How to Deal with Water Damage17 Sep
Water is essential to meeting basic human needs, but it can also be unpredictable, relentless, and destructive. To help facility managers effectively deal with complex issues following severe water damage, this article outlines ten of the best practices for water remediation. These practices should form the foundation for water remediation in an integrated disaster plan strategy. We aim to equip facility managers with the strategies, tactics, and critical information needed to respond quickly to emergencies. In addition to following best practices, facility managers must familiarize themselves with flood insurance policies, and establish relationships of trust with insurance companies so that water-related damage can be effectively and seamlessly assessed. This will allow for an expedited remediation process, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
1. Safety always comes first. When water damage occurs, coordinate with local fire, police, mechanical contractors, insurance, utilities, and repair companies to immediately issue alerts.
2. Familiarize yourself with water closures so that you can quickly access and mark them accordingly. Turning off the water valve quickly is critical to reduce losses, risks, and to protect assets.
3. Electricity is the most imminent threat after water damage. Check for water in light fixtures or electrical boxes to prevent the risk of fire or electric shock.
4. If affected by water, immediately close the following valves:
●Electrical box, circuit breaker box, and instrument panel. In the case of power failure, cordon off the affected area.
5. Identify the source of the water damage. Determine any potential health risks based on the level of contamination, so that emergency personnel can be informed of the situation when they arrive, and effective remedial measures can be taken.
6. Identify potential hazards in the environment, such as lead or asbestos. Long-term exposure to asbestos or lead can cause severe illness and ongoing health problems.
7. Protect or replace valuable electronics, computers, furniture, art, documents, clothing, etc.
8. Have plastic trash bags, police tape, duct tape, and essential hand tools to cover the items mentioned above, or pack items you cannot use.
9. Control or isolate the water-damaged area, establish plastic barriers around the contaminated area, and cordon off to ensure the safety of workers and on-site emergency personnel.
10. It is best to have a professional repair team and equipment to ensure that the job is done right. Uni-P Dry knows water damage, and provides the advanced equipment you’ll need.