Immediate steps to take when water damage occurs in a commercial space

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The blog by the SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford team dives into the causes of water damage in commercial establishments. It also recommends some steps that property owners and managers must take right after the water damage has occurred.

Water damage in a commercial facility

From a malfunctioning sprinkler system, a plumbing leak to a natural flood disaster, commercial water damage not only leads to content and structure damage but also leads to disruption of operations. Employees get displaced and customers find alternatives to do business with. The decisions a business owner takes determine the extent of the total cost to the organization. SERVPRO shares the crucial steps business owners must take immediately after the water event to mitigate the damages. 

But first, here are the usual suspects of commercial water damage:

• Roof leaks
• Appliance leaks
• Burst or leaking pipes
• Firefighters battling a nearby fire

Immediate steps

1. Safety First

Ensure that the water event has not weakened the building structure. Safety hazards such as falling ceilings to electrical hazards must be taken seriously. In case of a shaky structure, place a warning sign and lock the door if possible. Be careful of water that seeps through electrical panels or outlets. Old or damaged circuit breakers may not trip, and the area may have live electricity surging through it. Ideally, shut off the main electricity supply and steer clear of the area until the professionals inspect the damages and confirm the area is safe.

2. Identify and stop the source of water

If the source of a water leak can be identified and stopped immediately that will help mitigate the water damage. Larger commercial buildings should have separate valves for each area so the entire building’s supply isn't turned off. If the location of the water leak is not easily identifiable, contact a plumber, building engineer, or facility manager. If the roof has failed, a restoration company must be hired to immediately tarp or construct the roof to prevent further water damage.

3. 3. Documentation and insurance

The insurance company must be immediately notified of the water damage. The property owner must document the damage that has occurred with photos and videos. Since it may be some time before the adjuster arrives on the scene, property owners must have proof of the damage at its worst. Water removal and tarping may be needed immediately and waiting for the adjuster may not be possible. Therefore, proof of damage is very important. 

4. Hire a restoration team

Hire a restoration company that can work with the organization’s official insurance company. A professional restoration team such as SERVPRO will arrive swiftly at the site, document all the damage, and will provide an estimate of the restoration costs. In case of extensive water damage, contacting a company that offers 24x7 emergency service is crucial. The team will create a plan to restore the property. They will use powerful, specialized equipment to remove the water; dehumidify and dry the structure and its contents; and remove mold growth if any. 

It is imperative to begin the water mitigation and restoration process at the earliest to prevent any further damage to the property and its contents.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO® of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com