Precautions After Flood Damage

12/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss in a main conference room due to pipe burst in a Bowling Green, KY hotel

Precautions After Flood Damage

Prompt attention during a commercial flood event is crucial to getting your business back online in a reasonable time frame. Any source of standing water, such as a broken pipe or poor exterior drainage, can quickly get out of control and make the affected floor space unusable. Managers and business owners can use the following tips to minimize downtime in Bowling Green, KY.

1. Avoid Safety Hazards

Do not allow employees to enter any area where electrical outlets or other pieces of equipment are inundated. Remove any appliances or larger machinery from affected areas if possible, and make sure that the electricity has been cut off at the circuit breaker or otherwise disconnected. Standing water, especially in softer materials such as upholstery or drywall, can incubate mold and other disease-causing agents. These should be dried or removed quickly.

2. Begin the Recovery Process

After all water inflow has been eliminated, the next step is to address the existing water damage. Any broken pipe or other water fixture must be replaced. Maintain proper interior and exterior drainage through a sump pump and landscaping that directs water away from the building. Document any damage and necessary repairs in order to expedite filing an insurance claim.

3. Future Considerations

The best method to protect your commercial property against flooding is to stop the problem before it starts. Familiarize yourself with nearby sewer connections to guarantee that there are no blockages. Have the contact information of a local qualified cleanup professional to minimize the amount of time that flood water lingers at your place of business. Brief your employees on a few safety and remediation strategies in case another flood event occurs.

A simple broken pipe doesn’t have to mean a catastrophic loss of revenue. Turn your flood problems around and keep your business running optimally by following the above simple tips.