Risk Mitigation Report for Water Damage

Summary: This report aims to address the risk of water damage within your buildings and to outline plans to prevent, mitigate and respond to water incidents. Water can be very destructive to buildings by causing damage to hard floors, carpeting, ceiling tiles, drywall, personal property, and the overall structure of the building by causing rot. Understanding the sources of water damage can help create a plan to prevent and address water damage in the future. 

Sources of Water Damage:

Roof damage: Damage to roofs can cause water to enter a building. Roof damage can be caused by age, wear and tear, or lack of proper maintenance of the roof.    

Plumbing issues: Old plumbing, obsolete or inappropriate materials, and poor maintenance of plumbing can cause sewer backup and leaks in pipes. This can cause water damage to the building.  

Fixture malfunctions: Building appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can cause water damage due to a malfunction. 

Human error: Occupants and staff can accidentally cause water damage to the building by misusing appliances, leaving taps running, and improper handling of plumbing fixtures. Dispose of materials not meant for toilets, i.e. paper towels, wet wipes, and feminine products.

Risks Associated with Water Damage:   

Health issues: Slow and undetected water seepage can cause mold growth around the building. Mold can cause health issues for the residents, including respiratory issues. 

Damage to building structure: Water can cause damage to the structure of the building which is costly to repair and can become an issue of building safety for the residents. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to the deterioration of wooden beams, drywall, and other construction materials, compromising the building’s stability. The cost of repairing such structural damage can be substantial and may require extensive renovations to ensure the safety and longevity of the building.  

Displacement of residents/staff: When a water damage incident occurs in social housing, the safety and well-being of the residents become the primary concern. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary for the residents to temporarily leave the building while repairs are underway.  

Loss of income: Water damage (due to an insured peril) can cause displacement of both residents as well as facility lessees. Displacement of lessees can lead to a loss of income. If the property is rented to a third party/generates income, please ensure rental revenue is scheduled on the business interruption form. Contact your assigned Member Service Representative for review.   

Litigation and liability: Lastly, housing authorities can face a lawsuit arising from the residents, lessees as well as surrounding building owners that are affected by a water damage incident. 

Mitigation Recommendation:  

Regular inspection and maintenance: We recommend that the housing authority conduct regular facility inspections by certified individuals. Inspections should focus on plumbing, roof, drainages, fire suppression systems, as well as building structures to determine if the structures have been affected by water.  

Residents and staff education: We recommend educating residents on water use and saving practices, appliance use, and how to report water-related issues quickly. Training staff on how to handle and respond to water-related complaints in a timely manner significantly impacts the severity of a water damage incident. 

Weatherproofing: We also recommend applying weatherproofing to the building to mitigate the risk of water damage caused by weather conditions. The most common parts of the building that water can get in through includes the windows, roof, foundation, and sewer system.

Water sensors: A water sensor device can help prevent water-related damage to your buildings. A water sensor is a device designed to detect the presence of water, moisture, and temperature change in an area. Water sensors are usually placed strategically around the building to alert the residents as well as building staff to a developing water damage incident. Having water sensors installed can save the housing facility tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs.  

Conclusion:

Developing and implementing a comprehensive risk mitigation plan is crucial to protect facilities from water damage. By combining preventative measures, emergency response protocols, and robust insurance coverage, we can minimize potential risks, ensure safety, and preserve the integrity of the infrastructure. Regular monitoring and review will help continuously improve this approach and enhance the resilience of properties against water-related challenges. 

To download an example Monthly Inspection Form, click here.