Heavy rain has left Lincoln homeowners dealing with basement leaks and standing water, prompting warnings to consider electrical hazards before starting cleanup. Jayte Burns, area sales manager with Thrasher Foundation Repair, told KLIN News the company saw nearly a 50% increase in calls Thursday across the Omaha and Lincoln area.
Burns said homeowners reported conditions ranging from moisture in their basements to three inches of standing water. He urged residents to avoid entering standing water, particularly where outlets, appliances or other electrical equipment could pose a danger.
“We don’t recommend going into standing water,” Burns said. Once safety concerns have been addressed, he said identifying where water entered is an important step toward preventing future flooding.
Homeowners should photograph damage before beginning cleanup, Burns said. Those records could be important if insurance is involved, although he did not discuss whether particular policies would cover the damage.
Removing visible water is only part of the cleanup process. Burns said lingering moisture and materials such as wood can create conditions for mold, making it important to dry the space and reduce humidity.
“So making sure that not only you’re drying up the visible water, but that you’re removing that humidity in the air as well,” Burns said. Standing water may require professional help to clean up and address damage, he added.
Burns also cautioned that cleaning a basement does not resolve the problem that allowed water inside. He recommended keeping gutters clear, directing downspouts away from the foundation and checking for places where water pools against the home.
Homeowners with sump pumps should test them regularly and consider how they would operate during a power outage. Burns said a pump that loses power during a storm may be unable to protect the basement when it is needed most.