How to Restore Commercial Property After Flooding

 

Restoring a commercial property after a flood can be daunting, but with the right steps, you can get your business back on track. Floods can cause significant damage to the physical structure of the building, equipment, inventory, and business operations. Knowing what to do and when can make all the difference in restoring your property.

In case of a flood, make sure everyone evacuates the building safely, shut off utilities, remove standing water, dry all affected areas, assess structural damage, and replace damaged materials.

Keep reading to learn more about how to restore commercial property after flooding.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Safety always comes first. When your commercial property gets flooded, the first thing you have to do is make sure everyone is safe.

If there’s water inside the building or it’s still raining heavily, evacuate the building calmly and quickly. Don’t let anyone wade through deep water, especially if power lines are down or electrical outlets are submerged.

In case of any injury, contact emergency services right away. During flooding, avoid using elevators, and don’t try to retrieve personal belongings until you have confirmed that the building is safe.

Once outside, gather everyone at a safe location and do a headcount. If possible, notify emergency responders that the building has been cleared and that no one is missing.

Shut Off Utilities

Once everyone is safe and you have confirmed the floodwaters have stopped rising, it’s time to protect the building from further danger. Shutting off the utilities can prevent small issues from turning into disasters.

If the electrical panel is dry and safe to access, switch off the main breaker and all smaller breakers. But if the panel is wet or submerged, do not touch it. Call a licensed electrician or your utility company for help.

Next, turn off the gas supply. Gas leaks are a serious risk during floods and can lead to fire.

Then, shut off the water supply. Floods can damage pipes, leading to backflow or contamination. Shutting off the water helps prevent further internal leaks and protects your plumbing system.

Document the Damage

Before starting any cleanup, thoroughly document all visible damage. Take clear photos and videos of every flooded area, both inside and outside the building. Focus on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, inventory, equipment, and any important systems like electrical panels and plumbing.

Zoom in on any structural damage like cracks or water stains. Take wide shots to capture the full extent of the damage. Use your phone’s voice notes or a notebook to record what each image shows, the estimated value of damaged items, and their condition before the flood.

Hire a Professional Water Restoration Service

Flood cleanup isn’t a DIY project. Water can seep into walls, floors, and hidden spaces, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow and structural damage. That’s why hiring a professional water restoration team is the best thing to do.

Pros start by assessing the damage, removing standing water with industrial pumps, and using large dryers and dehumidifiers to expel the moisture.

A good restoration team also takes steps to prevent mold and dry the structure. They can salvage and clean important equipment, furniture, and documents.

Use Moisture Detection Tools

Not all water damage can be seen. Professionals use moisture mapping technology, like infrared sensors, to find hidden moisture in walls and floors. This ensures the property is thoroughly dried and helps prevent future issues like mold growth or structural damage.

Use Air Drying Equipment

After removing all water, the property needs to be completely dried. Restoration professionals use high-capacity dehumidifiers and air movers to extract moisture from the air and building materials. It helps prevent mold growth and structural damage.

Salvage and Restore Important Items

Assess which items can be salvaged, such as documents, electronics, and furniture. Professional restoration services use specialized equipment and techniques to recover these items.

Communicate With Your Employees, Co-Workers, and Customers

Keep your co-workers, staff, and clients informed about the situation. Provide updates on the restoration progress and any changes to business operations.

Plan for Future Flood Prevention

Once restoration is complete, you should install flood barriers, elevate electronic equipment, and waterproof important documents to prevent future flooding.

Remove All Standing Water

Act fast to pump out any standing water from the property. If the water sits for long, the damage it causes to floors, walls, and structures will increase. Use wet vacuums or pumps if available, but it’s best to hire professionals to handle this step with their high-powered equipment.

Dispose of Materials That Are Severely Damaged

Floods can destroy drywall, insulation, carpeting, and furniture. If these items are severely damaged or pose a risk of mold, remove and discard them. Use heavy-duty trash bags and follow local waste disposal rules.

Disinfect Every Surface

After removing water and debris, disinfect all affected surfaces, including floors, walls, furniture, and equipment. Floodwater contains harmful bacteria and chemicals, so use EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved disinfectants to ensure the area is safe and clean.

Check for Mold Growth

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Keep an eye out for dark spots, musty odors, or fuzzy patches on walls, ceilings, and furniture. Professional restoration teams treat affected areas with anti-microbial agents to stop mold growth and prevent future outbreaks.

Test All Electrical Components

Floodwater can damage electrical components, including wires, outlets, circuit breakers, and appliances. Hire a professional and certified electrician to inspect and repair your electrical systems before turning the power back on. Never use outlets or appliances until they have been properly tested and declared safe.

Inspect HVAC Systems

Flooding can affect HVAC systems. Call in professionals to clean, dry, and test the equipment. Dirty ducts can spread mold and bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Clean and Restore Plumbing

Flooding can disrupt plumbing systems, and this can cause clogged drains, sewage backups, or damaged pipes. A licensed plumber can inspect the system, make necessary repairs, and ensure your water supply is safe to use.

Restore Internet and Phone Systems

Communication tools are essential for most businesses. Contact your IT support team or service providers to assess damage to networking cables, phones, or routers and get them back up and running.

Secure the Building

If the flood caused broken windows, damaged doors, or compromised locks, try to secure the building as soon as possible. Use boards or tarps to cover any openings, and bring in securities if the site is exposed or at risk of theft or vandalism.

Review and Improve Your Emergency Response

Once the dust settles, you should take time to assess your emergency response. What worked and what didn’t? Use this experience to update your disaster recovery plan and train employees on any new procedures.

Schedule a Structural Inspection

Even if everything looks fine, flooding can weaken a building’s foundation, walls, or roof. You should call a licensed structural engineer to check whether the property is still safe for occupancy and long-term use.

Get Air Quality Testing Done

Flooded buildings can affect indoor air quality due to mold, dust, and bacteria. Schedule a professional air quality test before reopening your business to make sure the environment is safe for employees and customers.

Notify Local Authorities and Inspectors

Depending on your location, you need to get clearance from building inspectors or health departments before opening your property. Contact the appropriate authorities to schedule any required inspections and obtain the necessary documentation.

Keep Detailed Records of All Work Done

Keep a file of every repair, contract, invoice, and email. They are important to receive tax deductions and for future business audits.

The Final Word

Restoring commercial property after flooding can be tough, but it’s manageable with a clear plan and professional support. From safety checks to full-scale rebuilding, each step matters. Lean on experts when needed and document everything along the way.

If you’re in Los Angeles and need help with water damage restoration, Disaster Responders is here to help. From water damage inspection to removal to full restoration, we handle everything. We are available 24/7 and serve both homeowners and businesses.

Original Source: https://disasterresponders.com/tips-to-restore-commercial-property-after-flooding/