What is Mitigation and Why Is It So Important?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Mitigation lessens the impact of water damage.

The definition of mitigation, according to FEMA it is, “the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters.” Specifically, water mitigation is a process that reduces or prevents the amount of damage that can be caused by water after a leak, storm, burst pipe, or flood.

These efforts are most effective when mitigation is performed as soon as possible! Why? When water sits in a damaged area for extended lengths of time, the risk for more damage increases drastically. Sitting water can lead to microbial growth, cracks in foundation, irreversible content damage, carpet/flooring damage, etc.

Unfortunately, water-related disasters can occur at any time. The costs and effects of water damage are unpredictable, which is why it is important to begin the mitigation process in a timely manner.

There are several steps you can take while you wait for our highly-trained crews to arrive;

1. Try to close the main water source or shut off any water sources that may be causing the flooding
2. Please stay away from any electrical devices. Shut down your electric breaker to prevent any injuries
3. If you can safely gain access, take any curtains or draperies away from water or any wet carpet
4. If you can safely gain access, remove items that may cause stain to your wet carpet such as, fabrics, books, papers, plants and shoes. DO NOT place newspaper on wet carpet to walk on as ink transfers very easily to wet carpet fibers. Avoid walking on carpet as much as possible                                                                                

Step 1: Emergency Contact to our office staff will guide you through several important questions that will allow our crews to respond more quickly and efficiently to avoid spreading the affected area                                         

Step 2: SERVPRO arrival , our crews will begin SERVPRO's unique water mitigation process. SERVPRO’s process contains a specialized set of steps to ensure property value is restored to normal

Step 3 : Inspection and Damage Assessment-Once on scene, our crews scrupulously inspect your property’s water damage, which will help them determine the type of water damage and the areas that are affected

Step 4 : Water Extraction-Hundreds of gallons of water are removed using our powerful pumps and vacuums.

Step 5 : Drying and Dehumidification-After the bulk of the water has been removed, our crews use specialized equipment to target any water that is harder to access. Our crews implement a scientific drying method to extract any remaining water and moisture using air movers and dehumidifiers.

Step 6 : Cleaning and Sanitizing-Since water damage also affects belongings, furniture, clothes and many other personal items, our crews will clean restorable items through a process of specialized techniques. Our crews will also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove any odors using air scrubbers and fogging equipment

Step 7 : Restoration-This is our last step to ensuring your home or business returns to its pre-water damage condition. This step can be as minor as replacing some drywall panels or as major as reconstruction.

SERVPRO’s primary job is to keep the damage caused by the water at a minimum and restore the value of the property to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

If you have water damage, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at  (904) 729-2401 immediately. We’re available 24/7.