What do you do when you arrive home from work only to discover that your basement has turned into a mini swimming pool? While it is easy for a well-meaning friend or family member to tell you not to panic, the truth is that is much easier said than done. The knowledgeable professionals at American Hometown Services understand just how devastating a flooded home can be especially a flooded basement.
Flood Water Damage to Electrical Wiring in Basements
While it may be difficult to stay calm and collected, your primary concern should always be the safety of yourself and your family. If the circuit breaker for instance is in the basement, you should never attempt to enter the basement unless you are told it is safe to do so. The same applies for a finished basement with wall mounted plugs that could be underwater. Should the water reach the outlets, there is a very serious risk of electrocution even if the water is only a couple of inches deep.
Basement Mold & Water Flood Damage
Flooding can cause varying degrees of property damage and the longer you wait to get the flood water removed and the area cleaned up, the greater the risk of further damage. Mold can form quickly, often in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a flood. You may sustain structural damage to your property including damage to the foundation, drywall and flooring, not to mention damage to your personal belongings. Flood water can contain contaminants and particulates including bacteria, MRSA, Legionella Bacteria, E Coli, Norovirus and Leptospirosis to name a few. These contaminants can seriously affect the health of you and your loved ones.
Call Mold & Water Flood Damage Remediation Specialists
If your basement has been flooded, there are some things that you can do to minimize the extent of the damage. While you should never enter your basement until you are instructed to do so, one thing you can do is call the experts at American Hometown Services immediately. Our emergency water damage restoration services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and our restoration and clean up specialists are on standby to assist you.
The professionals at American Hometown Services have provided the following list of things that you can do once it is safe to enter your basement.
• Make sure any drains are cleared of debris
• If you have a sump pump in your basement, make sure it is operating properly
• Remove items from the floor and set them aside until you decide if they should be salvaged
• Place aluminum foil underneath the legs of wooden furniture
• Hang area rugs and upholstery cushions to allow them to dry evenly
Mold Removal & Remediation
The longer that you allow standing water to sit and saturate the interior of your home, the more likely it is that your will experience mold growth. The skilled clean up and restoration specialists at American Hometown Services specialize in flood damage restoration and the cleanup of flooded basements and other areas in your home or business. At American Hometown Services, we use professional grade drying equipment to dry out your basement. Thoroughly drying out your home is crucial if you want to avoid mold from forming.
