for 24 hours and repeat the procedure. Once the water level is lower than the measured point, you can begin pumping your basement, but only pump two to three feet per day.

You should only enter a flooded basement if you are absolutely certain that the electricity is not turned on. Tetanus shots are a sensible precaution for anyone dealing with contaminated flood water.

Cleaning up after a flood can be a harrowing task, especially if you discover any serious damage. The overwhelming nature of such a disaster means that it is often wisest to contact a professional to deal with your flooded basement.

Typhoid and paratyphoid are also threats. In addition, floodwater is often a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which carry infectious diseases, including West Nile virus and encephalitis.

Because mud washed into your home by a flood can also be full of contaminants, shovel out whatever you can, and then use a garden hose or sprayer to remove the mud from hard surfaces. Next, wash those surfaces with a heavy-duty cleaner and hot water, use disinfectant, and rinse them in clean water.

When a storm is more severe, you may also need a new heating and air conditioning system, septic tank, roofing, and foundation to make your home safe and livable.