Connor-Helring Associates Blog

Since the recent flood and declaration of “disaster” in PA, it’s important for business owners to review and confirm their Scranton Business Insurance. Having a policy that protects your property and inventory is only the first step in the right direction.  Scranton Business Insurance can be the first line of defense when a disaster strikes, as well as the first piece of solid foundation your business will have to ensure a bright future.  

Of course we understand, your policy won’t be doing the manual labor to help get you back on your feet, so here are some post-disaster clean up tips FEMA has recommended in the past:

• First, check for damage.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your place of business. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
• Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
• Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.
• Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.
• During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with a non-ammonia detergent, soap or commercial cleaner) and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
• Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior.
• Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your Scranton Business Insurance policy.
• Help damaged walls dry out.
• If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard.  Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
• Have your furnace checked for damage.
• Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged