Sprinklers protect Wisconsin museum from massive fire damage, but not water damage

A recent fire has closed down the Madison Children’s Museum in Wisconsin until August 14, 2010. The cause of the downtown Madison museum’s closure is not due so much to the fire damage the building experienced. Rather, it is because of the following water damage.

The Good, the Bad and the Wet

A fire broke out at the museum in the early hours of the morning recently, triggering the newly installed sprinkler system. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a flood of water running down the rear stairs of the building. The fire originally started in the break room after a coffee maker, which was plugged into an electrical outlet, overheated and caught fire. The sprinkler systems did their job and extinguished the blaze before it could spread throughout the museum. However, the same is not true of the water, which ran down four flights of stairs. The fire damage totaled $5,000; the water damage was $45,000. However, the cost of the fire damage could have been higher if the sprinkler system did not work.

Is Your Business Prepared?

Many businesses install sprinkler systems in order to have the additional level of protection in the event of a fire. While it is good for businesses to make disaster plans in case there is ever a fire, these disaster plans should also include steps to take when there is water damage. While it is possible for a restoration company to remediate fire and smoke-damaged office products, it is also possible for them to dry wet documents, books, photos and other wet items in order to prevent further damage and prevent the growth and spread of harmful mold.

When it comes to business continuity, could your business survive being closed for a couple of weeks or more because of water or fire damage? Talk to a restoration professional today to see how you can plan to prevent such a disaster, and how to get back on your feet quickly when the unthinkable happens.