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WATER DAMAGE - INFORMATION
In cases of water damage it’s important to act fast. Standing water and moisture create the perfect environment for bacteria and mold.
Prolonged exposure to an environment like this
can lead to allergic
reactions and even
disease.
Special Note:
Prestige Development Services strictly adheres to the IICRC S-520 Standards and Guidelines* for Water Damage Restoration.
* The (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) ANSI/IICRC S520 is based on reliable remediation and restoration principles, research and practical experience and attempts to combine essential academic principles with practical elements of water damage restoration for technicians facing “real-life” mold remediation challenges.
Time is of the essence when you are dealing with water damage, and the key is to act fast! Not only can the water ruin your carpets, ceiling, and furniture, but it can also destroy precious family possessions, important documents, and irreplaceable, personal items.
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When mold spores are present in abnormally high quantities, they can present especially hazardous health risks to humans after prolonged exposure, including allergic reactions or poisoning by mycotoxins, or causing fungal infection (mycosis).
There are more than 100,000 different types of molds, including black mold and toxic varieties. Mold affects health by releasing spores into the air to seed new colonies. When inhaled, mold spores can cause chronic allergies, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, throat and eye irritations, wheezing, and many respiratory problems.
Water & Flood Categories
Time is of the essence when you are dealing with water damage, and the key is to act fast! Not only can the water
ruin your carpets, ceiling, and furniture, but it can also destroy precious family possessions, important documents, and irreplaceable, personal items.
​
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Category 1: Damage from a clean water source such as toilet tanks, broken pipes
supplying clean water. -
Category 1 water damage can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long.
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Category 2: “Grey water,” water from dishwater or washing machine back ups containing detergents.
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Clean water sources that have been sitting for three or four days.
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Category 3: involves completely unsanitary water that can easily cause illness, disease, or death. Category 3 water comes from sewage, river flooding, and standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other microbes that will make you sick.
Restoration Categories
Restoration follows several different classes and categories and you should always consult with an expert.
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Step 1 – Technicians remove standing water with state-of-the-art HEPA filtered extractors and pumps.
Step 2 – Carpets are pulled up, and floors are dried completely.
Step 3 – All electronics and appliances that are damaged will be brought back to their pre-damaged conditions where possible.
Step 4 – The damaged site is disinfected in order to kill bacteria or mold growth.
Dehumidifying
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Reduce moisture in the air.
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Keep indoor humidity below 65% if possible.
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Keep air conditioning drip pans clean.
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Keep the house warm in cool weather.
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Add insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls, floors, and windows to reduce condensation.
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Fix leaks and the source of seepage into the structure.
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Note:
As of Jan 1st, 2016, New York State, initiated the Mold Program which establishes new minimum work standards for mold assessments and remediation activities by licensed professionals, including:
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Protection against fraud by prohibiting the performance of both the assessment and remediation on the same property by the same individual;
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Protection against fraud by requiring an independent mold assessment to define the scope of the remediation work;
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Identification of disinfectant products, consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards;