Canada’s four distinct seasons make building maintenance a never-ending cycle of problems, often involving water. Building managers face difficult yearly challenges. Establishing a plan in response to maintenance threats ensures swifter remediation. The better prepared you are, the faster you can act.
The Importance of Fast Response
“The first 24 hours after a disaster will influence how that project will be handled,” says Curtis Azevedo, Branch Manager for FIRST ONSITE Property Restoration, Edmonton, Alberta. “When we are called to the property as soon as possible, it can make a significant difference.”
Having an emergency restoration company on speed dial is an important part of stopping escalating damage, but to ensure the quickest response time possible, Azevedo recommends building managers install Internet of Things (IoT) water monitoring and leak technology devices.
“Something very simple managers, owners, and boards can do is install water sensors,” he suggests. “These are plugin devices that will send a notification or create an alarm to alert you to a leak, allowing you to react to the situation promptly.”
If water issues are not treated quickly, mould spores can develop—this is especially true in hot and humid climates. Azevedo emphasizes the importance of always acting as fast as possible.
“In ideal conditions, mould can develop as soon as 24 hours after the initial leak. If you leave things for a couple of days, it’s common that construction materials need to be completely replaced.”
Priority Response Emergency Plan
Every building is individual and will have slightly different building materials and insulation levels, and each should have an individual emergency action plan.
First Onsite has developed a Priority Response Emergency Plan (PREP) partnership for commercial clients to help them fully prepare before disaster strikes. “We complete a full site inspection and walkthrough and take a full assessment of potential issues,” he explains. “We want to be aware of where all the building’s water, HVAC, plumbing, gas and electricity shut-offs are located, and understand how to shut them down in the event of an emergency.”
Having a thorough understanding of each property means shorter response times and quicker remediation. PREP clients receive preferred pricing rates with no stipulated contract period, zero program participation fees, and reduced losses and insurance claims since attendance by the First Onsite team is treated as a priority.
“We have an immense amount of experience with emergency preparedness plans,” says Azevedo. “This allows us to take quicker action when we arrive since we understand the building’s stabilization procedures.”
In addition, property managers with buildings in different provinces may be interested in securing a national contract with First Onsite. This allows property managers with buildings across more than one province to access competitive standardized pricing rates, a significant benefit for larger property management firms. “Knowing that you’re not going to see a difference in service costs (prior to taxes) between Alberta and Ontario provides peace of mind for some of our larger clients.”
Establishing a relationship with a mitigation and restoration team is becoming a standard practice for building management operators. Over the years, First Onsite has adapted their capabilities to the needs of the changing environment.
“We are a full-service company that can offer any type of disaster remediation or restoration,” he summarizes. “We provide the whole gambit.”
To learn more about First Onsite’s Priority Response Emergency Plan (PREP), contact them today at 1.877.778.6731.
