24 Hour Flood Damage Restoration of Carpets (Continued)
Floodwater damage is considered either clean or contaminated dependent upon the presence and number of germs, toxic chemicals, and the time until flood damage restoration procedures are completed. Contamination can be a health and safety issue. Time and temperature greatly affect the number and types of germs that are present in floodwater and resulting water damage.
Emergency 24 Hour Hot Line
877-349-3566
Mold (fungi that present in chains) and bacteria (extremely small single cell organisms) are the two most common microorganisms (germs) that occur in floodwater situations. Both proliferate in dark warm places and both can pose major threats to humans. The most common molds that are found in floodwater situations include Aspergilllus, Penicillium, Stachybotbrys. Other types can also occur. Bacteria that are common in black water (highly contaminated water such as sewage) situations include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and campylocbacer. There are toxic forms of molds and bacteria that are especially hazardous to health. These toxic forms can cause respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal illnesses and even death.
Floodwater damage restoration includes treatment of three categories of floodwater; clean, gray, and black.
- Clean floodwater is drinkable water at the source that does not pose a danger to humans. Examples of clean water damage would be overflow from a clean bath tub or sink, or a leak from a toilet tank. If untreated for more than 48 hours clean water becomes contaminated and is then category two floodwater.
- Gray floodwater is unsanitary and can potentially cause illness in humans. Water from wash cycles of dish or clothes washers; or toilet water with urine are examples of Gray Floodwater. Gray water can contain fungi, bacteria, algae, or viruses (microorganisms or germs) or food for these organisms. It may also contain chemicals. If untreated for more than 48 hours category two floodwater then becomes category three flood -water.
- Black floodwater is highly contaminated and unsanitary. It a poses a great risk to humans. If swallowed it can cause grave illness or death. Black floodwater is contaminated with microorganisms and or toxic chemicals. Sewage leaks, back flows, or overflows into buildings, rivers, lakes, or oceans would result in Black Floodwater. Industrial waste is an all to frequent contributor to Black Flood water.
Floodwater categories one and two have the potential of becoming category three floodwater due to time, ambient temperature ,and to exposure to microorganisms or materials containing substances such as pesticides, or other chemicals.
THE MINUTE A DROP OF WATER STRIKES A SURFACE WITH GERMS THE GERMS BEGIN TO MULTIPLY RAPIDLY YIELDING CONTAMINATION.
This is true of carpet and other floor coverings as well as any other surface with even a few germs.
The ambient temperature and duration of time since the incident are also highly significant in determining the category of floodwater and resulting water damage to be dealt with. Rapid response to flood water damage using expert restoration is critical.
Because of the complexity of the nature of floodwater and resultant water damage its critical to use trained professional technicians in the restoration assessment and treatment. Each incident of floodwater damage is unique requiring careful assessment of that situation and influential factors. JW Floodwater restoration technicians place emphasis on health, safety, and the use of environmentally sound procedures.
The floodwater damage technicians’ first priority is to eliminate safety hazards. The foci of floodwater restoration science are placed on microbiology and on drying principles and techniques. Once the source of the floodwater is eliminated, procedures are initiated to contain the damage to the smallest possible area, eliminate staining situations, and expedite the drying process. Other procedures may be indicated to eradicate the germs. Chemicals called biocides or pesticides may need to be used. Prior to use the Supervisor will discuss use of chemical/s with the owner and or occupant: and will give them copies of necessary MSDS. Because use of biocides or pesticides (chemicals) is always a threat to humans and animals: and because of environmental concerns chemicals are used by JW Technicians only when absolutely required.
If addressing floodwater three, Black Floodwater, the Supervisor may ask the resident/s to vacate the premises for their health and safety. They will need to remain off site until its deemed safe for their return.
In such instances the technician may need to wear personal protective equipments such as facemasks, goggles, respirators, gloves, boots and disposable overalls.
If the resident or owner is insured for floodwater damage the insurance company may cover a stay in a hotel or motel if other housing is not available.
Restoration Services- residential and commercial:
Emergency 24 Hour Hot Line
877-349-3566
Basic Services Include:
- Investigation of the situation
- Assessment of the water damage
- Containment-prevention of extension of water damage to uninvolved areas from ambient humidity and contamination
- Removal and disinfection of, or disposal of unsalvageable water damaged furniture and other water damaged items
- Storage of furniture and other clean belongings
- Water and Sewage extraction and clean up
- Drying procedures
- Carpet and pad removal and restoration if salvageable
- Disposal of carpet and pad, if not recoverable
- Crawl space water damage clean up, disinfection, and deodorization
- Content disinfection and deodorization
- Soffit, ceiling, and floorboard examination using Thermal Imaging Camera
- Direct insurance billing
- Referral for other indicated services
Causative agents:
- Toilet, bathtub, or sink overflow
- Water heater leak
- Dishwasher or clothes washer overflow
- Water pipe or water main break
- Roof leak
- Sprinkler malfunction
- River or lake flood
- Mud slide
- Trauma scene
