8 Actions to Take After a Commercial Space Has Water Damage

Getting water damage repaired immediately is important to avoid having to deal with mold and other issues that can develop in just a couple of days. Aside from these, water damage can also cause structural issues and safety hazards.

Getting the cause of the issue fixed immediately is the first step to preventing further damage. After the issue has been resolved, the next step is to hire a professional to carry out the necessary water damage restoration steps.

1. Turn Off Power

One of the first and most important tasks to complete when water damage is present is to turn off your power. Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix and you or your employees run the risk of getting electrocuted. Be sure to turn off the main power to your building before starting the cleaning process.

2. Find the Source of Water Damage

Another important task is to find the source of the water damage. It could be a busted pipe under your floor or in the walls. Call an emergency plumber to assess the situation and ensure no more water is coming into your commercial property. While waiting for the plumber, located the main water shutoff valve and turn it off. This will stop the flow of water into your business until the issue can be resolved.

3. Take Photos

If you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, you should document the damage as soon as possible. If it is safe to do so, take photos of the property before and after the cleanup. Be sure to take pictures of any equipment, furniture or other items that have been damaged by the water. Photos can help you file a claim quicker and easier.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Once you have documented the damage with photos, call your insurance company to file a water damage claim. Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, the company will determine if the water damage is covered under its policy. An insurance company representative will then visit the property to assess the damage and help you fill out the necessary paperwork.

5. Remove Damaged Items

Water can ruin almost anything. It’s important to remove any furniture or equipment that is near the water to allow it to dry. To prevent stains on any carpeting, add aluminum foil between the wet carpet and the furniture legs. Bring any carpets or rugs outside to begin air drying. If you have fans and dehumidifiers, place them in the areas where water is located.

6. Identify Mold Growth

Mold can begin growing as soon as 24 hours after the first sign of water damage. If you notice it, it needs to be dealt with right away. The longer you wait to deal with mold growth in your commercial space, the more difficult it will be to get rid of. If you try to clean mold yourself, be careful while moving items around with mold on them.

Mold spores can easily float to other areas of your business and begin growing in a new spot. When it comes to mold, it is often best to leave the cleaning up to professional mold remediation specialists.

7. Call Remediation Service

When you have water damage at your place of business, it is best to hire the help of a restoration team to get things cleaned up properly. Your insurance company may be able to help you find a local, reputable remediation company to work with that specializes in extensive water damage.

8. Stay Away Until Remediation is Completed

If you had mold growth in your building, it’s important to keep away until the remediation team completes its services. Mold can be dangerous to your health, so it’s best to stay away until you are told it’s safe to return.