Why Flood Zone is So Risky?
1. Safety is the top priorityIn the initial phase, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the building. Potential hazards such as falling ceilings and electrical dangers must be taken into account. If there's a risk of a ceiling or wall collapse, it's essential not to enter the area. Place warning signs and lock the door if possible. Be cautious around water that might have come into contact with electrical panels or outlets, as live electricity could be present. If safe, consider shutting off the electricity until a professional can inspect the damages.2. Identify and stop the water source.If you know where the water is coming from and can turn it off at its source, take immediate action. In larger commercial buildings, each area should have separate valves to avoid shutting down the entire building. If you're unsure of the water shut-off locations, contact the building engineer or facility manager. For roof failures, seek a company's assistance to tarp or construct a temporary roof, and professional restoration companies should be able to provide solutions if required.Document the damage.Taking pictures of the standing water can be helpful when the adjuster arrives to assess the situation. These images can substantiate your claim, particularly if demolition is necessary. Videos can be even more effective, as they provide a broader view of the affected areas in a shorter time.3. Remove the water promptly.Act quickly to remove water while it's still in its liquid form. Use mops, squeegees, wet vacs, or towels to initiate the water removal process. Restoration companies or carpet cleaning companies often possess powerful extraction tools to eliminate standing water efficiently. The longer water saturates building materials, the more time and effort will be required for evaporation and dehumidification.4. Prioritize dehumidification before evaporation.Dehumidifying the air is a crucial step in the drying process. While many people might instinctively use fans to dry wet areas, this approach can sometimes be counterproductive. Excessive evaporation can lead to high humidity or the dew point, resulting in condensation on building materials. This, in turn, can cause unaffected areas to absorb moisture, leading to secondary damage or even mould growth. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of temperature, humidity, and dew point before proceeding with the drying process.5. Conduct a thorough damage inspection.During the damage inspection, creating an initial moisture map is essential. Specialized tools such as thermo-hygrometers and thermal cameras help assess the extent and severity of water damage. Thermo-hygrometers provide information on dew point and humidity levels, while thermal cameras can detect temperature differences and hidden moisture. However, relying solely on thermal cameras for moisture assessment might be misleading, and moisture meters should be used to provide accurate quantitative readings.6.Develop a structural drying strategy and mitigation plan.Based on the inspection findings, it's crucial to create a detailed plan and strategy for the drying process. The plan should cover essential aspects such as the number of air movers or fans required, the type and quantity of dehumidification, the areas or building materials affected, their current moisture percentage, the drying goal, materials that need demolition and their removal timeline, estimated project duration, and initial cost estimates. Effective communication with the customer is vital, and both parties should agree on the mitigation plan before proceeding with any contractual agreements. This ensures a smooth project execution and minimizes potential discrepancies in the future.
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