Help for Flood Victims

In light of this fact, we would like to do what we can to help advise homeowners as to how best to get through this disaster. 

First and foremost, try to relax. 

As impossible as that may sound, it is a very important first step for being able to think clearly, act swiftly, and communicate calmly, all which will help you get to the other side of this without undue stress.  We understand how horrendous the situation is with flooding and sewage in your basement; it is possibly the worst day of your life.  But, if you can stay focused and patient, you will be able to do what is necessary to eventually get back to normal.

Important Information!

Although we are not able to provide as fast of a response as we typically do, please call us for help and we will do everything we can to help you out:  866-944-7876.  Residents with flood damage can call 311 to report flooding or sewer backups to the city.

To help minimize loss, and prevent further damage while technicians from PuroClean Professional Services are en route, we suggest property owners follow these guidelines;

·         Call your agent.

·         Take photographs of the damage.

·         Keep all receipts from hotel stays, home repair materials, etc.

·         If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, your whole system is backed up. Call a professional and don’t use other sinks or toilets.

·         Appliances exposed to water should be serviced before being used again.

·         Throw out all food, including canned goods, medicines and cosmetics that have been touched by flood water!

·         Keep a photographic inventory of anything that must be thrown out.

·         Don’t take pets into a flooded area and never let them drink standing flood water.

·         Remember never attempt to clean or remove raw sewage by yourself! You can put yourself at serious risk of gastrointestinal diseases and Hepatitis. 

·         We recommend closing the vents in the affected area (if possible), closing the door and placing a towel or other item to seal off airflow until the professionals arrive in order to make it as bearable as possible. 

Those displaced by the storm can seek shelter at the Reimer Community Learning Center Shelter at 2370 Manchester Rd. That facility will be equipped with Red Cross staff, volunteers, and medical personnel, and will be open around the clock as long as there is a need, the city said.

Also, all of Akron's community centers will be open until 9 p.m. Wednesday night to provide a place for residents to get out of the sweltering heat.

Considering the extensive flooding in the Midwest this last spring, it would be easy to curse the day your basement was born.

It’s a dank pit below your feet, in some cases constantly flooding, growing mold and smelling foul.  Condensation forms on pipes and walls, sump pumps get overwhelmed or fail and your precious belongings stored below get ruined….arrgh!

You may swear that you’ll never own a basement again.   BUT… consider the alternatives.  The grass is not necessarily greener without a basement.

Alternative #1 - Crawlspace:  

 A crawlspace has all the same characteristics of a basement with 3-5 feet less ceiling height and possibly dirt floors.  Many a cold winter’s day have I spent on my belly crawling around dealing with moisture problems within these places, typically only suitable for raccoons and hobbits.  Utilities are irksome to access (like a broken pipe, electrical or HVAC system) and good luck replacing your furnace filter!  I don’t even want to get started about the all-around nastiness of sewage in a dirt-floor crawlspace.  

 Alternative #2 – Concrete Slab: 

 This should work, right?  No pit under your feet…what could go wrong? Many slab homes utilize concrete to install ductwork, water supply lines, drain lines and other utilities, but, much like utilities in any other home, these will fail or require maintenance.  Instead of walking into a basement or scooting into a crawlspace, you are bringing in a jack hammer, the whole time hoping you know exactly where the problem is and that the problem area isn’t under a wall or a cabinet. Not to mention, if a pipe above the slab were to break it just continues to spread horizontally into the living space, tainting kitchens and bathrooms.  Flood waters are often not covered under property insurance and falls under Category 3/black water due to all the fun pollutants it picks up along the way requiring all of the drywall and textiles to be removed that have been touched by the filth.  Hopefully the homeowner has thousands of dollars squirrelled away for such an occasion.

 Alternative #3 – Learn to LOVE (or at least take care of) your basement: 

Although I am not a fan of disaster proofing your home and taking every step of the building process to think “ok, what if I flood?,” there are materials such as fiber mat drywall, vinyl composite trim, nature stone floors that will help minimize damage.  A battery backup with check valve on your sump pump system is a great idea too. Simply put, build to code and mitigate damage quickly using certified professionals.

 Mike’s Advice

Obviously my advice is to keep your basement.  Responsible ownership is the key. Think about what you keep and where you keep it. Plastic totes, pallets, or wood blocks minimize damage and make for easy cleanup. Finished areas need to consistently have a relative humidity below 60% with strong foundation walls and floors.  A drop ceiling is always a good idea vs. drywall; drop ceilings make for slick access to utilities and it is simple and inexpensive to replace damaged tiles.  If you are going to frame up and install drywall and insulation, build away from walls to allow the foundation to breathe. Keep in mind, though, with all due respect to the Transamerica pyramid, there are no disaster proof buildings, especially when it comes to water damage.

Don’t give up! Basements are still the best, as frustrating as they may be.  If managed carefully, (a big ‘if’) crawlspaces can be effective spaces for storage and access to the utilities. However, the addition of a basement is typically a better investment during new construction.

Mike Bowman is a Production Manager for PuroClean Professional Services in Brunswick, OH and is a Master Fire & Smoke Restorer, Water Restorer and Textile Cleaner having served North East Ohio for 12 years. He has been asked to speak about restoration for the Red Cross and has been an instructor for the TMC Group in both the United States and Canada. He can be reached at: mbowman@puroclean.com

Look at this guy, trying to end flooding single handedly. While this is surely not the recommended action when heavy rains start hitting your neighborhood, I can definitely understand why this guy would go to such lengths to stop water from entering his home. Either way, it is an interesting tidbit.

PARMA, Ohio - A Parma man was arrested after police say he stuffed carpet into a sewer during Thursday night's rain storm.

The incident happened in the 2700 block of Fortune Avenue in Parma when a neighbor confronted 56-year-old John Kish for blocking the sewer with pieces of carpet, police said.

The Parma Police Department said the neighbor told Kish he was going to take the carpet out of the sewer, but Kish said "Don't, I'm locked and loaded." The neighbor told police he believed Kish would shoot him.

The fire is out, and the smoke has cleared. The fire department is gone, and the home owners are left with a disaster on their hands. It is important to have a professional mitigation company that can meet the required professional standards in service while recognizing the importance of extending true compassion and understanding.

After a fire is extinguished, a homeowner's first obligation is to call the insurance company. This is most likely the first, and probably the only time, they will have to deal with this type of situation. They are distraught, stressed and traumatized. They need help.

So, what do you say to them? What suggestions can you make to begin the process of not only restoring their property, but also helping to restore their lives?

Safety is always the first concern. You want to ensure that the homeowner does not enter and walk around in the structure, which could expose them or other occupants to hazards. This can be a problem because smoke darkens the structure and obstructs the view of identifiable safety concerns. There may be compromised structural components, falling debris or even electrical-safety issues. Depending on the severity of the loss, the homeowner or other occupants may need to consider leaving the building.

In addition to the structural hazards, it is also important to consider health issues, especially in exasperating any respiratory ailments or concerns of the homeowner or others living in the damaged structure. Every fire generates particles of incomplete combustion (PIC's) that remain in the air and on surfaces after the fire is out. Many of these PIC's are known as carcinogens. They range in size from 0.1 to 4.0 microns. A micron is 1/1,000,000 of a meter-takes the thickness of a dime and slices it 1,000 times! Because of their very small size, PIC's are easily inhaled.

The homeowner should consider leaving the structure, at least temporarily, especially if someone already has a known respiratory concern (infants, seniors, diabetics, asthmatics, etc.) If the homeowner decides to leave, have them secure the property to the highest extent possible. The next step is to get the professional mitigation company involved immediately! The sooner they start the restoration process, the easier it is going to be to assess, evaluate and act on the damage. The faster the response is, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions. For instance:

WITHIN MINUTES:

Plastic and marble surfaces begin to permanently stain. "The most effective way to ensure maximum service and outcome is to recommend a mitigation company you know and trust."

WITHIN HOURS:

Metals tarnish, grout stains, fiberglass yellows and furniture yellows.

WITHIN DAYS:

Flooring stains, fabrics are lost, and wood furniture finish is compromised.

And, the list goes on. The faster a professional can begin, the faster the occupants can return to a restored and healthy environment, and the better the homeowner can manage the loss to keep restoration costs as low as possible.

A professional mitigation company's personnel know how to allay the many concerns and fears that a homeowner has after a fire. A prompt, knowledgeable and sympathetic response will go a long way in explaining the process and assuring them of the best possible outcome. The most effective way to ensure maximum service and outcome is to recommend a mitigation company you know and trust. Explain to the homeowner that they will be contacted; then call the mitigation company with the necessary information and let them make contact. Check with your client to confirm contact, but if you've made the right referral, the company should have already made contact letting them know what to expect-and that they will be on the site in a matter of hours.

Another responsibility of the homeowner is to document the personal items they have lost and try to attach a value. Take a moment and think of all the things you would hate to lose if a fire occurred in your home. Your customers are experiencing those emotions for real. They should review what was in the affected room or rooms and begin documenting losses as soon as they are able. A professional will take the time to communicate with the insured on the processes that will take place, how their property and personal items will be protected, and work with them on getting their lives back together.

The responsibility of the professional Smoke and Fire Company includes:

• Respond rapidly to the customer

• Communicate the procedures and secure an authorization

• Scope the damage and provide a detailed estimate

• Control and contain to prevent continuing damage

• Prevent cross-contamination

• Properly clean and process the entire job

• Process and properly dispose of wastes

• Provide effective odor control

• Provide an environment ready for any final repairs

From the time the first call is received until the mitigation is complete, a professional mitigation company is essential in handling the claim and in managing the cost.

PuroClean Professional Services

866-944-PURO (7876)

PuroCleanProServices.com

"April showers" are sometimes much more than just a bit of rain. Spring weather can include a wide range of weather activity - including serious storms with severe winds that can cause serious structure damage and heavy rainfall that can cause over-the-ground flooding, or even flooding from streams and rivers.

The storm season is upon us!  If you experience damage of any size, these tips may help you get your home back in order more quickly. Keep this advice handy for quick reference.

INSURANCE

• Call your agent as soon as possible.
• Take photographs of the damage.

GETTING HELP FOR YOUR HOME

When checking your home or business for damages, watch out for fallen power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and wild animals driven into the open.

Plumbing:   Check pipes inside and outside your home (i.e. irrigation systems). Within your home, there are usually shut-off valves in specific areas near toilets and under sinks. If necessary, locate the master valve and shut off all water to your home. If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, it probably means your main sewer line is clogged or broken. Don't make the problem worse by using other sinks or toilets. Call a professional for assistance.

Roofing:  Check your roof for missing shingles. Even if only a few shingles are lost, do not risk life and limb by going onto your roof. Call a professional roofer, contractor or handyman. They have the skills, tools and equipment to do the job safely and properly. Have them do a temporary "fix" to stop rain coming in, until a permanent solution can be arranged.

Electrical:   Most damage to electrical systems comes from water. Appliances exposed to water should be disconnected from their power source and serviced before being used. Check for frayed wires and watch for sparks. If you have structural damage or see exposed wires, call an electrician. Keep the power off - there is the possibility of electrocution if you turn the power on yourself. Exterior breaker boxes are typically rain-tight but may not withstand a major storm - if you suspect water has infiltrated the box, call an electrician before turning on the power. Avoid metal fences - they may carry a charge from fallen or dangling utility wires. If a limb or tree has fallen on a power line near your house, turn off the power and call the utility company. If the limb touches your property, it becomes your responsibility. Call an electrician. Do not attempt to cut or clear fallen trees that are around power lines.

FLOODING

For flooding problems, your best plan is to call a professional restoration company. If you decide to do-it-yourself, here are some tips that may help: because of contaminants (such as sewage, oil, pesticides, etc.), take precautions and wear boots, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator; minimize the damage by removing standing water (pump or squeegee the standing water and use a vacuum only if it's a true wet-dry vacuum); remove everything absorbent that has been contaminated by flood water (carpeting, carpet padding, furniture, drapes, etc.); use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the area; throw away all medicines, cosmetics, and foods - even canned goods - if they have been submerged in floodwaters; check for hidden moisture behind wallboards, and take out damaged portions to avoid mold; and clean floors and cabinets by washing them with detergent, then disinfect with a disinfectant from the grocery or hardware store. Remember, keep a photographic (or video) inventory of anything you must throw out.

FIRING UP THE CHAINSAW

Don't!  Clearing away a broken tree or a large downed tree can be dangerous. A professional should be contacted.    

AUTOMOBILES

Automobiles can easily be damaged by floodwaters, tree limbs, or falling debris. If an automobile is damaged: notify your insurance agent; cover broken windows if the car appears salvageable; and list valuables in your car that have been lost or damaged.

SCAM - ALERT

Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters bring out those who take advantage of the situation. But by following a few practical guidelines, you can help protect yourself from additional loss: try to work with local or known contractors (verify with the Yellow Pages); don't pay for work until it is finished and you are satisfied (if a reasonable down payment is required, get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed); pay with a check or a credit card. Beware of a contractor who tries to pressure you. If an offer is only good "now or never," find someone else. Obtain written estimates for all proposed work that include proposed scopes and prices. Also, beware of charity scams that might use a storm to make their pleas for donations more plausible; only give to organizations you know and recognize.

Regardless of the circumstances - damage from storms or floods, or damage from fire, smoke or even mold, call your local PuroClean office@ 866-944-7876, the Paramedics of Property Damage^TM. These professionals are standing by to mitigate the loss and prevent further damage, and to provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. All PuroClean offices have professional, well-trained technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire/smoke, mold, and other disasters.

PuroClean Professional Services

866-944-PURO (7876)

PuroCleanProServices.com

The Myths of Mold Removal

Cleveland, OH (Grassroots Newswire) April 1 2011 -- No property is ever safe from mold, and unfortunately the average property owner has limited knowledge on treatment methods when the fungus is discovered. PuroClean Professional Services of Northeast Ohio, part of the nation’s fastest growing property damage remediation franchise, is available 24/7 to relieve property owners when mold appears, preventing any further damage or health risks.

While it’s true that a mold appearance must be addressed immediately, there are many myths regarding mold treatment. Luckily for area property owners, PuroClean Professional Services, known as the "Paramedics of Property Damage," has the tools and training to bring mold under control and educate homeowners about common mold misgivings.

According to Emilio Soli, who owns PuroClean Professional Services, property owners who are misinformed about treatments for mold sometimes cause further damage trying to remediate the mold without professional help. It’s important to call a PuroClean Professional Services professional when mold is spotted or if there is a musty smell.

When attempting to take proactive steps before a PuroClean Professional Services professional arrives, it’s imperative to be aware of the following myths:

It is a common belief that bleach will fix a mold problem, and while it will kill living mold if applied properly, it does not prevent immediate re-appearance. There is no all-inclusive product for sudden mold removal.

Use of Ozone will not destroy mold and can be potentially harmful to all life in the property -- including humans.

Mold can’t be controlled with high heat drying, and the heat can cause secondary damage, such as over-drying wood furniture, melting plastics and killing indoor plants.

Mold resistant drywall is available, but mold resistant does NOT mean mold proof. Mold resistant products are not the answer to keeping property mold free. They can play an important part, but careful design, construction and maintenance are key to keeping property dry, and ultimately preventing mold.

According to the Center for Disease Control, exposure to the allergens produced by mold can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Those with serious allergies to molds may have more severe reactions Soli said it is important to call mold removal professionals like PuroClean Professional Services at the first sign of mold or musty smells

The Production Manager supervises disaster response and crisis management services to our customers and/or clients for property damage following water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold, biohazard, vandalism, and other disaster events. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Mitigation, Drying, Remediation, Demolition, Debris removal, Cleaning, Job Management, Documentation, Training and other duties and responsibilities as assigned. The Production Manager is a management position supervising Production Team Leaders and Field Technicians.

Competitive Base Salary (exempt) and bonus program available. Paid training, vacation, 401k, health benefits, company vehicle, and other benefits available to the qualified candidate.

Requirements:

3-5 Years experience as a Production Supervisor/Manager in the Insurance Restoration industry.
3-5 Years experience managing front-line field employees.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
High School Diploma and some college education. College Degree preferred.
Exceptional customer service skills.

Legally eligible to work in the United States.
Valid and clean driver's license.

Must pass entrance and periodic drug screening, background checks, and DMV/driving record checks.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wanted: Production Manager - Management position supervising Production Team Leaders and Field Technicians.
Competitive Base Salary (exempt) and bonus program available. Paid training, vacation, 401k, health benefits, company vehicle, and other benefits available to the qualified candidate.
3-5 Years experience as a Production Supervisor/Manager in the Insurance Restoration industry.
Valid and clean driver's license.

Must pass entrance and periodic drug screening, background checks, and DMV/driving record checks.

For more info, go to:  http://www.puroclean..com/office/633/careers

What to Do ... and Not to Do in a Water Emergency

Nation's Experts Advise Property Owners How to Reduce Damage from Water-Related Emergencies

Cleveland, OH (Grassroots Newswire) March 4 2011 - According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage related incidents resulting from leaks and other "wet" mishaps are the No. 1 reason homeowners file claims with their insurance companies. Property owners can actually minimize damage and significantly reduce safety risks by following expert advice from PuroClean Professional Services, part of a leading national franchise that specializes in mitigation and restoration services for water, mold, fire, trauma events and other types of losses.

As the "Paramedics of Property Damage," PuroClean Professional Services arrives at the scene of a loss and takes the necessary steps to bring the situation under control, preventing it from becoming worse, and finally providing restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.

"No one thinks that a water damage crisis could ever happen to them, but the unfortunate truth is that every American is impacted by water damage at some point in their life," said Emilio Soli, owner of PuroClean Professional Services.  "Most people don't realize the magnitude of a water-related disaster, and that there are actually some measures they can take themselves before we arrive to protect themselves and their property from further loss."

To help minimize loss, and prevent further damage while technicians from PuroClean Professional Services are en route, Soli suggests property owners follow these guidelines:

-  Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting the saturated area.
-  Wipe furniture to remove excess water
-  Place Aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.
-  Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying
-  Lift drapes off flooring, loop through a coat hanger and hang on curtain rod
-  Remove wet area rugs
-  Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer
-  Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place
-  Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying
-  Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.
-  Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
-  Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water
-  Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances

Do Not
-  Use your household vacuum to remove the excess water
-  Use electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring or carpets
-  Enter a room where electrical cords are in water
-  Wait to call for professional help. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur

Services provided by PuroClean Professional Services include water damage restoration, odor control, fire and smoke restoration, sewage clean-ups, debris removal, water extraction, sanitization, crawl space drying, trauma restoration, emergency board-ups, structural drying, wind damage, disinfecting, mold removal and basement drying.

PuroClean's technology allows people to repair their homes and regain their lives after a disaster. Quickly providing the insurance community and property owners with disaster restoration and mitigation services, PuroClean minimizes loss and prevents additional damage from mold, soot, smoke and odors to structure and contents. 

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of more than 300 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean certified technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. Last year, PuroClean trained more than 10,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits.  For more information on PuroClean, please contact Emilio Soli at 866-944-7876 or visit PuroCleanProServices.com.

Local Expert Offers Tips to Reduce Losses from Water and Storm Damage

'Paramedics of Property Damage' Help Relieve Stress of Local Property Owners Suffering from Property Damage

Cleveland, OH  (Grassroots Newswire) February 11 2011 --  Home owners suffering from water damage are faced with an extremely stressful experience. PuroClean Professional Services, part of the nation's fastest growing property damage remediation franchise, is prepared to immediately restore property, relieving the stress of  property owners during an extremely vulnerable time.

Water loss and damage is a real threat for property owners. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute in the last year, 22 per 1,000 households have entered a claim for water related damage.  "These situations are more common than most people think," said Emilio Soli, owner of PuroClean Professional Services.  "Water damage can often result from weather, such as storms or melting snow, or more often, from common household malfunctions such as pipe leaks, washing machine malfunctions or other plumbing problems."

To help minimize loss, and prevent further damage while technicians from PuroClean Professional Services are en route, Soli suggests property owners follow these guidelines:
Insurance
o Call your agent.
o Take photographs of the damage.
o Keep all receipts from hotel stays, home repair materials, etc.
Plumbing
o Check pipes on well pumps and irrigation systems.
o If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, your whole system is backed up. Call a professional and don't use other sinks or toilets.
Roofing
o If the neighbor's roof is missing shingles after a storm, you can assume that yours probably is, too.
o If only a few shingles are gone, try to cover the area with a garbage bag.
o If you have a large area of ripped tar paper or wood, cover it with a tarpaulin and call a roofer immediately.
Electric
o Most damage to electrical systems comes from water.
o Appliances exposed to water should be serviced before being used again.
o Check for sparks or frayed wires if wires are exposed call an electrician and do not turn on the power.
o If it appears that water has infiltrated your breaker box, call an electrician.
o Avoid fallen and dangling wires or metal fences.
o If a limb has fallen on a power line, turn off the power and call the utility company.
o If a fallen limb touches your property, it becomes your responsibility, but you should not attempt to clear them as they may be tangled in power lines. Call an electrician.

Flooding (Take these steps to minimize damage before the restoration professional arrives.)
o Throw out all food, including canned goods, medicines and cosmetics that have been touched by flood water.
o Keep a photographic inventory of anything that must be thrown out.
o Don't take pets into a flooded area and never let them drink standing flood water.

Miscellaneous
o Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer.
o Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place.
o Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying.
o Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.
o Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
o Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water.
o Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of more than 300 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean certified technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. Last year, PuroClean trained more than 10,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits.  For more information on PuroClean, please contact Emilio Soli at 866-944-7876 or visit purocleanproservices.com.