If your basement has flooded, it is important to act quickly to minimize damage and ensure safety. Here are some steps to take:

1. Put safety first: Before entering the basement, make sure to turn off the circuit breakers to your basement or contact an electrician to help you assess whether it’s safe to enter the basement for water removal or not. Any electronics that are in contact with floodwater are unsafe!

2. Document the damage: Throughout the entire process, including the removal of water, and afterwards, document the process of the flooding and damage through photos so that you are able to submit them to your insurance company.

3. Move important items to a dry area: Once it is safe to enter the basement, remove important items, upholstered furniture, or items in boxes that are standing in water and bring them to a dry area.

4. Remove water: Get water out as soon as possible. A few inches of standing water can usually be removed with a wet vac. If you don’t have a wet vac, buy, borrow or rent one. Major water damage may need a professional such as ServPro or ServiceMaster. If your damage is minor, you can use towels to wipe the water up, but they should immediately be washed and dried to prevent mold from growing.

5. Dry it out: Put on your rubber gloves and check for any mold growth. If you see any, use a solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water to clean the area. Open windows and doors to help with ventilation and use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the area.

6. Prevent future flooding: Once the area is dry, take steps to prevent future flooding. This may include fixing any leaks or cracks in the foundation, installing a sump pump, or improving drainage around the home.

Remember, if the damage is extensive or you are unsure about how to proceed, it is best to contact a professional for help.