Tips for Securing Your Business During a Flood | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

8/1/2024 (Permalink)

Don’t let flooding slow down your business! Our team at SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is ready to help at a moments notice.

Floods may seem like something that will never happen to you at work, but that’s not true! Flash floods can happen at any point, either due to weather emergencies or manmade disasters like burst water mains or busted pipes.

No matter how it happens, floods can create serious issues for your building and can cause extensive damage in just a few minutes. Knowing what to do if you suffer a flood can help you stay in control and avoid more serious damage.

Navigating Flash Floods  

Flash floods can occur due to multiple different situations. Heavy rain can overwhelm dry ground during a drought, a nearby river or lake could overflow and even something as serious as a dam or levee breaking can cause a flash flood warning to be issued. 

If you have the time, prepare your outside space as quickly as possible. Bring chairs and signage inside and tie down tables or anything that could be swept away by quickly moving water.

Keep everyone inside for the time being, and offer your lobby up as a safe sheltering location for any passersby caught in the deluge. Flash floods can be dangerous or even deadly with just a few inches of quickly moving water. Keep all windows and doors closed and wait out the situation in a dry location. If the water starts to infiltrate your building, stay calm and keep everyone out of the area as floodwater can be dangerous or hazardous to walk through. 

Manmade Floods

Manmade floods are harder to predict because they usually occur due to an accident or unexpected situation. Broken pipes, clogged drains and busted water lines can all cause serious water leaks that get out of hand in a short amount of time. If you aren’t at work when the accident occurs, you could be dealing with a seriously flooded basement or space. 

If you can tell where the water leak started, move quickly to shut off the water valve that is controlling the flow of water. If you can’t quickly figure out where the water is coming from, turn off the main water line to the entire building just to be on the safe side. Avoid walking through the water, as gray or black water lines can dump really dangerous water onto your floor. 

Recovering After the Flood 

Depending on how badly your building flooded, you could be dealing with some pretty deep water and significant structural damage. Walk carefully around your property and take as many pictures as possible. Fresh images of the situation will help make your insurance claim go smoother.

Call us right away so we can get started on your recovery! Water and flood damage can move quickly, so we make sure to prioritize your restoration from start to finish. We will remove the standing water and tackle hidden moisture, repair and restore your property, and focus on returning your building to its pre-flood condition right away. We are always here for you and your business!

SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale is here to help you recover from floods. Call us day or night.