Steps To Take After A Commercial Loss

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Office commercial space affected by flood damage.

Hopefully your business will never experience a commercial water damage. However, in case you do, it is important to know how to handle the situation before it happens so you are prepared if and when it does. Flood damage can cause structural concerns and several other issues, so there are steps to take immediately afterward so you can protect your business and employees.

Shut Off Potential Hazards
If it is safe to do so, you will want to make sure that you turn off any electricity to the affected areas. You don’t want them to be turned on before you are ready, which risks mixing electricity and water or making a gas leak before the flood damage can be corrected.

When you call in professionals for help, the remediation company will also have necessary tools. Such as a digital moisture meter, to find any signs of hidden moisture, such as behind walls, to make sure that they can completely dry out your business properly and avoid any mold from growing.

Make Sure to Protect Yourself
If you have to walk in any flood waters, wear sturdy shoes which will protect your feet from hidden debris in the water which could trip or cut you. Hip waders are a good idea as well, since flood waters can be contaminated, even if to the naked eye they look clean. Look out for snakes or other critters which have been displaced by the flood, and do not ever put your hands anywhere you cannot see first.

When all else fails, and you are not sure about going into your building, wait for the professional remediation company to arrive. They are aware of all the procedures and steps to take to keep themselves and others safe, plus will have all the protective gear to wear as they are checking everything out for you.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!
Make sure and document as much of the damage to your commercial property as thoroughly as you can. This will help you out when you are filing your claim with your insurance company for the water damage created by the flood. When you do re-enter your business, get photographic evidence of the damage that was left behind by the water, plus any water that is still there. Document all that you can and then speak with your insurance company in a prompt manner.

Salvage What you Can
Mold damage is very common after your business has experienced commercial water damage. Mold only needs about twenty-four to forty-eight hours to start growing. SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville can assist you in this, but you will need to throw away anything that has been saturated for over forty-eight hours and figure out on a case to case basis what else can be saved or needs to be thrown away. Rugs and padding will always need to be tossed if they are damaged by flood waters, and you may need to get rid of things like insulation or drywall as well if they have become flood damaged. Any food which has been affected will also need to be thrown away immediately if it’s come into contact with the flood waters, as the water from floods can carry plenty of contamination.

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville is a professional and local company in Volusia County, who will quickly respond to your flood damage needs. When you experience such an event in Volusia County, we have the experience and resources to help. Contact us any time at (386) 447-2202.