Steps to Take After Your St. Clair Shores Business Has Flooded

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Steps to Take After Your Business Has Flooded

Steps to Take After Your Business Has Flooded

by Haley Kieser 

June 7, 2019

Steps to Take After Your Business Has Flooded

When a natural disaster strikes, a lot can happen, especially to your business. Flooding can be catastrophic, especially to a small business owner. If you've found yourself knee-deep in water after a storm or busted water pipe, you'll be wondering what on earth you can possibly do to save your property and your source of income.

There are certain steps one should take when faced with this predicament that can help ease the stress of a flooded business. 

Check with Your Insurance

Most commercial insurance policies won't have flood damage listed, it's typically an add-on. Hopefully this is something you did add to your policy and you'll be able to recoup financial losses with help of your insurance company. Call them immediately, take photographs and video of the damage, and get a claim in as soon as you've assessed all the damage.

If you've found yourself without flood insurance and are in a flood-prone area, definitely seek out a low-cost policy with The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) so you can be prepared for next time. If you're unsure if you're more at risk for flooding, check the historical flood maps in your area or visit the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service's page for constantly updated information about flood risk in your area. 

Restore Your Property

One of the most important aspects of recovering your business after a flood is restoring the building and everything within. Chances are there is a lot of damage, be it waterlogged wood, mold, destroyed electrics and appliances, or something else. It's going to be difficult to know where to begin and may seem too overwhelming to tackle. Sanitation is key at this point, as items, waste, and other contaminants will be in the water. Wear protective clothing at all times.

Removing debris and items beyond salvaging via a junk removal company is a low-stress way to start the clean-up process. Only start removing items after you've contacted insurance, have documented everything, and have spoken with a claims adjuster. You will need proof of the damage in full. Once you've done this and everything that can't be saved is out, you can start restoring the business to what it once was.

Begin the Drying Process

All the water will need to be drained, which can be done via private companies with pumps or local agencies who are helping with disaster relief. Knowing what options are available to you, especially low-cost ones are important. Make sure to check base with all local authorities and councils. Dedicated restoration companies are available with teams trained in exactly this sort of work. If you wish to continue your business in the same location, you'll need to make sure all water is removed from the premises and that it's fully dried and sanitary.

If you come across more damage, especially mold, document it and send it along. This is especially true for insulation, carpet, or anything that could have retained too much moisture in your business. Replace anything that has the barest hint of mold. Mold is a serious health concern and isn't something that should be taken lightly.

Remember to Breathe

A flooded business is a major hurdle, but it's one you can overcome. This process will take many weeks, if not months before you're back on your feet. Band together with your community, touch base with your customers about your progress, and know that you're not alone in your struggle. Working with other business who are in the same boat will not only help morale, but you'll be able to work together and perhaps make life a bit easier.