Commercial water damage is a constant threat in Brisbane, especially during summer storms, with flooding impacting businesses in all kinds of ways.
Even if floodwaters are removed, they bring debris, germs, and bacteria which makes it unsafe for workers to be on the premises. The closure will be necessary for emergency water removal, commercial cleaning and flood damage restoration. Business interruption like this can mean profit loss if you rely on a physical storefront for the majority of your operations.
If not treated correctly, floodwaters can also create the right conditions for mould to grow. Even a few centimetres of water can lead to damp areas and our warm, moist climate is the perfect environment for fast mould growth. Mould, as well as being a health hazard, can ruin carpets, furniture, walls and flooring, costing your business even more time and money to replace.
However, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. You can avoid a worst-case scenario for your business by being proactive before and after flooding occurs. Follow our fast action cleanup tips to limit commercial water damage in Brisbane.
Always have an emergency plan
Be aware of flood warnings in your area through the Queensland government’s Bureau of Meteorology page. Always have an emergency plan if your business is in a flood-prone area. You may not have much time to act if it is a flash flood and you need to evacuate.
Turn off electric and gas services
If it’s safe to do so, disconnect the power and unplug electrical equipment. Remove any loose items, such as computers and office furniture and store them higher up in the building if you have the option (unfortunately electrical equipment rarely survives water damage). If you have an opportunity to pull up the carpets, try and do so.
Contact your insurance company
If you have flood insurance, let your insurance company know your situation immediately after it’s safe to visit the premises. Begin cleanup, salvage and drying as soon as possible, don’t wait for an insurance agent to visit. Create a list of damaged and ruined items and take photos of them. Having proof makes it easier to claim insurance down the line.
Remove the Water
After removing damaged items, depending on the severity of flooding, you can try to remove the water. If you’re not sure whether you have power, don’t risk using a wet/dry vacuum, you can use buckets, mops, and towels instead.
Dry the Area
Once the majority of the water has gone from the building, it will still be damp. Dehumidifiers will be extremely useful to dry the area. Keep the windows open to maximise airflow. If left damp for more than 48 hours mould can start to grow.
Disinfect to Prevent Mould
Scrub walls and floors, and wipe the furniture with a bleach solution to prevent mould. At all times wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
Disaster Recovery Can Speed Up The Process
These tips are for a minor water intrusion, however, severe flooding can mean carpets, flooring and walls are submerged and will need assessing for whether they can be salvaged or need discarding. It can take weeks to thoroughly dry and clean a building and any repairs will need to be delayed until this is done. There will also need to be aggressive measures to control mould. If there are health concerns, then emergency water removal experts will need to be called in for specialised clean-up and flood damage restoration.
Whether you need carpet flood water extraction services or commercial cleaning in Brisbane to deal with mould, Disaster Recovery offers a 24hr emergency service, 365 days a year for commercial businesses. We specialise in emergency water damage restoration Brisbane from floods, burst pipes gutter overflows or sewage backups. Contact us online or call 1300 309 361 to get your business back up and running as soon as possible.
