Water Damage

Definition of Water Damage Mitigation is “trying to reduce the harm dealt by wetness.” But generally it’s not applied to something as casual as spilling a glass of H2O on a hardwood floor and walking over to the closet to get a mop. Water damage mitigation generally refers to the efforts that experts take to contain the damage dealt by disasters like a flooded basement or a spraying water main. Let the Cincinnati Disaster Restoration Experts at AAA Emergency Services of Cincinnati show you the best ways to deal with Water Damage caused by floods or storms. The first step of most Water Damage Mitigation techniques is simple — get rid of the water. Of course, depending on the water in question, that can mean everything from turning off the water main, to using a sump pump, the use of commercial-grade dehumidifiers, and actual towels and chamois to get the moisture out of a basement. AAA Emergency Services Professional Disaster Response Teams have the complex systems devoted to getting rid of water as quickly as possible; until the water is gone the recovery process cannot begin. Once the water has cleared, the drying process begins. You might think if the water is gone, it must be dry, but that’s not actually how it works. Wood, fabric, and almost any porous surface will retain water, even if just microscopic amounts. That microscopic amount will continue to deal damage long after the visible standing water is gone. Disaster recovery teams use a combination of heat and dehumidification to extract the water from all of the objects in an area (including the walls and ceiling) to keep any more damage from occurring. Depending on the length of time that the water has been standing, it may also be necessary for the water damage mitigation team to perform some basic mold and mildew remediation as well. Typically from arrival time to complete mitigation, it will take between 3 – 5 days depending on the size of the structure and how long the water has been standing. When you first hear that you have a water catastrophe, call a disaster cleanup team immediately. The faster they get started, the more they can recover. When you’re in need of a Cincinnati Water Damage Disaster Restoration Service, rely on the experts at AAA Emergency Services Inc. to help.

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Water Damage Restoration is the process of restoring a property back to pre-loss condition after sustaining any level of water damage. While there are currently no government regulations in the United States dictating procedures, two large certifying bodies, the IICRC and the RIA, do recommend standards of care. Most companies use the IICRC procedural standard, which is the S500. It is based on reliable restoration principles, research and practical experience with extensive consultation and information gathered from numerous sources. These include the scientific community, the international, national and regional trade associations serving the disaster restoration industry, chemical formulators and equipment manufacturers, cleaning and restoration schools, restoration service companies, the insurance industry, allied trades persons and others with specialized experience. The S500 water damage guide is subject to further revision as developments occur in technology, testing and processing procedures. The IICRC S500 provides a specific set of practical standards for water damage restoration. It does not attempt to teach comprehensive water damage restoration procedures, rather it provides the foundation and basic principles of proper restoration practices. Prior to specifying the job scope and procedures, the S500 must be reviewed. This is important so that the individual circumstances of each restoration job is taken into account. When you need to rely on a certified IICRC Water Damage Restoration Specialist, You can Rely on AAA Emergency Services Water Damage Restoration

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Whether a flood is caused by ground water, falling water, or home water system malfunction, there are some best practices you’ll need to employ within the first 24 hours after the flood to ensure the safety of your home and family and give you the best outcome possible with your insurance company. If the flood was serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes before entering the home and contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines. In addition, it’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home. Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity. As the homeowner, it’s your responsibility to secure the property so that no additional damage occurs. Put boards over broken windows and secure a tarp as protection if the roof has been damaged. Again, take photographs to prove to the insurance company that you have done everything possible to protect your home against further damage.

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Should I use bleach? Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain – these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced. Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed. For more information on mold, see our website at www.epa.gov/mold Read the publication, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” at www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html [EPA 402-K-02-003] Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en el formato PDF www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide_sp.pdf   Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008. Read the publication, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”  at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html  [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001] Mold Resources are available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html To learn more about this topic, visit the link below: http://iaq.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23007&task=knowledge&questionID=20290

1. The key to mold control is moisture control.
2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
3. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.  Dry all items completely.
4. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.  Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
5. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
6. Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.  Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.  Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.
7. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.  Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.  Be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

For more information on mold, see our website at www.epa.gov/mold Read the publication, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” at www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html [EPA 402-K-02-003] Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en el formato PDF www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide_sp.pdf Documento de la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008. Read the publication “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html [EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001]Mold Resources are available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html To learn more about this topic, visit the link below: http://iaq.supportportal.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=23007&task=knowledge&questionID=21163

Depending on the severity of the mold problem. Some mold removal and mold remediation cases take a few to several hours; other sever cases can take up to a few days. Even if you think your mold problem is not too serious, you need to rid your home or business of it as soon as possible. The longer mold sits, the more it grows and the more dangerous it becomes and the tougher it is to have removed.

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Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time and from person to person.

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