After your basement floods: do not enter the water if it may be near electrical sources or if it may be contaminated; turn off power to the basement if you can do so safely; take photos for insurance; move valuables to higher ground if safe; and call for professional extraction immediately. The faster water is removed, the more can be saved.

What you need to know

Avoid electricity and contaminated water, document, move valuables, and call for extraction immediately.

In detail

Safety comes first. Do not enter a flooded basement if the water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel. If you can safely turn off power to the basement from a dry location, do so. If the water is dark, odorous, or from a sewer or drain backup, assume it is contaminated and avoid contact.

If it is safe to enter, take photos and video of the flooding and damage for your insurance claim before moving anything. Move valuables, electronics, and important items to higher ground or onto shelving if you can do so safely.

Call for professional water extraction as soon as possible. The longer water sits in a basement, the more it saturates drywall, insulation, framing, and flooring, and the higher the risk of mold. A provider can extract the water, assess the water category, and begin structural drying.

Immediate action steps

Do not enter water near electrical sources.
Turn off power to the basement if safe.
Take photos for insurance.
Move valuables to higher ground if safe.
Call for professional extraction immediately.

What not to do

Do not enter contaminated water.
Do not use a household vacuum on basement water.
Do not wait to see if it dries on its own.

Safety

Basement water can conduct electricity and may be contaminated. If there is any risk to life or safety, call 911 first. Do not enter water near electrical sources.

Chicagoland context

In Chicagoland, basement flooding is common during heavy rain, snowmelt, and sump-pump failures. Older neighborhoods with combined sewer systems are especially vulnerable during intense storms.

Learn more about this service

This answer relates to Flooded Basement Cleanup. Read about the process, what to expect, and what to have ready when you call.

Flooded Basement Cleanup

What Should I Do After My Basement Floods?