Water Damage and Mold Removal Advice

Flood water damage

2011-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

You will find countless carpet cleansing businesses inside your region that claim to become water damage restoration businesses. These so called remediation specialists have no water removal experience, flood damage clean up coaching or dehumidification gear to complete water and flood damage repair projects. Additionally they have no education or a lot encounter within the science of water extraction, drying and clean up. There's extremely small opportunity that your house could be totally restored via their solutions. Actually, because these businesses don't have any water removal, fire restoration or mold remediation encounter or content material restoration facilities to deal with private belongings or furnishings, their so known as solutions only delay your home's restoration function. Meanwhile, there's additional structural damage for your dry walls, ceilings, carpets, and floors, probably resulting in mold damage.

Expert restoration businesses will arrive inside your location of emergency inside the hour, for probably the most component. They know that time is with the essence and prompt focus for your emergency will lessen the duration and price with the restoration project. These specialists arrive prepared to assess the water damage inside your house and begin drying out the house instantly. The trucks are equipped with gear and supplies essential for any fire, smoke, soot and water restoration job. Expert water extraction and drying tools which are utilized for water removal out of your house are industrial power and are created for any kind of repair and restoration efforts. They really provide reliable, competent and personalized service to get a selection of disaster recovery scenarios.

There are lots of occasions when water damage can happen. They are able to be something from broken pipes or leaky lines, appliances or sinks overflowing, cracks in foundation or exterior walls, improperly sealed toilets or showers, exterior leaks, and all-natural disasters such as flooding, storms, or climate. What ever the trigger of water damage is it's important to act rapidly to begin the drying procedure and get rid of all water out of your house. You need to instantly begin the drying procedure by opening doors and windows, turning off water sources if essential also as gas and electrical energy to stop catastrophic occasions from occurring.

A flood within your house is devastating, unpredictable and pricey. Numerous occasions, insurance coverage doesn't cover flood water damage also. Inside a flooding scenario it's important to act rapidly to dry up water and safeguard your house and belongings from additional damage. The very first thing you need to do is do what ever you are able to. This might consist of beginning the drying procedure or getting rid of useful belongings from water damage. The following issues you are able to do is employ a expert service to clean up any current moisture and repair or eliminate damaged house. Then carry on to comply with up having a expert service to make sure that no dangerous following effects like mold and mildew occur, that are damageful for your family's well being. Expert restoration contractors routinely function straight with homeowners' insurance coverage businesses to file claims. Generally, when water damage restoration contractors bill insurance coverage businesses straight, the paperwork is filled out accurately and also the procedure flows smoothly so the claim is frequently processed rapidly and with out additional delays.

2010-12-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

Before you start decorating your home for the holidays, it's a good idea to take the time to educate yourself about Christmas light safety. Holiday lights can add a festive touch to your home inside and out, as long as they are used as directed, observing all the necessary safety precautions.

Before Hanging Holiday Lights there are several things you need to do to ensure that your Christmas lights are safe before you hang them up.

• Verify Proper Rating - Bargain lights aren't a good deal if they pose a fire hazard. Only use lights that have been tested and rated by Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Intertek (ETL Semko). Strings of lights that have a safety rating are clearly marked, both on the packaging and with labels attached to the electrical cords.
• Check for Fraying - When you remove your holiday lights from storage, check the cords to make sure they are not frayed or otherwise damaged. Hanging lights with damaged cords can lead to an electrical short. This can damage your other lights and holiday decorations, as well as potentially lead to a fire. If you discover damaged strings of lights, throw them away.
• Use as Directed - There is a big difference between indoor holiday lights and outdoor holiday lights. Before hanging lights, make sure that you are using the fixtures only in the environment in which they were designed to be used.
• Choose Locations Carefully - Avoid hanging holiday lights near any item that poses a potential fire hazard, such as candles, space heaters, fireplaces, etc. Make sure bulbs aren't too close to loose paper or any other flammable materials that present a safety hazard.
• Hang Carefully - Never use tacks, staples, or nails to hang up your holiday light display. Instead, use insulated holders designed especially for this purpose.

Select Extension Cords Wisely - There's a good chance that you are going to need extension cords to complete your holiday lighting display. Make sure you have a sufficient quantity and length of grounded extension cords for the amount of the lights you plan to use. Do not overload extension cords with more wattage than they are designed to accommodate. It's also important to verify that any extension cords you are planning to use outside are rated for exterior use. Place Extension Cords Properly - Make sure that cords are placed so as to avoid posing a tripping hazard. Verify that they are not pulled taut, so there isn't an elevated risk of them pulling over your Christmas tree or other decorations. Turn Lights Off When Away - Do not leave holiday lights on when your house is unattended or when everyone in the home is asleep. In the event that a problem develops with your light display, it's essential that someone be on hand and alert to react quickly to avoid damage, a serious fire, and injuries.

Bulb Replacement - When bulbs burn out, it's important to replace them right away. It's dangerous to have light strings plugged in with empty sockets. Be sure that the replacement bulbs you select are the correct wattage.

Metal trees and holiday lights don't mix.- If you choose a metal Christmas tree, do not hang lights on it. There are several risks associated with metal lights and trees, including a high likelihood of fire and electric shock injuries.

Consider child safety - Children and holiday lights can be a dangerous combination. Kids like shiny objects, but playing with holiday lights can be very dangerous. Be very careful to place lights out of reach of children.

Observe OSHA Standards at Work – When hanging holiday lights in your office, make sure that your decorations are fully compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for workplace safety. Don't let your holiday season be spoiled by failing to observe proper Christmas light safety practices. It's not difficult to have a safe and beautiful holiday display as long as you avoid taking shortcuts and observe proper electrical safety procedures.

Tsunami races across Pacific, threatens Hawaii

2010-02-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

EWA BEACH, Hawaii – A tsunami triggered by the Chilean earthquake raced across the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, threatening Hawaii as it rushed toward the U.S. West Coast and hundreds of islands from the bottom of the planet to the top.

Sirens blared in Hawaii to alert residents to the potential waves. Nine small planes equipped with loudspeakers flew along the shoreline, warning beachgoers. On several South Pacific islands hit by a tsunami last fall, police evacuated tens of thousands of coastal residents.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle declared a state of emergency as the island chain prepared for possible tsunami damage.

She told a news conference Saturday at the state civil defense center inside Diamond Head Crater that the declaration would allow the release of disaster funds. She said the U.S. Pacific Command is standing by to help.

She said that authorities are deciding whether to close wastewater pumping stations on Oahu and Maui to prevent damage from seawater.

Lingle added that leprosy patients from the Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai have been moved from an isolated area on a peninsula to higher ground. Helicopters were standing by if they needed to be shifted elsewhere.

The first waves in Hawaii were expected to hit shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday (4 p.m. EST; 2100 GMT) and measure roughly 8 feet (2.5 meters) at Hilo. Most Pacific Rim nations did not immediately order evacuations, but advised people in low-lying areas to be on the lookout.

Unlike other tsunamis in recent years in which residents had little to if any warnings, emergency officials along the Pacific on Saturday had hours to prepare and decide on evacuating residents.

"We've got a lot of things going for us," said Charles McCreery, the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which issues warnings to almost every country around the Pacific Rim and to most of the Pacific island states. "We have a reasonable lead time.

In Hawaii, boats and people near the coast were being evacuated. Hilo International Airport, located along the coast, was closed. In Honolulu, residents lined up at supermarkets to stock up on water, canned food and batteries. Cars lined up 15 long at several gas stations.

"These are dangerous, dangerous events," said John Cummings, spokesman for the Honolulu Emergency Management Department.

In Tonga, where nine people died in a Sept. 29 tsunami, police and defense forces began evacuating tens of thousands of people from low-lying coastal areas as they warned residents that waves about three feet (one meter) high could wash ashore.

"I can hear the church bells ringing to alert the people," National Disaster Office deputy director Mali'u Takai said.

On the island of Robinson Crusoe, a huge wave from the tsunami covered half the village of San Juan Batista and three people were missing, said Ivan de la Maza, the superintendent of Chile's principal mainland port, Valparaiso.

A helicopter and a Navy frigate were enroute to the island to assist in the search, he said.

A tsunami warning — the highest alert level — was in effect for Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands. An advisory — the lowest level — includes California, Oregon, Washington state, parts of Alaska, and coastal British Colombia.

British Columbia is hosting the Winter Olympic Games, but provincial officials said the venues are not under threat.

U.S. President Barack Obama says the government is preparing for a tsunami and he wants people in Hawaii, American Samoa and Guam to follow the instructions of local authorities.

American Samoa Lt. Gov. Aitofele Sunia called on residents of shoreline villages to move to higher ground. Police in Samoa issued a nationwide alert to begin coastal evacuations. The tsunami is expected to reach the islands Saturday morning.

In French Polynesia, tsunami waves up to 6 feet (2 meters) high swept ashore, damaging parts of the coast.

Meanwhile, disaster management officials in Fiji said they have been warned to expect waves of as high as 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) to hit the northern and eastern islands of the archipelago and the nearby Tonga islands.

A lower-grade tsunami advisory was in effect for the coast of California and an Alaskan coastal area from Kodiak to Attu islands. Tsunami Center officials said they did not expect the advisory would be upgraded to a warning.

Waves were likely to hit Asian, Australian and New Zealand shores within 24 hours of Saturday's quake. A tsunami wave can travel at up to 600 mph, said Jenifer Rhoades, tsunami program manager at the National Weather Service in Washington, DC.

Some Pacific nations in the warning area were heavily damaged by a tsunami last year.

In last fall's tsunami, spawned by a magnitude-8.3 earthquake, also killed 34 people in American Samoa and 183 in Samoa. Scientists later said that wave was 46 feet (14 meters) high.

The tsunami warning center said the waves reached the islands so quickly residents had only about 10 minutes to respond to its alert.

During the devastating December 2004 Indian ocean tsunami, there was little to no warning and confusion about the impending waves. The tsunami eradicated entire coastal communities the morning after Christmas, killing 230,000 people.

The sirens in Hawaii will also be sounded again three hours prior to the estimated arrival time.

Every TV was showing the news. Convenience stores and McDonald's and Burger King restaurants shut down. A few people were on the famed beach, including joggers on the sidewalk, but far fewer than normal. Most seemed to be watching the ocean.

In Hilo, officials cordoned off the first three blocks next to the beach. A few people watched the still ocean as a whale swam off the coast, but streets were mostly empty as tsunami sirens blared. Gas stations had long lines, some 10 cars deep.

The SackNSave grocery store was filled with people buying everything from instant noodles to beer. Shelves with water were mostly empty, save a few bottles.
"They are buying everything we got," clerk Memory Phillik said.

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle declared a state of emergency. She said leprosy patients from the Kalaupapa settlement on Molokai have been moved to higher ground. Helicopters are standing by if the patients need to be moved to a safer area.

Past South American earthquakes have had deadly effects across the Pacific.

A tsunami after a magnitude-9.5 quake that struck Chile in 1960, the largest earthquake ever recorded, killed about 140 people in Japan, 61 in Hawaii and 32 in the Philippines. It was about 3.3 to 13 feet (one to four meters) in height, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK quoted earthquake experts as saying the tsunami would likely be tens of centimeters (inches) high and reach Japan in about 22 hours. A tsunami of 28 centimeters (11 inches) was recorded after a magnitude-8.4 earthquake near Chile in 2001.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning Saturday night for a "potential tsunami threat" to New South Wales state, Queensland state, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. Any wave would not hit Australia until Sunday morning local time, it said.

New Zealand officials warned that "non-destructive" tsunami waves of less than three feet could hit the entire east coast of the country's two main islands and its Chatham Islands territory, some 300 miles east of New Zealand.

Seismologist Fumihiko Imamura, of Japan's Tohoku University, told NHK that residents near ocean shores should not underestimate the power of a tsunami even though they may be generated by quakes on the other side of the ocean.

"There is the possibility that it could reach Japan without losing its strength," he said.

Water Damage Sacramento - an illustrated guide

2009-10-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Water Damage Sacramento - an illustrated guide

PuroClean offers mold advice on Sacramento News10

2009-10-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Toxic mold - History

2009-10-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Since Biblical times it has been known that indoor mold growth can be a health hazard. (See Leviticus 14:39-47.) In the 1930s, mold was identified as the cause behind the mysterious deaths of farm animals in Russia and other countries. Stachybotrys chartarum was found growing on wet grain used for animal feed.

In the 1970s, building construction techniques changed in response to the energy crises. As a result, homes and buildings became more air-tight. Also, cheaper materials such as drywall came into common use. This combination of increased moisture and suitable substrates contributed to increased mold growth inside buildings.

Today, the agriculture industry keeps a close eye on mold and mycotoxin levels in grains in order to prevent the contamination of animal feed and human food supplies. In 2005 Diamond Pet Foods, a US pet food manufacturer experienced a significant rise in the number of corn shipments containing elevated levels of aflatoxin. This mold toxin eventually made it into the pet food supply, and dozens of dogs died before the food could be recalled.

Can We Save the Carpet?

2009-08-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

A pipe breaks and water damage is everywhere. The insured calls the agent and the process begins. The sooner the Policyholder calls the quicker the response and, normally, the lower the total costs of restoration.

Although many issues can be discussed involving water damages, in this article we’re going to concentrate on just one—the carpet. If all the dollars spent by the insurance industry on property claims, floor covering is, by far, the most expensive category. It stands to reason that if we can save floor coverings affected by water damage the savings, on a national scale, would be significant.

As with any loss, health and safety is of primary importance. The customer should be cautioned about electrical hazards, slip and fall and falling debris, such as drywall or acoustical ceiling tiles.
Quick response is of the essence. The longer the unwanted water is allowed to remain, the more likely the carpeting will experience permanent damage. Because of this, regardless of the hour, the restoration process should begin without delay.

Some customers attempt to extract the water themselves. While this can be of some benefit, a shop vacuum, towels and ceiling fans are absolutely no replacement for professional extraction and drying equipment. It is very important to get a professional mitigator on site as soon as possible! The very best opportunity to save carpet (and other items) is to have professionals on site immediately.

The initial stage or phase of the restoration process includes addressing safety issues and employing “contain and control” procedures. Standing water must be pumped or extracted to prevent migration of water into adjoining areas and sub-surfaces. Professional moisture meters are used to determine the exact location and extent of water damage.

The first step professional restorers take is determining the category of loss: (A) is this a Category-1 loss? (clean water source;) (B) is this a Category-2 loss? (gray water: with some contamination but not including pathogens or sewage;) or (C) is this a Category-3 loss? (black water: involves sewage and known contamination.)

Category-1 is a clean water source and has not come in contact with materials that carry a health concern for the occupants. This would include broken pipes, hot water heaters, tub or sink overflows, etc. professional mitigation specialists can extract water from the carpet and pad and dry them both in place! This dramatically reduces the cost of the claim and helps restore the lives of the policyholders much more quickly.

Category-2 is not a clean water source. This water contains some contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Typically this would include washing machine or dishwasher overflows, toilet overflows with no solid matter, broken aquariums, sump pump failures, etc. Because of the additional contamination, this type of loss requires the replacement of the carpet pad, but the carpet itself is normally salvageable. Note: if a Category-2 loss is not treated promptly then the category will escalate to a Category-3 loss (black water.) This is often considered the situation if 48 hours have passed since the loss occurred.

Category-3 is grossly contaminated water containing pathogenic or other harmful agents. Examples of this water include sewage, toilet backflows that originate beyond the toilet trap (regardless of color) all forms of flooding from seawater, rising water from the ground and from rivers or streams, and other water entering the structure from hurricanes, storms or weather-related events.

This water condition is of primary concern when it comes to the health and safety of the occupants. It should be treated seriously because it is serious. Mitigation professionals should be called to deal with this type of loss. Policyholders should not expose themselves to Category-3 water. If, for some reason it is necessary, then they should be reminded to wear gloves, shoe protection and other items to protect themselves.

Carpet is a multi-layered installation with a big sponge under it. Industry standards require that carpet and pad (and anything that is absorbent –textiles, drywall, etc.) that have been contaminated with black water must be bagged and removed from the structure, and disposed of in an appropriate location. Professional restoration companies understand this and operate accordingly.

Every water loss is different. Even with Category-1 and Category-2 losses, there are varying circumstances that determine whether the carpet can be or should be saved. How old it is, what condition it is in, how it was installed and its construction are all factors that have to be taken into consideration. Mitigation professionals have the training and knowledge to evaluate each situation and to determine the best course of action. They are also trained to communicate well with policyholders, agents and adjusters to insure that everyone understands the process and proper procedures.

So the next time you meet with one of your insureds, tenants or property owners, take a few moments to explain to them how important rapid response is in the event they were to experience a water loss. Remember, the single most important act in such an event is to call a professional mitigation company like PuroClean Home Rescue (866-722-7876) to help deal with the loss. Professionals will restore the lives of the policyholders as quickly as possible with maximum cost efficiency and in a trustworthy and understanding manner.

Water Damage - Prevention is the Best Medicine

2009-08-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Water Damage - Prevention is the Best Medicine

"The average American uses between 80 to 100 gallons of water a day, so it's no wonder that some of it goes "astray" and leads to water damage situations."

If you are like most insurance agents or property managers, you have received many calls from customers with a water disaster. After all, the statistics indicate that over 1 million water damage incidents occur every year in the United States. The average American uses between 80 to 100 gallons of water a day, so it's no wonder that some of it goes "astray" and leads to water damage situations.

While many losses are covered, some situations are not. And a better "solution," certainly, is to help your customers prevent water damage from occurring in the first place! Every insured (and every agent) would rather that a few steps be taken to avoid ever having to go through the heartache (and wallet-ache) of experiencing water damage.

Let's look at some of the sources of water damage claims and how we can avoid them. Keep in mind that these suggestions may help you personally as well.

Incoming washing machine hoses are one of the most common sources of water damage in a residence. Granted, the water comes from a "clean" source, but it still flows everywhere when it bursts. With so many families away for the entire day, one broken hose can release a tremendous amount of water in a few short hours. The best solution is to simply turn the hose valves on and off as we start and finish the task of washing clothes. The hose is under constant pressure 24/7; it is inevitable that it will weaken and burst over time.

Many manufacturers post a small notice to replace the hoses every five years, but that notice is seldom seen and even more seldom followed. There is, however, one very simple way of avoiding the problem. Replace the standard hoses with wire-braided, high-pressure hoses. You can get them at almost any hardware supply store. This is something that everyone should do as soon as possible. It's not a question of "if" but only "when" a hose is going to burst. So, replace them now!
This also brings up the subject of other water lines that need preventative maintenance. There is a big difference between a bursting hose from a washing machine and a drip, drip, drip of an icemaker inlet line. Water damage that occurs over an extended period of time due to poor maintenance is often not covered in a policy and yet can cause major damage.

Continual, slow leaks can migrate under vinyl, stone, and other flooring without notice. If you do not check them once a month, you can have a very expensive loss that might not be covered by insurance. So, at least once a month move the refrigerator or other appliances and physically check for any damage or signs of a leak.

Water Line Connections that attach to the dishwasher, reverse osmosis line, or any other water line should also be checked on a regular basis. Get under the sink and feel the lines for moisture. Look on the deck of the cabinet for any drips that are collecting or for signs of wet/damaged materials.

Ice Damming can cause water to enter a house as well. The distance from the eve of a roof to the wall is called the soffit. It is the outside perimeter area that overhangs and protects the walls from water when it rains. When insulation in the attic does not reach the exterior wall, the heat in the home in the winter is transmitted from the interior of the house to the attic. Close to this area of heat loss is the actual roof and just a little bit of heat from this situation (improper insulation) can begin to melt the snow on the roof, which then runs into the gutter. At night or other times of colder temperatures, the melted snow re-freezes forming ice in the gutter. Once the gutter is full, the ice begins to dam and then re-freeze.

If left unchecked, this ice dam begins to build back up the slope of the roof. Eventually, the freezing/melting ice can penetrate under the shingles and sheathing and into the attic/living area. Water damage then appears on the ceilings of the rooms under this area. Again, this is a maintenance/construction issue and may not be covered under a homeowner insurance policy. How can you or your customer prevent this damage? The answer is to be sure to insulate and ventilate your attic properly. You may need to have a professional insulation company conduct an inspection and evaluate the installation of the insulation and assess the R-value of the insulation in the attic. They will most likely recommend blowing in more insulation to protect the home from heat loss. But in addition to the new insulation, you will also need to make sure that the attic is properly ventilated. Air movement prevents condensation and helps eliminate other potential water problems.

Check your toilets for leaks. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 100 gallons of water each day. Test for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank, then watch for a few minutes. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Repair your toilet, and it will save you time, money, and hopefully heartache from unnecessary potential damage to your customer's home. Good insurance agents are always looking for ways to provide the best coverage and are also looking out for the needs of their customers and other friends. Take a few moments and consider sending these suggestions to your client list. It will help you demonstrate the care and concern you have for your customers. And, it could help to prevent a loss from ever happening.

LOCATION ADDRESS:

11315 Sunrise Gold CircleRancho Cordova, CA 95742
866-722-7876 (Toll Free)

916-354-9743 (Business)
Fax: 916-647-0999

http://www.waterdamageout.com/