If you manage a facility or building, you are responsible for the physical structure at all times. That means taking care of it no matter what is happening. If you find out that your building was damaged by water, it is essential to have a plan for dealing with water damage.

1. Know Who to Contact 

When you are faced with a water emergency, it is essential to know who to contact to help you out. Depending on the source of the water damage, you may want to contact the fire and police department. In addition, you will want to contact a water damage restoration service, as they are the experts when it comes to fixing up your water damage. You are also going to want to have the phone number of your utility companies available, in case you need them to shut something off. Finally, you are going to need to have your insurance company number.

These are all numbers that you should always have easy access to, so when you are facing a water emergency, you know what to do.

2. Turn Off the Water 

If the water damage is not natural and is coming from a leaking or damaged pipe, you will need to turn off the water. You will want to ensure all property managers or managers on duty know where the water shut-off valves are located so that they can quickly be turned off in an emergency. The sooner the water valves are turned off means less damage to your property.

3. Be Careful With Electricity 

When there is water damage, you always need to be aware of how that water could interact with the electricity in your building. If the water damage is anywhere near any electrical boxes, outlets, or light fixtures, you are going to what to turn off the electricity running to that area. Electricity and water do not mix. If you think there is any chance at all that the water could have encountered anything electric, turn off the power to that part of your building until a water restoration expert or electrician checks that area.

4. Be Aware of Environmental Hazards 

It is crucial to be aware of environmental issues with a commercial building. If you are managing an older building and it contains things like lead or asbestos, you will want to let the water damage restoration team know right away. They will need to take extra precautions when cleaning up your space.

5. Isolate the Damage 

Next, you need to ensure that you protect your staff. Once you have determined what areas are damaged, you will want to put up caution tape around the damaged area and use plastic barriers so that no staff member enters the area where the water damage occurred. Only allow trained professionals to clean up the water damage; don't allow untrained staff to clean things up.

When dealing with water damage in a business building, it is essential to know what professionals to call to assist. Ensure that whoever is on duty knows how to turn off the water, electricity, and gas if necessary. Be aware of environmental hazards that could make clean-up more difficult. Be sure to clearly identify the damage and bring in a professional water restoration service to clean things up; don't ask your employees to clean things up. Professionals will know how to stay safe, preserve the building, and get things running smoothly quickly. For more information, contact a water damage service.