Virginia's severe weather can pack a punch from the home damage duo: wind and water. Unexpected heavy rain can cause heavy trees to fall, your home's gutter system to fail, and your basement to flood. You can take measures to prevent flooding, but it's important to know what to do if the worst happens. Home insurance does not typically cover flood damage, but you may be able to file a flood insurance claim to help cover the cost of damage if you have a separate flood insurance policy.
The first step is to make sure it is safe to go into your basement. If there are outlets or appliances underwater, there may be a dangerous electrical current. If you can, locate your main electrical service panel and shut off the electricity to your house. If your circuit breaker is in the basement contact your utility company or an electrician and stay out of your basement until they tell you it's safe.
If you have gas appliances located in your basement, it is also a good idea to turn off the flow of natural gas or propane. If a gas-powered hot water heater or furnace is affected by floodwater, the pilot light may be extinguished, and the gas source should be shut off.
The flood water in your basement may also be contaminated. If you detect a sewage odor, stay out of your basement and consult a professional. Remove hazardous products such as painting chemicals, noxious cleaning products, fertilizers, insecticides, and other pesticides.
Check for signs of structural damage. Once your basement is clear of safety concerns, wear masks, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself while you clean up. Wear long sleeves, sturdy shoes, or waterproof boots, and take your time.
Try to determine how the water is coming into your basement and stop it as soon as possible. There are several common sources of basement flooding:
Start removing the flood water from your basement as soon as possible. Move dry belongings to higher ground. If the flooding is major or the water is contaminated, have a professional flood remediator take care of the cleanup. Otherwise, rent or borrow a wet vac and dehumidifier. Fans are helpful too! Be sure to keep any cords elevated above the water to prevent electric shock.
Mildew and mold develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure so removing moisture quickly will prevent home mold growth. Once the standing water is removed, run dehumidifiers 6 to 8 inches away from walls for good circulation and utilize fans to increase circulation. Virginia's humidity won't help so it's best to run your air conditioning constantly and change or clean the air filters frequently to ensure system efficiency.
Discard cardboard boxes and other waterlogged items. Household materials and items like insulation, carpeting, and upholstered furniture will most likely be water damaged beyond saving.
Clean vinyl, tile, linoleum, and other hard surfaces with a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Be sure to ventilate the space well while cleaning. Indoor gentle air-drying is best for valuable belongings. Avoid scrubbing fragile objects which can damage them and rub in the dirt. Instead, loosen dirt and debris with soft brushes and cloths. Focus on items that have historical, monetary, or sentimental value to you first.
Rinse photographs carefully in clean water and air-dry them on a plastic screen or towel. You can also hang them with plastic clothespins. Don't let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.
Damp objects and items you can not deal with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes. Freeze photos, papers, books, and textiles if you can't get them dry within 48 hours to stop mildew growth and deterioration until you can attend to them.
Once your basement is operational again, it's crucial to inspect your home's gutters to ensure they are prepared for upcoming weather conditions. Clogged or malfunctioning gutters can lead to flooding. Indications that your gutters require cleaning or repair include animal nests, plant growth, sagging, or stagnant water. You can examine your gutters using gloves and a secure ladder, or you can hire professionals. For safety and expertise, we suggest opting for professional assistance.
Don’t wait for a flooded basement to tell you to get insurance coverage - find out what policy is right for you and your family to keep your home safe and dry!
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.