Knowing how to repair your building after flood damage can seem like an impossible task. Wind damage and flood from storms are sources of worry for those of us running business in the Southwest. In fact, over the past few months, Californians have received several flash food warnings via TV broadcasts.
However, having a plan and knowing how to protect your property will give you an advantage. You’ll then be able to more quickly recover from floods, rain, and wind that threaten your business.
Storm and water damage in our Kern County is a common cause of damage many businesses deal with each year. Flood damage can cause significant cleanup efforts and major messes.
Having knowledge coupled with preparation, makes the process easier to repair your building after flood damage.
Clear The Water From The Space
When a storm has caused flooding to your building, it’s important to remove humidity from the building expeditiously. This includes clearing water as soon as it’s safe to do so.
After it is safe to enter the building, immediately turn off power. If it is unsafe or you are unable to, have your power company shut off the power from the outside.
Next, you need to push water out of the building through floor drains and exits. Using push brooms, mops, and squeegees makes this process go a little faster. We also recommend placing dehumidifiers at floor drains so that they can run continuously.
Air Out The Space
If your business has suffered from water damage, move all items away from the wall and spaced apart. This not only allow items to dry, but it also prevents mold growth in dark corners.
Open all of the windows to help air circulate. And if it is safe, run fans to increase airflow so that items dry out more quickly.
Don’t Delay Clean Up
When you assess the damage, figuring out how to repair your building after flood damage may feel overwhelming. But it is crucial that you start cleaning as soon as it is safe to do so. Because waiting can result in more damage.
Remove furniture, appliances, electronics, and any other important items immediately. The sooner you get these items out of the water the better chance you have of saving them.
Additionally, to prevent further damage and costs, pull up the carpets and under padding. This will prevent mold from growing as well as helping the carpets dry out.
Do Not Use Electrical Items
Commercial machinery and appliances are expensive. Thus, when evaluating the damage, you’ll be tempted to see if these items still work. However, using electrical items that may have been damaged by water can be extremely dangerous.
Make sure not to use any type of electrical items to clean up as the building outlets may be damaged.
As you’re moving through the cleaning process, ensure you’re working with professionals who can provide repairs safely.
Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect Your Building
Once your property has thoroughly dried, start the sanitation process. During this process, it’s critical to use a good disinfectant. Quality disinfectants can remove bacteria that may have entered from plumbing, sewers, or other outside water sources.
There are many accessible and affordable cleaning solutions that can help clean the area. For example, borax, bleach, baking soda, and ammonia are all good cleaning products.
This can also be the best time to bring in professional cleaners to help.
Mold and other contaminates quickly form in standing water. Therefore, a commercial cleaning company will ensure everything is cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected properly.
Take Steps To Prevent Mold Growth
Once the damaged area has been cleaned and dried, you need to take preventative measures to ward off mold growth.
Apply a mold control spray over the affected area. Allow the spray to dry overnight and it will destroy any mold spores and provide continued blockage. It’s also a good idea to continue monitoring damaged areas for signs of mold.
How Customized Custodial Services Can Help Repair Your Building After Flood Damage
Cleaning or repairing your building after flood damage may seem impossible. But by working quickly, safely, and enlisting the aid of professionals, you’ll be up and running in no time.
Customized Custodial Services offers electrostatic disinfection. This commercial tool is used to apply sanitizers, disinfectants, and mold preventatives for a 360-degree complete clean.
Electrostatic disinfection is often used in facilities that are experiencing bacteria or mold outbreaks. But it also makes a great addition to everyday cleaning within corporate offices, schools, medical, and government facilities.
Are you experiencing mold or mildew growth in your facility and are interested in our electrostatic disinfection service? Click here now to fill out our brief form and we will follow-up with you within four hours!
