Basement flooding tips after Nova Scotia downpour

The storm that brought torrential rain to Nova Scotiais passing the region, but it leaves flooded basements in its wake.

If your home is flooded the province asks you:

• Turn the basement furnace off and shut off outside gas valves.
• Turn off electrical power, unless your main power box is not in a dry location. If socontact Nova Scotia Power at (902)428-6004 or 1-877-428-6004.
• Do not stand or wade in water where contact has been made with electrical equipment.
• After a flood, well water may becomecontaminated with bacteria that could make you sick. Get yourwater tested.
• If drinking water is contaminated, purify by boiling, using purification tablets or chlorinate with a bleaching compound.

The Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia suggests contacting yourbrokerand:

• Creating a list of all damaged and destroyed items.
• Gatheringreceipts or warranties for the damaged items if possible.
• Takingphotos of the damage and during the cleanup. If you have photos from before the flood, dig those out too.
• Keepreceipts for any alternate living arrangements and forrepairs.