LAKE TOWNSHIP, OH (Toledo News Now) - Basement flooding is costing thousands of dollars worth of damage for homeowners. But along with the high cost, flooding can also cause an increased risk of fire.
Crews at the Lake Township Fire Department say flood waters can get into the electrical system causing it to misfire.
Fire Chief Bruce Mortiz says safety is key in this type of cleanup because wet wires can cause an electrocution. He says, if you smell smoke, you should always call a professional.
He says water can also get into your furnace and water heaters, causing them to catch fire. So it is important to have those appliances inspected after water is cleared from the basement.
“Anything is possible it, could be shorted out. The electronics in them today they're shorted out, more than likely there are mother boards in there that are damaged and going to have to be replaced,” Moritz said.
The Lake Township Fire Department has received 14 service calls due to the recent flooding.
Mortiz also says you should never walk through flooded water because anything could be in it.
