3 Ways To Handle a Flooded Basement

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Hopewell, TN.

Protect Your Home From a Basement Flood

Flooding of your home in Hopewell, TN, particularly the part of your home that is below ground, is bound to happen sooner or later. When it does, in addition to calling your insurance carrier and a reliable flood remediation specialist, there are some things you can do to protect your home from a basement flood.

1. Prevention

The best way to deal with a flood is to keep it from happening in the first place. Having a sump pump and a backup generator just in case you lose power is a good start. You may also consider updating your exterior drainage system. You can significantly lower your chances of coming home to a flooded basement by making sure that gutters and drainage spouts are clear of debris and that your system directs water away from your foundation rather than toward it.

2. Replacement

If you can't avoid a basement flood, you may have a lot of decisions to make about what to salvage and what to throw away. In general, it's a good idea to discard electrical equipment. While some restoration experts could fix the machines, it's often safer to replace them and maybe even less expensive. You will likely have to replace flooring and drywall as well. Having good flood insurance coverage comes in handy when you make a list of what needs to be replaced.

3. Safety

The main safety rule of flooded areas is simple: Do not walk blindly into floodwaters. When your basement floods, you often cannot see what is lurking beneath the surface. Avoid wading into the water. Siphon out all the water first so that you can see where you are stepping. Floodwater, particularly from storms, is often contaminated, so keeping it out of contact with your skin as much as possible is advisable.

While avoiding a basement flood in the first place is ideal, sometimes water seeps in anyway. When it does flood, remember to play it safe and take measures to protect yourself from further damage in the future.