True Clean Newsletter
January
With all the flooding around Bloomington-Normal, True Clean wanted to be sure our customers had some information on what to do if their basements flooded. This article comes from the American Home Shield Home Matters Blog.
Unexpected issues in your home aren’t enjoyable, but they are common. A flooded basement can give even the most stoic homeowner a sense of helplessness and panic. If you have a basement flood, try not to over-analyze the situation. It may not be as bad as you think. Here’s what to do when your basement floods:
• Before you do anything, make sure to shut off any power around the area, including electricity and gas. Never enter a flooded area while the power is on. If you aren’t sure how to shut these areas off, call a qualified electrician before entering the room and beginning to work.
• Unless the water is caused by rainfall, take action as soon as you notice flooding. If rain or storm water is the cause of the flood, wait until it’s passed before getting to work.
• Regardless of the water source, wear boots and gloves for protection. You may also choose to wear a protective mask. Hip or chest waders may also be useful if they are available. Take care when walking and moving around the flooded area since it will likely offer itself as a slipping hazard.
• Determine the source of the water. If a burst pipe is the cause of the flood, shut off water to the basement.
• If your basement has a floor drain, check to make sure it didn’t become clogged during the flood. Keeping it open and functioning will help drain the water.
• Start removing water from the basement. Depending on the amount of water, you can use a sump pump, a pool pump, a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket. Sump pumps are located in the lowest part of a basement and work by sending water away from the home after a flooding. Without a sump pump, water can come up through the ground and enter the home causing flooding in not only the basement, but other parts of the house as well. After most of the water has been removed, soak up the remainder with a cloth or sponges. Don’t be shy about asking for help — many an extra set of hands can make the removal go faster.
• Move damaged items out of the basement to dry in a well-ventilated area. If weather permits, a sunny place may lend itself as the best option. It’s best not to dry out items inside the basement, which is already damp. A good rule of thumb is to give items about 48 hours to thoroughly dry. If they remain wet, they may need to be discarded in order to avoid mold and mildew. The best advice is to inspect things carefully after the 48-hour period, and decide the best course of action. Don’t try to save wet cardboard boxes, since they can be especially susceptible to bacterial growth. Salvage the contents of the boxes if you can, and discard the cardboard containers to be safe.
• Don’t touch electrical items like televisions, stereos or lamps, even with the electricity disconnected. It’s best to let electrical items dry in place, and refer to an electrician or qualified repairman to determine the amount of damage.
• Rip up carpeting and get it out of the basement as soon as possible. Carpeting can prevent the floor underneath from drying if it’s not removed quickly. Although it can be difficult to adequately dry out these materials, sometimes wet carpeting can be saved. Consult a restoration specialist or a carpet cleaning contractor for recommendations. If carpet isn’t dried properly, it can also harbor mold and mildew.
• Give the basement several days of drying time. Open windows and doors to get as much ventilation as possible, and place fans around the room for air circulation and to speed drying time. You can also rent a dehumidifier if you don’t have one already.
• Wash down floors and walls to remove any dirt left behind by the water. Remove any wet or damaged drywall and insulation to prevent the spreading of mold.
• When the floor and walls are dry, use an anti-mildew spray to discourage mold and mildew from developing.
• If you have flood insurance, call your home insurance company and report the flood. Confirm your coverage limits, deductible amount, and claim procedures.
Should you call a professional for help with your flooded basement? You may want to ask for help if the water was more than several feet deep or if you see mold or mildew developing. If you’ve taken steps to waterproof your basement and it still flooded, or if you don’t know what caused your basement flood, it’s a good idea to get a professional opinion. Depending on your specific situation, you might want to consult a plumbing contractor, a basement waterproofing company, a disaster restoration specialist or a combination of specialists. If your home insurance company is involved, may check to see if they have a specific vendor that they recommend for flood mitigation.
As always, True Clean Restoration is available, 24X7 to help with any flooding or mold issues our customers may experience. Just call us at 309-664-8577.
“What is there to do around here?” January Calendar of Events around Bloomington-Normal
Monday Night Movie Trivia
Monday, January 4, 7-9 p.m. (this event repeats on Monday Jan 11, 18 and 25th)
Movie fans: bring your group of 1-6 to enjoy an evening of fun movie trivia, great food/drinks, and plenty of laughs! 1st and 2nd place win prizes, and 3rd place gets to choose a category for the following week. Let’s all go to the lobby and have
ourselves some trivia!
Cost: Free
Location: Carmike Ovation 10, 415 Detroit, Bloomington, Il. 61705
World Championship I.C.E. Racing
Saturday, January 9, 7 pm
The U.S. Cellular Coliseum is pleased to announce the return of the World Championship I.C.E. Racing. This annual, fast paced event features exciting racing action for the whole family on the US Cellular Coliseum’s treacherous oval ice track. This must-see vent of the winter season combines the World’s top pro ICE Racers, select amateur classes designed to showcase local participation, and surprise super special attractions to create THE GREATEST SPECTACLE ON ICE! TM
Cost: Ticket prices start at $10 (kids) and $20 (adults)
Location: US Cellular Coliseum, 101 S. Madison St, Bloomington, 61701
Lunch and Learn: Hiking in Illinois (and beyond) presented by Prof. Linda French
Thursday, January 14, 12:10-12:40 pm
Hiking is a safe and healthy activity for all ages. Linda French will suggest places in Central Illinois where people of all experience and fitness levels can enjoy walking out of doors. Bring your brown bag lunch to the Museums Governor Fifer Courtroom.
Cost: Free
Location: Mclean County Museum of History, 200 North Main, Bloomington, 61701
Jacon Aldean “We Were Here Tour” with Special Guest A Thousand Horses and Thomas Rhett
Saturday January 16 and Sunday January 17, 7:30 pm
Cost: $59.75
Location: US Cellular Coliseum, 101 S. Madison St, Bloomington, Il. 61701
Winter Carnival
Sunday, January 17, 1-3 pm
It’s Winter! Come out and play in the snow. Dress warm and join us for an afternoon of snow activities, games, and more. There will be some activities inside, where you can warm up before going on to the next outdoor game.
Pepsi Ice Center – Open Skate from 2:30 – 4 p.m. ($1.00 off admission)
Highland Golf Course – sledding from 1-3 pm with free rentals of inner tubes
Miller Park – various activities ongoing starting at 1:00 pm
Snowball Toss
Ice Fishing
Kickball in the Snow
Shoveling Snow Contest
Building a Snowman
Snowshoeing (with demonstration and history)
Broom Ball
Snowboarding (bring your own board)
Hole in One at Miniature Golf
Find the Snowman
Igloo Building
Ring Frosty
Ice Cube Relay
Cost: Free
Location: See above and Miller Park Pavilion 1020 South Morris, Bloomington
Challenges, Choices and Change – Making a Home – Exhibit Grand Opening
Monday January 18, 10 am
The museum is preparing to unveil the first of five new exhibit galleries, ushering in a new era for how to connect visitors and students in particular to local history. Visitors will be able to explore new inter-actives, local artifacts and imagery, digital technology featuring hands-on learning activities that will answer the questions: Who are the people who have made Mclean County their home? Where did they come from and how did they travel to get here. What were their experiences like when they arrived? The grand opening celebration will features refreshments.
2016 Cold Roll! A Fatbike Weekend Adventure benefiting Easter Seals Disability Service
Saturday, January 30-Sunday January 31, All Day This event is an overnight weekend adventure! Escape cabin fever with a unique retreat including fat bike races through Timber Pointe’s 160 acres over looking Lake Bloomington and many more activities for the active minded!
If you don’t wish to stay over night there is a non retreat option that gives you access to Saturday only activities. Both options allow you to register as an individual or couple.
**All proceeds benefit Easter Seals Central IL.**
Retreat Members: Overnight stay, lodging, access to all activities, food & drinks Individual $150/$175 after January 1 Couple $250/$275 after January 1
Non-retreat Members: Saturday access only Individual $75 Couple $150
Cost: $75-$275
Location: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center @ Lake Bloomington, 20 Timber Pointe Drive, Hudson Il. 61748 (309) 663-8275