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How To Dry And Clean Surfaces Affected By A Flash Flood

Heavy rainfall can lead to the possibility of water entering your home's basement if a flash flood causes water to accumulate and your basement hasn't been waterproofed. After water has seeped into the basement, you need to act quickly so that mold does not form on flooring, walls, or possessions stored in the basement.

Assess The Amount Of Damage And Use A Sump Pump

If the water level is shallow, a small sump pump can be used to remove water from the basement and deposit it outdoors. A sump pump is a machine that can be rented for a day or two if you do not want to invest in a new machine. An outlet extension needs to be secured to a portable pump. The extension should lead outdoors. After the machine is turned on, the water that is on the floor will be routed through the outlet extension. 

Dry And Clean Damp Materials

If the flooding recently occurred and you have plenty of time to begin drying and cleaning damp materials, you may be able to deter mold growth. Check the walls and flooring in the basement. If they are slightly damp, open up the windows to allow sunlight into the basement or use a portable heater to assist with drying damp surfaces.

Small carpets and other loose materials can be brought outdoors so that they can be placed directly in the sunlight. After surfaces have dried, use an all purpose cleanser and a soft cloth to treat nonporous surfaces. Large areas, such as the basement floor or wall panels, can be cleaned by moving a damp sponge or cloth mop across them.

If signs of damage are evident, such as cracked or warped sheetrock or stains on area rugs, the items should be assessed by a water damage contractor. If the materials can be salvaged, you will receive an estimate and a timeframe for the job to be completed.

Inquire About Insurance Coverage

If you live in a low lying area that floods from time to time, you likely have flood insurance. Your insurance policy may cover the costs associated with drying and cleaning items. If items are not salvageable, your coverage may allow you to purchase replacement building materials or possessions for items that were affected by the flood.

Contact an insurance agent to inquire about your coverage and to make an appointment to have an insurance adjustor come to your home to determine the extent of the damage. For more information or help, you can also contact local water damage restoration services.