Preparing for Flood Damage

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating to a commercial building, leaving damage that takes a significant amount of time and expense to undo.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

Flooding can happen throughout the year and can be devastating to a commercial building, leaving damage that takes a significant amount of time and expense to undo. There are several steps you can take to prepare your Santa Maria, California building to survive and recover from storm damage. Preventative measures can reduce the amount of flood damage and make it easier to restore your building to operational use as soon as possible. 

1. Clean the Gutters

Flooding doesn’t always mean there are several feet of water in a building. Even a few inches of water inside a commercial building can cause substantial damage. Floodwaters can build slowly over several days or may rise extremely quickly in the event of a flash flood. 

No matter how much rain is falling, well-maintained gutter systems have a much better chance of diverting that water to proper drainage areas. If the gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, the water can overflow the sides and saturate the ground around the foundation, increasing the risk for damage. Make sure to check and clean the gutters on a regular schedule to ensure they work properly during a flood.

2. Maintain the Storm Drains

Like gutters, storm drains are designed to move water away from streets and buildings. While the local government or county is usually responsible for storm drain maintenance, you may be required to report issues with the drains on or near your property. If you see something amiss with a storm drain, report it to the authorities immediately.

3. Have a Response Plan

Make sure you’re ready to react quickly in the event of flooding. During a flood watch or warning, follow basic safety guidelines:

Listen to the TV or radio for weather updates
Gather an emergency preparedness kit
Move to higher ground
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters

Keep the number for restoration professionals handy so you can call them if your building sustains storm damage. You will want to do this as soon as possible to begin cleanup and repairs. Responding quickly to flood damage can help get your building back to normal operations. Visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com for more information on flood damage.