This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
of floorboards, extensive damage to laminate flooring, discolouration and other problems. The longer time that elapses before treatment starts, the greater the damage and probability of bacterial growth.


Malcolm added: “Water damage is bad news for a property but also for the occupants. Flood water from local watercourses or rivers brings with it debris that you don’t want in your home and standing water can contain nasty bacteria that is dangerous to humans.


“The good news is that water damaged properties can be restored. A competent restoration company will carry out the necessary processes to ensure the property is dried and cleaned to pre-damage conditions. Only in extreme circumstances do properties require more work, where structures are damaged during flooding.”


SO WHAT CAN YOU DO? If weather warnings have been issued, property owners can make some preparations to defend against flood damage. Sandbags at exterior doors can help to slow the water rushing into a property and all electronic or expensive items should be, if safe to do so, lifted off the ground to avoid damage.


Gathering important items, such as money, insurance documents, valuables, spare clothes and ensuring mobile phones are charged can help to feel more prepared.


Malcolm added: “Flooding causes severe stress to everyone affected. Once an incident occurs, panic and lack of information from insurance companies or loss adjusters can leave property owners frustrated but having some level of preparation, if possible and understanding the restoration process ahead can also help to calm nerves and provide a little reassurance.”


So, what happens if your property is flooded? Don’t panic, make the necessary calls, don’t take risks, ask for information and work closely with the restoration company and insurer or loss adjuster to speed up the process of moving back into the property, pre-damage condition.


www.servicemasterclean.co.uk www.tomorrowscleaning.com DAMAGE MANAGEMENT | 49


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70