If your commercial property has been flooded, it is important to take action immediately in order to minimize the damage and reduce operational downtime. Here are some useful tips on what you can do.
Contact a water damage restoration company
If your commercial property has been flooded, it is important to take action immediately in order to minimize the damage. One of the most important things you can do is to contact a professional water damage restoration company. These companies have the experience and expertise to quickly assess the situation and develop a plan of action. They will also have the necessary equipment to extract the water and start the drying process. Be sure to choose a restoration company that has extensive experience in different types of water extraction and it is also vital that the company has an immediate dispatch system and commercial-grade equipment to swiftly respond to and remedy various types of commercial property flooding.
Taking prompt action is crucial in preventing further damage to your property and minimizing the disruption to your business. The sooner you can get the water out and begin the restoration process, the better. Contacting a reputable water damage restoration company should be your top priority if your commercial property has been flooded.
Start with a basic flooding response
This step requires the presence of mind and quick decision-making. Assess the extent of the flooding first and provide that information once the restoration professionals arrive. While waiting for them to arrive, Focus on getting rid of any standing water and wet materials first. These can continue to cause damage if they’re left in place, so it’s important to deal with them as quickly as possible. Quickly remove all water from the premises if the flooding is not too deep. This can be done using pumps, buckets, or other means. If the flooding was caused by a burst pipe, make sure to turn off the water supply before starting the removal process. Applying a basic flooding response helps mitigate the damage caused by flooding and shortens the restoration time. In turn, your business has a lower downtime and can get fully operational as soon as possible.
Assess the damage and document all damaged items
One of the first things you need to do if your commercial property has been flooded is to assess the damage. This means taking a close look at all of the affected areas and documenting everything that has been damaged. Make a list of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, before you start cleaning up, make sure to take plenty of photographs of the damage. This will be helpful later on when you are making an insurance claim or trying to get compensation from the responsible party. It will also give you a visual record of what needs to be repaired or replaced.
As part of assessing the damage, you will also need to document all damaged items. This includes taking pictures or videos of the damage, as well as keeping track of any receipts or other documentation that can prove the value of the damaged items. Again, these will be useful pieces of documentation when you need to make an insurance claim.
Have your HVAC system inspected
If your commercial property was flooded, it’s important to have your HVAC system inspected as soon as possible. Flood water can damage the system and cause it to break down, which can lead to costly repairs. A professional will be able to inspect the system and make sure it is still in good working order. They can also advise you if the HVAC system is safe to use after the flooding.
Contact your insurance company to file a claim
If you have commercial property insurance, then you will likely be covered for flood damage. Be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the flooding occurred to begin the claims process. document all of the damage with photos or videos, and keep any receipts for repairs or replacements that you make. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they will reimburse you. Freeholder building insurance is vital here, as it typically offers extensive coverage for your property’s structure.
Take action to prevent mold growth
Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, so it’s important to take action quickly to prevent it. Begin by drying out the affected area as much as possible – open windows and doors, and use fans, and dehumidifiers. If possible, remove any wet carpeting or upholstered furniture. If you can’t remove it, then be sure to dry it out as much as possible. Clean all surfaces with a solution of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water.
By following these tips, you can minimize the damage caused by flooding and get your commercial property back up and running as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact a professional for assistance.
