Water Damage Restoration: Key Steps for Clean Air

Louisiana—celebrated for its vibrant music scene, rich culture, and place on every food lover’s bucket list—is a truly unique region. Unfortunately, its low-lying topography and proximity to the Gulf Coast also make it uniquely vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and river flooding. As if that wasn’t already enough to worry about, the state’s subtropical climate means heavy rainfall can happen at any time of year. All these factors lead to one major problem for business owners in the Bayou State–flooding and water damage on your commercial property. 

If you’re a business owner facing flooding and water damage, you’re probably aware that quick restoration is essential for limiting structural damage and getting your business back up and running as swiftly as possible. But addressing water damage early is important for another often overlooked danger—the impact flood waters can have on air quality. Understanding these effects and how you can prepare for flooding can help reduce health risks for employees, customers, and yourself.

Air Quality Dangers Associated with Flood Waters

When water inundates a region, it carries with it various pollutants, biological contaminants, and debris that can become airborne, leading to dangerous health risks for residents. 

Immediate Impact of Flood Waters on Air Quality

Immediate concerns often center around water damage to properties and infrastructure when flood waters rise. But air quality in flood-affected areas can deteriorate quickly when pollutants and biological hazards become airborne, posing serious health risks to residents.

Release of Pollutants

In urban and suburban areas, flood waters can carry a wide variety of harmful substances, which can then become airborne as the water evaporates or sediments dry out:

• Chemicals and hazardous waste from industrial plants, farms, and warehouses
• Household chemicals like cleaning agents, paints, and pesticides
• Waterborne pathogens, pesticides, and toxins

These pollutants pose significant risks to air quality when disturbed and released into the air.

Biological Contamination

Flood waters often harbor biological contaminants that can significantly affect air quality:

• Sewage system overflows, backups in plumbing, and septic system failures during flooding increase exposure to blackwater—aka water contaminated with human waste. As blackwater-contaminated areas dry out, harmful pathogens, bacteria, and organic materials can become airborne.
• Decomposing organic material like animal carcasses and plant debris breaks down in floodwaters, releasing harmful gases and particles. As these materials dry out, the particles can become airborne and impact air quality, causing respiratory problems.
• Airborne microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses from contaminated water, can become aerosolized and inhaled, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

These contaminants can lead to respiratory issues, particularly for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Long-Term Effects of Flood Waters on Air Quality

After floods recede, air quality risks remain:

• Mold Growth: Damp conditions lead to airborne mold spores, causing respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, especially in vulnerable individuals.
• Particulate Matter: Dried sediments and debris become airborne, increasing particulate pollution. Post-flood cleanups and industrial emissions also release harmful particles, worsening air quality.

These persistent effects can lead to long-term respiratory health risks, even after the visible damage from flooding is addressed.

How Businesses Can Mitigate the Risks of Flood Damage 

For business owners in Louisiana, taking a proactive approach to flood preparedness, especially during hurricane season, will help minimize risks and ensure employee safety. 

Stay Informed With Flood Warnings in Louisiana

There are various types of flood warning systems in Louisana. Knowing what each one means allows business owners to act quickly to safeguard their commercial property and the health of their employees and customers. 

Flood Advisory

A flood advisory indicates less severe flooding that could cause minor inconveniences, such as on roadways or low-lying areas. While it’s not an immediate threat, businesses should take precautionary steps:

• Be aware of minor flooding in the area.
• Protect property from minor flood damage.
• Monitor local conditions and be ready to act if the situation worsens.

Flash Flood Watch

A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding within the next 24 to 48 hours, though it’s not happening yet. Businesses should prepare in the following ways:

• Review emergency plans and ensure all employees are familiar with them.
• Check emergency supplies and equipment.
• Monitor weather updates and NOAA Weather Radio.
• Prepare to move valuable inventory and equipment to higher ground.

Flash Flood Warning

A flood warning is the most urgent alert, signaling that flooding is either imminent or already occurring. Immediate action is necessary:

• Implement emergency procedures right away.
• Move employees to safe, higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
• Shut off utilities if it is safe to do so.
• Be prepared to evacuate if instructed by local authorities.

Coastal Flood Watch

For Lousiana businesses on or near the Gulf Coast, take action when a coastal flood watch is issued:

• Review coastal flooding emergency plans.
• Secure outdoor equipment and inventory at risk from storm surge.
• Prepare sandbags or other flood barriers.
• Monitor weather and tide information closely.

Coastal Flood Warning

A coastal flood warning means dangerous coastal flooding is imminent or occurring:

• Implement coastal flooding emergency procedures.
• Move valuable equipment and inventory to higher floors or secure areas.
• Consider early closure of the business if located in a vulnerable area.
• Follow evacuation orders if issued by local authorities.

Take Steps to Protect Your Business From Flood Damage Today

Staying alert during advisories, preparing during watches, and acting swiftly during warnings can protect your business and the health of your employees and customers. But remember, when flooding does cause significant damage to your commercial properties, acting fast is essential to mitigate that damage. That’s where Putman Restoration comes in.

With 18+ years of experience specializing in large-scale restorations for commercial properties dealing with emergency water damage, storm damage, and more. As a local company, we understand the stress that comes with property damage from flooding, which is why execute each project meticulously, being sure to keep you informed every step of the way. By partnering with a trusted restoration company in Louisana, like Putman Restoration, you can confidently navigate the aftermath of flooding and ensure your business is ready to recover quickly and safely.

Restore Your Peace of Mind with Putman Restoration in Shreveport, LA

Putman Restoration is your trusted partner for fast, expert commercial restoration services. Headquartered in Shreveport, we proudly serve cities across Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette. We handle flood, water, fire, and storm damage for a wide range of commercial industries. Contact us online today or call 318-252-1297 for 24/7 emergency service.