As the hurricane season winds down and your clients begin preparing their property for fall, it may also be a good time to review their preparations/plans in the event they suffer water damage. Whether from a storm, appliance malfunction, pipe bursting or any other random emergency – chances are their property will eventually encounter some sort of water damage. Even though they can’t fully prevent these emergencies from happening, they can prepare their property for when they do!

Do your property manager clients know there are technically three ‘types’ of water that can cause water damage? Clean water, which can come from a broken pipe or other water source; rainwater which is also considered ‘clean’ water; and gray water, which is slightly contaminated water. Whether they realize it or not, there are different steps to take when dealing with water damage from clean water as opposed to contaminated water.

Clean Up Tips for Clean Water Damage

• Shut off water source as soon as possible or contact a professional to help handle this.
• Turn off circuit breakers as soon as possible. Be sure not to enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist!
• Remove as much of the excess water as possible by mopping up blotting.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures/lights if the ceiling is wet and try to avoid entering rooms where the ceiling is sagging from retaining water.

Clean Up Tips for Contaminated Water

• Try avoiding all contact with sewage.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas.
• Avoid turning on the HVAC system as to avoid the possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use fans to try to dry out the area; this could potentially spread contaminators as well.

Just because your clients may not have experienced flooding in the past, doesn’t mean they won’t in the future! Don’t forget to ask your Property Manager clients if their property is properly prepared for potential water damage!