No one wants to walk down the stairs into their home basement and find it flooded. A flooded basement can cause almost anyone to panic. Most people are so focused on the water. They don’t think about the electrocution danger right in front of them.
Entering a flooded basement can be hazardous and even fatal. Water and electricity can be a deadly combination. What do you do to keep yourself safe from electrocution when faced with a flooded basement?
Cut the Power and Gas
First, never step foot in a flooded basement, no matter how little water there may be. If just part of your basement is flooded and there are still dry spots, disconnect all gas and electric service to the entire property if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to turn off the power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so.
If you are not sure how to turn off all gas and electric service, or you don’t know what to do with a partially flooded basement, call for help before going into the basement.
If water has risen above the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace, or electrical panel, DO NOT enter the basement. Wait until the power is disconnected and you get the all-clear.
How Do I Get the Water Out?
Once the gas and electricity are turned off, and it is safe to enter the basement, your first thought might be, “How do I get the water out of the basement?” Sump pumps and wet vacs can help remove water. However, using these tools runs a high risk of electrical shock when not correctly used around water.
Use a generator to power any sump pumps or wet vacs. Never run extension cords through the water. Make sure you review generator safety before using one, as they can also have safety concerns.
After the Water is Gone from a Flooded Basement
Once all the water has been removed from your basement, it’s best to have your home inspected for damage before getting the electricity reconnected.
Next, reconnect your service if your basement was completely flooded.
Finally, have a professional inspect your water heater and furnace to ensure water damage didn’t extinguish the pilot light and ensure they are running properly.
There can be lots of sources for basement flooding. Heavy rainstorms can saturate the ground around your basement or cause nearby water sources such as rivers and creeks to rise and spill into your home.
Issues within your home, such as burst pipes, a backed-up sewer, or a faulty sump pump, can cause flooding issues. No matter how your basement floods, Allied Restoration can help. Call us at the first sign of standing water in your basement. Our professional mitigation team will come out and help restore everything back to normal.
Allied Restoration is an IICRC (Institute Of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Certified Firm. Our Senior Project Manager, Wilma Fogler, was the first person in the State of Maryland to achieve the IICRC Master Water Restorer Certification. Allied is Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. 