Basement Flooding Emergency — Act in the Next 60 Minutes

Do NOT enter a flooded basement if water may have reached electrical outlets — cut power at the main breaker first

⚠ Electrocution risk is the #1 basement flooding hazard

Identify the water source: groundwater seepage, sump pump failure, sewer backup, or supply line break

⚠ Sewage backup (Category 3) requires full evacuation until decontaminated

Photograph water depth marks on walls, damaged items, and the entry point before pumping

⚠ Insurance adjusters need pre-cleanup evidence

If safe and Category 1 water: use a submersible pump to remove standing water — never use a household vacuum

⚠ Pump toward a drain away from the foundation, not into the yard toward the house

Call an IICRC-certified restoration company — basement flooding requires commercial dehumidifiers and moisture mapping

⚠ Consumer dehumidifiers cannot dry concrete walls or subfloor in time

Call your insurer immediately — ask if sewer backup rider applies if water came from floor drain

⚠ Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover groundwater flooding without flood insurance