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Policy/Procedure

The main danger associated with flooded basements is the possibility of explosion if water rises into furnaces, water heaters, or boilers and pilot flames are extinguished.

1. If flooding is caused by broken public mains, the Incident Commander shall direct Dispatch to notify the Water Department of the need to facilitate closing of the proper valves.

2. If flooding is caused by a domestic pipeline, firefighters shall attempt to shut the valve closest to the break that will stop the flow.

3. The Incident Commander shall direct Dispatch to notify Toledo Edison, if necessary.

4. Fire personnel shall shut off the supply of natural gas at the nearest valve that will stop flow to the appliance involved or threatened. If in doubt, firefighters shall shut off the gas at the meter.

5. Following mitigation of the above problems, it is the owner’s responsibility to remove the water and call a plumber.

6. Under no circumstances will fire personnel pump out a flooded basement without permission of a Battalion Chief or higher-ranking officer.

7. If a flooded basement is caused by a broken or backed up sewer pipe, the Incident Commander shall request that Dispatch call the City’s Sewer Maintenance crew to determine if the cause is due to public or private sewer lines. If caused by private lines, it is the owner’s responsibility to call a plumber.

8. Fire personnel DO NOT work in sewage except as necessary to save lives.

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See Also:

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