"My Basement Flooded! What Are the First 5 Things I Should Do?"

Finding a flooded basement is a homeowner's nightmare. Your mind is racing with a dozen questions at once, but taking the right actions in the first hour can make a huge difference in your safety, the extent of the damage, and the cost of repairs.

Don't panic. At Apex Restoration, we handle these emergencies every day. This is your simple, 5-step emergency action plan. Follow these steps in order to take control of the situation.

Step 1: SAFETY Above All Else. Stop the Water & Cut the Power.

Before you even think about your belongings, you must secure the area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

• Think Electricity First: STOP. Before you step into standing water, consider the electrical risk. If the water is deep enough to reach outlets, submerged extension cords, or appliances, there is a serious risk of electrical shock.

• Turn Off the Power: If you can safely get to your home's main breaker box (usually in the garage, a utility closet, or sometimes the basement) without walking through water, find the breaker labeled "Basement" or similar and turn it off. If you must stand in water to reach the breaker box, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Leave the house and call a qualified electrician and your restoration company immediately.

• Shut Off the Main Water Valve: Next, stop more water from entering. Find your home's main water shut-off valve. In most Utah homes, it's located in the basement near the front foundation wall or in a utility room. Turn the valve clockwise (to the right) until it is tightly closed. This will stop the water supply to the entire house.

Step 2: Make Two Critical Phone Calls (In the Right Order).

With the immediate hazards addressed, it's time to call for professional help.

• First Call: A 24/7 Restoration Professional (Like Apex Restoration). Why call us first? Time is your greatest enemy. The longer water sits, the more it soaks into drywall, wood framing, and subfloors, leading to more extensive and costly damage. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. Calling a certified restoration company immediately means a professional crew is dispatched to your home to begin water extraction and deploy industrial-grade drying equipment. This action is what your insurance company calls "mitigating the damage," and it's the single most important step to prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

• Second Call: Your Insurance Agent. After you have professional help on the way, contact your insurance agent to open a claim. They will guide you through their specific process and what to expect next.

Step 3: Document the Scene Before You Touch Anything.

Before you move a single box, document everything for your insurance claim.

• Use Your Smartphone: Walk through the edge of the affected area (if safe) and take wide-shot videos to show the scope of the flood.

• Take Detailed Photos: Take close-up pictures of the water level, the source of the flood if you can see it (e.g., the water heater, a burst pipe), and any high-value or visibly damaged items sitting in the water. This is invaluable evidence.

Step 4: Begin Damage Control (Safely).

Now that the power is off and you've taken photos, you can take a few steps to protect your belongings while you wait for help.

• Move Valuables: Remove any important documents, photos, electronics, or sentimental items from the affected area and take them to a dry, safe location.

• Protect Furniture: Place small squares of aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs of any furniture standing in water. This prevents the wood or fabric from wicking up more water and stops furniture stains from bleeding into and permanently staining your carpet.

• Lift Drapes and Skirts: Remove any long drapes, curtains, or furniture skirts from the water to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming stained.

Step 5: AVOID These Common (and Dangerous) Mistakes.

What you don't do is just as important as what you do.

• DO NOT use a household vacuum or a standard wet/dry shop vac to remove the water. They are not designed for this task and can create a severe electrical shock hazard.

• DO NOT turn on ceiling fans or lights if the ceiling is wet or sagging. This is an electrical fire risk.

• DO NOT place newspaper on wet carpet or floors. The ink can easily transfer and create a permanent stain.

• DO NOT wait to call for help. Waiting even a few hours can dramatically increase the amount of damage and create the perfect environment for mold.

A flooded basement is overwhelming, but by following these five steps, you have taken control of the situation and started on the path to recovery. You've made the area safe and called in the experts.

Our IICRC-certified team at Apex Restoration is on the way. We have the training and industrial-grade equipment to handle the rest. If you're facing a water emergency in Utah, call our 24/7 hotline immediately at (801) 513-1137.