Assess the stability of the building
Before you do anything you must ensure the building’s structural integrity. Assume that all water-damaged structures are unstable until proven otherwise. Treat all stairs, floors, roofs, and overhangs as unsafe until they are inspected. You can call your local council or insurer to come and do a survey before anyone enters the building. Do not enter if there are any chances it may collapse.
Restrict access
Once you have identified that your business has flooded it is to restrict the area and shut down the utilities. Turning off gas and electricity immediately is vital for ensuring safety. You can do this by contacting your service provider. It is also a good idea to shut off water mains in case the flood was a result of a leaky pipe or plumbing breakdown. Ensure to never touch sources of electricity when standing in floodwater.
It can take months for a property to completely dry out after a flood, so you must secure the building. You can board up your windows and section of the exterior of the property to avoid injuries.
Talk to your insurance provider
The next step is to contact your insurance provider who will assess the damage to the property.
Make sure you find out how long it will be before the loss adjuster can come and survey the damage, whether the company will organise and pay for cleaning and redecorating your home and who will look after your insurance claim. At this point, you can begin to take photographs of the property taking note of any damages.
Once you have confirmed that the property is safe and you have taken all the steps with your insurer you can begin the cleanup process, taking the necessary health and safety precautions as flood water can be potentially hazardous.
It is at this point that you may consider calling in a clean-up and restoration company that will ensure your property is properly treated. It will be extensively cleaned with specialised equipment and professionally inspected for structural damage. This is followed by an extensive drying process to minimise mold and mildew. Dryers and dehumidifiers will be used to accelerate the drying process.
The dangers of floodwater
The floodwater itself can be dangerous as it may be contaminated by sewage or agricultural waste. Many water-borne diseases can be found in floodwater including typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A. If a clean-up isn’t done correctly you are left with risks of mould growing in your property which could have knock-on health issues, such as skin problems and respiratory issues exacerbating medical conditions like asthma or eczema. The best thing you should do upon noticing water damage is to contact a professional cleaning and restoration company without delay.
When to call SafeGroup
SafeGroup is the UK’s leading expert in flood clean-up and property restoration. We offer a wide range of flood services such as; Flooded Basement Clean Up, After flooding building drying, Sewage Clean Up & Water Damage Cleanup.
We can advise you on flood prevention measures to reduce flood risks. If the worst happens, SafeGroup will be on site quickly, ready to remove floodwater and clean up your premises. Call 0800 668 1268.
