Steps You Can Take After Basement Flooding

8/7/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding Can Be Devastating - Call SERVPRO if you are dealing with flooding in your home or business!

SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Remediate Flood Damage

Flooding is a serious matter, and can carry a number of risks not only to your home but also to your personal health. Whenever you're dealing with massive floodwaters, always make sure to confer with SERVPRO representatives on what you should and should not do to protect yourself. Make sure above all that you don't enter any deep water, or use any electronics in the home. Our technicians will handle most of the cleanup and restoration work on their own, but before they arrive on-scene there are a few things you can do to help out.
 
Hang Wet Fabrics, Furs, and Leather
 
Whenever you're dealing with a flooded basement in Island Park, you should, if possible, remove any fabrics, furs, and leather in the area. Hang them up to dry, preferably in sunshine or near a heat source. Don't try to use a hair dryer or other appliance to dry them. This is essential in preventing mold growth on potentially valuable items.

Wipe and Mop Up Excess Water
 
If you don't have thick floodwaters remaining in the area, chances are there is still excess water on surfaces and floors. If you can, mop and wipe these up, but be careful to wear gloves and boots while doing so. If the water has a consistent depth and requires pumping, leave it to us and don't risk yourself by wading in.
 
Remove Art and Books
 
Take any paper books or pieces of art in the area and move them to a dry area. These are easily lost in a flood, and may be time-consuming or costly to restore if they take on water. This also goes for loose items in general, but items perishable in water should be prioritized.
 
Turn on the A/C (in Summer)
 
If the flood strikes during the warmer months of the year, turning on the air conditioning in your home helps to start and quicken the drying process. We use heavy equipment to dry the room regardless, but cooler temperatures and faster airflow are always helpful.
 
Remove Cushions, Pillows, etc.
 
Removing cushions and pillows from furniture helps to expose more of their surface to the air, and thus helps them to dry faster. In addition, try to place metal foil or wood blocks between the legs of your furniture and wet carpets.
 
SERVPRO of Rexburg / Rigby has dealt with dozens of cases of basement flooding, and has trained technicians ready to respond fast to your emergency. Call us 24/7 for services at (208) 356-0263.