Your Basement is doomed in a Flood: Tips for Water Damage Prevention

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

It's no secret that flooding is one of the most devastating and widespread natural disasters. Every year, we see houses and communities take a beating from floods all over the world. If you live near water or in an area prone to flooding, you know how important it is to be prepared for when disaster strikes. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to prepare your basement for flood damages!

Block Your Basements Entrance

If your basement is not waterproof, then the best thing to do is block off its entrance. The best way to accomplish this is by adding a waterproof door. This will ensure that water doesn't enter your basement, even if it's raining heavily outside! This might not stop the water from getting in if the flood is really severe however this is a step that you should always take as it may end up saving your basement.

Check for Cracks near The Basement

Cracks in the structure of your house near the basement may act as entry points for the flood water so it is important to cover those cracks. You can use either filling concrete or epoxy to seal the cracks.

Get the Carpet Off

If there is a basement in your carpet then you need to get it off ASAP. Wet carpets can leave a bad smell which would be very difficult to get rid of especially if your carpet is in the basement. Not to mention the hard work and time it will take to dry the carpet.

Make sure there are No Electronics in the Basement

Electronic are very sensitive to water so it's best if you don't have them in the basement. So if your basement is like your man cave where you play video games all day long, it’s time to shift your PlayStation to the first floor. Make sure there is nothing valuable in the basement as it may be the most effected by flooding.

Prepare Everything for When the Flood Is Over

Keep the bucket and suction pumps ready for when the flood is over. You have to then remove the water as soon as possible otherwise it can not only damage the foundations of your house but may also stimulate growth of mold in the house which will eventually lower the value of your house.

Use Fans and Dehumidifiers to Dry Out Your Basement

After you remove all the water from your basement, it is important to dry out the area with a dehumidifier and fans. This will help in removing any residual moisture that may be left behind after the flood. It's also very important to keep checking on this part of recovery as if there is still some water or humidity in your house it can lead to mold growth which we've already mentioned is not good for health nor does it smell nice!

Get SERVPRO to Help With Water Damage Restoration

If you're not the do it yourself type and don't want to deal with all this mess, SERVPRO is there for you. We will be your best bet when it comes to water damage restoration as we have dealt with everything from floods to broken pipes!