Basement Flooding...

Basement flooding

How do you clean up after heavy rains or something else floods your basement?  Keep the following in mind:

• The second leading cause of death in flooding is electrocution.  Stay away from power lines or water covering electrical outlets.  Make sure appliances are cleaned and dry before operating.
• Watch your step.  The ground and floors could be covered with mud, broken glass or nails.
• Look out for small animals, especially snakes that may seek shelter inside your homer.  Use a pole to turn things over.
• Clean everything that got wet.  When in doubt, throw it out.  Spoiled food, soaked cosmetics, carpets and medicines can all be health hazards.

Molds can begin growing in your home within 48 hours after floodwaters recede.  Contamination of molds can cause significant health problems, including eye, nose and throat irritations, excessive colds, flu and asthma.

If you've suffered flood or water damage in your home, health experts warn that simply cleaning, disinfecting and drying the affected areas may not be enough.  Do the following:

• Remove and replace soaked flooring, carpeting and rugs.
• Inspect and repair wall coverings, drywall, insulation and framing.