Unexpected Dangers Found In A Flooded Basement

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

Life Happens...

A flooded basement can be a major disaster but knowing how to respond can do a lot to blunt and lessen the damage and the mess.

Before doing anything, think safety first!

1st - Flood water in the basement can be extremely dangerous to your health, so make sure you always treat it as electrified and contaminated.

Specific dangers that come with a flooded basement include:

Electrical Hazards

I'm deadly serious here.

Water and electricity have always been a dangerous combination.

During a basement flood after rain, a basement sewage flood or even a common burst pipe in the basement or leaking down from an upstairs break...

Water can hit electrical connections or seep into electronics and make the water in your basement "hot" or electrified.

It doesn't take much and it's easier than you think.

You may have a TV, a radiant heater or even something as common as leaving your phones power cord plugged into the wall socket and the other "live" end on the floor. 

It can be submerged or simply touching the water and that would be enough to transfer the electricity to all the water in the basement. 

Submerged appliances and electronics are very common and potentially very dangerous.

So when you enter the basement, even if you’re stepping off your steps into the water or if your standing in a ¼ inch of water (or less) and it’s already electrified... that could be trouble.

Water is an excellent conductor and in this case, you can be in the path from the electricity to the ground and put yourself in danger without even knowing it.

Maybe it doesn't sound dangerous to you, but the electricity can potentially cause burns, shocks and electrocution, even death.

I'm not trying to alarm you, but most people never associate a flood in their basement as a potential electrical hazard and how severe a risk it might really be.

Contaminated Water

This hazard can be more common and certainly more expected.

Potential causes could include:

• Harmful chemicals
• Bacterial pollutants
• Groundwater that could seep in with fertilizer or pesticides

Do not enter the water unless you have shut off the electricity to your home, and make sure not to plug in any electronics or “electrical anything” that you think is not completely dry. Turn the power off or disconnect the power.

2nd - Now that you’re ready to LOOK, start with these steps:

Step 1: Put on Protective Gear

Before or after your plumber or contractor may have removed most of the hazards from your basement, it’s still a safety best practice to suit up with protective gear before venturing into the basement.

This includes:

• Thick gloves
• Waterproof boots (preferably rubber)
• Mouth mask (surgical mask) and goggles

Regardless of the water source, wear boots and gloves for protection.

You may want to consider a protective mask and hip or chest waders if appropriate.

Take care when walking and moving around the flooded area since it will likely be slick and easy to slip and fall.

If you’re going to have a look before the professionals arrive and you’re suited up…

Here’s what to look for:

Look for the source of the water. You need to identify the source of the water and stop the water from continuing to seep/pour into your basement.