Floods can have a devastating impact on the homes and businesses they’ve swept through. Whether it was the result of a nasty thunderstorm or a leaking water pipe, the effects of water damage can be hard to handle and dangerous to deal with long after the flooding has stopped. When it comes to a commercial building, the impact can be even worse, affecting the local economy and your ability to pay your bills. Before you take the metaphorical dive into the restoration process, here are some tips on how to do it safely and efficiently, so that you and your employees can stay safe while bringing your commercial property back to life.
For assistance, keep track of all your local services in Tampa. This can include the fire department, the police, and any nearby hospitals, as well as restoration companies, insurance companies, and electrical companies. If you know who to turn to for help, the rest of this process will be much safer and smoother for everyone, and you’ll need to report on the damages regardless.
Put your safety first
Water can do more than simply rot away at wood or soak our carpets. From the growth of dangerous molds, to the possibility of being electrocuted by damaged electrical equipment, a flood can put your health and safety at risk even after the water disappears. Don’t do anything dangerous on your own. You and your employees are not trained to handle a massive flood restoration project alone, nor are you trained to avoid all the risks that may occur. To avoid hazards, make sure the electricity is off, be aware of potential water shut-offs, and understand your risk of contamination.
Get rid of the water and air out the building
Before you can go into the building, you will need to make sure that the building isn’t still flooded. Once the officials allow you to go back inside, clearing away any remaining water will help minimize the damage and risk. Using regular cleaning supplies such as mops and brooms, push the water out of the door or into drains, making sure to avoid touching it directly to avoid health risks. Then, when you are done removing the water, bring some air into the room to prevent the spread of mold in dark corners or small spaces. Make some room by moving large appliances, and then turn on any fans and dehumidifiers, and open your windows.
Clean out whatever you can
Water won’t just damage the building itself—any merchandise you sell will also likely be damaged, as well as any electronic devices you own or any paper products you keep in your office. Don’t keep them inside the building to be damaged further by the growing mold and rising humidity levels. Move as much as you can outside to dry out, or if necessary, to throw away entirely. Electronics will be especially dangerous when wet, so use caution when moving them and do not attempt to see if they still work. Remember, your safety is top priority, and any damaged items can be replaced if necessary.
Disinfect and clean the area
When the inside of the building is dry and clean, you’re still not done with the restoration process. Whether you hire a special cleaning service or do it yourself, you will need to get rid of any lingering mold, dirt, mildew, and other potential infectants before you can put everything back. Use whatever tools necessary to purify the interior and prevent future contamination risks from growing. A cleaning company may even look into treating the property to remove any bacteria and microbial life. It’s very important to do as thorough a job at this stage as in the previous stages, so see what services are provided to you and get whatever assistance you require to make the job both easier and more effective.
Contact us today
At a time like this, hiring a contractor service can be the difference between saving your business, or being washed away by the flood. There are many flood-restoration teams out there, but not all of them offer everything you’ll need, and juggling too many companies can add to the confusion and stress of flood repair. Contractors Inc offers a variety of services, including flood damage restoration, commercial building repairs, and sanitization work, so that you can get back to business as soon as possible while knowing that the job was done by experienced professionals. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
