Any facility where water is present has an exposure to water damage. This damage may come from a variety of sources: • Plumbing systems (domestic piping, sinks, toilets, manufacturing processes) • Building systems (heating, cooling, drainage) • Fire protection (sprinkler systems) • Natural precipitation (rain, snow, sleet) Losses can be triggered by many causes: • Freezing temperatures, particularly in areas where freezing is uncommon • Human activity, such as clogging or accidental pipe breaks • Water entering a building through the roof, windows, or due to poor grading • Material failure, including age/corrosion • Poor workmanship Multi-story buildings compound the exposure because the loss may involve multiple floors. Water Emergency Response Plan (ERP) The most effective way to help minimize the risk is to pre-plan for the event. This can be done by completing the Escaped Water Emergency Response Plan. Follow the pre- and post-event components in your plan. Pre-Event • Ensure that water controls and shut offs are easily accessible and clearly labeled to identify the systems they control
• Have maps and/or photos of valve locations for each water system. Post in a conspicuous location or ensure they are readily available.
• Create an Emergency Response Team with 24/7 availability, trained to: o Identify water-based system components (piping, pumps, etc.) o Investigate the water source using leak listening devices, etc. o Promptly, shut off/contain/direct escaped water o Direct responding fire authorities to quickly shut off the fire protection systems in non-fire conditions • Develop on-site water response kit(s) that include(s): o Buckets, mops, squeegees, plastic tarps, duct tape, latex gloves, face masks, and safety glasses
o Wet/dry vacuums, portable sump pumps with hoses and clamps o Dehumidifiers, fans, pipe leak diverters, containment socks/bags
• Refer to the Atrium preferred vendor list for water cleanup, drying, remediation, and repairs (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire protection, specialty equipment, etc.)
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