Basement Flood Safety
If you have a flooded basement, do not enter the flooded area until you are informed by a qualified professional that the area is safe.
Flooded Basement Hazards
Entering a flooded basement can be dangerous:
Electrical Shock
When your basement is flooded, electrocution is a serious hazard. Turning off main circuit breaker switch can eliminate this risk, however the breaker box is often located in the basement making safe access impossible.
Gas leaks
If detect gas tracer odder, vacate the property immediately and contact the local gas Utility 24 hour emergency operator to report the gas leak.
Pollutants
Sewage is often contained in a basement flood and can contain dangerous microbial pathogens that transmit disease. Basement flooding that originated from ground water or even sanitary water source can access and contain raw sewage. It is essential to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety glasses, respirator mask and to wash thoroughly after any contact with sewage or items touched by sewage.
Chemicals
Basement flood waters can access and carry dangerous chemical contaminants. When cleaning the remaining residue, ventilate well and limit contact and exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to safety during all phases of basement flood clean up.
Structural damage
Although not common, severe or chronic basement flooding may undermine the foundation, weaken walls or even ceiling structures. If there is any concern or doubt about structural integrity vacate the area and call an expert.
Consult a plumber
If the flooding is the result of a water supply line, shut of the main water valve if it can be safely accessed.
If the basement flood is due to a sewage backup, do not flush toilets or run any sink or appliance within the property as this is likely to increase the basement flooding.
Contact your insurance agent
Your local insurance agent will advise you on standard basement flood safety and clean up procedures, let you know about your coverage, provide information about reputable local contractors, let you know about your coverage and guide you through filing a claim. In general:
Take Photos
and document water damage to the structure and your belongings. Request and retain any and all receipts for emergency services, purchases, and repairs required in the flood clean up.
Even if you have insurance coverage for your basement flood, you are responsible for the flood clean-up, repairs and replacement of lost property.
Insurance companies are more likely to approve of property who work proactively to alleviate or eliminating future basement flooding. Repeat claims with no effort to curtail future basement floods may be sufficient reason for an insurance company to drop your coverage.
Report your basement flooding
Let the local governing authorities and utilities know that basement flooding has occurred. Documentation of basement flood locations helps municipalities determine where the municipal infrastructure requires attention, which may help alleviate your basement flooding.
Drying Out a Flooded Basement
Property Recovery 911 offers professional water mitigation and flood restoration in and around Philadelphia no matter the source or scope of the water intrusion. We are prepared and on call 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to dispatch a quick response team who will be on your location within 1 hour. Contact Us to prevent or alleviate the devastating effects of flooding and to safely dry, deodorize and disinfect the affected areas.