How to Create a Water Damage Mitigation Plan
Approximately 14,000 people experience a significant water damage emergency in the home or the workplace each day. Whether resulting from a flood, leak, or another source, more than 40% of homeowners in the United States will deal with water damage at some point. Based on the statistics alone, homeowners and business owners must develop a water mitigation plan.
Emergency water restoration services can be a lifesaver when disaster strikes or an unexpected event causes extensive water damage to a commercial or residential property. Water damage mitigation is the first step in the restoration process.
What Is Water Damage Mitigation?
FEMA defines water cleanup and mitigation as measures that lessen the impact of natural disasters or catastrophic events, reducing the loss of property or life. The water damage mitigation process refers to cleaning up the water and preventing it from further damaging belongings and property.
The water mitigation process involves the following:
- Locating the water source
- Removing water-damaged furniture
- Drying out the property, which typically involves hiring a water damage restoration company
- Repairing structural damage
- Restoring the property to its original condition
Why Is It Important to Have a Water Damage Mitigation Plan?
Property owners benefit from formulating water mitigation plans before a disaster occurs. Unfortunately, most home insurance policies don’t cover water mitigation services, especially for accidental events caused by a lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.
Standard insurance policies also don’t cover flood damage. Homeowners must have a separate flood policy, or they’ll have to pay for mold removal, demolished structures, and other damages out of their own pockets.
How to Devise a Water Mitigation Plan
A well-constructed water damage mitigation strategy provides instruction on all aspects of detection, emergency procedures, and communications. It should include the following:
Decide Who Will Execute the Plan
In commercial water damage mitigation, business managers must appoint a leader responsible for ensuring the execution of every procedure outlined in the water damage mitigation plan.
Scope Out the Entire Property
A water mitigation plan should include every floor in a home, each building on campus, and critical areas in a facility. The scope of the property is essential for rolling out mitigation efforts, initiating emergency procedures, and providing access to water damage restoration companies hired to begin restoration.
Identify Detection Methods
Identify all external and internal sources of water. Consider the possibility of plumbing failures such as the roof drain, fire sprinkler systems, sump pump, sewer systems, and more. Include emergency contact information of all vendors, including electricians, roofers, plumbers, and sprinkler contractors.
Catalog Critical Equipment
List all equipment vulnerable to water damage, such as electrical rooms, basements, boilers, elevator equipment, etc.
Use Preventative Measures
Water damage mitigation also involves being proactive about taking preventative measures. Consider installing water detection systems, emergency generators, flood barriers, and performing routine roof and piping inspections to prevent water intrusion.
Get Professional Water Damage Mitigation Help
SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is one of the best water restoration companies in Benbrook, TX, with over 50 years of industry experience. In addition to water damage mitigation, SERVPRO offers the same services as fire restoration companies and mold remediation companies.
SERVPRO’s commercial cleaning service helps restore corporate buildings and facilities to their original state. Contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of West Forth Worth at 817-560-3086 for water damage mitigation in Benbrook, TX.
