Flooded Basement? Here Are Tips on Cleaning It Safely and Effectively

We've probably all been there. It's been raining outside for hours and you go into your basement to find a soggy, wet mess. Or, you can't get into the basement without putting on special clothes and boots to wade through the water. Maybe it wasn't even a storm outside, but a burst water heater or another house specific mini-disaster.

No matter what caused the flooding, the ways to clean up and stay safe are the same. We consulted the web and called Vic Riato, Media Services Manager at the Will County Health Department.

1. Turn off electricity and gas. Do this before you head into the basement.
2. Wear protective gear. This should include boots, rubber gloves and, in some cases a face covering.
3. Keep kids and pets out of the area. 
4. Throw away items that cannot be cleaned. These items include mattresses, carpeting, upholstered furniture and stuffed animals.
5. Don't consume anything that has come into contact with flood waters. If you also lost power, the refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours (if door remained closed); a full freezer for 2 days. Anything you are unsure of should go in the garbage.

Water can find its way into the basement in any number of ways. So that means that it can come in through a window or a garage or it could have come up through a drain or backed up from the sewer.

"The more important issue (to consider for cleaning) is not how much water, but where it came from," Riato said.

Of course the most troublesome is backed up sewage because of the bacteria content that could be in the water. But river water can also pose a problem because it also can contain sewage or bacteria, especially in a flood situation.

In addition to being aware of potential dangers when cleaning out the basement, homes with wells should watch to be sure water in the yards does not raise above the well head.

"If the well casing is flooded, they really need to have their well tested," Riato said.

Riato said the Will County Health Department provides this service for a fee. Those needing the service can call 815-727-8517. They are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Need info on how to go about filing and insurance claim? Check out the FEMA Web site by clicking here.

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