Flooded basement? Restoration company says start here

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Amber and Craig Krueger were asleep in their West Allis home Sunday when their son woke them at 2 a.m.

"There was water in the basement, and we just had to hop into action to try and deal with it," Amber said.

They’ve lived in the house since 2007. And while they've had water in their basement before, Craig said it's never been this bad. "The water at the deepest level was up to my knees," he said.

Across their block, others were hit just as hard. "Our neighbor across the street… saw us bringing buckets of water out in the middle of the night, and that caused him to check, and sure enough, he had water coming in," Amber said.

Adam Nelson, general manager of Kelmann Restoration, says the first steps after flooding are critical. "Remove the bulk water first — get the carpet, the pad, anything soaked out of there," Nelson said. "And if there’s electrical concerns, shut it off at the breaker. Electric and water don’t mix very well."

If you’re waiting for professional help, Nelson says, "Any air flow is important, additionally if you have an air conditioner, that acts as a whole house dehumidifier."

For insurance, Nelson advises, "Take photos… even if you’re not filing a claim, you’ll want that record of what was damaged and what you threw out."

The Kruegers say one bright spot is help from the community. "We had friends over here yesterday helping us cut up the carpeting and hauling stuff out, hauling out all the big stuff," Amber said. "It’s been amazing."

Nelson says demand for service is overwhelming. "There are so many, so many people in need in our community," he said. "We’re starting with our community focus partners, schools and hospitals, and we’re telling all the people that need it in their basement, please be patient with us… keep calling and getting on that list."

Nelson’s advice for those feeling overwhelmed: take time away from the house to take care of yourself. "Take a deep breath, walk away from it, come back… once the source of the water is done, it’s not going to get any worse. So take a breath."

Flood cleanup tips from Kelmann Restoration:

General Manager Adam Nelson shares what to do before professional crews arrive.

1. Remove water and soaked materials

Remove the bulk water first — get the carpet, the pad, anything soaked out of there.

2. Be safe with electricity

If there’s electrical concerns, shut it off at the breaker. Electric and water don’t mix very well.

3. Start drying right away

Create air flow — even a box fan helps. Use your air conditioner like a whole house dehumidifier.

4. Protect furniture

Get items off a wet floor — wood blocks or even aluminum foil can keep furniture from soaking up more water.

5. Document everything

Take photos. Even if you’re not filing a claim, you’ll want that record of what was damaged and what you threw out.

6. Get on a restoration company's list

Kelmann fielded 1,400 calls for service since the flooding started. It may be days or weeks before professionals can visit your home. Keep calling and get on a wait list.