Assessment and Planning for Largo Water Cleanup

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that part of our storm damage mitigation includes tarping roofs?

SERVPRO Preparation for Storm Water Removal

When storms result in overland flooding, the mixed-in mud and debris complicate fluid extraction and drying of properties. Effectively responding to flood water damage requires securing the structure, establishing containment, and clearing out solids and debris safely before extraction and drying can begin. Sewage backups during severe storms are common and can expose occupants to pathogens that can cause illness or even death.

Damage Inspection 

When SERVPRO crews arrive in response to storm flooding in Largo, water cleanup pauses until a hazard assessment precedes the development of a mitigation and remediation agenda for our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained team. Steps ensuring accurate recording of damage data and stabilization of work areas include: 

We visually inspect affected areas, checking for:

• Weakened structures that might not sustain the weight of workers or equipment
• Water depth and presence of debris, mud, and silt, and sewage or other hazardous items that mandate space containment protocols (wrapping with heavy-duty polyethylene and use of air scrubbers) and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for technicians  
• Signs of trapped water (blistering and peeling paint, bulging and sagging structures, warped floors)

We also utilize moisture detection and metering with sensitive instruments to confirm hidden moisture and provide baseline data for drying goals.

Emergency Services Planning and Implementation 

SERVPRO service vehicles are packed with tools and equipment to set the stage for Largo water cleanup. Depending on the circumstances, the plan could involve the following:

• Tarping and boarding up exterior damage and following containment procedures
• Barricading or shoring up weakened structures
• Mucking out mud and debris with shovels, scrapers, and brooms
• Releasing trapped water threatening structural collapse through weep holes, drilling near the base of walls or in mortar joints, and flood cuts

Once SERVPRO completes these preliminary steps, submersible pumps and technician-operated extractors (truck-mounted and portable) continue the essential task of liquid removal. After extraction eliminates the bulk of fluids, applied structural drying concludes the water cleanup.

SERVPRO of Largo is ready 24/7 to provide water cleanup, scaling up resources when the forecast is for severe storm activity. Call (727) 586-0060 for prompt damage assessment and intervention.