• Check plumbing yearly to ensure integrity of pipes
• Periodically check roof – patch up any holes or missing shingles
• Make sure any electrical items are elevated to avoid contact with water during a flood
• Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds
• Clean gutters regularly, so they can effectively carry away water

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Clean Water Damage

Clean water damage involves water which is not contaminated in any way, and is safe to work with. An example of this occurrence would be water from a broken pipe or a leaking appliance. Rain water from a leaky roof can also be “clean”. Although the water is clean, it still must be removed within 24 hours to avoid mold growth. Contact First Call Restoration for removal assistance.

Gray Water Damage

Gray water damage is slightly contaminated, and thus dangerous to work with. It can cause a person to become uncomfortable or even ill. If clean water is left for too long, it can become gray water. Any type of water that is “used” water is considered gray because it is no longer pure. Precautions should be taken when cleaning up gray water; gloves and boots should be worn to protect against microbes. However the best option is to contact First Call Restoration to remove the water for you.

Black Water Damage

Black water is highly contaminated. It can contain fungi, bacteria, chemicals, or pesticides. Black water is usually a result of some kind of natural disaster, or sewage damage. The contamination in black water is extremely dangerous – it can cause sickness, and in some cases, even death. Black water should always be handled by a professional. If you have black water in your home, contact First Call Restoration immediately and we will promptly remove it.

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• Vacuum carpets at least twice a week.
• Clean spills up immediately, following manufacturers recommendations.
• Use mats at all doorways to prevent tracking of dirt into the home.
• Call First Call Restoration once a year to attend to deep stains and dirt deposits that standard vacuum cleaners can’t pick up.

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Homeowners and property managers sometimes remove standing water themselves, then neglect to have the area professionally dried because the surfaces look dry or feel “dry to the touch.” However, without the proper assessment equipment, it is impossible to determine how much moisture is still within the structure. And without the proper drying equipment it is impossible to draw that moisture out before it cultivates mold or causes other structural damage. Increased moisture in the air after an indoor flood can cause “secondary” damage to decorative wood, books, artwork and other items, so thorough drying and de-humidification are critical.

How water extraction works

Using the latest and truck-mounted equipment, we remove most of the standing water within a short period of time. After we have completed our extraction of standing water, the structure must be dried thoroughly and properly to avoid mold contamination of your structure and contents.

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Studies have shown that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outside air. Most disposable filters only remove about 10% of these pollutants – allowing 90% to enter the air system, even during the construction of a new home.
The pollutants – dust, pollen, mold spores, & animal dander – collect in the air conditioner and duct surfaces, just as they do on the furniture and floor surfaces. The furniture and floor are cleaned regularly, but the duct surfaces are hidden from view and can only be reached by specialized duct cleaning equipment.

These pollutants can migrate out into the room again, or become a food source for mold and bacteria, which can thrive in this dark comfortable environment from high humidity or moisture from the air conditioner or humidifiers. Biological growth can release mold spores or toxins into the air system.

How air duct cleaning works

First Call Restoration’s highly trained technicians take the following steps:

• Vacuum the interior surfaces of the air conditioner.
• Clean the cooling coils with a HEPA vacuum and a coil cleaner.
• Clean the Blower unit.
• Use the Auto mist fogger to decontaminate the interior surfaces with EPA registered Biocide.
• Remove wall, ceiling and Floor registers. Wash Register with Dynamite cleaner and rinse.
• Plug supply duct openings with foam register plugs.
• Block return by placing the filter in a plastic bag and installing in the unit.
• Attach the Turbo Jet negative air machine to the system. It can be attached to a Floor Duct or the Furnace Plenum with an Adapter Plate. The Pogo Pole Hose Adapter can be used to connect to ceiling and wall ducts.
• The Cobra Power Brush will aggressively remove duct debris.
• The Sidewinder Air Powered tool will remove duct debris more gently.
• Decontaminate cleaned ducts with Micro ban and Odor Kill Deodorizer
• Remove the bagged filter from the return and install an air filter.
• Remove the foam plugs from the supply ducts and install the registers.
• Install Solid Odor Kill in the return to control odors for up to 3 months.

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Hurricane Emergency Checklist

Hurricane preparedness is crucial for this year to reduce the recovery time. Get your emergency checklist and supplies ready before storm hits. Your hurricane emergency checklist should include:

• Drinking water
• Non-perishable food items – at least a few weeks supply
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• Candles & matches
• Portable radio
• Cell phone with extra battery or standalone cell phone charger
• First aid kit
• Items for infants: diapers, formula, baby foot, creams, ointments

Things to do before the hurricane hits

• Get your complete emergency checklist from FCR Restoration this year.
• Have your insurance information updated and ready ahead of the storm season.
• Stock up on any tools you may need to fix any damage to your home after the storm.
• Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car.

Things to do immediately after the hurricane hits

• Place your family members in safety.
• Shut off all power and water for the time being until being notified by the utility companies that they are safe to use.
• Call FCR Restoration at 877.999.3271 to start assessing your property damage and we will notify your insurance company. When you call please have the following information ready: your insurance information, full address of the loss including ZIP code, type of loss i.e. flood damage, basement flood, water damage, fire damage, electrical damage, roof damage, roof leak.

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Mold Warning Signs

• A strange, pungent odor – This can be confined in one area of your home.
• Visible mold – Check damp areas in your basement or cellar.
• Health problems – Watering eyes, lack of energy, congestion

If you suspect mold

Call First Call Restoration today for a free mold inspection.

• Orange and Manatee Counties: 407-536-2020
• Anywhere in Central / Southwest Florida: Toll Free 877-999-3271

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