A slight drizzle may soon turn out to be a heavy downpour, leaking pipes, or washing machine overflow, which you may deal with the basement flooding soon. As a homeowner, water damage is not the only thing that you have to deal with. There may be electrical risks too, in the event of a flooded basement. Cleaning the basement before it gets too late and following all the necessary precautions will help mitigate the damage. In case of major flooding, it is best to hire professional water damage restoration in Melbourne.
You may be in a hurry to get things fixed and restored as they were previously. But, when it comes to basement flooding with any electrical hazards associated with it, you must carefully evaluate everything before taking the next step. Electrocution can happen when water enters the basement having electrical panels or outlets. Hence, it is advisable to go for flood damage restoration in Melbourne.
Not all electrically powered equipment and utilities will be able to survive water submersion. Most probably, the following would need potential replacements:
- Electrical distribution systems
- Wires and cables
- Light
- Electrical furnace
- Water heater
- Air conditioners
- Fuse and fuse box
- Circuit boards
- Motors
- Fans and blowers
- Outlet receptacles
If you feel that the flooding is limited, you can attempt the clean-up on your own without the need for flood restoration specialists in Melbourne.
Preparation
When cleaning a flooded basement, it is essential to wear protective gear and equipment. This will help prevent any electrical hazards. You must wear the following to keep yourself insulated from any stray voltage.
- Rubber gloves
- Knee-high rubber shoes
- Long-sleeve shirt and pants
Also, wearing a high-filtration respirator can help protect against any gas leakage during flooding.
Switch off the Main Power Supply
To minimise the risk of electrical shocks and electrocution, it is vital to turn off the main power supply before entering the flooded basement area. When you shut down the power supply, ensure that you have completely dry hands and are standing on a dry surface too. You also have the option to use any dry wooden object to turn off the power from a distance without touching it with your hands. If you feel uncomfortable about turning off the main power supply or going into the basement due to electrical objects, don’t attempt to do it yourself. Rather get help from expert water damage restoration specialists.
Remove Water Slowly and Wait
Once you reach the basement, remove some water slowly and leave the area for 24 hours. The waiting period will let you know if the water is still flowing or has stalled. Slowly remove 1-2 feet of water every day until the basement is cleared.
Start the Clean-Up Soon
The longer you wait, the higher the chances of damage to the objects inside the basement.
- Take out the wet furniture and objects.
- Cut wet walls and damaged fibres
- Remove completely waterlogged carpets or rugs
- Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture completely
If you require any help with the flood basement clean-up process, Toms Water Damage in Melbourne is available for cleaning and restoration services to assist you anytime.
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