ACCORD Restoration
7123 Windsor Mill Rd., Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: 1-888-277-0651
Fax: 410-277-0632
ACCORDrestoration.com

BALTIMORE, MD. September 16, 2008 – Clean-up and restoration expert Frank Nemshick, president of ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com), said that there are two vital response steps to flooding: speed and diligence. “You have to act fast and execute thoroughly to prevent severe problems now and in the future.”  

Before The Flood

Nemshick outlined actions that property owners can take to diminish the damage from flooding.

• Have a professional assess the property for high-risk areas. By identifying low-lying areas, a plan for sandbag placement can be created that may prevent flooding on the property.

• Consider dry and/or wet flood proofing. Dry flood proofing prevents flood waters from entering a building. Wet flood proofing allows waters to enter the building but minimizes the damage to the interior.

• Consider purchasing a generator to supply the property with limited electricity. Install flood warning systems to notify the building’s occupants of potential danger.

• Develop a plan of action in the event of a flood and make sure all of the property’s occupants are informed of the procedures.

• Install check valves in sewer traps or catch basins to prevent the unwanted backflow of sewer water up through the trap while permitting the downflow of water through the trap and into the sewer.

• Make sure fuel tanks located above ground are well anchored. This will prevent them from floating away.  

Final Preparations

When a flood is imminent, there are specific steps to take to ensure that a property is protected.

• Obtain the necessary materials for sandbags.

• Secure or bring in outdoor furniture and other items.

• Stock up on clean water and other necessities, such as battery-operated fans, canned food and medications.

• If evacuating the building, turn off all utilities including electric, natural gas and the main water supply.

• Place important documents, computer equipment and other valuables in a designated “flood safe” area or store them in water-proof packaging.  

The Recovery

Following a flood, Nemshick said that property owners can prevent additional damage and mitigate some of the destruction before restoration professionals arrive by:

• Contacting property’s insurance provider as soon as possible.

• Turning off the main electric power, natural gas and water supply, if it hasn’t been done previously, and/or them turned off for safety, until professionals have inspected these systems for damages.

• Examining the condition of the facility after flood waters recede. Determine whether it is structurally safe to inhabit. If there is any doubt, wait for a professional to declare it structurally safe before re-entering the building.

• Assessing the extent of damage to the interior and exterior of the property. Take detailed notes and photograph the damage, if possible. This will help restoration professionals when they arrive and document the damages for insurance-claim purposes.

• Removing standing water from the interior of the building.

• Removing wet carpeting and furnishings.

• Helping to dry out the facility by running a dehumidifier from a generator and/or using battery-operated fans.

• Relocating wet items to a sunny area, if possible, to speed the drying process.

• Removing debris to the outdoors for easy pick-up.  

To choose a restoration company, Nemshick said that the business should specialize in this type of work. Additionally, companies should have available a list of industry organizations to which they belong and certifications they carry. These industry associations have strict guidelines and verify that members follow them.

About ACCORD Restoration

ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com) specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms or other disaster related property damage. Their extensive list of services includes: 24-hour emergency response, clean-up, board-up, assessments, water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold prevention and remediation, storm and wind damage restoration and rebuilding. Contact by phone at: 1-888-277-0651, by e-mail at: info@accordrestoration.com or learn more at ACCORDrestoration.com.  MHIC #51366.

Press Contacts:

Frank Nemshick, President
ACCORD Restoration
1-888-277-0651
info@accordrestoration.com

Kris McCurry, Executive Vice President
Brave New Markets
410-902-0801 ext. 307
kmccurry@bravenewmarkets.com

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