Water damage in schools can have a far-reaching impact if it is not addressed in a timely manner. Water damage can lead to mold growth. If that happens, not only is the school property ruined but the students also become vulnerable to various health risks.
Let’s examine those problems in detail:
Damage to School Property
Exposure to water damage can undermine the structural integrity of the school building. Wooden floors and surfaces may deteriorate, while metals will be subject to rusting and corrosion. Depending on the extent of the water damage and presence of mold, drywall, floor tiles, carpeting, and ceiling panels may have to be replaced. If moisture makes its way to the electrical circuits, you just can’t delay the drying and cleaning process any further.
Health Risks
If the school administration doesn’t opt for water damage restoration, the affected areas will harbor contaminants that fuel mold growth. Mold can spread very quickly to surrounding areas, posing severe health threats to the students as well as the staff in the form of allergies and respiratory diseases.
The problem with mold spores is that they’re not easily detected despite being everywhere. As the microscopic reproductive mold spores are released into the air, they pollute the air quality inside the school. These activated airborne spores can produce a wide range of symptoms to anyone who inhales them. Some symptoms include inattentiveness, mental confusion, lung infections, upper respiratory infections, and chronic fatigue.
Since people with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to mold-related allergies and medical conditions, children are more susceptible to them. Therefore, water damage should never be ignored in schools.
On top of that, if water comes into contact with exposed wiring or power outlets, it can produce current that can easily prove fatal for anyone who steps onto it. In other cases, it may result in a short circuit leading to fire hazards. If a fire breaks out, no one remains safe. Therefore, the school administration should immediately switch off the power in case of water intrusion.
School Closure
Not addressing water damage can cause even more problems for the school and its administration, who may then have to close the school and postpone the classes until the restoration process is complete. Depending on how severe the issues are and whether someone was affected or not, it can take considerable amount of time before the school can re-open.
Besides, if the school doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage or the restoration and cleaning process takes time, the school may not be opening any time soon. In case of a severe flood, the school may even be closed permanently.
If your school has suffered water damage, don’t wait and contact S.T.O.P, a reliable water damage restoration company serving in North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, East Las Vegas, and many other areas.
For water damage restoration services, dial now on 702-803-3094.
