Chances are, if you live in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, you have been pumping water out of your basement for the past two days. If you have a large amount of water, you will have to rent or buy a sump pump to help you get rid of the water in a timely fashion. The longer the water sits, the more likely it is that mold will grow and odors will persist.
Below is a to-do list for those of you affected:
Do pump the water out of your basement ASAP using a sump pump or wet/dry vacuum depending on severity. The key to minimizing the damage is catching the problem early.
Do NOT pump the water out too quickly. This can cause stress on the walls of your home and your floors to heave. If possible, try to keep up with the flow of the water or rain coming into the basement.
Do use your best judgment when unplugging electronics that have been affected by the flood. If you have any doubt, ask a professional for help.
Do NOT use electrical equipment that is affect by the flooding. Call for help if you are unable to unplug items. If the electrical panel has been affected, electronic sump pumps should NOT be used unless accompanied by a 12-volt auto battery.
Do put your personal possessions on pallets or shelves. Water can damage cardboard boxes and its contents, which can be a breeding ground for mold. Use a mixture of bleach & water to clean any area that is affected by mold.
Do NOT handle wet paper until it is dried out. Important documents and books that get wet can be extremely fragile. Wait for the items to dry off before opening them.
Do air out the basement once the water has been pumped out and the soil has been cleaned up. Using a dehumidifier or a fan can help get the moisture out of the basement. This will help prevent mold & mildew.
Do NOT forget to disinfect. Using a bleach and water mixture on the walls and floors can kill any mildew and mold. It only takes 48 hours for mold to begin to form!
Do use a lump of charcoal placed in a tin to get pesky odors out.
Do perform regular outdoor maintenance. Clean out the gutters regularly, or invest in Gutter Helmet, which directs rain water away from your house rather than having it pool in your basement. This will minimize future damage to your basement.
If the weather in Rhode Island or Massachusetts has damaged your roof, siding or if you are interested in Gutter Helmet, contact us at 1-800-975-6666. We are conveniently located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and can come right out to your home for a FREE estimate!
Photo Credit: Flickr member dustpanalley