How To Handle A Flood In Your Apartment Complex

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

As a wise apartment owner, you know to be prepared for flood damages, and you know it’s always smart to do what you can to prevent them whenever possible. Your complex may suffer from floods that happen because of bad weather, or it may be the type of flood that comes about due to equipment failure or negligence. 

All appliances have a limited lifespan, so it’s important to inspect refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, HVAC units, and bathroom fixtures in every unit for any signs of excessive aging or failure. Flooding in these areas will create huge issues for you, as the flooding can easily expand to affect not only the individual apartment but the one below or beside it, and perhaps more. Look for:

• The sound of running water
• Unpleasant odors in floors, walls, or drains
• Low water pressure
• Mold growing around appliance or fixtures
• Worn out hoses

If leaks are left untreated, they can lead to mold growth, stains, and floor and wall damages. Encourage your residents to let you know about any issues right away so that you can address any leaks immediately. Educate your renters to keep an eye on their water bills. Any large uptick in usage and cost is a huge clue that some investigation needs to be done; there is probably a leak somewhere. 

Maintaining the roofs, gutters, and exterior windows and doors of your complex will go a long way towards keeping your business safe from the elements and flooding that can happen during heavy rains. Any drainage system on your property will need to be properly cared for, too, with debris and dirt clogging the system being removed regularly in case of heavy water. A backed-up drainage system can be a huge flooding culprit.  

If you are due for some landscaping, make sure any new large shrubs or trees are planted in places where they won’t interfere with pipelines, and remove those that are already in the danger zone. Root systems can easily break apart piping and create a flooding event. Choose those plants and trees that don’t have aggressive root systems, just to be safe.

If you do experience a flood in your apartment complex, first you will want to make sure that everyone is safe. If a unit’s atmosphere is unhealthy, make arrangements for the residents to go elsewhere while repairs are made. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to find them another apartment in your complex to stay in for a time. 

If it is a large, weather-related flooding event, safety is still the primary focus. Can people get in and out of their homes and the complex? Is anyone out of power? Are their elderly or disadvantaged people in your complex that need special attention? Are all children accounted for and does everyone know where all their family members or roommates are? Are any pets in danger? Many of these issues will require the aid of professionals, and perhaps even the police or fire department. 

When you are dealing with flood damages, the SERVPRO of Belle Meade / West Nashville team is always here to help, 24/7. We are water and fire damage specialists, and we have years of experience with mold remediation and prevention, as well.