Arlington, Washington, with its proximity to the Stillaguamish River and its typical Pacific Northwest climate, is no stranger to heavy rainfall and flooding, both of which can lead to commercial water damage. For Arlington business owners, water damage—whether from a storm, a burst pipe, or a plumbing issue—can severely disrupt operations, cause inventory losses, and harm your reputation. However, with the right steps, businesses can minimize downtime and restore their operations quickly. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take immediately after commercial water damage, offer strategies for protecting your assets, discuss how to maintain business continuity during restoration, and explain how to effectively work with professional restoration services. By following these guidelines, you can get your business back on track as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What Should You Do Immediately After Commercial Water Damage?
When water damage strikes, the first few hours are critical. The quicker you act, the more you can minimize both the extent of the damage and your business’s downtime. In Arlington, water damage can result from various sources, including rainstorms, flooding from the Stillaguamish River, burst pipes, or plumbing failures. Depending on the source, your first response steps will vary. Floodwater (from storms or rising rivers) is likely to be contaminated and may contain harmful bacteria or debris. In this case, it’s essential to avoid direct contact with the water and limit access to the affected areas. Clean water (such as from a burst pipe) may be less hazardous initially but still poses a significant risk to your business and property if not addressed quickly. Regardless of the source, it’s important to shut off the water supply as soon as possible to prevent further flooding. If flooding is due to external factors like heavy rain or river overflow, contact local authorities to report the situation and get advice on potential evacuation or mitigation efforts.
The safety of your staff and customers should be your top priority. Ensure that everyone in the building is accounted for and moved away from the water-damaged areas. If water has reached electrical outlets, unplug electronics and ensure no one is in contact with standing water, especially near electrical systems. If flooding is severe, consider evacuating the building until professionals can assess the situation. Start documenting the damage immediately. This includes taking photographs of the affected areas, damaged inventory, and any visible structural issues. Accurate documentation is vital for insurance claims. Detailed records can help expedite your claim and ensure you’re reimbursed for the correct amount.
As soon as possible, contact a professional water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Cleaning by Roth. Restoration experts can assess the damage, begin the drying process, and prevent further complications like mold growth. It’s essential to get professional help early to minimize the long-term impact on your property and business.
How Can You Protect Business Assets During Recovery?
After an initial assessment, your next priority is to protect any valuable business assets that could be affected during the restoration process. If your business handles goods or materials, your inventory is a key asset that needs protection. Move any undamaged inventory to a safe, dry location immediately. For businesses like retailers or warehouses, consider relocating inventory to a temporary storage facility or storing it in a higher, safer area of the building if possible. For offices, law firms, or any business with important documents, scan or digitize critical files as soon as possible. Water-damaged paper can be salvaged through drying or freeze-drying methods, but digital records are much safer and more secure. If you have electronics, immediately move them to a dry location, and ensure all equipment is powered down to prevent further damage.
Move any equipment or machinery to a safe area of the building if it’s not already affected. If necessary, contact a professional moving service to help with heavy or valuable equipment. The quicker you can relocate vulnerable equipment, the less risk of loss or further damage. Temporary storage solutions can be a lifeline during the restoration process. For businesses with large amounts of inventory, equipment, or materials, renting space in a local self-storage facility or warehouse can protect assets until your building is restored and safe to occupy again.
What Are Your Options for Temporary Operations?
In some cases, your business may need to operate away from your primary location while restoration work is underway. Fortunately, Arlington offers several solutions to maintain business continuity. If your business is office-based or can function remotely, enable your employees to work from home or another safe location. Make sure that all employees have access to the necessary tools and systems to continue operations. For businesses that can’t operate remotely, finding a temporary location in Arlington might be necessary. Consider partnering with nearby businesses or looking into temporary office spaces for rent. Shared coworking spaces in the area can provide a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to maintain operations while restoration is ongoing.
Keep your customers informed throughout the restoration process. Use social media, email newsletters, or your website to update clients on your status and let them know when they can expect normal operations to resume. Clear communication can maintain trust and minimize customer frustration during downtime. Ensure that employees are paid and have clarity on work expectations during the restoration period. If you need to temporarily reduce operations or shift responsibilities, communicate any changes clearly. Consider providing training or upskilling opportunities during downtime to keep employees engaged and productive.
Review your business interruption insurance to understand what’s covered. This type of insurance can help offset the costs of lost revenue while your business is out of commission. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your coverage and discuss any additional needs with your insurance provider.
How Do You Work with Professional Restoration Services?
The restoration process can vary depending on the severity of the water damage. The restoration timeline depends on the extent of the damage. Minor water damage might take a few days to resolve, while more severe flooding could require weeks of work. A professional restoration company can provide an accurate estimate based on the specific situation. Restoration professionals, like ServiceMaster Cleaning by Roth, work closely with insurance adjusters to ensure your claim is processed smoothly. We can provide detailed damage assessments and documentation, which help streamline the insurance claim process. Restoration typically happens in phases, starting with water removal and drying, followed by repairs to structural damage, and finally, addressing cosmetic issues. A phased approach ensures that your building is restored properly, with no steps skipped. Restoration professionals adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring that your building is safe for employees and customers once the work is completed. They also follow proper sanitation practices to prevent mold growth and other health hazards.
Depending on the severity of the damage and the repairs needed, you may require permits to conduct certain restoration work. ServiceMaster Cleaning by Roth is familiar with local permitting requirements and will handle the necessary paperwork for you. Every business is unique, and the restoration process may need to be customized for your space. Whether you’re in a retail store, office building, or industrial facility, restoration experts can tailor the approach to suit your specific needs.
Commercial water damage can be a significant disruption, but with the right steps, you can minimize downtime and protect your business assets. ServiceMaster Cleaning by Roth is your local expert in Snohomish County for commercial water damage recovery. Our team is ready to help you get back to business quickly and safely.
If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t wait—contact us today for emergency restoration services.
