The cause of a flooded basement may be varied, from seepage problems to foundation issues, but cleaning it up afterward is a borderline nightmare. In the worst cases, one may lose cherished items like books, frames, or even furniture and flooring. Cleaning up a flooded basement requires safety, patience, hard work, and sometimes professional help. Here are some immediate steps one can take to deal with the dread. Knowing these steps beforehand can help save one’s property and reduce stress. Ensure safety The first thing to do in case of a flooded basement is to ensure one’s safety. The water collected in the basement often disturbs electric wiring, which can be fatal if tampered with bare hands. Turn off any electrical supplies, appliances, as well as gas supply. Find the source of leak Try to find the source of the leak and close it off to avoid further damage. Some common types of leaked sources include running tap water, overflowing bathtubs, blocked toilets, and broken water heaters. In case of natural causes like heavy rain, one might have to wait until it has passed to get down to the cleanup. Dry out the place Leaving a flooded basement even for a day can lead to the formation of mold on dampened fabric, which can cause irreparable damage to the furniture and give out a musty smell.