From family homes to stately homes; why all fire and flood restoration projects aren’t equal
Flood restoration isn’t simply about the flood, it’s about the needs of those living in, or using, the property.
One of the biggest misconceptions about disaster recovery is that one flood restoration project is the same as the next. The same processed rinsed and repeated. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Every flooded building is different. From the way it’s built to the way it’s used. And these differences need to be taken on board when determining the best way to recover a property that has been damaged by flood or fire. Of course, many homes are flooded, particularly when you see widespread weather warnings like those that have been in place this week. However, some flooded homes will be uninhabitable, whilst others will only have one or two rooms that remain out of use once the original water levels have subsided. Here are some of the other ways that flooded or fire damaged properties vary in the way their needs are met:
Business’ fire or flood restoration needs
Where businesses have been flooded or involved in a fire, getting them back up and running as quickly as possible is critical to their survival. This was the situation in a Derbyshire Salon that had experienced a fire caused by suspected arson. With our help, the owners were able to reopen within just 2 days. This was possible because, whilst the downstairs of the property took much longer to reach a state whereby it could be used, the Rainbow fire restoration team recognised the need to continue trading as quickly as possible and after they had ensured the property was structurally safe, they built a safe entrance to the second floor where business could continue as usual.
Hospitality business’ flood restoration needs following a flood
Whilst businesses in the hospitality industry share the urgency of other businesses, the hospitality industry may have guests at the time of flooding that need to be considered.
This was the situation at The Compleat Angler in Henley-Upon-Thames where, when the Thames burst its banks for the first time, we were able to help them get their kitchen operating safely and hygienically again before breakfast the following morning.
Buildings of historical interest following a flood
Whether it’s a palace, a castle or a stately home, Rainbow have experience remediating a fire affected or flooded property. However, with older buildings such as Aboyne Castle, there is often a requirement to dry out the property in keeping with the processes of the period. Often older buildings are full of historical artefacts that, during flood restoration, need to be identified and either cleaned, dried or disposed of following a fire or flood. By reacting quickly to a flood or fire situation, Rainbow International can usually increase the amount of irreplaceable or costly items that can be salvaged which, if left untreated or exposed to smoke or damp for longer, would almost certainly be unrecoverable.
Mass disaster recovery situations
And with our national network, we’re equipped to deal with mass flooding situations too such as the 2013 storm surge that hit the East Coast. Hull took the brunt of the surge with the tide sweeping right into the city centre affecting homes and businesses in the former City of Culture. The local Rainbow franchise drafted in 70 members of support staff from around the Rainbow network to ensure that the extent of the damage caused didn’t compromise the speed of the flood recovery.
If you find yourself needing flood or fire restoration services, call our 24-hour helpline on 01624 422 488 for help and support when you need it. With over 60 branches of Rainbow around the UK, we’re likely to have a branch near you.