Black Mold 101: Understanding its Appearance, Growth, and Prevention

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Black mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, humid, and poorly ventilated areas.

Black mold is a type of fungus that can grow in areas that are damp, humid, and poorly ventilated. It is often found in homes and buildings with water damage or leaks, and it can cause structural damage if left unchecked.

The Appearance of Black Mold

Black mold has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other types of mold. It is usually black or dark green in color and has a slimy texture. It can grow in clusters that can be seen with the naked eye, and it can also produce spores that can spread to other areas of the building.

The Growth of Black Mold

Black mold can grow in a variety of environments, but it thrives in damp and humid conditions. It often grows in areas with water damage, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. It can also grow on materials that retain moisture, such as drywall, carpeting, and ceiling tiles.

The Dangers of Black Mold

While black mold is not inherently dangerous, it can cause structural damage if left unchecked. It can weaken and break down materials such as wood and drywall, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, black mold can be a sign of underlying moisture problems in the building, which can lead to further damage and mold growth.

Preventing Black Mold

Preventing black mold is important in order to avoid the potential costs and dangers associated with its growth. Here are some tips for preventing black mold:

Fix leaks promptly: Any leaks in the building should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent water damage and mold growth.

Maintain proper ventilation: Ensuring that there is adequate ventilation in the building can help to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

Keep humidity levels low: Humidity levels should be kept below 60% to prevent mold growth.

Use mold-resistant materials: When renovating or building, it is important to use mold-resistant materials such as mold-resistant drywall and paint.

Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning can help to prevent mold growth by removing any moisture and keeping surfaces dry.

Black mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, humid, and poorly ventilated areas. While it is not inherently dangerous, it can cause structural damage if left unchecked. Preventing black mold is important in order to avoid potential costs and dangers associated with its growth. By fixing leaks promptly, maintaining proper ventilation, keeping humidity levels low, using mold-resistant materials, and regularly cleaning, you can help prevent black mold from growing in your home or building.

Reviving Your Devices: A Guide to Cleaning Electronics After Fire Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning electronics affected by fire damage requires caution and attention to detail.

A fire in your home or office can be a devastating event, leaving you with the task of cleaning up the aftermath. Electronics are often among the items affected by fire damage, and it's important to take the necessary precautions when attempting to clean them. In this blog, we'll cover how to clean electronics affected by fire damage.

Step 1: Assess the damage

Before attempting to clean any electronics affected by fire damage, it's important to assess the extent of the damage. This includes checking for smoke residue, soot, and water damage. If the damage is severe or there is any risk of electrical shock, do not attempt to clean the electronics yourself. Instead, seek the assistance of a professional.

Step 2: Disconnect and unplug the electronics

Before cleaning any electronics, it's important to disconnect and unplug them from their power source. This reduces the risk of electrical shock and protects the electronics from further damage.

Step 3: Remove any loose debris

If there is any loose debris or ash on the surface of the electronics, carefully remove it using a soft-bristled brush or compressed air. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as the static electricity can damage the electronics.

Step 4: Clean the surface

Next, use a microfiber cloth or a soft, non-abrasive sponge to gently clean the surface of the electronics. You can use a mixture of water and mild dish soap, or a specialized electronics cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the electronics.

Step 5: Dry the electronics

After cleaning the electronics, it's important to dry them thoroughly before reconnecting or using them. Use a soft, dry cloth or allow the electronics to air dry completely.

Step 6: Test the electronics

Once the electronics are clean and dry, test them to ensure they are functioning properly. If there are any issues, do not attempt to repair the electronics yourself. Seek the assistance of a professional.

It's important to note that not all electronics can be salvaged after fire damage. If the damage is severe or the electronics have been exposed to water, it may be necessary to replace them.

In conclusion, cleaning electronics affected by fire damage requires caution and attention to detail. Assess the damage, disconnect and unplug the electronics, remove any loose debris, clean the surface with a gentle solution, dry the electronics thoroughly, and test them to ensure they are functioning properly. If the damage is severe or there is any risk of electrical shock, seek the assistance of a professional. With the proper care and attention, you can salvage electronics affected by fire damage and restore them to working condition.

4 Easy Ways To Prevent Plumbing Issues

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

How do you avoid plumbing issues in the first place? Here are four simple ways to keep your pipes healthy.

We all know that plumbing problems can be a huge headache. They can also be costly, and it’s often best to avoid them altogether. So how do you avoid plumbing issues in the first place? Here are four simple ways to keep your pipes healthy:

Clean Your Pipes Consistently

If you're looking for a way to prevent plumbing issues, then the best thing you can do is clean your pipes regularly. This can be done by using a drain snake or non-corrosive drain cleaner once every month or two. You could also try using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear out any gunk that might be clogging up your drains.

If you want to make sure that these methods work well for you and prevent future problems with plumbing issues, then it's important that you clean out all of the pipes in your house.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

You may be tempted to pour grease down your kitchen drain, but this is a huge mistake. Grease is extremely hard to get rid of and can cause serious plumbing problems.

If you do have some leftover grease in your pan or pot, make sure that you dispose of it properly by putting it into an airtight container before throwing it away in the trash. You can also put used cooking oil into an old coffee can with a lid and store it outside until trash day arrives so that no animals or children get their hands on it!

Be Careful What You Flush Down the Toilet

Avoid flushing paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet. These are some of the most common items people flush down the toilet that can cause a clog. If you do flush these items down your toilet, don't use them until it has been fixed by a professional plumber.

So why do these things clog toilets? It's simple, they're too big for the pipes to handle. When the water flows through them, it creates blockages that prevent any more waste from passing through.

Routine Maintenance With A Reliable Plumber

Routine maintenance is important. If you have a home or business, regular routine maintenance with a reliable plumber is the best way to prevent plumbing issues. Plumbers are trained professionals who can do routine maintenance for you at a reasonable price. Pick one that has been in business for many years and has an excellent reputation for reliability and quality workmanship, then call them once or twice a year to take care of any minor problems before they turn into major ones!

As you can see, there are many ways to prevent plumbing issues. This article has covered some of the most important ones, but it's always a good idea to be proactive about your pipes so you don't have any problems in the future.

What are Burn Bans?

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

It's important that you check with your local fire department or government agency before burning anything outside.

A burn ban is a local order that prohibits outdoor burning. The purpose of a burn ban is to protect people, property, and the environment from wildfire. Fire bans are issued when conditions are so dry that fires can start easily and spread quickly. We hope this article gives you more insight into burn bans.

Burn bans are just that: bans on outdoor burning.

A burn ban is a restriction on the use of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and uncertified open-flame devices. Burn bans are issued by state agencies to prevent wildfires during periods of high fire danger. In some cases, counties may also issue their own burn bans.

Issued when unusually hot, dry, and windy conditions.

When unusually hot, dry, and windy conditions increase the risk of wildfires, the local or state government can issue a burn ban. The department monitors weather conditions closely to determine when these factors pose an increased risk for fires. If winds are strong enough to make it difficult for firefighters to contain an existing blaze or start new ones nearby, then authorities will issue a statewide ban on outdoor burning. 

Outdoor burning is a major cause of wildfires.

Outdoor burning is a major cause of wildfires in the spring and early summer. The United States Forest Service estimates that more than 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans, making prevention an important part of wildfire management.

Burn bans are issued by state and local governments when conditions are dangerous for outdoor burning due to high winds, low humidity, and/or warm temperatures. Violators may be fined or face other penalties depending on their jurisdiction. 

The length of burn bans varies.

The length of burn bans varies from days to weeks depending on weather conditions. Each county has its own regulations regarding burn bans, but the most common time for a burn ban is during the summer months. The duration of a burn ban may be anywhere from one to fourteen (14) days. 

What types of burn bans are there?

There are two types of burn bans: county-issued and governor-issued.

• County-issued burn bans are put in place by local authorities, such as fire departments or city governments. Local authorities may issue these bans if they believe that the current weather conditions could cause fires to spread faster than normal, with greater intensity than usual.
• Governor-issued burn bans are issued by the state government when it feels that there is a high risk of wildfires due to drought conditions or other natural factors. These types of burns can also occur during periods of extreme heat and windy weather conditions where fires would be more difficult for firefighters to control. 

Check your local burn ban regulations.

The best way to check what your local burn ban regulations are is to call your local fire service and ask. You should always check the weather forecast before you do any burning of vegetation on your land. You need to be aware of the wind direction, how hot it is going to be, how dry it is, and whether there might be a fire risk or if there is already an active fire ban in place for your area. In addition, if there are any other factors that may affect whether or not you can burn safely (such as having neighbors close by), you should consider these too before starting any fires outside.

The main thing to remember is that burn bans can vary significantly from state to state and even county to county. It's important that you check with your local fire department or government agency before burning anything outside. If you are unsure of what constitutes a burn ban, please call your local fire department.

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your Anaheim, CA home call SERVPRO of Costa Mesa.

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage is a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects on your Anaheim, CA home. If you don't properly clean up the water and dry out your possessions, mold and mildew can start growing. Not only does this make the house smell bad, but it also increases the risk of serious property damage.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

The water damage restoration process is a lot more complicated than you think. However, this doesn't mean that you can't do your own home water damage restoration. 

First, you need to make sure that the area is safe for yourself and others in your house. If there's any chance of electrocution or toxic fumes, it's best not to attempt it yourself.

Once this has been decided on, start removing all of the furniture from the room that has been damaged by water. Next up is drying out the area so it won't be damaged further by mold or mildew growths or wood rot caused by excess moisture buildup (which could lead to structural problems later on).

When choosing between professional help vs DIY solutions for repairs and cleanup after flooding events at home--do your research! There are pros & cons-but most importantly remember: safety first!!

Step 1: Assess Safety

Before you begin, it is important to assess the safety of the area. Make sure that there are no electrical hazards, gas leaks or structural damage in your home. If mold has started growing on any surfaces, you will want to wear protective gear and use fans to blow air out of your house as much as possible until a professional water damage restoration company can come in and help get rid of it.

Step 2: Remove any Standing Water

Now that you’ve removed any visible water, it’s time to get a little more serious. If your home was flooded by an overflowing toilet, sink or tub, use a wet vacuum (or rent one) to suck up the standing water where it has pooled. If the source of the flood is not obvious—perhaps there was a pipe leak behind walls or under floors—use a mop or sponge to soak up as much water as possible from carpets and furniture before going further with this next step. For any area where standing water still remains after soaking for several minutes with towels or rags, choose another towel or rag and wring some more out until most of the excess moisture has been wrung out of it. Repeat this process until only dry towels remain. Only when both rooms are completely dry should you proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Protect your possessions

• Dehumidifiers and moisture control. These are two of the most important things you can do to protect your possessions from water damage. A dehumidifier will remove any excess moisture from the air, preventing it from settling on your furniture and household items. The ideal humidity level for a room is 50 percent, which is especially important during winter months when heating systems dry out homes that are already low in moisture.
• Air conditioning and ventilation. Your air conditioner should be set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% relative humidity to prevent mold growth or further water damage behind walls and ceilings. If there's no AC system in place already, consider installing one before disaster strikes!
• Water damage restoration services (if needed). Homeowners often try home remedies like sponging up spills with paper towels or mopping them away with soap-and-water mixtures—but these aren't always effective ways of dealing with larger amounts of water than just a few drops here or there on hardwood floors or carpets; they also risk spreading bacteria throughout other areas of your house rather than containing it within one localized area so that professionals can clean up properly afterward without worrying about cross-contamination between rooms/floors etc.

Step 4: Dry the Affected Areas

Once all the water has been removed, it's important to dry out all affected areas. 

• Use fans to help remove moisture from the air and circulate air in your Anaheim, CA home.
• Use dehumidifiers or a wet vac to remove excess water from hard surfaces and carpets.
• If you have central air conditioning or heating systems, turn them on for a few hours each day until all areas are completely dry.

DIY Water Damage Restoration

Water damage repair is a dangerous process and can be time-consuming. However, it's also important to recognize that some homeowners have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully complete their own home water damage restoration without professional assistance.

If you have the experience and training required for successful DIY water damage repair, we highly recommend reading through our guide on how to do it yourself!

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure how to handle a water damage emergency. Water damage repair can be complicated, and it's best to leave the job to professionals who have experience with the process. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs done after a flood or other emergency like pipe bursting, then contact us today! We will assess your situation and give you an estimate within 24 hours.

How Do I Get Rid of Mold Damage?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mold inside of your walls will cause many issues

How Do I Get Rid of Mold Damage?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp environments. If you see mold or suspect it's present in your home or workplace, you should take action to get rid of it. This article explains how to assess and remove mold safely.

Choose a remediation contractor.

Once you've identified the extent of your mold damage, you'll need to choose a contractor to remove it. If possible, hire someone who has been in business for several years and can provide references from customers they've worked with. Ask these references about their experience and whether they would hire this company again. Also ask if the company owner was present during all stages of the job, as well as if they have certification in environmental science or other areas related to mold remediation (such as building construction). It's also wise to get proof that your chosen company has insurance coverage in case anything goes wrong during their work on your property. 

Remediation work plan.

A remediation work plan describes the work to be done, the equipment and materials to be used, and procedures to be followed. It should include:

• A detailed description of the problem area(s)
• Steps for containing the mold
• Steps for removing mold from building materials and furnishings (if applicable)
• Procedures for cleaning up after removing mold (e.g., disposing of waste materials).

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when dealing with mold. PPE for individuals includes a respirator, gloves, and goggles. A respirator can be useful when handling moldy materials, but it is not required by OSHA now. Gloves should be worn any time that you are handling contaminated materials because even healthy people can become ill from exposure to molds. Goggles or glasses should always be worn when working with moldy materials as they will protect your eyes from any airborne spores that may be released into the air during cleaning and removal.

Containment

Containment is a crucial step in the mold removal process. If you don't contain the mold, then it can easily spread to other areas of your home and cause more damage than necessary. Containing the mold means keeping it from spreading while you work on removing it. You can use barriers (like plastic sheeting) to keep the mold confined to one area, or you can remove items that have been affected by moisture and put them into another room until they are cleaned and disinfected.

If you decide to use plastic sheeting for containment purposes, make sure that there are no holes in between pieces of plastic so that air doesn't get through them as well! Cover all surfaces affected by moisture with heavy-duty plastic sheeting.

Mold removal

Mold removal is a multi-step process, but it doesn't have to be overly complicated. For example, if you find mold growing in your bathroom, you should use a HEPA vacuum to remove as much of the mold spores as possible. Next, scrub the affected area with a brush dipped in soap and water. Use an all-purpose cleaner if you want to make sure that no mold remains after scrubbing. You can also use a commercial product designed specifically for removing mold from surfaces like drywall and cement board - these products are available at hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon.

Disinfectants and antimicrobials

Disinfectants and antimicrobials are often used to kill mold and mildew. However, they are not effective against mold spores. Therefore, it is important for you to use these treatments properly to avoid any potential health hazards that could be caused by their misuse.

The main difference between disinfectants and antimicrobials is how long they remain active after being applied. Disinfectants kill most microorganisms within a short period of time (usually 30 minutes), while antimicrobials only slow down growth of some types of molds (such as Aspergillus) but not all types—particularly those that produce black colony growth.

Be sure you hire reputable professionals, take precautions, and follow your remediation plan.

Mold removal can be an intimidating process. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone.

We recommend hiring a professional with experience in mold remediation and EPA approval, but there are other important things to look for as well:

• The contractor should have experience in the area where you live (for example, if you live on the coast, your contractor should be familiar with flooding).
• If possible, work with someone who has experience in your type of building (for instance if you live in an old house or trailer).

Mold is a natural part of the world around us. It’s important to know that you can protect yourself from mold and mold damage. If you do find mold in your home, be sure to contact a professional for help in removing it. The EPA has put together some great resources on how to remove mold from your home safely, but if you still have concerns about what to do next then please contact us today! We will answer any questions or concerns that may arise during this process and make sure everything goes smoothly!

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have sewage damage contact SERVPRO of Costa Mesa.

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

When you have sewage damage, it's important to take the proper steps to clean up and repair it. If you don't know what you're doing, you could end up making the problem worse or exposing yourself and others to harmful bacteria. This guide will walk you through everything from setting up a containment area to hiring a professional service.

Safety Precautions You Should Consider

Sewage is a dirty business. As such, it's important to take precautions and follow safety procedures when cleaning up sewage damage in your Costa Mesa, CA home. 

We highly recommend wearing protective gear: gloves, eye protection, and clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. It's also important to avoid eating or drinking anything in the area where you're working (especially if it's been contaminated by sewage), smoking, or doing any other activity that could make you sick if there were residual bacteria on surfaces.

Remove Standing Water and Debris

To remove standing water, you will want to use a wet vac to remove any remaining standing water and debris. If you don’t have a wet vac, use a shop vacuum instead.

To remove debris, you will want to use a broom or shovel to brush off any large pieces of dirt or mud from the affected area and dispose of them as you would any other trash (in an outdoor garbage can). Be sure that there are no sharp objects such as rocks left over in your home after removing them with your broom or shovel. They may cause additional damage if they get left behind on your floorboards.

Dry Out Wet Areas

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to dry out the wet area and contents. A wet vac can be useful for removing water from the carpeting as well. A heat gun can also come in handy for drying out harder surfaces like countertops and floors.

Disinfect and Deodorize

If the area is only wet and not damaged, you can use disinfectant to clean the affected area. But if there is any damage, use deodorizer instead. If your home smells like sewage, fans are the best tool for drying out your property since they can circulate air throughout a room quickly and efficiently. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to get rid of any excess moisture in the air and prevent mold growth on walls or furniture surfaces in your home.

Sewage and Your Health

Sewage damage can make you very ill. Sewage contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness. It also contains chemicals, such as pesticides, which are harmful to your health.

In addition to the immediate damage caused by sewage backups, there is a greater threat to your health in the long run.

If you have sewage damage, you should immediately contact a professional like SERVPRO of Costa Mesa. Don't hesitate on calling us, we can help. Our experts have years of experience dealing with this kind of situation and will be able to get your Costa Mesa, CA home back in shape quickly. This way, you don’t have to worry about it, and you can focus on getting back to normal.

How Do I Prepare My Company for a Fire?

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your sprinkler systems are regularly tested and maintained

How Can I Prepare My Business for a Fire?

As a business owner, it’s crucial that you take steps to protect your Costa Mesa, CA company from fires. Fire can be devastating for any company, but it is especially devastating for restaurants and other food service businesses where an unexpected fire can result in the loss of thousands or even millions of dollars in revenue. Here are some ways to prepare your business for a potential fire:

Create a Fire Evacuation Plan

The best way to prepare is to have a plan in place. A fire evacuation plan should fit the needs of your business. This should be posted and employees should be familiar with the plan. Your evacuation plan should be posted in an area where it can be easily seen and understood by all employees.

The following are some tips for creating an effective fire evacuation plan:

• Create several different plans that fit the needs of your business. For example, if you have only one entrance and exit point, you may want to create two separate plans—one for when the main entrance is blocked by smoke and flames while the other details how employees should leave through a secondary exit. 
• It's also important that different types of buildings (e.g., warehouses) have their own unique evacuation procedures as well as instructions on how to get out after an earthquake or other natural disaster strikes.

Install Fire Extinguishers and Sprinkler Systems 

These will help reduce the chance of fires spreading. A fire extinguisher should be placed in an area of the building that is easy to reach and can be accessed without having to go through a door. This will make it easier for you and your employees to grab the extinguisher if there's a fire emergency.

If you have sprinkler systems, they should also be regularly tested and maintained. The professionals who install these systems will be able to tell you what type of maintenance is needed for each one, but generally speaking, sprinkler systems need annual inspections from experienced professionals who are certified in this field. In addition, it's important that you do not overwork or damage your sprinklers by tampering with them manually (for example spraying water on them).

Ensure Clear Exits, Well Lit Stairs, and Emergency Lighting

As a business owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your building is prepared for any emergency. Not only will this save lives, but it can also reduce the cost of a fire after it has happened. Here are some things you can do:

• Make sure all exits are clear, any stairs are well lit, and that emergency lighting is installed. If there is clutter blocking an exit or a staircase, then employees might not know where they need to go when there’s an emergency. Slippery floors could also present problems in an emergency situation—make sure your flooring has good traction!
• Ensure that all employees know where the fire exits are and how to use them in case of an evacuation (including disabled persons). Employees who don't know what's going on could end up running into each other or getting hurt as they try to escape from the building. Make sure everyone knows what their role is during such an event so no one gets left behind!
• Alert coworkers and visitors to any potential fire hazards in your building through signage and training sessions.

If you're unfamiliar with fire safety, the best way to prepare is by educating your employees on how a fire will affect them and what they should do in the event of one. This can be done through company-wide emails or training sessions. Post signs that warn of potential hazards, such as burned-out light bulbs or electrical outlets. Make sure that all your employees know how to react when they hear an alarm sounding as well as what their evacuation plans are.

Test Your Smoke Alarms

You should also confirm that your building has working smoke alarms installed on every floor and that they have been tested recently. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and replaced every 10 years. If you have a fire alarm system, make sure it is working properly.

If you are not currently required to install fire sprinkler systems, remember that sprinklers can save lives in ways other than putting out fires. Sprinkler systems may slow down the spread of flames in a way that allows occupants time to escape safely from the building without injury or death.

No business is immune to fire damage. If you want to protect your company from this danger, it’s important that you take care of the basics now. By creating a fire evacuation plan and installing sprinkler systems and other safety features, you can help prevent any emergencies from happening in the first place.

Understanding Established Guidelines for Mold Damage

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold removal service in Mesa Verde, CA

Regardless of the type of business you run in Mesa Verde, CA, there are some things that are best left to specialists, such as a CPA for taxes or an electrician for electrical upgrades. Along with established rules and guidelines for those types of services, there are also mold standards that mold remediation and restoration specialists adhere to help you have peace of mind.

Established Guidelines

Before jumping into a mold clean-up plan, there are set loss levels that may require different processes and safety precautions for damage identification, removal, and mitigation.

Small Isolated – Area affected is under 10 square feet in a contained area. General PPE should be worn, such as a face mask and gloves. (10 sq. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. Workers in adjacent areas can stay on-site during cleanup.
Mid-Sized Isolated – Mold growth is contained within 30 square feet. Similar conditions apply to the first level.
Large Isolated – This might look like multiple wall panels, up to 100 square feet, having mold damage. For this amount, it is recommended for an experienced professional to handle the cleanup. Additional PPE and containment procedures will be needed, as well as significant material removal and restoration.

Extensive Contamination – Considered anything greater than 100 square feet, this level of damage will require complete containment and the removal of all people during the cleanup process. Respirators with HEPA filters and full-body disposable clothing will be worn by the technicians to adhere to mold standards.

Remediation Plan

Eradicating the black mold in your business is the top priority. The above levels will determine the extent of the remediation plan needed. Regardless of size, an expert will work to identify the source of the problem, remove damage, and restore the property to preloss condition. They will also work to ensure that the cause of the problem is addressed and fixed to ensure no future mold colonies are established.

Like with most things related to your business, you want things done right the first time. Trusting a professional that is certified on established mold standards helps make that happen.

After the Flood: What To Do and How To Keep Employees Safe

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Never enter a flooded room or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet.

Dealing With The Aftermath Of A Storm

If a storm creates flooding that infiltrates your office in Fairgrounds, CA, you could be facing the menace of black water. Such water is highly toxic. Act quickly and responsibly to protect yourself and others from its negative effects. Here is a quick guide to dealing with the aftermath of this frightening disaster.

Office Protection After Contaminated Water Flooding

Buildings can become inundated with toxic wastewater that's full of pollutants, including urine and feces. When this happens, you must:

• Document the damage with photos
• Report the damage to your insurance
• Protect equipment and documents from further damage
  
  

Physical destruction can always be repaired, especially when you have a team of qualified water damage restoration professionals to conduct a comprehensive flood cleanup. Of greater concern is keeping employees away from the harmful effects of black water.

Employee Protection After Contaminated Water Flooding

Prevent staff from reentering the office until it has been properly cleaned and allow them to work remotely. Identify the source of the flooding and take action to keep the situation from worsening, whether by boarding up windows and doors, shutting off the water supply, or tarping over your roof.

Avoid traversing through water deeper than two inches, as well as damp areas near outlets and extension cords. Never enter contaminated water without wearing rubber boots, gloves, and waders.

Gas leaks sometimes occur when floodwaters cause significant structural devastation. Listen for hissing noises, smell sulfur, and look for bubbling. These are all signs you may have a flammable leakage. Evacuate the building if these indicators are present, then call for professional assistance.

Even after your office has been cleaned, there is still the risk of carbon monoxide. This gas is particularly perilous, as it cannot be seen or smelled. Test your detectors to make certain they are working properly.

Blackwater turns your office into a dangerous environment. Before allowing staff to return, make sure that the hazards associated with contaminated water have been completely eliminated.