Know What To Do If Your Basement Floods

As overwhelming as it may be to discover that your basement has been flooded, the staff at 911 Restoration Washington DC will give you the immediate peace of mind you need by sending repair workers to your home immediately.

Even though a basement flood may seem like the end of the world, it is important to keep things in perspective and understand that home flooding is a common issue that can actually be dealt with in a fairly simple way.

If you have the right team on your side you can get out of the situation quickly and fairly unscathed. Remember that most things are replaceable and many homeowner’s insurance policies will cover your financial loses.

It can be difficult to think straight during this time, so 911 Restoration Washington DC has addressed some of the most important questions you should have answered when you find yourself ankle deep in floodwater.

Who Do You Call When Your Basement Floods?

Time is of the essence when it comes to handling water-based disasters and this company understands that more than any other restoration institution.

They are literally always open, meaning you can call their office the moment you discover that your basement has become flooded and you will get someone on the line to assist you. If it turns out that you need help right away then they will get technicians to your home within 45 minutes.

The great thing about 911 Restoration of Washington DC is that their repair workers provide free home inspections whenever they are hired for a job, so you never have to worry about incurring any financial risk when you work with this company.

Not only that, but they will begin working on your home the very same day they do the initial inspection. Having a company close by that responds so quickly will play a major role in getting your basement dry and clean again.

How Can You Minimize The Flood Damage While You Wait For Help?

Even though 911 Restoration of Washington DC will get to the scene quickly there are still some steps you can take to minimize the damage done to your property and stay safe while you wait for help. The first thing you should do is shut off all the electricity and gas. Do not step into the flooded basement before turning off the power, because there may be a risk of electrocution.

After the power is off, make sure to wear protective boots, gloves and even a mask. You want to make sure not to come into direct contact with water, since it may be filled with toxins and loose objects. Wearing this gear will also keep you from slipping.

Feel around for your basement’s floor drain and clear away any debris that may be stopping water from draining out. This may help get the water extraction process started for the water damage restoration technicians.

Try to move items out of the basement if you can do so in a safe manner. Place them in a well-ventilated area and give them a solid 48 hours to dry out. If they haven’t dried out by this time then you may need to discard them since they may be susceptible to becoming moldy.

When Should You Call Your Insurance After You Discover A Basement Flood?

After contacting 911 Restoration of Washington DC for assistance, the next call you should make should be to your insurance company. The sooner you call and report the incident, the better chances you will have at obtaining full coverage.

You should take photos of the flooding incident before any remediation efforts take place in order to prove to your insurance company just how extensive the damage is. The more proof you have of the basement flood, the more financial support you should receive.

Make sure to take photos of the items that have been damaged, as well the property itself. If possible, gather together receipts of any water damaged items in order to prove the value of the possessions.

If you have never filed an insurance claim before, the staff members at 911 Restoration of Washington DC will walk you through the entire process. In fact, we will file your entire claim for you, if need be, that way you can be sure that everything is submitted correctly.

Why Is it Important To Hire A Home Restoration Company To Remediate Your Flood Damage?

Even though you may feel like you can take care of a basement flood on your own, it is important to understand why it is necessary to hire a company to do the job for you. It takes high-powered machinery to remove such a large amount of water from a space as big as a basement, and if you do not have this type of gear, then it may not be possible to thoroughly remove the moisture.

This can be problematic due to the fact that any lingering water can quickly turn into an infestation of mold and mildew. Mold spores only need 24 hours to begin growing, which means that if the area isn’t sufficiently dried within that time period, then you may have an infestation on your hands.

Lingering water can also cause rot, which can lead to structural problems. If drywall becomes completely soaked and is not replacement properly right away, then it can weaken and crumble. So, if you find yourself wading through the problems of a flooded basement, call 911 Restoration of Washington DC and they will send qualified water damage restoration techs to your door as quickly as possible.