WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PROPERTY IS FLOODED?
As specialists in reactive cleaning, ServiceMaster are often asked by property owners, both
commercial and residential, what happens when their property is flooded? Here, they detail the answer to this all important question.
As a long-standing and experienced flood and water damage restoration company, ServiceMaster Clean has seen flood damage of all types, from catastrophic natural disasters affecting whole regions, to single property, escape of water damage. Thankfully, ServiceMaster Clean has also seen the positive outcomes following such disasters and the happy property owners returning to their homes or places of business once the restoration work has been completed.
Nobody ever wants to experience flood or water damage to their home or business premises but understanding the process following an incident can help to deal with the emotional stress, even if the practical process is out of the owners’ hands.
Malcolm Holmes, head of commercial development at ServiceMaster Ltd, said: “Helping property owners understand the process to clean, restore and return their property to pre-damaged condition is one of the more delicate parts of our work. When you’re dealing with someone’s home, business or personal possessions, you have to handle the situation with the care and attention you would want to receive yourself.”
WHO WILL YOU
HAVE TO DEAL WITH? Depending on the type of insurance cover purchased, if indeed there is cover, the insurance company should be the first people contacted. Make the call to register the claim, explain the situation clearly and follow their guidance closely. The insurance provider will decide what action should take place next and in most cases, appoint their chosen restoration specialist, of which ServiceMaster Clean is one of the longest-established in the UK.
The restoration company will visit, typically within two to four hours of a claim, and validate the claim on behalf
48 | DAMAGE MANAGEMENT
of the insurer. A Loss Adjuster may also be instructed by the insurance company to ensure the claim is managed properly and will become the point of contact throughout the duration of the claim.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN
YOU DISCOVER DAMAGE? After the call is made to the insurance company, moving around the property should be done with extreme caution. Flood water from outside the property can bring with it contaminants, which often includes sewerage. There may also be hidden items under the water that can cause trips and falls and flooded electrical systems and appliances should be approached with caution.
Move out of the danger area as quickly as possible and ensure all those inside the property are safe. If possible and safe to do so, take a charged mobile phone, money and insurance documentation wherever you move to next. If there are valuables in the property, move them to a safe and secure place or take them with you.
Depending on the level of damage to the property, it may be safe to stay or you may be moved to a safe location for the duration of the restoration process. This decision is taken by the insurance provider or loss adjuster and will be judged according to the damage level.
WHAT WILL THE
RESTORATION COMPANY DO? Once the restoration company is on site, an assessment will be carried out on the damaged areas. This report may require approval from the insurance company before work can commence but some restoration companies have authority pre-granted to start the restoration work. If you aren’t covered in your policy for some of the work required, it is your choice
to appoint the restoration company directly to carry out the works but you will be responsible for the costs.
A risk assessment of the property will take place to ensure the safety of the workers and occupants of the property before removing any standing water using specialist, high-powered, water extraction equipment and completing a sanitisation process across the affected areas. This sanitisation process removes any dangerous pathogens lurking as a result of the standing water.
Once all the water has been removed, dehumidifiers will be installed to control the humidity levels of the atmosphere in the affected areas and remove moisture from the air. This equipment will run 24 hours a day, unless advised otherwise, until the restoration company is satisfied the property is suitably dry. Trained and certified technicians will take regular readings to measure the moisture levels in the property and the drying process can take between four to six weeks, sometimes longer.
Ensuring windows and doors remain closed will help to speed up the process and reduces the chances of harmful bacteria and mould growing within the property.
Once the property is dry, the restoration company will also ensure it is clean, which means all contaminants, pollutants and undesired substances have been removed from the environment. The property should also be left sanitised and odour free.
WHAT DOES WATER
DAMAGE DO? Water, in flood or escape of water situations, can get everywhere; below the floor, under skirting boards, through plaster and along joists and cables. Porous materials used in buildings will soak up water and the results will include swelling of wood, warping
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