The short answer
First Steps for Safety
When water enters a mart, the first priority is keeping everyone safe. Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if you can reach it without standing in water. Also shut off the water supply to stop the flow. If the water is deep or rising fast, evacuate and call emergency services.
Do not walk through moving water, and avoid touching electrical panels or cords. Move everyone away from the affected area. If anyone feels unwell or is injured, see a doctor right away. Once the immediate danger is over, you can begin assessing the situation.
- Turn off power at the breaker if safe
- Shut off the main water valve
- Move people to a dry area
- Wear boots and gloves if you enter water
- Call 911 if water is deep or fast-moving
- Do not use electrical devices near water
Protect Your Inventory
Move products and equipment to higher shelves or tables if you have time. Cardboard boxes soak up water quickly, so transfer items to plastic bins or pallets. Electronics, paper goods, and textiles are especially vulnerable. The goal is to raise everything off the wet floor.
Take photos and videos of the flooded area and the items you moved. This documentation helps with your insurance claim later. If you have a backup generator or a portable pump, use it only if it is safe and dry. Do not run generators indoors.
Keep your shutoff valve location written down for future floods.
- Use plastic bins for dry goods
- Lift electronics off the floor
- Photograph everything before cleanup
- Remove wet rugs or mats
- Block off the flooded zone with cones
- Discard food that touched floodwater
Start Drying Quickly
Standing water can damage floors, walls, and shelving within hours. Use mops, towels, and a wet-dry vacuum to remove as much water as you can. Open windows and doors to let air circulate, and run fans if you have them. The sooner you dry the space, the less mold will grow.
For large volumes of water, you need professional extraction equipment. Local water damage pros have industrial pumps and vacuums that can handle a mart-sized space. They also bring dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air and structural drying tools for walls and floors.
Call in the Pros
Once you have done what you can safely, contact water damage restoration services. They can extract water, dry the structure, and assess what can be saved. Look for a service that handles commercial spaces, as marts have unique needs like refrigerated cases and aisles.
The pros will usually map the moisture in your building to find hidden water in walls and under floors. They can also help with mold prevention. If you have insurance, check your policy to see what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Plan for the Next Flood
After the immediate cleanup, think about prevention. Install flood barriers or sandbags at entrances if your mart is in a low-lying area. Keep important documents and expensive equipment on upper floors. Have a written emergency plan that everyone can follow.
Review your insurance coverage to understand what types of flood damage are included. Work with a plumber to fix any leaks that may have contributed. If your area is prone to spring storms, stay alert to weather alerts.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rockwall and nearby communities.
Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a flooded mart?
Drying time depends on the amount of water, building materials, and ventilation. It can take several days to weeks. Professional drying equipment speeds up the process, but you should plan for downtime.
Can I clean up the flood myself?
You can remove small amounts of water with towels and a wet-vac, but large floods require industrial pumps and dehumidifiers. The pros have the right tools and know how to prevent mold and structural damage.
What should I do with damaged goods?
Separate damaged items from salvageable ones. Take photos for insurance. Dispose of food and perishables that touched floodwater. For electronics, let them dry completely before testing, and consider professional cleaning.