What to do when you have a flooded basement

When dealing with a flooded basement, you may ask yourself the question, “Shal, I fix it myself, hire a water damage restoration company or call my Insurance provider? But, first, let’s stop and consider the various critical health and safety factors, the potential hazard implications, and how can your insurance claim be denied, further explained below.

Hiring a water damage restoration company steps

Step 1: Ask friends and family for recommendations. Do a local google search and search for good reviews.

Step 2: Before booking, make sure to note the following information stated below. The list contains the most likely questions the water damage restoration company will ask you to help better prepare them for the Flooded Basement Emergency.

Provide your Google map address link to the company for fast & accurate emergency response.
Take pictures and videos with your mobile phone & have them ready to share.
Identify the water seepage source if safe to do so.
Note down the flood depth.
Identify the water category or class type. For example, is it Clean water or sewage?
Is there an unaffected power outlet source available?
Make a note of the square footage of the affected areas.
Is there a drain? If so, is it clogged or unclogged?
Is the basement finished or unfinished?
Are there heavily affected items to move?
If you are a representative or tenant, have the property owner’s contact info on hand.

Step 3: Ensure the flood company you hire meets the following requirements.

1 hour response time.
Contractor damage liability insurance.
Certifications and licences.
Customer references.
‘Never pay upfront cash deposits without a formal contract.
Step-by-step detailed quote and timeline.
Can guide you through the insurance claim process.
Insurance claim deductible “program.”

Filing an insurance claim steps

Have your insurance policy number on hand.
Understand your policy and declarations.
Confirm all policy information is up to date.
Hire a reputable water damage restoration company to help prepare your claim documentation.
Log, photograph and keep an inventory of damaged items
Get an anticipated time frame
Schedule and prepare for your adjuster’s visit.
Learn how your flood insurance claims process can be wrongfully denied.

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Is a flooded basement dangerous?

Before entering a flooded basement, ensure it’s safe to do so before carelessly stepping into hazards and injuring yourself. Depending on the flood severity, it’s highly advisable not to risk entering to clean up the wet basement area until it’s mitigated and assessed by a water damage restoration expert and cleared safe to do so.

Tools & supplies needed for flooded basement cleanup

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & first aid kits
Disinfectant & Cleaning products
Flathead Shovel
Portable Sump Pump
Wet/Dry Vacuum
Mop & water squeegee
Industrial fans/blower
Dehumidifier
Pencil/Chalk & utility knife
Heavy grade garbage bags.