Top 10 Things to Do During a Flood At The Office

Flooding can often be dangerous. It is not only destructive, but it can be lethal as well. Floods could lead to water damage, which can ruin important files and equipment at the office. It also poses the risk of contaminated water and electrocution.

The thing about flooding is that it can happen at any time. Residential or commercial flooding could be a natural disaster or due to some pipe burst or roof leak. This is why it is important to get regular inspections of your office to mitigate the possibility of any such event.

Here are 10 things you should do during a flood at the office.

1.   Call for Assistance

The most important thing to do is call for professional assistance. In the event of a flood, you really don’t want know which area is safe to walk around. There could be naked wires lying around and this could mean you or your employees could get electrocuted.

In such an event, you should call a Disaster Restoration Company that has a quick emergency response. Floods can wreak havoc in your workplace, so you need qualified home restoration experts to take care of the issue for you. They will understand that this is a vulnerable time and ensure the property is safe for further business.

2.   Notify Your Insurance Company

While you may not yet know the extent of damage caused, you should immediately inform your insurance company. You should ask them if they will provide you with emergency funding that will help your business keep running. The relevant insurance company will then reach the property for an analysis and estimation process before the premises has been revived to their original condition.

3.   Do Not Switch On Electronics

The workplace is most likely filled with various electronics. However, an important safety tip to remember is to not turn on any electronics during a flood. Do not turn on any switches or touch any wires. At this moment, it is important that you wait for the professional restoration team to arrive before you do anything at all.

4.   Find Temporary Shelter

During a flood, the first thing to do should be to evacuate. However, if you are far away from the exit location, do not try to tread through the water. Instead, locate a temporary shelter. This could be any area in the office that is not that heavily flooded and stay there till help arrives.

5.   Do Not Panic

While it’s easy to panic in such a situation, it is important to remain calm. As the manager, you should tell your other employees to follow suit as well. If people start panicking and running around, they incur the risk of putting their life in danger as well as those around them. At this point, wait for help and do not try to mitigate the damage on your own.

6.   Do Not Touch Any Surfaces

It is important to remember that during a flood, you’re at risk of electrocution. Every employee on the premises should refrain from touching any metal surface that could conduct electricity. If you have any metallic surfaces or doors in your office, avoid touching them.

7.   Avoid Using Elevators

Avoid using the elevator in the event of a flood. Since there are elevators in most commercial buildings, there could be a power outage during a flood, leaving you trapped inside. Instead, if you do find a safe path, use the stairs if they are not that flooded with water.

8.   Notify Relatives of Employees

During a flood, you should inform the emergency contact of each employee that there has been a flood and all employees are safe. This is important as it shows care and consideration for the people who work with you. Do not let employees return to their office or cubicles as you don’t know the damage that could be lying ahead.

9.   Move to Higher Ground

While it is not advisable that people set off on their own, you should consider moving to higher ground if it is close by. This way, you get rid of soaking your feet in water that may be contaminated. Moreover, you should also move together so you can keep track of everyone around you.

10. Get Water Damage Restoration

While you’re waiting for help, do not forget to take into account the water damage that may have been caused to the commercial property. Water from the flood could not only ruin furniture and other equipment. It can also seep into places and lead to mold growth. Mold growth can release toxins, and this can be detrimental to the health of your employees, affecting productivity in the long run.

Call for commercial restoration services. The right service providers will appear at your premises within minutes as they understand the gravity of the situation. If left unchecked, water damage can be extensive and ruin your valuable property for business. This is why let professionals take care of the flood’s after-effects and contain the damage before it is too late.

911 Restoration of Truckee

Floods and following water damage are commonplace in Truckee, California. This is why you should get in touch with 911 Restoration of Truckee in any such event. These professionals have a quick emergency response time and will ensure that your commercial property damage is contained in a timely manner.