What You Need to Know If Your Business Property Floods
One of the worst discoveries you can make when you own business property is to find it flooded. Floods aren’t just dangerous if anyone is trapped inside, they can cause devastating damage both in the short and long term.
Of course, this is made worse if your commercial property – whether it is a warehouse or office – is rendered out of action. It could potentially cost you a great deal in stock and sales, as well as turn away customers to your competitors.
It is easy to imagine the only damaging floods are the huge natural disasters that occur in areas of flood risk, but this isn’t the case. In fact, even relatively minor floods can quickly cause a lot of damage if left unchecked and leave you with a ruined property.
This is why it is so important to do your best to prevent the chance of flooding in the first place, as well as know what to do if the worst happens and you find your business property flooded.
Acting fast is key because water damage gets worse the longer it is left unattended, so it is important that you have a clear strategy in place beforehand. It will prevent your property from being damaged further and even stop you from being injured.
Here is what you need to know if your business property is flooded:
You need to call in a specialist to help
The first – and most obvious – step you need to take if you suffer a flood is to contact a flood specialist. When disaster strikes at your home, turn to the water damage repair Phoenix experts at R2FW for help mitigating the situation.
This will help you tackle the range of problems you will inevitably face, such as repairing the damage caused to the property, arranging a payout from your insurance company, and consultation when you need it most.
Hiring a specialist is the fastest way to get your business back up and running and alleviate some of the tasks weighing down on your shoulders at this difficult time.
Turn off the electricity
If you discover your property has flooded, the most important step to take is to turn off the electricity supply. Water and electrics are a recipe for disaster, and you have no idea whether the two have mixed in your flood-damaged property.
If you cannot turn off the electricity without endangering yourself, call a specialist and wait for them to arrive.
When attempting to survey the damage, be careful of weakened ceilings and slippery floors
Another important tip to remember if you’ve just found your property to be flooded is to take great care when walking through it. Even if the flood is only minor, water could have seeped deep into ceilings and structural walls, weakening them.
The result of this is a potentially structurally unsound building. Do not stay inside the building long. Once you have assessed the situation, turned off the electricity if possible, it is wise to exit the building as soon as you can and wait for help.
Properties are rarely the same after a substantial water leak
It is worth pointing out that properties are rarely the same after a flood or water leak unless comprehensively renovated by a specialist. It is extremely difficult to dry out carpets, walls, and floors because if the water gets under them, it will not be able to breathe, and therefore evaporate. The structural damage will be costly, and the smell is difficult to shift.
