I was once a victim of a flooded basement. And I tell you, to see your basement filled with waist level water is such a big eyesore. My first impression was "How do I clean up all this mess?" but at the same time, I think about the property and financial losses that I have lost to my flooded basement while I think about how to ensure the safety of my family at the same time.



Because of this, I have collated a few useful tips (base on experience) on how clean up a flooded basement safely and quickly. Take a look at this.

Whose homes are prone to have a flooded basement?

We cannot tell. All basements -whether finished or unfinished will always be prone to flooding due to a lot of reasons. In some cases, the downspouts and the storm gutters get clogged with holes causing the water to flow over them and down the house instead of flowing into the corners away from the house. In a few cases, you will see the water located high on the ground. When the ground gets saturated and the rain continues to pour down, the rain will need to find somewhere to go to. Usually, the rain overflows to the surface of the yard however, if cracks are everywhere, the water will enter through these holes instead.

What do I do when I discover that my basement is flooded?

- The first thing to do in dealing with a flooded basement is to remove as much water as you can.

- If the flood is minor, simply get a mop or old towels then mop the wet areas until the floor gets drier.

- If the flooding is serious, there's much more to do - all these will be discussed below.

How do I handle a seriously flooded basement?

- You will need your wet vacuum and your portable sump pump. These equipment can be rented. Look in your local phone directory to get contact information.

- Once you have all your equipment, the next thing to do is to remove the water. Start with areas which will sustain the most damage if water continues to sit. You can also begin in the highest section of the room where water is the lowest and work towards the larger pools of water.

- If the rain stopped, open the windows right away to allow moisture to escape. Flooded basements are prone to mold contamination. Ensuring good ventilation will reduce the risks of mold and mildew. Once the water is removed from the floor, it's time to begin the drying process as soon as possible.

- If your heating system was not affected by flooding, you can use this equipment to help you dry up your flooded basement. Turn it on to a higher setting. You can also use fans to allow the air to circulate. Simply position your fans in a way that the air is blown out of the room and not into the room.

- Another option for the drying out process is by using a dehumidifier. Remember to close your doors and windows when using your dehumidifier in order for it to work properly.

- Empty the dehumidifier container as often as possible.

Cleaning up your flooded basement can be very difficult if you do not relax and think one at a time. The best advice that I could probably give is take things slowly but surely.