There are a host of wonderful reasons to open a business or begin developing commercial property in Jackson, MS, among them the multiple opportunities for renovation and investment in the city’s center. However, the Magnolia State’s propensity for natural disasters is a potential risk for any commercial property owner. In fact, although Jackson is inland, the state’s position on the Gulf Coast and along the mighty Mississippi places much of its land in prime territory for storm damage—a situation that has caused the state to place as high as seventh in terms of natural disaster risk.
In addition to the risks already posed by Mother Nature, logistical issues also threaten commercial properties in Jackson, MS. For example, while cast iron pipes fell out of favor in the 1970s, experts estimated in 2010 that as many as 30% of the city’s pipes are unlined cast iron. While the estimate was prompted by a historic, city-wide series of burst pipes, the incident still serves to remind Jackson commercial and residential property owners that here, at least, the threat of water damage is never too far away.
Water damage in Jackson, MS
While it’s critical to do what you can to prevent water damage to your commercial property, sometimes, the inevitable occurs. Whether from flooding rains, river floods, storm damage and stormwater intrusion, burst pipes, or something else, commercial water damage can prove costly. Water damage restoration in Jackson, MS can demand attention to the following elements of your commercial building:
- Plumbing
- Carpeting and other flooring
- Drywall, plaster, paneling, and other wall materials
- Insulation
- Building framing
- HVAC elements
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Cabinetry, and more
When you consider the fact that ongoing water intrusion into your commercial space can exacerbate the initial damage with every moment it remains in place, it’s clear that immediate action is necessary after a water disaster. A general contractor in Jackson, Mississippi like Contractors Inc should be first on your list to call.
Tips for dealing with commercial water damage
While the first step you should take after your commercial property experiences water damage is to contact your insurance company, you don’t need to wait around until the adjustor arrives. In fact, there are actions you can take in an attempt to reduce the water damage to your commercial property and ensure that remediation begins as quickly as possible. Consider these tips:
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Ensure Your Safety: First and foremost, attempting flood clean-up during an active storm is a risk you should not take. Similarly, attempting to clean a sewer line backup on your own without the proper pathogen mitigation protocols is not advisable. Make every effort to ensure your safety as you take steps to minimize water damage.
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Shut It Off: Turn off the electricity to your commercial property to minimize the chances of electrocution and damage. Then, address the source of the water issue. If it’s a burst pipe or other plumbing issue, shut off the water supply. Similarly, if storm damage to the building’s roof or exterior has allowed water intrusion, address this first to halt the water at its source.
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Dry It Out: After you’ve eliminated the source of the moisture, you’ll need to assess the damage. However, it is difficult to do so when every surface of your commercial building is covered by standing water. If standing water is minimal and you have equipment like a sump pump or wet vac on hand, remove as much water as possible. Then, consider renting a large fan and dehumidifier to begin drying the area.
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Consider the Water Source: Freshwater rivers and rainwater can certainly host plenty of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protists. Floodwaters also frequently encounter runoff from farms and industrial sources that can contaminate your commercial building with chemicals and pathogens. If the source of the water damage was your building’s own plumbing system, consider whether you’re dealing with wastewater or freshwater. If wastewater, determine whether you’ve experienced black water (waste from toilets and urinals) or gray water (waste from sinks, tubs, dishwashers, and washing machines). Surfaces coming in contact with water will require chemical disinfection.
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Check for Mold: Mold growth can begin as few as 24 hours after exposure, and it is critical to begin mold remediation as soon as possible to prevent its onset and eventual spread. Porous materials affected by mold should be removed to inhibit spread, including drywall, insulation, carpeting, cabinetry, and more. However, it’s important to note that mold can develop anywhere water has touched, including inside ceilings and walls. Proper mold remediation requires specialized ventilation, strategic removal, and chemical disinfection.
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Contact an Emergency Disaster Restoration Company: Unless your water damage was extremely limited, the safest choice is to find professional water damage restoration in Jackson, MS. Professionals have the tools needed to properly rid your commercial property of mold and pathogens, restore the integrity of your property, and replace dangerous building materials that have been compromised by water damage. While your insurance company will recommend their preferred contractor, you have the right to perform your own research and choose a company that fits your budget and needs.
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Craft a Disaster Response Plan: After your property is back to normal, it is critical to prevent costly delays in water disaster restoration. Create a disaster response plan to hasten your response the next time water damage occurs. Alternatively, consider taking part in your preferred water damage restoration company’s priority plans, which often guarantee an expedited response and full-service solutions designed to get you back in business faster.
Contact Contractors Inc
Whether you’re preparing before disaster strikes or need to remediate a water damage issue after a disaster has occurred, you can rely on Contractors Inc. Our disaster mitigation and mold, pathogen, and water remediation services will restore your property to its original condition as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Priority Response Plans through the Crisis Over Program help us help you ensure you are prepared. With 24/7/365 emergency response, speedy mitigation, and expert remediation, we’ll help you eliminate costly downtimes and preserve the operations of your commercial property so you can focus on returning to normalcy.
For more information about disaster restoration or Priority Response Plans, contact Contractors Inc today. A local Jackson, MS response team dedicated to your needs will evaluate your needs and supply insight regarding your first steps as soon as possible.
