Whether it’s a burst pipe or storm surge, your basement is usually the first place to flood. It can fill up quickly, and you need to act fast to preserve your home and your family’s safety, especially since entering a flooded basement can be dangerous. Instead, organize the following services, including mold testing, to restore your home.

What to Do When Your Basement Floods

1. Remove the Water

Once the cause of the flood has been settled, you’ll want professionals to remove the water. Moisture will erode concrete, rot wood, and damage other building materials, creating a significant structural weakness. Professionals will use powerful industrial-grade pumps to draw water from the basement, followed by wet-vacs to remove small puddles and other standing water in the space.

2. Dry the Space

Once clear, you’ll need to dry the room quickly. Moisture that has already settled into porous surfaces like wood or drywall won’t do as much damage since exposure is limited. Use powerful fans, open windows, and have professionals use dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture. This also reduces the chances of mold, which thrives in dark, damp conditions.

3. Schedule Mold Testing

Because mold spores are microscopic, it’s not easy to tell if your basement is mold-free after a flood. Therefore, you should contact mold testing specialists since they can identify small colonies and know all the hard-to-reach areas to check. Mold exposure causes flu-like symptoms, so if they discover colonies, they’ll also sterilize spaces to eliminate the health threat.

For comprehensive mold testing services in the Cincinnati, OH, area, contact Rainbow Environmental Services. They’ve served the area since 1990 and help homeowners keep their properties safe. This team handles asbestos removal, mold inspections, and lead-based paint removal. Learn about these services on their website or call (513) 624-6470 to speak with a representative. Find more helpful tips and updates on their Facebook page.