Before and after the storm

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Be Ready Image

There aren’t many things more peaceful than falling asleep to the sound of rain against your window. We appreciate the good that rain brings to us; the great smell of fresh earth, lawns turning a rich shade of green, new life being brought to our crops and plants. While being thankful for the good rain brings us, we must also be mindful of potential water damage from a rain event or other storm system.

What to look out for:

Be prepared for storm eventualities by knowing as much as you can about your property. Do you reside in a location that is prone to flooding? Do you have a sump pump, and if so, does it work as intended? Do I have any faulty roofing that could lead to potential leaks in the home? Do I know how to safely access my water and utility shut offs in event of a power outage or sewage backup?  These questions are a good starting point in your quest to be prepared for everything a storm can bring.

What to do if a water loss occurs:

Depending on the source of water loss and the extent, your best bet is to call a professional water damage cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO of Sioux Falls! If the source of loss is an unclean source, such as sump pump failure or sewage backup, you definitely want to contact a professional company as the water could contain contaminants that will need treating after mitigation. The type of materials in the room where the loss occurred can play a factor in necessary mitigation efforts. If the loss occurred in a room with carpeting and drywall, a timely response in extracting and drying is important as mold can begin growth after just 48 hours of the right conditions.

What can I do for my business:

Take the above steps in to consideration and know as much about your property as possible. Have a plan in place for your company’s response to a storm that could affect your business. Not sure where to start? SERVPRO of Sioux Falls can help with that! We offer a free program to commercial businesses in the Sioux Falls area known as our Emergency Ready Plan, or ERP. An ERP performed by SERVPRO consists of a inspection of your facility to find pertinent energy and utility shut offs, as well as information gathering of businesses you work closely with and may need to contact in case of emergency. Finally we will get the necessary chain of command contact information to determine everyone who needs to be contacted in event of a loss. For more information or to set up an ERP for your businesses today, call our office at 605-213-3303!