4 Steps To Clean Fire-Damaged Contents

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO in Melbourne, FL can take care of soot and smoke damage

4 Steps to Determine Whether an Item is A Candidate for Cleaning 

Fire and smoke can damage the contents of a commercial building. It may be possible to clean and restore items depending on the materials and degree of damage. Restoration experts can recommend dry-cleaning, foam, ultrasonic waves or other specialized treatments. Here are four steps to determine whether an item is a candidate for cleaning.

1. Assess Damage

The first step to cleaning contents is to determine whether items can benefit from restoration or should be disposed of and replaced. Contents that have sustained smoke damage or staining due to soot are better suited for cleaning than burnt or charred items.

2. Consider Durability

In addition to damage, the durability of materials is also an important consideration. If an item is inherently delicate, it may not stand up to even the most gentle restoration treatments. This is particularly the case when damage is extensive.

3. Factor In Porosity

Porosity plays an important part in determining the best content cleaning treatment for any item. Porous items such as clothing or textiles may benefit most from dry-cleaning or foam treatments. Delicate, non-porous items made of ceramic or glass can be good candidates for immersion in cleaning solution and the use of ultrasonic waves. Delicate, porous materials may be sprayed and wiped to limit exposure to moisture.

4. Consult Experts

It is best to have damaged items cleaned by restoration professionals. Look for a service that provides a full range of content cleaning options as well as content storage. Once items are clean, they should be kept off-site until restoration is complete.

These steps can lead to better outcomes for the contents of a commercial building. This process can also help building owners determine whether it will be more cost-effective to dispose of and replace certain items. Rely on a fire damage mitigation company that provides services such as restoration-grade dry-cleaning in Melbourne, FL.

How To Minimize the Risk of Secondary Damage

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded commercial building in Sebastian, FL after a pipe burst

A flood or burst pipe can cause significant water damage inside any Sebastian, FL, business. Excessive water exposure can be particularly problematic because moisture is an essential ingredient for black mold growth. To help prevent secondary damage and the need for mold remediation services, it’s essential that the professional restoration crew you hire performs a thorough cleanup that incorporates essential procedures. If your building features tile, you can also complete important maintenance to help reduce the risk of extensive mold contamination.

Removal of Saturated Materials

The cleanup team should promptly remove all wet items from the water-damaged area. Because mold is adept at hiding, it’s essential to discard saturated building materials, including the following items:

• Drywall and baseboards
• Insulation
• Carpets

Replacing these components helps eliminate potential undetected moisture zones behind walls and under flooring where mold can proliferate.

Drying the Affected Space

High humidity and condensation can also result in black mold growth. To help prevent this dilemma, it’s essential to maintain adequate air circulation during the cleanup process. Remediation professionals can utilize fans and dehumidifiers to help remove excessive moisture. They can also employ moisture meters to verify the site is dry before installing new insulation, drywall and carpet.

Proactive Tile Care

Tile floors and walls are also susceptible to secondary damage after flooding. Because cement-based grout is porous, it’s important to take proactive measures to help shield tile from water damage.

Unless it’s properly protected, water can penetrate through grout and flood under the tile structure. This can undermine its stability and create an ideal environment for mold proliferation. To help reduce this risk, you should routinely apply sealant to any tile work inside your building.

Effective Strategies

No business owner wants to endure mold remediation. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that both property owners and flood cleanup crews can employ to help reduce the risk of black mold growth and its subsequent damage.

Commercial Water Damage Problems To Expect and How To Deal With Them

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Palm Bay, FL.

As a business owner, there may come a time or two when you are forced to contend with common water issues such as a broken pipe or flooding. For this reason, it is important that you understand what to expect and, more importantly, how to deal with water-related headaches. Below are just four of the most common causes of water troubles that building owners have to deal with:

• Broken pipes
• Fire sprinklers
• Toilet overflow
• Supply line breaks

If you are faced with any of the above issues, there are steps you should take to minimize damage and repair costs.

Broken Pipes

Broken pipes are par for the course of property ownership and usually stem from old age or freezing temperatures. When faced with a broken pipe, you should shut off the water supply, locate the source of damage and make the necessary repair. If the damage is too great, you may have to contact your local plumber.

Fire Sprinklers

If your building catches fire, the fire sprinkler system should activate. When this occurs, you should call in your Palm Bay, FL, fire and water remediation team to help clean up the damage and restore your building.

Toilet Overflow

Toilet overflow is another peril with which many business owners are forced to deal. Because you never know what toilet water contains or what causes an overflow, you should not attempt to deal with the mess yourself. Block off the area and contact a plumber and water repair company right away.

Supply Line Breaks

Like broken pipes, supply line breaks can happen because of old age or because of adverse weather conditions. When a supply line bursts, shut off the main water valve right away to prevent further damage and contact both a plumber and a local water remediation team as soon as possible.

As a building owner, you are bound to run into water-related issues. Whether the issue stems from a broken pipe or a sewage backup, the best thing you can do to minimize damage and keep costs low is contact a Palm Bay, FL, water repair company as soon as you discover the issue.

Commercial Water Damage in Melbourne, FL

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Loss our SERVPRO Technicians responded to after hours. We responded fast & mitigated before farther damages occurred.

At SERVPRO of South Brevard, our team of highly trained technicians works proactively and accurately to restore any damages and protect families from potentially dangerous mold growth.  Using our updated methods, SERVPRO of South Brevard's technicians first identify the extent of the problem and then work with care and sensitivity to rescue and restore the area to normal conditions. Our technicians are trained and ready to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion, and respect.

Commercial Building Water Loss

Any kind of commercial damage presents unique and different challenges than residential restoration. But Brevard County residents are in luck! Your local SERVPRO of South Brevard is qualified as a Large Loss Franchise. What’s that mean?

Well, it means that there is no job too big for us! Regardless of how big the property may be or how large the scope of work is, we are the guys that can handle it properly and professionally.

Our Promise to Brevard County, FL

Our commitment to excellence includes you, which means that you can expect effective, ongoing communication and report from us.  SERVPRO of South Brevard is open 24/7 to help the residents of Melbourne, Palm Bay, and the beachside towns of Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, and Satellite Beach, Florida. Our certified technicians have handled jobs big and small, and we can handle your job no matter what.  Just give SERVPRO of South Brevard a ring at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Florida’s Space Coast. 321-777-5131 is HERE TO HELP!

Understanding Black Water Risks

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwater from rivers, streams and sewage are considered black water.

If you own a business that experienced flooding, you’ve probably heard of the term black water. Alongside water damage, it is one of the highest risks poses by flooding. But just what is it about this mucky water that makes it so dangerous? And how does a business owner in Malabar, FL, go about cleaning it up if it’s so unsafe? Read on to learn more about what makes the water a threat and what you can do about it.

Defined

Considered a serious health threat against humans and animals, this water refers mostly to pathogen-rich wastewater from toilets. It often contains feces, urine, water and other contaminants. Sewage also is considered black, as is flood water from rivers, streams and ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. Risks from this water come from:

• Ingesting contaminated water
• Inhaling contaminated water droplets
• Getting contaminated water on broken skin

Dangers

Besides water damage, disease and illness are the biggest threats posed by this water. Those can include hepatitis, cryptosporidiosis, gastroenteritis and wound infections to name just a few. These largely gastrointestinal conditions can result in stomach upset, diarrhea and life-threatening bacterial infections in some instances.

Eliminating

The threats of soiled water make it too dangerous to clean up on your own, no matter how little there is. Instead, remediation must be left to the professionals. The sooner the water can be removed and the building dried, the better. A professional water remediation firm will use multiple methods to clear this dangerous substance. Those may include water extraction, antimicrobial treatments, mold remediation, carpet cleaning and more.

Black water is one of the most threatening parts of a building flood. Don’t try to take this dangerous water on by yourself. Find a specialist in professional water damage clean-up and treatment to get rid of your contaminated water problem.

Commercial Water Damage Problems To Expect and How To Deal With Them

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Palm Bay, FL home.

As a business owner, there may come a time or two when you are forced to contend with common water issues such as a broken pipe or flooding. For this reason, it is important that you understand what to expect and, more importantly, how to deal with water-related headaches. Below are just four of the most common causes of water troubles that building owners have to deal with:

• Broken pipes
• Fire sprinklers
• Toilet overflow
• Supply line breaks

If you are faced with any of the above issues, there are steps you should take to minimize damage and repair costs.

Broken Pipes

Broken pipes are par for the course of property ownership and usually stem from old age or freezing temperatures. When faced with a broken pipe, you should shut off the water supply, locate the source of damage and make the necessary repair. If the damage is too great, you may have to contact your local plumber.

Fire Sprinklers

If your building catches fire, the fire sprinkler system should activate. When this occurs, you should call in your Palm Bay, FL, fire and water remediation team to help clean up the damage and restore your building.

Toilet Overflow

Toilet overflow is another peril with which many business owners are forced to deal. Because you never know what toilet water contains or what causes an overflow, you should not attempt to deal with the mess yourself. Block off the area and contact a plumber and water repair company right away.

Supply Line Breaks

Like broken pipes, supply line breaks can happen because of old age or because of adverse weather conditions. When a supply line bursts, shut off the main water valve right away to prevent further damage and contact both a plumber and a local water remediation team as soon as possible.

As a building owner, you are bound to run into water-related issues. Whether the issue stems from a broken pipe or a sewage backup, the best thing you can do to minimize damage and keep costs low is contact a Palm Bay, FL, water repair company as soon as you discover the issue.

Water Damages and Commercial Properties

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Waterborne Dangers in Commercial Properties

Standing water is an ideal place for microorganisms, like bacteria, and viruses, to breed. The chances of standing water becoming a breeding ground increases when the water damage contains toxins and sewage. Even if the floodwater comes from a clean source, the microorganisms that breed.

Dampness is another risk worthy of concern. The dampness of household items, furnishings, and even the building can create an environment that encourages the growth of mold, dust mites, microorganisms, and cockroaches.

Why Cleanup After a Flood is Important

Cleaning up after a flood or water damage should be a priority. The cleanup process should also be handled with care. Any items that get cleaned must be cleaned properly. Throw away anything that cannot get cleaned or is damaged beyond repair.

Excess moisture after a flood or water damage negatively impacts indoor air quality. Because of this, flooded areas need thorough cleaning as soon as possible. Here are a few of the problems caused by moisture:

The environment becomes perfect for the reproduction and growth of microorganisms that cause health effects.
Long-term exposure to humidity is ideal for the population of dust mites.
Anyone involved with cleaning up after a flood or water damage should wear proper attire that includes masks and gloves. Coming into contact with many of these contaminants can cause illness.

The Cleanup Process

No one enjoys cleaning up after a flood or water damage, but its importance cannot be overestimated. The health of everyone who lives in the home may be affected. Depending on the severity of the water damage, the cleaning process can be an arduous task. Here are the necessary steps that need to be taken.

1. Find the source of the leak and stop it.
2. Figure out who could get affected
3. Determine the extent of the problem
4. Formulate a cleanup plan

The plan needs to involve removing water-damaged items and furniture while protecting those involved in the cleanup process. Any items that can be salvaged should be cleaned. Those that cannot be cleaned should get thrown away. Any items that sat in water for 24 to 48 hours needs to get thrown away. Once everything is clean, do a final check to assess the thoroughness of the task. Throughout the process, make sure everyone involved is wearing protective gear.

It is important to not rely solely on air purification devices to get the job done. Proper cleaning and throwing away damaged items from water damage is the only way to clean after a flood.

We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore your home or commercial structure caused by:

• Water Damage
• Fire Damage
• Disaster, storm, and flood damage
• Mold Damage

Broken pipes in your business could permanently close your doors

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

How To Limit the Interruption To Your Business While Dealing With Water Damage

For a commercial property owner, your worst nightmare might go something like this: an event beyond your control, like flooding, forcing your building to shut down causing your business to hemorrhage money and lose out to competitors. If such a disaster were to occur in your Brevard business, would you be prepared?

Short Delay

If a scenario like a broken pipe flooding your commercial building occurs, you're going to need time to restore your property. Unfortunately, this could halt or slow down your operation for a period of time. However, there are ways you can try to expedite this process:

• Turn off your water so the damage does not spread.
• Ventilate the area - open windows or use fans if electricity is safe.
• Remove as much damaged content as possible to begin drying elsewhere.
• Find a water damage remediation company that can do everything - a one-stop-shop.

Insurance Coverage

When you are forced to close down your business because your premises are too damaged from flooding or water damage, you may lose out on income and opportunity. Despite this, you will probably continue to have expenses related to the building, such as utilities or maintenance staff. Luckily, you can add insurance coverage to your existing policy to compensate for these expenses and the value of the income you would have made if your business were still open. Be sure to clarify with your provider the amount of time you would be covered for - you probably want more than a few days.

Alternate Space

Large water damage can put you out of commission for a long time. One way around this is to find somewhere else to operate while the repairs and underway. Depending on your needs and how much of your equipment is available, you could temporarily rent a space to continue as much of your correspondence and dealings as possible.

To ensure your business is up and running as soon as possible, call SERVPRO of South Brevard immediately at (321) 777-5131!

#waterdamage #waterdamagecleanup

Mold and Hotel Properties

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

We know how serious mold is, especially in your Brevard property

Short-term guests are the staple to many locations along the coast. While you can offer a memorable experience in this limited time frame, you also only have a brief period to make a positive impression. The proper upkeep and maintenance of your facility is vital for this effort and requires routine inspections of potentially problematic areas following all storms the hurricane season has to offer.

Roof vulnerabilities are not always as apparent as business owners might think and hidden leaks or moisture seepage into attics can lead to mold damage for structures. Caring for your bed and breakfast is often the same as the care you must put into a large family home, and the remediation and water damage recovery works similarly. We are qualified professionals capable of handling all phases of remediation and restoration, including being a licensed full-service general contractor.

Because attics do not always get the inspection and assessment that they should throughout the year, moisture and dampness often go unchecked for weeks or longer following substantial storms. When colonization has persisted for this extended period, a degree of controlled deconstruction and later reconstruction is likely necessary.

How your guests perceive this threat is vital to your reputation and continued word-of-mouth and online rating success. Choosing capable remediation professionals like our SERVPRO team ensures that appropriate containment measures get installed and work continues steadily until the threat has been removed.

Your business succeeds by making people feel at home and a situation like mold damage can significantly compromise your ability to achieve this. SERVPRO of South Brevard can help you to get things back to a pre-mold condition and protect your staff and guests from any potential hazards and health effects that could result. Give us a call today at (321) 777-5131.

#moldcleanupathotels #moldinairbnb #hotelmold #SERVPROSouthBrevard

Is It Possible To Clean up After Sewage Damage?

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

When working on a sewer cleanup with black water, everyone must wear personal protective equipment

Is It Possible To Clean up After Sewage Damage?

Cleaning up after a sewage disaster in your commercial building in Melbourne, FL, is possible, but more complicated than other water damage situations. This means that it is in your best interest to call in somebody who knows what they are doing, like a sewer cleanup restoration specialist. They will follow a procedure similar to the one outlined below.

Removal

If you've got a sewer backup, safety is a large consideration. Sewage is considered contaminated water, or black water. It's not good for people to be exposed to it. So, first, there are certain precautions you must take:

• Evacuate everyone who is not necessary away from the flooded area.
• Remove any additional hazards from the equation, such as shutting off electricity.
• Pump and drain out the contaminated water.
• Follow local toxic waste procedure to dispose of it.
  
  

Protection

When working on a sewer cleanup with black water, everyone must wear personal protective equipment. Try to leave no area of skin exposed- long rubber gloves and boots should be worn over long pants and sleeves. A pair of waders would be ideal. Goggles can be worn to protect the eyes. A face mask or respirator will help ensure that it does not reach the mouth or nose. If anyone were to be exposed, they should leave immediate to clean up.

Decontamination

After repairing your flooded toilet, when it's time for the cleaning stage, you will need to determine what can be saved and what must be thrown away. Porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall and carpet may not be salvageable. Everything else must go through a multi-step process with specialized equipment to be treated for bacteria. Once that is done the contents can be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Hard surfaces like wood should then have a protective coating applied.

Sewer cleanup requires a specialized set of equipment, skills and knowledge, so it is best not to attempt it yourself. Consider finding a restoration company you trust so you'll be ready for anything.

3 Helpful Tips for Roof Repair

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service

Three Things You Want To Know About Fire Cleanup

If your business and Melbourne, FL, has suffered roof damage as a result of a fire, you may find yourself looking for tips on how to go about a fire cleanup. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Protect the Damaged Area

It is important to protect any damaged areas to your company property until repairs can be made. You may want to consider boarding over the damage or taking advantage of tarp services offered by your local fire restoration company. Doing so can help prevent inclement weather from making any damage worse, as well as prevent wild animals from getting into the property.

1. Contact a Professional

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service. This is largely due to the fact that a fire can cause a number of types of damage, and that these professionals have the tools and knowledge to look for and repair any related damages along with the original problem. A restoration service may also be able to communicate with your insurance company in order to provide them with information they may need to process your claim.

1. Understand Possible Related Damage

In many cases the initial damage caused by fire can lead to additional problems, and it's important to understand this when dealing with a fire restoration. After a fire you may be looking at water damage and flooding, as well as roof repair, smoke damage, and potential mold problems. Understanding that these issues can be related to a fire can help you take the appropriate safety and clean up steps.

When conducting a fire cleanup at your place of business it's important to remember these three things. Protect any damage areas against further damage until repairs can be made. Contact a local fire restoration company in order to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. Understand any damages related to fire such as water damage or flooding so that proper clean-up procedures can be taken.

What to Do About Furnace Puff Back Damage

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Furnace puff back up damage

After your business in West Melbourne, FL, has been harmed by a fire, there are likely many forms of residual damage found throughout your building. One of the main issues that you may encounter is damage caused by furnace puff back. This problem occurs when smoke and soot from the fire enter the furnace, and it must be taken care of immediately. Follow the steps below to eliminate puff back damage in your building.

Report Damage

First, you need to examine any signs of damage caused by puff back. To determine the degree of your loss, search the building for traces of soot or smoke on:

• Furniture
• Walls
• Floors
• Carpets
  
  

Once you’ve identified all signs of damage, call up your insurance company and report your loss. Your provider will let you know whether or not furnace puff back is covered by your insurance policy.

Call for a Repair

After you’ve reported the damage, you need to ensure that the problem doesn’t get worse. Call an HVAC technician as soon as possible to have your oil furnace repaired. Fixing your furnace helps to thwart any further puff back damage and shows that you’re making an effort to control the situation. Insurance adjusters like to see that you’ve taken action to prevent additional harm to your business, which can help support your insurance claim.

Contact Professional Restoration Services

Having your furnace repaired is only the first step towards recovering from the damage. To have your business return to its normal condition, be sure to contact a professional restoration company immediately. By using the proper tools to clean and sanitize the affected area, these specialists can remove any traces of smoke or soot that are present in your building. Trusting a professional to properly take care of any puff back damage in your business can help you have peace of mind during the restoration process.

Dealing With a Sprinkler Flood in Your Business

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers caused water damage in Indialantic, FL

A typical business owner in Indialantic, FL, doesn’t spend time pondering the effects of catastrophic flooding due to fire sprinklers being activated. However, it’s a problem that can quickly get out of control and cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. The obvious solution to the problem is prevention, but you first need to know what causes the issues.

Reasons For Accidental Activation

Contrary to popular belief, modern sprinkler systems aren’t activated by fire alarms or smoke from burnt food in an employee breakroom. They instead have to be subjected to extreme heat that will either burst the red liquid bulb or melt the metal sensor. However, there are cases where they will activate accidentally, and the following are common reasons for this to happen:

Sprinkler heads being used as hangers

Improper installation

Vandalization

Factory accidents

Immediate Steps To Mitigate Losses

In an emergency flooding situation, the first critical step is to turn off the water. In an office or factory setting, it’s important to have multiple designated employees who know how to do this. Once the water is shut off, cleanup can begin. Hundreds of gallons of water can be released in a short period of time, so water damage to floors, walls and machinery happens quickly. The most thorough plan is to contact a water restoration company, which will be able to correctly dry each surface and reduce mold risk.

Long Term Approach

Once the initial cleanup is underway, the next step is to contact the insurance company and prevent the problem from ever occurring again. Employees must be trained to never touch or hang anything near a sprinkler head, and ideal placement for them is in a location difficult for a person or machine to accidentally contact.

Flooding in your business can seem overwhelming. However, there are steps you can take to prevent and minimize damage. A good water restoration company will have your facility looking “Like it never even happened.”

Does Your Business Have a Plan?

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Will your business recover after a natural disaster?

How quickly your company can get back to business after a hurricane, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done beforehand. The regular occurrence of natural disaster demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. Only 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place and practice for all kinds of emergencies.

Basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Begin by identifying operations that are critical to survival and recovery. Then carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, material, procedures, and equipment are absolutely essential to keep the business operating.

Review Insurance Coverage

Understand what your policy does and does not cover. Check with your provider about things such as, physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Inadequate coverage can lead to major financial loss.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Communication with your employees is central before, during, and after a disaster. Be sure to share emergency information with your staff.

Practice the Emergency Plan

The ability to evacuate workers and customers effectively can save lives. Establish evacuation producers and ensure your staff knows the route.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Install exit signs, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate areas.

Improve Cyber Security

By using anti-virus software, firewalls, and secure passwords, this will better protect your business’s data and information.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Brevard is locally owned and operated so we are part of the Melbourne Beach, Florida community too. When you have a fire, flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.

As fire and water damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.  Please call (321) 777-5131

4 Simple Mold Prevention Tips

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Palm Bay, FL basement

Mold Prevention

Mold: It’s a sight no one at work wants to see. The discovery of mold in your Palm Bay, FL, office can cause alarm with everyone. Not only this, but mold growth can result in heavy costs on your part, as your insurance may not cover some of the damages. Luckily, you don’t simply have to cross for your fingers and hope that fungal development won’t occur in your building after water damage or the discovery of other mold-friendly conditions. Here are four tried-and-true ways you can get proactive and work to prevent mold on your premises.

Pay Attention to Humidity

Mold thrives in humid environments, so be aware of areas at work where the humidity levels may be on the high side. If you spot concerns, get a dehumidifier. Basements, attics and the areas under sinks are common culprits.

Watch for Flooding

Water damage is perhaps the most common source for mold trouble. After a heavy storm or pipe break, hire a competent water cleanup team to thoroughly remove the water and sanitize the area.

Repair Leaks Promptly

Inspect your kitchens, break rooms and restrooms regularly. As soon as you spot trouble with pipes and faucets, especially persistent dripping and leaks, get the right people on the job to fix the issues.

Ventilation Is Critical

Mold prevention will be successful if your building has effective ventilation throughout all areas. This is especially important in kitchens or laundry areas. If you have these rooms in your building, ensure that you have functioning fans in them.

Like any disaster or unforeseen incident, preventing mold may not be 100 percent possible, but you can significantly increase the likelihood that this unwanted invader will stay away from the premises. Don’t wait for water damage or other issues to spring you into action. Pay attention to all of these factors so you can keep mold away.

Residents forced out of Tampa Luxury Condo Tower after Sprinkler Flood

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

The Stovall Tower damaged by a broken sprinkler system.

Tampa – Renovation of an 11th floor condo in the luxurious Stovall Tower accidentally created a disastrous flood that forced evacuation of the entire 33-unit complex. Since the accident the Stovall's residents remain stranded in hotels, or with friends and family, while electricity to the entire complex remains turned off. Recovery and restoration repair work is being performed by the disaster response firm SERVPRO of South Brevard. The condominium's residents are expected back in their homes before Christmas.

Firefighters responded to an automated alarm triggered by the flooding at Stovall Tower, located at 3203 Bayshore Boulevard. According to Jason Penney, Tampa Fire and Rescue Spokesman, water was already dripping from the ceiling into the lobby as firefighters first entered the Tower. “You can't turn off gravity,” he added. A Fire and Rescue Captain involved in the emergency response added that parts of the Tower looked like Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride, with water cascading down stairs and pouring through ceilings from floor to floor. Reportedly, when firefighters entered the apartment where the flood started standing water was already inches deep.

The water originated on the 11th floor of the 22-story condominium Tower that overlooks picturesque Hillsborough Bay that lies along Bayshore Boulevard. Reportedly a dry wall worker accidentally broke a sprinkler system water feed pipe resulting in thousands of gallons of water pouring into the Stovall's living units and common spaces. Responding firefighters turned off the water supply to the sprinklers ending the active phase of the emergency. No injuries were reported.

Gloria Giunta, President of the Stovall Condominium Association, stated that all residents were forced to move out of the complex because power remained turned off. Elevators also remain out of service and access is limited to the stairs. “We're all getting our exercise,” Giunta stated. At least 20 residential units were water damaged by the accident.

With two apartments per floor Giunta noted that the residents enjoyed a close-knit community. “This is the best condominium with the best neighbors,” which include former Tampa University President Dr. Bruce Sampson, and Tampa Sports Authority Chairman Don DeFosset.

Recovery and restoration is being handled by the nationwide disaster response firm SERVPRO based in Gallatin, Tennessee. Cleanup operations are being handled by two SERVPRO franchisees from Brevard County, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee. SERVPRO currently has some 1650 franchised operations throughout the United States.

Recovery operations began with vacuumed water removal, and continued using large numbers of heavy duty dehumidifiers and blowers to remove the remaining water from the Stovall. Resulting flood damage includes the building's electrical system, ruined dry wall and carpets, wood floors that have warped, as well as damage to residents' personal property. According to Giunta the accident's costs are being covered by a combination of contractor's and homeowners' insurance. She would not comment on possible legal action that may be taken against the contractor.