Carrara Companies Cleaning & Restoration Services Blog

Carrara Hosts Disaster Planning Seminar

On Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Carrara Companies hosted a Disaster Planning & Disaster Recovery Seminar, located and sponsored, by Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens located in Akron, Ohio. The common goal was to learn and develop an existing disaster plan for their organization, with the key importance focusing on limiting downtime, and maximizing the protection of valuable holdings and archival materials. Attendees included the Robinson Memorial Hospital, Cleveland Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, Toledo Library, Kent State University, Akron University, Akron Museum of Art, and Stan Hywet Hall.

Joe Goetz, a large loss specialist from Brouwer Bros. Steamatic in Chicago, was a guest presenter and walked everyone through a case study, in which a museum withstood severe flooding. Topics discussed were actual real life examples of recovery, and things never planned before a disaster strikes. Joe took everyone from the beginning of the recovery, all the way to the reopening of the museum.

"It was a great day of open discussion and information, that helped some of the area's key attractions and municipal services improve their disaster recovery plan," said Eric Schlaubach, Carrara Companies Sales Manager.

After the event, attendees were treated to a tour of the 64,000 square-foot manor house, originally built in 1915. For more information about Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, you can visit their website here.

For more information about disaster planning, or if you need help developing a disaster recovery plan, feel free to contact Eric Schlaubach, or any member of the Carrara team.

First Steps to Flood Cleanup – Part 3: Saving & Rebuilding Your Home

You have recognized the dangers of flood cleanup, begun the rescue of your personal belongings, and now it is time to save and rebuild your home. After contacting your insurance agent, and understanding your coverage, the adjuster will determine what course of action is required. A general contractor and restoration services company is best equipped in assisting you in this potentially traumatic event. There are some things, which you can do to help, and know during this process.

Walls & Ceilings:

• Wallboard, or drywall, behaves like a sponge, and will soak up the water and contaminates. It must be removed, at least to flood level, and remember to pay attention to any ductwork or wiring.
• Proper airflow inside the walls will allow necessary drying to prevent health hazards.
• Insulation should be handled professionally, as each type requires different methods of restoration or replacement.

Flooring:

• Wood flooring needs to be dried gradually to ensure all the moisture is removed. If not dried correctly, the wood may crack and/or swell causing further damage. The wood must be clean and dried before any repairs.
• Vinyl or laminated flooring is removed to allow the subflooring to properly dry.
• Carpets must be cleaned and dried as quickly as possible. The potential for mold growth is especially high, due to the organic nature of some fibers. If the carpet is exposed to water for more than 24 hours, it is best replaced. Padding should also be replaced, as it is almost impossible to clean properly.

HVAC & Electrical Systems:

• Both require separate servicing, cleaning, and inspecting before they can be utilized. If insulation is involved, it will need replaced.

Roofing & Foundation:

• Cracks, clogging, defective flashing, and holes are some of the symptoms of an affected roof. Professionally corrected and inspected is ideal.
• If flooding occured in the basement, pump only about 2-3 feet per day. Excessive pumping will drain the basement too quickly, increasing the pressure, and possibly causing cracks in the foundation.

First Steps to Flood Cleanup – Part 2: Rescuing Your Loss

 

Once you have recognized the potential threats involved in flood cleanup, it is now time for the work itself. Many cherished personal belongings may have been lost, and rescuing what remains is as important as your health.

• Contact your insurance agent, and if your insurance covers the damage, an adjuster will arrive to inspect the damage — document everything!
• If there is mud present, shovel away as much as possible. Use a garden hose if necessary to spray away any loose debris or dirt.
• Use a heavy-duty cleaner, or ¼ cup per gallon bleach solution, to scrub everything. The cleaner must be a disinfectant to kill germs.
• Soak any kitchen implements and plates in boiled, sanitized water. Also, ensure the water contains the aforementioned cleaning solution.
• If contaminated by floodwaters, toys, stuffed animals, and mattresses may need replaced. They can soak up the potential hazards residing in the water.
• Solid-wood furniture is restorable, while the cheaper veneered wood will more than likely require replacement.
• Damaged documents and photographs may be frozen and rescued by a professional restoration company. Clean as much of them as possible, carefully and slowly, and seek help if necessary.
• Professionals should also clean appliances and electronics, because deposits, stains, and odors can remain if not properly treated. Each will also have to be sanitized and recertified for use.
• Clothing may either be treated professionally, or done by you. If you decide to wash exposed clothing, ensure it is separated from non-contaminated clothing, and washed in hot water and detergent.

First Steps to Flood Cleanup – Part 1: Understanding the Dangers

The spring and summer months bring a welcome, warm temperature change and beginning of growth and renewal. The rains and melting snow, however, also bring the potential for disaster and heartbreak. Rising waters or unsuspecting flash flooding may not only cause damage to your home and belongings, but may also bring dangers to the health of your family.

More than just people navigating small boats through flooded streets, floodwater has the potential to carry with it sewage and infectious organisms. Harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus are a few of the dangers, which can threaten you and your family. Chemicals from nearby industrial plants may also pollute the flooding water, causing such symptoms as headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, nausea, excitability, weakness, and fatigue. In the warmer months and areas, standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, which can carry dangers such as West Nile, encephalitis, and/or other insect-borne diseases.

Animals seeking shelter from the rising water also are a potential hazard. An animal bite from a wild animal, which may contain rabies, is a serious threat. Disease from fleas and ticks is another hazard commonly associated with wild animals, and medical attention must be taken immediately should any bite occur.

• Keep children and pets safe and clear from the contaminated area until the flood cleanup is thoroughly completed.
• More than anything, hygiene is the most important factor to adhere to during cleanup. Make sure you use hot water and soap, diluted with a bleach solution or detergent used for killing germs.
• Never prepare food, or wash, with any water suspected of contamination.
• Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in contaminated areas. Rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles are some of the basic safety items you should be wearing.
• Ensure your vaccinations (tetanus) are current prior to working in contaminated areas, and seek medical attention immediately if any scratch or bite occurs.
• Fire and explosions are possible if electrical and chemical exposures are not recognized. Police, fire department, or other trained safety personnel should handle these hazards — do not risk the dangers if they can be avoided.

Disaster Recovery: Filing an Insurance Claim

Immediately following a flood, tornado, severe storm, hurricane or earthquake, ensuring your family is safe is the main priority. Once everyone is safe, disaster recovery for any damage to your home is the next phase and the following steps are critical when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Contact your insurance company and/or agent, and get the following information:

• Are you covered for the losses incurred?
• Is the claim more than your deductible?
• How long does the process take?
• How many estimates must I get for any structural damage?
• What if I do not have proof of ownership for the items in my home?
• Are there any living expenses covered in my policy?

If you elect to make temporary repairs, make sure you do it in a safe manner. Save all receipts for any materials you purchase, and do not make any permanent repairs. Photograph all of the objects in your home, and create a home inventory. Also, save any receipts for your living expenses.

Soon after the natural disaster, an adjuster will arrive to assess the damages. Make sure you pay attention to what the adjuster is looking at and for, and get copies of any disaster recovery forms and/or notes the adjuster fills out. You will be required to fill out a Proof of Loss form, so be sure to be as detailed as possible. If the adjuster is not able to complete a full inspection, ensure you schedule a second visit to accurately document everything.

Make sure your electrical and heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems are thoroughly inspected, and note all structural damage to all buildings on your property. Do not throw away any personal belongings or furniture, and use the photographs and home inventory when determining your losses.

Be sure you get estimates from reliable and experienced restoration services companies or contractors. These should be as detailed as possible, and if they aren't, be weary of questionable business practices. Remember to document and retain everything, as it will help you in the long run.

Proper Flood Cleanup Prevents Indoor Mold Exposure

Winter only last several months, but the accumulating snow may cause severe problems when the Spring thaw arrives. Sewers and rivers back up and spill out and over into homes and offices, potentially causing health issues during the flood cleanup.

Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Exposure can be minimalized or eliminated with the proper protection and knowledge of how to tackle the flood cleanup. Ensure personnel are trained in flood restoration, and are well equipped in properly removing any hazards for your home and office.