A flooded office is a business owner’s worst nightmare.
You are faced with the daunting task of having to clean up and repair the damage. Additionally, you also have to deal with the disruption to your business operations. Even a small flood can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damages and lost revenue. Because of this, it’s important to know how to handle the situation if it ever occurs.
Fortunately, some steps can be taken to successfully recover from a flooded office building. With proper planning and execution, your business can minimize the damage and get back up and running as quickly as possible.
Tip #1: Assess the Damage
The first step to beginning your flood recovery process is to thoroughly inspect the damage. This will help you determine what needs to be repaired or replaced, as well as what can be salvaged. Take pictures or videos of the damage for insurance purposes and to document what needs to be done. Your commercial property insurance policy may cover flood damage, but it’s important to verify coverage and start the claims process as soon as possible.
Tip #2: Remove the Water
Once you have assessed the damage, it is time to start removing the water. This should be done as quickly as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. If possible, hire a professional company that offers flood recovery services. A professional cleaning company will have the knowledge and experience necessary to quickly and effectively clean up the mess and restore your office back to its original condition. If not, you will need to rent pumps and other equipment to remove the water yourself. Once the majority of the water has been removed, you can begin using fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
Tip #3: Clean and Disinfect
Once the area is dry, it is time to start cleaning and disinfecting everything that was affected by the floodwaters. This includes all surfaces, furniture, equipment, and any other items in the area. Depending on the severity of the flood damage, it will be in your best interest to either hire a professional cleaning company to disinfect your entire space or to have the affected items professionally cleaned.
Tip #4: Perform an Air Condition System Inspection
Your air condition system will also need to be inspected by a qualified professional before it’s turned back on. Standing water can damage critical ac components like motors and bearings, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your system and make any necessary repairs or replacements. Otherwise, there’s a risk of mold and mildew growth inside the system, which could lead to serious health problems for your employees down the road.
Tip #5: Throw away damaged items
Another important step in the clean-up process is to throw away damaged items. This includes carpeting, drywall, insulation, and anything else that has been saturated with water or sewage. It’s important to do this as soon as possible so that mold and mildew don’t have a chance to grow.
Tip #6: Repair damages quickly
Once all of the damaged items are removed, it’s time to repair the damage that has been done. This may include replacing drywall, patching holes in walls, or even rebuilding completely flooded areas. The sooner you can get this done, the better off you’ll be.
Tip #7: Preventative Maintenance
Finally, it’s important to take some preventative steps to avoid flooding in the future. This may include regular HVAC system maintenance, gutter and downspout cleaning, and proper drainage around the building. You should also have a backup plan in place in case of another flood, including an emergency contact list and a designated evacuation route.
Floods can be a devastating event for any business. Not only do they cause physical damage, but they can also lead to long-term financial losses. If your office has recently been flooded, it is important to take the necessary steps to implement flood recovery services as quickly as possible.
If you need assistance with flood recovery services, Servus Limited has extensive experience in helping businesses recover from floods and other disasters. We have the knowledge and resources to get your business back up and running quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help you get your business back on track after a flood disaster.
