Quick guide on flooding cleanup for basements

Before anything else, let us define what we mean by flooding cleanup. This refers to the long (and oftentimes, arduous) process of cleaning up a home or office after flood has wreaked havoc to it. Not something we look forward to but it is a must if we want to prevent further damage to our property, fixtures, and appliances, and also to make sure no one gets sick from contamination, water, and humidity that always accompany flooding.

If you have flood insurance coverage, you need to get in touch with your insurance company first. Taking photos of the damage areas will be needed when filing insurance claims.

If your basement has been affected by flood, here are some guidelines on how to clean it up.

Things You Need for the Cleanup
1. Disinfectant solutions
2. Plenty of clean and dry cloths
3. Plastic bags/ Trash bags
4. A pair of gloves
5. Goggles
6. Protective clothing

Steps to Take for Flooding Cleanup

• Once you have all your cleaning materials ready, make sure you shut off electrical systems and remove electrical wires for safety measures. Never set foot on wet areas with active electricity otherwise you run the risk of getting electrocuted.
• Next, remove all the fixtures from the basement such as sofa, tables, and chairs, as well as electrical appliances. Put them somewhere they can dry up completely. It is advised that mattresses, stuffed toys, and pillows be thrown away when soaked wet during a flood because these could be breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and other harmful elements that cannot be removed even when washing them.
• Pump water out of the basement. This will take some time to finish especially if the room is full of water. Drilling holes on the wall will help if the water level is high.
• Flooring needs to be completely dried out otherwise mildew and molds will grow on it, especially for carpets and vinyl floors. When carpets have been soaked in water for at least 24 hours, it is advisable to throw them away.