As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County is ready to respond immediately when a business or commercial facility suffers a water damage disaster and needs commercial water damage restoration or cleaning services. Every business, whether large or small, faces the risk of a property damage disaster.
According to research from one of the largest commercial insurance providers in the nation, a business is more likely to experience a water damage disaster than damage from a fire. In light of these findings, SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County highlights ways that businesses and commercial facilities can prepare for a water damage incident and restore operations as quickly as possible should a disaster occur.
Steps to Create an Effective Commercial Water Damage Action Plan
Step #1: Assess the potential causes of water damage at the facility.
A thorough risk assessment will identify vulnerabilities at the site. Consider securing the services of a qualified insurance risk engineer who is trained to recognize flooding issues and prevent water damage from occurring. Inspect all appliances that use water in their operations. Inspect kitchens, bathrooms, and all water supply lines. Look for high humidity levels, damaged pipes and hoses, and other leaks. The modest installation expense of a water leak detection and shut-off system is far less than the cost to mitigate a full-blown water damage disaster.
Step #2: Create a water damage response plan.
A detailed water damage response plan minimizes water damage to property and facilitates the swift restoration of business operations in the event of water damage. Tapping the experience of a qualified risk engineer can ensure the plan is industry-specific and customized to the nuances of the facility. With the plan in place, a business can anticipate unforeseen dangers and risks associated with a major water damage event.
Step #3: Invest in water damage control kits.
A pre-assembled water damage response kit enables a quick response if an accidental water damage incident occurs. Items include:
- High-volume wet vacuum
- A discharge hose of sufficient length to be used with the wet vacuum
- Heavy-duty absorbent brooms
- Wide rubber squeegee
- Pre-filled sandbags to protect sensitive electrical equipment if the building is in a high-risk flood zone
Store these kits in areas that can be easily accessed and cannot be blocked by floodwaters.
Step #4: Install flood gates.
Installing permanent or temporary floodgates makes sense for a business located in a flood zone. These measures protect entry doors, windows, and exterior steps that lead below grade.
Step #5: Train the staff in how to properly respond to a water damage disaster.
Having a well-trained staff can save lives and prevent injuries during a water damage event. Review the action plan annually and train several times a year. A slip-and-fall injury can put a small business out of business, and delays in dealing with a flood or water damage disaster can lead to advanced secondary water damage.
Step #6: Make sure that the facility has adequate insurance protection.
Annually review insurance coverage with an insurance professional. Understand the extent and limits of current and available coverage to avoid surprises if a flood damage disaster occurs.
Step #7: Pre-qualify a reputable commercial water damage restoration company before disaster strikes.
Searching for and then qualifying a commercial water damage restoration company at 3:00 am in the morning is not a best-case scenario for the operations manager or business owner responsible for the cleanup. The water removal process could be delayed by an hour or more, leading to advanced secondary water damage.
The property damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County are the premier commercial property damage specialists in the area. SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County is a part of a vast national network that enables the damage restoration company to quickly leverage a massive response. This capability makes SERVPRO the best commercial restoration choice for businesses and property managers when a disaster strikes. To respond to damage from major storms and disasters, the team can activate special Disaster Recovery Teams for additional resources.
For more information about commercial water damage restoration in Crowley, TX, contact SERVPRO of Crowley & South Johnson County by phone at (817) 297-8588. The office can be reached by email at office@servprocrowley.com.
