A Storm Damage Preparation Plan for Commercial Structures

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a Bluffdale building.

Storm Damage Prevention

The managers and owners of commercial buildings should make a plan to prepare for storms. Many methods for protecting property from adverse weather are long-term strategies that may not be possible to implement in the hours before a winter storm. From anticipating seasonal weather patterns to monitoring weather forecasts for Bluffdale, UT, building managers, and owners should take a proactive approach to storm damage prevention.

Watch the Weather

One of the easiest ways for property owners and managers to prepare for storms is to be aware of seasonal weather patterns and approaching storm systems. Here are a few of the most important types of weather events for which to look out:

• High winds
• Freezing temperatures
• Severe weather events

High winds have the potential to damage a structure and may accompany more severe weather events. Freezing temperatures may not seem as dangerous, but a frozen blockage may form in an exposed pipe and cause a pipe break that floods a structure.

Maintain Drainage

A longer-term storm preparation measure involves maintaining drainage. This can be helpful all year long, from allowing snow and ice to melt after a winter storm to keeping downspouts, drains and gutters clear for rainfall in other seasons.

Reduce Damage Risks

Property owners may want to invest in solutions for anchoring items kept outdoors such as chairs, tables or garbage cans. Any unsecured items can become flying debris that damages a property when wind speeds pick up. Storm windows might also be a worthwhile investment.

Some storm damage preparation methods involve investing in the infrastructure or maintenance of a commercial building in Bluffdale, UT. Other measures require immediate action based on changing weather conditions, such as keeping under-insulated pipes from bursting during a winter storm. A plan that accounts for short- and long-term preparations can go a long way toward limiting the severity of damage to a structure.

4 Reasons Your Business Should Have Flood Insurance

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you live in an area with high flood risk, it can be a good idea to purchase the insurance

4 Reasons Your Business Should Have Flood Insurance

When you acquire a building for your West Jordan, UT business, one of the first things you should do is purchase insurance. When you do this, there are several options available, so it can be difficult to determine what is the best choice for you. You may wonder if additional policies like flood insurance are worth the extra cost. In many cases, the answer is yes. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. Most Standard Insurance Does Not Cover Floods

While standard commercial insurance does cover a large range of situations, large-scale disasters such as floods and hurricanes are often not included. These can cost insurance companies a lot of money, so they will often require an additional policy for this added coverage.

2. Flooding Can Cause Extensive Damage

If your business is affected by a flood, you don’t want to be stuck paying for all the damage that is caused. Flood waters that are left to sit can cause warping to walls and flooring and weaken the structure of your building. They can also damage furniture, electronics, and other belongings. Because flood water can carry contaminants, bacteria, and mold spores, the cleanup can be quite costly as well.

3. It Might Be Required

In some areas, you might not have a choice as to whether or not you will buy flood insurance. If you live in an area with high flood risk and have a mortgage on your building, you might be required by the lender to purchase the additional policy.

4. Natural Disasters Can Be Unpredictable

Even if you live somewhere with a low risk of flooding, it can still be a good idea to purchase insurance. Storms and natural disasters can sometimes have unexpected results, so you might end up in an unpleasant situation if you aren’t prepared for the worst.

If you do experience flooding in your building, a water damage remediation company can help with cleanup and repairs. Having flood insurance will make the process easier while saving your business money.

3 Difficult Challenges of Cleaning Up After a Storm

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

A West Jordan, UT home was flooded due to a storm

Cleaning Up After a Storm: 3 Difficult Challenges

If you have yet to experience a damaging storm at your home in West Jordan, UT, you should be aware that the process involves many complex factors.

Extensive flooding is among the most difficult situations to clean. It requires specialized equipment that most homeowners do not have, as well as technical expertise. A professional storm restoration company is often your best bet, as highly-trained technicians handle all aspects of storm recovery.

1. Limiting Water Damage

Many situations after a storm result in black water spreading through a home. Not only is this a potentially dangerous situation, but it is also likely to result in more extensive and quicker damage to the structure and contents of your home. The first step after flooding is water removal with industrial pumps and vacuums, followed by intensive drying using high-powered fans.

2. Cleaning Up Flood Damage

Whether water comes in through a faulty roof or overwhelms your foundation during heavy rains, it is critical to act quickly. Standing water will ruin fabrics and even break down wood structures in a matter of hours. Many advanced techniques are needed to restore your home to its original condition. These include tearing out ruined flooring, assessing wet insulation, and drying out saturated clothes and other personal items.

3. Preventing Mold Growth

When any type of moisture inundates your home, the risk of mold spread becomes much higher. After professional drying, proper cleaning, and sanitizing techniques, using approved products, are needed. This goes beyond ordinary cleaning and can keep mold in check. A poor process of cleaning and drying could allow mold to gain a foothold at some future date.

Any type of flooding in your home, even a break in a pipe that carries clean water, calls for a professional response. This will result in a faster cleanup and fewer problems down the road.

4 Ways To Prevent Flooding in Towns

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Flood prevention can play a major role in keeping people safe and reducing damage from heavy storms.

4 Methods For Preventing Flooding In Cities

Rain is a wonderful, natural way to water gardens and town landscaping. However, heavy storms and floods can cause plenty of damage to a town and the buildings within. With flood prevention planning, you can take measures to avoid excess damage in West Jordan, UT. Here are four ways to prevent flooding in small towns and cities.

1. Design the Drainage System

The design and layout of a town’s drainage system can build a great foundation for preventing floods and cause less headache over time. A drainage system should be well-mapped and properly covered to prevent leaves, debris and large items from clogging the system. Water should be able to drain freely and quickly to avoid pooling in streets and low-lying areas.

2. Plant Vegetation

While trees, shrubs and even different varieties of grass can be decorative and scenic, they serve an even greater purpose when it comes to flood prevention. Extra vegetation can absorb excess water into the soil and can prevent land erosion by slowing down heavy water flow.

3. Create Detention Basins

Also known as retarding basins, detention basins provide a pathway for water runoff and a temporary holding place for floodwaters. Vegetation and large rocks are often used to line the edges of the basin for additional absorption and to slow the rapid flow of water and prevent erosion.

4. Provide Education

It is important to educate people that live in the town and ensure they understand the importance of keeping drainage systems clear. This can help reduce the amount of litter and debris that clogs culverts and water ways. In addition to prevention, it is important to educate people on what to do if a flood occurs to stay safe and minimize damage. Providing contact information for a flood cleaning service can be helpful to businesses that are impacted by storms.

While rainwater can provide many benefits to a town, it can also cause severe damage if people are unprepared. Flood prevention can play a major role in keeping people safe and reducing damage from heavy storms.

Keep Your Employees Safe With Storm Preparedness

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Every heavy rainstorm carries the risk of disaster. Make sure your employees are safe by taking precautions both before and after an attack.

Storm Preparedness Can Keep Your Employees Safe

Keeping employees safe during a rain storm is the responsibility of every office manager. How you react to one is as important as the preparatory measures you take. Here are some extreme weather safety guidelines that should always be followed.

Thunderstorm Preparations

Before high winds and driving rains hit your office, reduce the risk of danger by employing these measures:

• Download an emergency weather app to your phone and turn on notifications
• Trim trees so that blown branches are less likely to break windows
• Install lightning rods with guidance from your local fire department
• Create an emergency first aid kit and inform everyone of where it is being stored

The danger presented by any heavy rain storm can be significantly reduced with the execution of these precautions.

Thunderstorm Responses

When a storm strikes, remain calm and take charge. The odds of someone getting injured are lower when you stay in control and are aware of what to do.

If a company picnic or other outdoor activity is underway when bad weather rolls in, immediately call off the event. Usher everyone inside, reminding them of the danger from lightning strikes. Transfer as much fun inside as possible to reduce the temptation of heading back out.

If conditions make re-entering your building impossible, avoid high ground, fences and sheds. Take shelter in another dwelling or a vehicle with the windows rolled up. Shutter your workspace's windows and secure the main entryways. Resist the temptation to constantly peer outside, as windswept items can shatter glass.

Shut down computers.

Instruct staff to avoid using telephones and other electrical equipment. If possible, temporarily replace these devices with battery-powered alternatives.

Only after the danger has passed should you concern yourself with how much damage has been sustained. Once you have taken stock of everything needing repair, get in touch with an office repair specialist and bring your workspace back to normal. 

Every heavy rain storm comes with the potential for disaster. Make sure your staff stays safe by taking smart actions both before and after one arrives in South Jordan, UT.

Tips for Preventing Mold Growth After a Flood

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

A damp area is prime for mold growth. This is why thoroughly drying the flooded area is so crucial.

After A Flood, Here Are Some Suggestions For Preventing Mold Growth.

After a storm in West Jordan, UT, mold growth may become a concern in flooded areas. These steps can help you prevent possible issues if your business has suffered water damage.

1. Remove Items From the Flooded Area

The walls and floors are not the only place bacteria can grow after a flood. Office furniture and equipment may also be in danger. It’s best to get these items out of the water as soon as possible so they can be dried and repaired as well.

2. Remove the Water

Leaving standing water can cause your business property a number of issues. That’s why it’s best to have this water removed as soon as possible. A professional service will have the tools needed for water removal, and they should know what signs of damage to look for so that any needed repairs can be promptly scheduled.

3. Thoroughly Dry the Area

A damp area is prime for mold growth. This is why thoroughly drying the flooded area is so crucial. Keep air moving through the area as it dries to help the process. If you have access to a dehumidifier, use it.

4. Disinfect the Area

Disinfecting the area after the removal of standing water is as important as getting things dry again. This step can help prevent the growth of molds or mildews that may cause further damage.

5. Clean and Disinfect Your Items

This last step can be done at any point in the process, and depending on the items, sooner may be better. A good time may be while the water is being pumped out of the flooded area or everything is drying. Bacteria can grow on equipment as easily as on walls, so you’ll want to check all your items thoroughly.

After a flood, mold growth can become a problem a business may face. Following these steps to properly remove the water and dry and disinfect the area can help prevent this issue. It’s also a good idea to do the same for any items affected by the flood water.

4 Steps to Take to Make Sure Employees Can Come Back During a Restoration

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your business has any storm damage, SERVPRO is always ready to respond!

4 Steps To Ensure Employees Can Return During A Restoration

If a storm damages your South Jordan, UT, commercial building with black water, you have to follow the right steps before allowing anyone back onto the premises. At what point in the restoration process can employees come back to the building? Typically, employees can come back after the initial demolition and disinfection have been completed. You may need to keep these four steps in mind before allowing anyone besides the commercial restoration specialists into the building:

1. Validate the structural integrity of the building. Flood waters and other storm damage can leave your structure unstable. You need to have the building inspected to ensure it is stable enough for occupants.
2. Provide limited access if possible. During the flood cleanup, certain areas of your building may be ready for occupation before others. You can limit employee access to the clean areas to allow them to get back to work. You can also run air filtration systems in the safe areas to keep them clean during restoration.
3. Check for water contamination. When dealing with black water, you have to be hyper-aware of the potential for contamination. Give the specialists time to check for any sort of contamination before allowing employees back into the building.
4. Test equipment. If you expect your employees to work on computers or other electronic equipment, you should be sure to test each device before work is started. If anything was in the flood waters, there could be electrical issues to worry about.

Depending on the severity of the damage to your South Jordan, UT, building, you may be able to allow employees back into the building during the restoration process. Remember, the safety of the employees is of the utmost importance. That's why you should perform inspections and tests prior to allowing anyone to come back into the commercial building. Your commercial storm cleanup experts may be able to help you figure out how soon after a black water flood employees can return to the building.

Tips for Maintaining a Commercial Roof

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your roof is damaged by a storm, you can count on SERVPRO experts, we are always ready to respond to any emergency.

Tips For Keeping a Commercial Roof In Good Condition

Storms often act as a reminder that roofs are not infallible. When a storm strikes in Bluffdale, UT, your commercial building could end up with a roof leak due to the damage caused by the weather system. While you can't stop a storm from striking your area, you can maintain your roof to better prepare it for the extremes of weather.

Get Your Roof Inspected

Regular roof inspections can help you avoid major roofing problems. While you want to have your building looked at once a year, you should also have the roofing system inspected after a major storm, even if it's already been looked at for the year. This examination should look for a variety of issues, including the following:

• Signs of a previous roof leak
• Loose roofing materials
• Overhanging branches
• Dirt and debris on the roof surface

By the end of the inspection, your contractor should have a suggested repair plan for any problems that were found.

Clean Your Gutters and Storm Drains

Clogged gutters and storm drains can cause water to pool on your roof. This can increase the chances of a leak because the water has nowhere else to go. You should try to keep your gutters and drains clean to improve the overall health of your roof. While cleaning the gutters, you can also check them over for crack or loose brackets.

Fix Roof Problems as You Find Them

Whether wind damage tore off some shingles or your contractor discovered a minor leak during an inspection, you need to address roofing problems as soon as you can. Fixing the problems quickly can help you ensure you only have to deal with a small problem. The longer you let an issue fester, the bigger the repair can get.

If your roof is damaged by a storm, you need to turn to the storm repair experts in Bluffdale, UT. Whether you have a roof leak or hail damage, you don't want to leave the problem alone for too long.

Homeowner’s Guide To Emergency Roof Repair

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Roof damaged by a storm.

High winds, hail and storms in Draper, UT, can cause significant roof damage. As a homeowner, you may know little about roof repair and even less about the process of mitigation. What is mitigation? When it comes to storm and wind damage, mitigation refers to the steps you need to take to stop additional loss from happening to your house before repairs begin.

How To Mitigate Roof Damage

Always prioritize your safety first. If high winds cause a tree to fall on your house, for example, evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere. Observe damage from the ground; do not climb onto the roof to inspect it yourself. Once you are safe, take the following steps to reduce secondary damage to your home:

• Install a tarp on your roof to prevent additional rain, hail and wind damage. The tarp remains on during the inspection and roof repair process. Contact a restoration company that offers emergency, professional roof tarping services. Until the professionals arrive, place buckets under the leaks to prevent further water damage.
• When a tree falls on the house, contact a tree service to remove the tree as soon as possible before the tarp is installed.
• If windows or skylights have broken, tape plastic over the openings until the glass is replaced.

How To Complete Restoration

After you have successfully mitigated the damage, take the necessary steps to complete the repairs:

• Contact a roofing company to repair the damaged areas.
• Address the water damage in your home. Work with a water restoration company to inspect, dry and restore your house and belongings.
• Check with your homeowner’s insurance agent to see if damages are covered under your policy.

When unexpected storms, hail or wind damage befalls your home in Draper, UT, be prepared to act fast. Immediately have a restoration company install a tarp to mitigate further problems. Promptly complete the roof repair and address any water damage that occurs inside your home.

5 Steps To Prepare for Storms

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you have been damaged by storm weather you should contact a restoration company.

Ways To Minimize Property Damage To Your Building

When you consider all of the types of damage storms cause in West Jordan, UT, the notion of preparing a structure for severe weather can start to seem complicated. A few simple measures on the part of property managers can go a long way toward storm preparedness.

1. Regularly Inspect the Building Exterior
A property manager or property management firm should have a clear sense of the external condition of commercial properties. The exterior of a commercial building is the first line of defense against interior damage.

2. Invest In Preventative Equipment
A property manager should invest in and maintain the right equipment to limit the severity of storm damage based on the type of adverse weather typical to a location. This may mean using sandbags, sandbag alternatives, or storm shutters.

3. Make a Storm Preparedness Plan
Property managers should plan ahead for storm readiness. Building preparedness plans should account for seasonal maintenance such as ensuring that drainage is clear and regularly checking the condition of roofing. A separate checklist for approaching storms might call for rolling down storm shutters or stowing outdoor items.

4. Pay Attention To the Weather
Even a building that has storm damage reduction measures in place will need to have these items properly deployed when a storm is on the horizon. Property managers should closely monitor the weather and prepare accordingly.

5. Contract a Restoration Company
Reaching out to a restoration company well in advance of a disaster is a good idea. A property manager can also schedule a walk-through to identify potential storm damage risks for a structure and be ready to provide faster mitigation and cleanup.
By taking these steps, building managers can minimize property damage caused by storms in West Jordan, UT. Storm preparedness is an ongoing process, as even buildings that are equipped with storm shutters will still need regular maintenance to withstand storms.

4 Ways Winter Storms Can Damage Your Home

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

A winter storm can cause serious problems to your home in Daybreak, UT

Winter Storms Can Cause Serious Damage To Your Home 

To some, the phrase “winter storm” conjures up images of snuggling up under a cozy blanket in front of a crackling fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the snowflakes swirl. Blizzard conditions might be romantic in the movies, but in real life, these storms can cause a lot of damage to your home.

1. Ice Dams
Snow and ice on your roof tend to melt somewhat during the day, then freeze again as they drip into your gutter, creating blocks of ice known as ice dams. The gutters become clogged with ice and snow. With nowhere to go, water begins to re-freeze along the tops and edges of the gutter, which can result in enormous ice dams. Ice dams are heavy and cause significant strain to your gutters and roof. Worse, as the ice expands, it can get forced under the roofline, causing major leaks and other roof damage.

2. Cracked Caulking
The caulking around windows and doors is particularly susceptible to winter storm damage. Freezing outside temperatures and warmer indoor temperatures create pressure on the glass. During the day, sunshine on the glass may warm the windows considerably, and then the window temperature drops dramatically at night. These wide fluctuations in temperature cause the caulking to crack, allowing warm air to escape and cold drafts to enter the house.

3. Frozen Pipes
When the outside temperatures drop, exposed outside pipes are at risk of freezing. When water freezes, the molecules expand. When the water inside your pipes expands rapidly, the pressure on the pipes becomes too great, causing the pipe to burst.

4. Frost Heave
Frost heave is the term for the common winter cycle in which the ground freezes, thaws, and freezes again. This cycle causes the soil under your home to move, which can result in a cracked foundation and basement leaks.
A winter storm can cause serious problems to your home, requiring major water damage cleanup when the temperatures warm up. Be proactive and take steps to protect your house before winter weather hits Daybreak, UT.

3 Reasons To Mitigate Damage Prior To Restoration

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding from storm

Why Mitigation Measures Are Helpful In The Wake Of Storm Damage

Mitigation is a term that is used to describe measures taken to minimize harm. A full-service flood cleanup company provides property damage mitigation services in Bluffdale, UT. Depending on the cause and type of damage, these measures may include containing or extracting water damage, boarding up breaches in a building envelope or tarping over a leaky roof. Here are three reasons why mitigation measures are helpful in the wake of storm damage.

1. Mitigation Can Keep Damage From Worsening
In many instances of storm or water damage, mitigation measures can make a major difference in the degree of damage. All standing water degrades over time, but water that only remains in a structure for a very short amount of time prior to getting extracted by a restoration company will not have the opportunity to become as contaminated.

2. Mitigation Reduces Secondary Damage Risks
The risk of secondary damage due to water damage, such as mold growth, rotting wood or rusting metal, can also be lessened through mitigation. A full-service flood cleanup company will recommend mitigation measures, extraction, cleaning, disinfection and drying within a matter of hours or days of the incident resulting in primary damage.

3. Insurers Look for Proof of Mitigation
Commercial general property insurance often requires that policyholders pursue reasonable mitigation measures for claim coverage. Relying on a professional service to limit damage from the start may also help to lower the total amount of a claim. Be sure to thoroughly document the full extent of damage before taking any mitigation measures.
These are three of the best reasons to pursue mitigation after storm or water damage at a commercial building in Bluffdale, UT. A building owner or manager should contact a flood cleanup company or service that specializes in any type of damage that is present to respond immediately and inspect and document damage prior to mitigation.

Which Building Materials Get Ruined By Flooding?

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Drywall covered with mold growth

Materials That Get Ruined By Flooding

Porous building materials are more susceptible to flood damage than non-porous materials. Here are several absorbent materials commonly used in construction. Porous contents such as carpet and furniture padding can also be ruined by flooding in Draper, UT.

Drywall
Drywall or sheetrock is used in interior construction to create walls. There are several types of drywall available for sale:

• Standard
• Moisture-resistant
• Mold-resistant
  

Moisture-resistant drywall has a paperless coating to make this material less susceptible to supporting mold growth, particularly when paired with cement backer board. Mold-resistant drywall features an antimicrobial coating and paperless backing. It may be necessary to tear out standard, paper-backed drywall following a flood to discourage mold growth. It may be possible to disinfect and dry these alternatives.

Insulation
Cellulose or plant fibers are used as an asbestos alternative in insulation. This building material is made out of a paper-based mix consisting of organic material such as cardboard, newspaper, hemp and straw.
This type of insulation is treated with boric acid for fire resistance and can be used around pipes, walls and wiring. Insulation is porous and prone to support mold growth. The recontamination risk posed by damaged materials outweighs the cost of tearing out and replacing insulation after flooding.
Structural Components
Exposure to floodwater causes metal to corrode or rot wood. Mold can also flourish behind the walls of a structure or in HVAC ducts. Once flood water introduces contamination to a house, the property should undergo an inspection and affected areas should be cleaned, disinfected, and dried.
Leaving porous building materials intact anywhere in a home after flooding poses a risk of recontamination. If moisture levels rise, mold may start growing in an area that has otherwise been cleaned and disinfected. Homeowners should consult with storm damage cleanup and restoration professionals about the best approach to flood restoration at a residence in Draper, UT.

Smart Ways to Protect Your Building From Disaster

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

It is wise to inspect the roof of your building

Prepare For Severe Storms And Other Problems

You've got a lot on your plate as a property manager or business owner. Along with your many responsibilities, you need to keep a watchful eye on your building. Issues such as flood damage can put your building out of commission and even threaten the safety of people who work there. Fortunately, you can be proactive and prepare for severe storms and other problems. Following these guidelines can save you a lot of grief.

Inspecting the Building

Regardless of how old or new your building is, problems can happen and things can fall apart. It's wise to routinely inspect the structure and other components. Doing this today can help you spot potential issues that storm damage would expose.

Inspect the roof annually; look for missing and broken shingles.
Inspect the plumbing system regularly with the help of a professional.
Check on the integrity of the foundation.
Make sure the windows are in good condition.

Practice Getting Out

If a disaster in Bluffdale, UT, such as flooding starts while you and others are in the building, you'll need to evacuate quickly and orderly. It's best to form a plan long before storms hit. Know the fastest and safest way to get out of the building. Practice these drills at least once a year.

Have the Right Tools to Defend Your Building

You won't be able to stop bad weather from causing flood damage. However, you can be ready with some equipment to minimize the effects. Install sump pumps in the basement of the building is a good way to remove the water before it spreads too far. Also, installing shutters on the windows can keep out water and winds. Let a professional help you install them and teach you how to operate them.
You can have peace of mind when a professional storm cleanup team responds to your emergency. You can also rest easy when you prepare for flood damage and severe weather.

How To Prepare for Increased Flood Risk After a Wildfire

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

You should always have a disaster kit

Be Prepared For a Flood Before It Happens

Any time there's a wildfire near Riverton, UT, your home is at an increased risk of flooding. The fire scorches the earth and all the vegetation that usually slows the flow of heavy rain, making flash floods and mudslides a greater possibility than usual. By having a plan that includes the FEMA NFIP and a clear evacuation route, you can be better prepared for a flood before it happens.

Make a Disaster Kit

You should always have a disaster kit, but it's especially important during storm season. The kit includes supplies you may need if your home has significant flooding damage:

• Three-day supply of food and water for each family member
  
• Sanitation supplies such as sanitizer, moist towelettes, and trash bags
  
• Flashlight and batteries
  
• First-aid supplies
  
  

You also want to take the weather into account and have the appropriate clothing. Rain gear and extra sweatshirts may be necessary. If you have an infant, make sure you have extra diapers and formula packed and ready to go. Make copies of all your important documents, such as the deed to the house, social security cards, and birth certificates, and place them in a waterproof pouch.

Get Flood Insurance
The FEMA NFIP provides coverage for homeowners whose houses are damaged by flooding from natural disasters. Take an inventory of your home, listing and photographing all the items you would need to replace if they were damaged in a flood. Policy premiums can vary based on where your home is located, but they're very low compared to the out-of-pocket costs of flood restoration services or replacing your home if it's destroyed.

Know Where To Go
It's essential to have an evacuation plan before your area is in danger of wildfire damage. Discuss with your family where you are going to meet and where you will go from there. Coordinate with your city's plan if possible.
A wildfire increases flood risk. You need a flood policy through FEMA NFIP and have an emergency plan for your family so that you are ready to face the risk.

Preparing a Flood Damage Claim

4/26/2020 (Permalink)

Blocked storm drain caused water to go into this Riverton, UT room

Preparing a Flood Damage Claim

After a major storm moves through Riverton, UT, leaving flood waters and damages in its wake, there's a lot of work to do for cleaning up and rebuilding. It's important to involve skilled water damage repair professionals because there's a potential for further damages, such as

inappropriately handling wet wood
hidden moisture and mold growth
insect infestations
deterioration of property

Floodwater isn't clean and may carry dangerous chemicals or hazardous waste. Anyone doing work in and near these waters must understand safety procedures and best practices. Before you dive into any repair work, reach out to your insurance agent and begin the work on your flood claim.

Working With the Adjuster
As a homeowner, there are specific details for you to consider as you file your insurance claim. An adjuster must come to your home to complete an assessment of damages. However, you can take photographs of damages and of the property in your home to share with the insurance agent. It is also okay to sort through your belongings, moving wet and damaged items outside before the adjuster arrives; just don't throw anything away before the assessment is completed.

Maintaining Communication
Make sure your insurance agent, the adjuster, and the reconstruction professionals have your contact information, so you can be reached at any time for updates to your flood claim. The adjuster will provide you with a proof of loss statement, and it's important that you get that signed and turned in within 60 of receiving the document. If additional damages are discovered after that paperwork is complete, it is still possible to add new damages.

Handling Insurance Claims
If you don't have flood insurance, all is not lost. Your homeowner's insurance may not provide coverage without the appropriate policies, but you may qualify for assistance from the federal government if the area has been declared a natural disaster. As you work through the details of your flood claim, work closely with authorities and professionals. It is possible to recover from a major storm.

The Impact of Black Water on Your Business

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding from storm in Jordan, UT

Understand These Three Things About The Event

The water damage you're staring at could be a major complication. As business owners in South Jordan, UT, you should be aware that there are three levels of flooding exposure, with each one becoming more concerning and harmful. The most difficult then, category 3, turns the premises into a dangerous zone, one requiring outside assistance for cleanup. If you have experienced this, understand these three things about the event.

1. What Is Category 3 Contamination?

Also known as black water, category 3 fluid, is from a highly dirty source; something that contains massive levels of contaminants. When it arrives in your store, the overflow brings with it many unwelcome guests, including bacteria, fungus and toxins. As they flow through the rooms, they seep into porous items, making a new home and beginning to replicate. Your structure is now a residence for hazards. Keep in mind that several sources can cause this. The following are just a few:

• Rise in the levels of rivers and oceans
  
• Overrun of sewage drains and pipes
  
• Accumulation of rain from weather systems
  
  

2. Can You Do This on Your Own?

When this occurs, don't rely on household cleaners to take care of the job. They won't be able to penetrate deep enough to thoroughly sanitize. Instead, seek the assistance of a water restoration company. The specialists understand the impact of water damage and can recommend appropriate measures. The team tests the impacted areas, completing a report indicating what kind of infestation has occurred. Then, based on inspection, the professionals recommend next steps, particularly what can be salvaged and what must be tossed.

3. How Is Your Place Restored?

Part of the procedures for flood cleanup mandate removing anything that was heaving affected. The employees, therefore, tear out much of the heavily absorbed materials, reducing levels of exposure. Then, using dehumidifiers, drying occurs, starving any microbes left within the walls and floors. Antimicrobial spray is applied, and the sections are rebuilt.
Yes, water damage can be repaired; however, it shouldn't be done alone. With the right people by your side, the place can be safe for others.