What is what to do when your basement floods?

Okay, here's information on what to do when your basement floods, formatted in Markdown with the specified link structure:

What to Do When Your Basement Floods

A flooded basement can be a stressful situation, but acting quickly and safely is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Safety First: Before entering a flooded basement, ensure the power is turned off. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Go to your main breaker panel and switch off the circuit breakers that control the basement. If you are unsure, turn off the main breaker. Do not enter the basement if you suspect electrical hazards or are unable to turn off the power. If in doubt, call a qualified electrician or your local power company. Learn more about this subject here: Power%20Safety

2. Assess the Situation: Evaluate the extent of the flooding and the potential source. Is it a burst pipe, heavy rain, or sewer backup? Knowing the source will help you prevent further flooding. Also check if the flooding water contains sewage. Learn more about this subject here: Flood%20Source

3. Stop the Source (If Possible): If the flood is due to a burst pipe, try to turn off the water supply to that pipe or the entire house. If it's rainwater, try to divert water away from the foundation if it is safe to do so. Learn more about this subject here: Water%20Shut%20Off

4. Call for Help: Contact your insurance company immediately to report the flood. They will guide you through the claims process. If the flooding is severe or involves sewage, contact a professional water damage restoration company. Learn more about this subject here: Insurance%20Claims

5. Pump Out the Water: Once it's safe, begin removing the water. A sump pump is ideal for this, but a wet/dry vacuum or even buckets can be used for smaller amounts of water. Don't pump out all the water at once, especially if the water level is high outside the foundation walls, because this can cause structural damage due to pressure differences. Pump out a portion, then wait and pump some more. Learn more about this subject here: Water%20Extraction

6. Remove Damaged Items: Remove wet items from the basement as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Place them outside to dry if the weather permits. Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes before removing anything. Learn more about this subject here: Damage%20Assessment

7. Clean and Disinfect: After removing the water and damaged items, thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the basement. Use a bleach solution (follow safety precautions) to kill bacteria and mold. Wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and eye protection. Learn more about this subject here: Cleaning%20and%20Disinfection

8. Dry the Basement: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows (if the weather permits) to dry the basement completely. This can take several days or even weeks, depending on the severity of the flooding. Learn more about this subject here: Basement%20Drying

9. Prevent Mold Growth: Mold can grow quickly in damp environments. Monitor the basement for signs of mold growth and take steps to prevent it, such as using mold-resistant paint and ensuring proper ventilation. Learn more about this subject here: Mold%20Prevention

10. Address the Cause: Once the basement is clean and dry, take steps to prevent future flooding. This may involve repairing leaky pipes, improving drainage around your foundation, or installing a sump pump. Learn more about this subject here: Flood%20Prevention

Remember, safety is paramount. If you are unsure about any of these steps, consult with professionals.