What to do if your basement floods?
- Call your city. City staff will inspect the problem, assess the flooding and attempt to determine the source(s) of flooding. If the problem lies with the City’s infrastructure, the City will schedule the necessary repair or include it in the budget. If the flooding is a result of a blocked sewer lateral or drain pipe, leaking foundation walls or poor lot drainage, or a failure of the sump pump, the property owner is responsible for repairs and any subsequent damage caused by flooding. Regardless of who is at fault, City staff will advise you of a possible course of action to take.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report property damage caused by the flooding. Take pictures and save receipts from emergency repair work or cleanups.
- Because dealing with a flooded area can be dangerous, extra safety precautions should be taken.
- When in doubt, contact the County Department of Health.
- Contact a Water Damage Professional
Please follow these safety tips:
- Because electrocution is always a danger in a flooded basement, wait until the water recedes before you begin cleanup. If you decide to walk in the water, the electricity must be shut off at the main box.
- Since flood water may be contaminated with sewage, wear rubber boots and gloves to minimize skin contact. Do not smoke, eat or touch your face while in a flooded area. If you receive an open wound while working in a flooded area, seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not allow children or pets near the flooded area.
- Remember that flooded areas will be slippery, even after the water recedes.
- If a gas odor is present, do not touch any electrical fixtures, telephones or switches – any spark may ignite the gas. Leave immediately, leaving the doors open to ventilate, and call the Fire Department and the gas company from a safe place. Do not light a match or use any open flame on your way out of the house.
- If the furnace or other appliances became wet, have them inspected by a qualified service technician before using them. Turning on wet electrical equipment could produce shock, endangering life and may burn out equipment. Once your furnace is cleared for use, replace the filter with a new, dry filter. Dispose of all food that became wet – do not eat it.
- Discard any medicines and personal products that came into contact with the flood water.
Having an Mold Intrusion Inspection of your home will help minimize the chances of flooding.
