Keep your head, even if your feet are under water. If you act sensibly, your flooded basement can be cleaned up, dried out and be ready for occupancy sooner than you think. But bear in mind that while there are things you need to do immediately, drying out a basement properly will take time and patience. If you rush the job, you risk much bigger headaches. First, call your insurance company. They will likely enlist the emergency services of a flood cleanup and restoration company. They have the specialized tools, skills and materials to deal with a flood. Keep in mind personal safety. Keep children out of the area. A flooded basement presents a drowning hazard for an unsuspecting little one. Flood water can shift the contents of a basement, scattering debris that can result in cuts and if the flood water has mixed with sewage, an open wound can mean to infection. A flood also can topple a poorly secured water heater, furnace, or gas dryer, causing a potentially explosive broken gas line. Beware of the threat of electrical shock and electrical fires. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. The same holds true if you see any submerged power cords, If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician or your power company for advice. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Once you are certain that the basement is safe, enter the area using thick-soled, high-top rubber boots, thick rubber gloves and eye protection. Use a battery-powered lantern or flashlight when inspecting the area. Before touching anything, take several photos of the area, which you can share with your insurance company and contractors. Remove as many personal items (furnishings and appliances) as you can safely. You increase the odds of restoring these items to their original use by minimizing the amount of time that they spend submerged. Severe flooding (where standing water surrounds your home), may weaken your homes foundation. If this is the case, pump out your basement gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. By pumping the water out too fast, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse. The same holds true for drying out other building materials such as wood framing, flooring and trim. Dont be in a big hurry. Drying things out too fast can cause them to crack and split. Your best bet is to rent a large dehumidifier to remove excess moisture. Going slowly will also help prevent mildew. The worst thing that you can do is turn up the heat or use space heaters to dry the area. Doing so can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to propagate.