Keeping Your Business Dry When Flood Conditions Are Present | SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

Has an unexpected flash flood invaded your business? SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville is Here to Help® restore your space. Call us!

Floods may seem like a situation that doesn’t happen all that often around here, but you might be surprised! 

Floods don’t just happen when it rains really hard during the spring and summer. They can also happen due to manmade accidents like burst water mains or busted pipes in your business. 

Either way, flood situations can be overwhelming experiences and can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Knowing what to do before, during and after a particular flood can help you navigate the unexpected with a little more confidence.

Flash Flood Situations 

If there is a strong storm in the forecast that is predicted to dump a lot of rain on the Chicago area, it’s time to start getting your outdoor space ready for the upcoming deluge. Check on your gutters to make sure your downspouts are on and pointed away from your home, tie down any patio furniture and bring it inside, and secure any signage or other things that cannot be brought in. 

You should also consider closing your patio or closing up shop temporarily while the storm is blowing through. Flood conditions can be dangerous for anyone walking around downtown. 

If the water starts flowing down the street, offer your business as a safe sheltering location so anyone that is still out and about can stay dry and safe. Stay calm if the water starts rushing into your building. Eventually the rain will stop and the storm will move on. 

Manmade Floods

Manmade floods are a different beast, as this type of situation can be overwhelming and cause a serious amount of water to flood into your space. Broken pipes, busted water mains and sink overflows can quickly get out of hand. 

If you aren’t present when the situation begins, your entire property could be overflowed with potentially dangerous water. As soon as you discover the situation, locate the appropriate water valve and shut it off to stop the flow of water.

Avoid walking through the water if at all possible. If you aren’t sure where the water came from or what kind of water the particular pipe in question was carrying, the water may very well be dangerous to be exposed to. Stay high above the water line and get us on the phone. 

What to Do After the Flood

Use extreme caution when walking around your business. Broken floorboards, loose nails and sharp debris may be lurking under the water or around your space. Take as many photos as you can of the damage. Your insurance company will want them for your claim, and they can also help us create our recovery plan for you.

Our team will come out to your property right away to get started on your flood restoration. We move quickly to extract the standing water, but we are thorough enough to ensure any hidden moisture is identified and removed as well. We will then tackle repairs to help return your property to its preloss state. Our goal is to get you back open for business as quickly as possible. 

Flooding situations can cause serious damage for a business. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville for immediate assistance.