H2O Restoration and Carpet Care Pros, LLC

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

2012-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

WARNING: We post these statistics with hopes of changing drivers’ behavior behind the wheel. While accurate, these texting driving statistics are very disturbing.

When it comes to texting while driving, teens are a particular risk group considering that, according to Nielsen (PDF), “The average U.S. mobile teen now sends or receives an average of 2,899 text-messages per month” and apparently some of those texts are being sent and read from behind the wheel.
A 2007 study conducted by AAA and Seventeen magazine has been widely misquoted as 46 percent of teens admit to texting while driving. But what the study found is that “61 percent of teens admit to risky driving habits.” Forty-six percent of that 61 percent say that they text message while driving.

A December 2007 simulator study by Clemson University found that “text messaging and using iPods caused drivers to leave their lanes 10 percent more often.”
Research on distracted driving reveals some surprising facts:
* Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. (Source: Carnegie Mellon)
* Nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted driver, and more than half a million were injured. (NHTSA)
* The younger, inexperienced drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.
* Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
* Using a cell phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. (Source: University of Utah)

Risk of collision increases by up to 400% when talking on a cell phone while driving
*Nearly 80% of collisions involve some form of driver inattention (distraction, fatigue or looking away)
*In one study of 100 drivers[1], cell phones were associated with the highest frequency of distraction-related events for crashes and near-crashes
*Another study[2], done with driving simulators, found that when talking on a cell phone:
*Young drivers’ response times to brake lights ahead were as slow as those by elderly drivers
*Drivers of all ages were 9% slower in hitting their brakes when needed
*Crash rates were more than 5 times greater than for undistracted drivers. That’s in increase of over 500%!
SOURCE: OPI.MT

The following statistics come from a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI):

* Of all cell phone related tasks – including talking, dialing, or reaching for the phone – texting while driving is the most dangerous.
* Teen drivers are four times more likely than adults to get into car crashes or near crash events directly related to talking on a cell phone or texting.
* A car driver dialing a cell phone is 2.8 times more likely to get into a crash than a non-distracted driver.
* A driver reaching for a cell phone or any other electronic device is 1.4 times more likely to experience a car crash.
* A car driver talking on their phone is 1.3 times more likely to get into an accident.
* A truck driver texting while driving is 23.2 times more likely to get into an accident than a trucker paying full attention to the road.
* A truck driver dialing a cell is 5.9 times more likely to crash.
* A trucker reaching for a phone or other device is 6.7 times more likely to experience a truck accident.
* For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road. This makes texting the most distracting of all cell phone related tasks.

"When things are all WET, we are the ones to GET"

1-877-WE DRY IT

(933-7948)

The Great Thaw of Snowpocalypse 2012

2012-01-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

If you are experiencing the unfortunate dilemma of a frozen or burst water pipes- or just the prospect of your pipes freezing inside your walls, crawlspace, or basement there are a few things you need to know. If you turn on a faucet, and only a trickle comes out, a frozen pipe may be at fault, especially if the current or previous nights temperature is at or below freezing. The best thing to do in this situation is to call a professional.

It can be dangerous to thaw a pipe with an open flame, which will probably also damage the pipe. If there is any standing water due to a burst pipe, even using a device such as a hair dryer can be hazardous, as using electrical appliances in areas of standing water can cause electrocution. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes. Typically a frozen pipe is located an outer wall, which can be inaccessible. If you're not sure of the location of the frozen pipe, trying to figure it out yourself is not advisable.

Always Know Where and How To Shut Off Your Main Water Supply

A common sense aspect of frozen pipe prevention is to learn how to shut off the water supply to your house. If you don't know where this valve is, find out immediately, before it is too late.
Once you find the correct valve, actually close and open it to make sure it will operate in case of a water emergency. This will help you minimize the damage by shutting the water off quickly. If you can't find your shutoff valve, you can use the valve inside your water meter pit. This pit is usually located somewhere in your yard, probably near the sidewalk or street, under an iron cover plate, but again may be covered in snow or ice.
We have the knowledge and expertise to take care of all your frozen pipes needs, as well as repair any structural damage, restorative drying and we work with all majoy caused by faulty plumbing or frozen pipes.

Preventing Frozen Piping
Prior to the onset of winter, you can take some steps to prevent the pipes from freezing:

Drain hoses and hose taps and cover them with insulation then a solar blanket or a wood box built to fit.
Drain water from your pool and sprinkler.
Check your home for pipes or supply lines that are above ground or close to an outside wall and apply insulation or heat tapes as needed.
Consider installing pipe sleeves to keep your water supply viable during the winter months in colder climates.
Use some type of insulation on supply lines that run in garages and keep the garage door closed during the winter to keep the wind out. Even newspaper provides some insulating value if nothing else is at hand.
To Thaw Frozen Pipes If you turn the faucet on and see just a bare minimum of water or none at all in a particularly cold time, suspect the pipes are frozen. Keep your faucet turned on and locate the area that you suspect may be frozen. The most likely places will be those mentioned above.
Lines above the ground outside, unheated areas such as the basement or garage. Apply heat to the areas you suspect using a hair dryer or heat tape, while the faucet is open.. running water in the pipe will help to open the pipe more.. You may also wrap the pipes in hot toweling.
DO NOT, use a torch, propane heater, charcoal stove or other device that makes open flames as this poses a serious risk of not only a fire but carbon monoxide levels rising to what may be lethal levels. Keep up the application of heat until the pipes are restored with full water pressure.

"When things are all WET, we are the ones to GET"

H2O Restoration Pros

1 877 WE DRY IT

933-7948

2012-01-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

Driving in Snow and Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Winterize Your Car

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions.

Weather

At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
Inspecting the distributor.
Checking the battery.
Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack

Shovel
Jumper cables
Tow and tire chains
Bag of salt or cat litter
Tool kit
Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

Working flashlight and extra batteries
Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
Compass
First aid kit
Exterior windshield cleaner
Ice scraper and snow brush
Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
Scissors and string/cord
Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.

If You Become Stranded...

Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Getting Home Safely this New Years

2011-12-29T18:28:00.000-08:00

Here a a few suggestions for the upcoming New Years:

Avoid Rounds

If you are planning on having a festive evening, one of the best ways to look after yourself, and make usre your night is mishap free, is to stay in control of your drinking.

First of all, set yourself an upper limit and make a clear decision to

STICK TO IT

Avoiding drinking in rounds in one way to do this. They put you under pressure to keep up with the fastest drinker. You'll end up drinking-and spending-more. Remember, its up to you what you drink, not anyone else.

This is particularly imporatnt important for women. Womens bodies cant process alcohol as well as mens. They have less body water than men of the same weight, so they end up with a higher percenage of alcohol in their blood after drinking the same amount. Nearly 60% of cases that end up in the hospital due to overindulging are women.

Merry Misdemeanours

The biggest drinking 'crimes' for anyone, are forgoing food and drinking too much, too quickly. "Drinking on an empty stomach is the big mistake people make. Too many people that have go out drinking straight from work without eating.

Drinking on an empty stomach heightens the effects of alcohol because the levels of alcohol in the blood tend to go up more quickly. If you haven't been able to eat before you go out, buy some food on the way, or better still get some friends together for a meal.

Drinking games are a bad idea too, and shots can spell disaster.

Know Your Limits

If you choose to drink alcohol as part of your festive celebrations, sticking to drinks like beer, or a single shot of spirits with a mixer. Don't fail to realize the importance of keeping track of how much you are drinking. In its daily unit guidelines, the government advises that women should not regularly exceed 2-3 units daily. (equivalent to a 175ml glass of 13% wine) and that men should not exceed 3-4 units daily (equivalent to a pint and a half of 4% beer). To help you keep within theses guidelines, drink smaller drinks-125 ml glasses of wine or half pints.- and weaker lagers and wines. Incorporate more mixers and strategic soft drinks.

If you're out several night of the week in the lead up to New Years Eve, sticking within the guidelines is more important than ever. Going out one night and then again the next, your body will be working hard to get rid of the alcohol. Subsequent nights out means your body will react differently each night and become more susceptible, having just recovered from the last drinking session.

Staying Safe

Most nights out will go by with nothing more serious than a spilled drink or a lost coatroom ticket. but its easy to forget that alcohol affects our power of reasoning and ability to make decisions. It slows down our reactions, upsets our sense of balance and coordination and makes us lose concentration.

People who have been drinking are more likely to take greater risks than those who have not. So if you are out on the streets under the influence you're at a greater risk of accidents and dangerous situations- such as physical or sexual assault.

It is extremely important to be aware that alcohol can seriously affect your ability to make safe judgments. You don't have to be drunk for this to happen. Even a couple of drinks can make you take risks that you would not otherwise have taken.

Planning Ahead

This is is why it is so important to plan ahead. Apart from deciding your drink limit for the evening, one of the main decisions you should make before you go out is how you are going to get home safely. The sooner you become aware of potential danger, the easier it is to avoid it. The majority of crimes are opportunistic and most criminals will pick on easy targets-and there is no easier target than someone who is drunk and incapable of looking after themselves.

Tips on travelling safely after a night out

Book a taxi before you go out and take the contact number with you. You can always rearrange the time you want to be picked up. Try and arrange to be picked up from a family member or friend.

Make sure you have the taxi or cab numbers in your phone(or details of the nearest taxi service, or the public transportation schedule)
Make sure your phone is charged before you go out.
Keep some money separate from your purse or wallet. maybe in your pocket, coat pocket in case of emergency.
Stick with your friends. Dont wander off on your own at the end of the night, and wherever possible, go home together.
If your traveling home by public transportation be sure you have the schedule so you don't miss the last one.
Avoid empty carriages or top decks of buses. Sit near the driver.
Stay alert and don't fall asleep-this will be easier if your not drunk.
Keep and eye on friends, stick together so you can look after each other.
Dont leave your phone, cash, or other personal items on display.
Leave clubs, bars together with friends, or groups of people.
Avoid walking alone at night (this applies to men and women) If you have no choice stick to well lit areas.
Avoid dark pathways, alleyways, subways and car parks.
Be sure someone knows where you are what time you expect to be home.

Be Safe and Have FUN

Being Prepared for an Emergency

2011-12-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Prepare Your Home and Family

Prepare Now for Peace of Mind Later - A family health and safety guide

Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to and also the most preventable. Families need to take a few simple precautions to avoid tragedies, such as having working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and having family fire escape plans in place to help get everyone out of the house safely. The American Red Cross recommends the following when creating your family escape plan:

Identify two ways to escape from every room in the home.
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Select a safe location away from the home where your family can meet after escaping.
Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above ground level and make sure to learn how to use them.
If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out.
If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke.
Before escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second escape route.
If smoke, heat or flames block both of your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Place a rolled towel underneath the door. Signal for help by waving a brightly colored cloth or shining a flashlight at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and let them know your exact location inside the home.
Once you've escaped, stay out.

Tips for better fuel economy

2011-12-16T08:35:00.001-08:00

Did you know that you can save considerably at the gas pump just by modifying your driving habits? Regardless of the type of car you drive, good driving habits contribute to more efficient fuel consumption, which saves you money and helps the planet, too.

Fuel-saving action	Reason	More information
Perform routine maintenance	Your car needs the right proportions of air and fuel to run efficiently. A well-maintained vehicle will run at its best.	Stay on schedule with oil changes, tune-ups, and keeping filters clean.
Keep tires inflated to ideal pressure	Underinflated tires tend to decrease mileage. (They’re dangerous, too.)	Check manufacturers’ recommendations and make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI, measured when cold.
Combine short trips	Warm engines run more efficiently than cold ones.	Combining short errands (such as visiting the grocery store, dry cleaner, and bank) into one trip is an efficient way to save time, as well as gas.
Drive at moderate speeds	Traveling at 55 mph can give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to 65 and 70 mph.	To save gas, stay at or under the speed limit, and drive at a consistent rate of speed. Use cruise control on long trips.
Drive friendly	Aggressive driving habits such as gunning the engine, speeding, screeching around corners, and jamming on the gas pedal are major fuel wasters.	Avoid jack rabbit starts, and generally drive in a measured and moderate fashion for top fuel savings.
Travel light	Extra weight in the car creates a drag on the engine and consumes extra gas.	Don’t haul around heavy loads if you don’t have to. Check the trunk and back of the vehicle for unnecessary items that may be safely stored elsewhere.
Keep your car aerodynamic	Good aerodynamics affect your car’s fuel efficiency by reducing drag, especially at high speeds.	Keep windows and moon roof closed on the freeway. Even keeping the car’s exterior clean can make a difference.
Use the highest feasible gear	Driving at high speeds in lower gears burns excessive fuel.	On a manual transmission, pay attention to RPMs as you accelerate and shift into high gear as soon as you reasonably can.
Avoid excessive idling	Idling uses a surprising amount of fuel – more than restarting the engine.	If you need to wait in your parked vehicle for more than a minute or two, switch off the engine and only start up again when you’re ready to continue driving.
Ride share	You’ll cut per-person fuel consumption in half when you share a ride.	Ask friends and colleagues who live near you or frequent the same places you do to share a ride. You can split gas costs as many ways as there are passengers.

"When things are all WET

we are the ones to GET"

1-877 WE DRY IT

1 877 (933 7948)

Home Maintenance Tips

2011-12-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Routine home maintenance steps

Clean your gutters. Overflowing water from clogged gutters can damage your roof and lead to cracks in your home's foundation.
Replace damaged/missing shingles. Cracked, broken or missing shingles leave your roof exposed to the elements.
Trim trees and bushes. If you let trees and bushes grow too close to your home, they can block the sun and lead to water damage. Large trees in question should be inspected by a professional arboris
Have a professional tune your furnace. By having your furnace checked and tuned by a professional, you can reduce temperature variations, improve air quality and protect against carbon monoxide.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors run on batteries, check them at least once every season.
Put unused lawn equipment away. If you've finished with your lawnmowers, clippers, rake and other implements for the season, put them away in a safe place for next spring.
Have your chimney checked. A professional chimney sweep can evaluate the condition of your chimney and, if necessary, clean it to get rid of creosote, which is flammable and can be dangerous.
Check your crawlspace. Crawlspaces can harbor water, animals and other items that can wreak havoc on your home. Crawlspace vents can get damages allowing critters to take refuge inside. Don't forget the attic also.

These aren't the only maintenance tips to follow, but they should give you a good start on keeping your home safe and secure this year. Take action soon but please consult with a professional where appropriate.

These recommendations were developed using generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations is not a guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, federal, state or local regulation regarding safety or fire. Compliance with these recommendations does not ensure the absolute safety of your occupation, business or residence. It is the property owner's duty to warn any tenants or occupants of the property of any safety hazards that may exist.

"When things are all WET

we are the ones to GET"

1-877 WE DRY IT

1 877 (933 7948)

Catergories of Water Losses Pt.3 (Category lll)

2011-12-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

So far we have covered two of the three categories of water loss. Category 1. considered clean water from a clean source and having contain no contaminants. Category 2 water containing significant contamination and having the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if ingested by humans. Doesn't sound very pleasant next to Cat l water. It doesnt get better from here either.

According on the IICRC (Cleantrust)
Category 3:"sewage, black water" Contains pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents and is grossly unsanitary. Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. Back flows that originate from beyond the trap are considered black water, regardless of the visible content color or odor; all forms of flooding from seawater; ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind driven rain from hurricanes, tropical, or other weather related events. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

There are three types of Sewage:

Domestic-contains billions of microrganisms that facilitate the degredation process but also contain ones that can initiate infectious, allergic or toxic diseases.
Industrial- Funeral homes, Restaurants, Hospital, Retail Complex, County Co-op, Dry cleaners, Quickie oil change locations.
Non Point surfaces (ground, surface, sea, river and atmospheric water)

All the above meet at the local sewage treatment plant.

Lets discuss the two terms descibed above under the definitions of Cat. lll water:

Pathogenic: carries gram negative bacteria which can include:

Escherichia Coli or E.Coli
Pseudomonas,
Salmonella
Shigella-causes dysentery, fever, shock and delirium
Hepatitis A & B: Hep A.-fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, nuascea, appetite loss, jaundice, Bile
Rotavirus-can cause stomach flu like symptoms
Adenovirus- severe respiratory infections and can be fatal
G.I. Viruses

Also, there are 120viruses that may be present in human waste, and parasites causing Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Toxigenic: producing bacteria and fungi that can produce poison.

Category 3 water is nasty, and poses a very significant threat to human health. However, the severity of the health threat depends on the content of the sewage, degree and extent of penetration into the buildings environment. The degree of penetration is dependent on the porosity of the contaminated materials, the quantity of the sewage, and the amount of time the sewage remains in contact with the materials. Please leave the clean up to the professionals.

If you should require immediate assistance call the 24 hr help line

1-877-933-7948 or 425-563-3688

Catergories of Water Losses Pt.2 (Category ll)

2011-12-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today topic is Category 2 water-The Clean Trust (IICRC) S500 Third edition-2006 defines Category 2 water as containing significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by humans. Category 2 water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganism or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological). Examples of category 2 water can include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwasher or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap, with some urine but no feces; seepage due to hydro static pressure; broken aquariums and punctured waterbeds.

The cleanliness of category 2 water can deteriorate for many reasons, including but not limited to: contact with building materials, systems, and contents; mixing with soils and other contaminants. Some factors that influence the potential organic and inorganic load in a structure include the age and history of the structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, and the type of use of the structure and elapsed time or elevated temperature.

Just like with Category1 water loss, an immediate response is important just the same. If you have an EMERGENCY please call us on the

EMERGENCY HOTLINE

1-877-933-7948

1-877- WE DRY IT

425-563-3688

)

Happy Holidays From H2O Restoration Pros!

CATEGORIES OF WATER LOSSES 101

2011-12-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Category of the water loss are broken down into three types: Cat 1,2, and 3.

This is defined as the range of contamination in water, considering both its originating source and its quality after contacting materials present on the job site. Contractors following IICRC protocols use this to determine the proper means of remediation for the specific loss. Time and temperature can affect the quality of the water and change its category. As well as the presence of undesired substance entering into the water.

Defintions of the three catergories as described below:

Category 1- originates from a sanitary source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples of Cat 1 water sources can include, but are not limited to broken water supply lines; tub or sink overflows with no contaminants; appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; broken toilet tanks and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. However, once it leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean once it contacts other surfaces or materials.

The cleanliness of Category 1 may deteriorate to Category 2 or 3 for many reasons, including but not limited to: contact with building materials, systems and contents; mixing with soils and other contaminants. Some factors that influence the potential organic and inorganic load in a structure include the age and history of the structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, and the type of use of the structure. (e.g. nursing home, hospital, daycare, warehouse, veterinary clinic) and elapsed time or elevated temperature. Odors can indicate that Category 1 water has deteriorated.

-reference is the IICRC S500-2006 third edition.

Importance of immediate response is crucial in any water loss. Category 1 water can deteriorate and change the methods of remediation from structural in place drying to possible removal of affected items. If you have a water loss please Call H2O Restoration Pros A.S.A.P @ 1-877-933-7948- 1-877 WE DRY IT By doing so immediately you reduce the likelihood of secondary damages ( e.g.,microbial growth, discoloration, adhesive release, delamination, swelling, buckling, warping, splitting) We can evaluate the document the conditions inside the structure with our thermal imagery, moisture meters, and other professional moisture detection equipment.

Once a scope of work is established the mitigation process occurs quickly and includes but is not limited to:

Controlling the spread of Contaminants if present.

Moisture Control: correct the source of the water intrusion.

Removal of Excess Water: Collected and removed from structural components, contents and systems. Water removal involves the use of various techniques and equipment.

Enhancing Evaporation: this process in known as structural drying, evaporation the remaining water in materials by changing the liquid water, to a vapor. This process is facilitated by using specialized equipment.

Removing Water Vapor: once it has been evaporated from the structure, contents it must be removed from the ambient air which it now occupies creating high vapor pressure. If this process isn't addressed correctly the drying process is slowed greatly if not stagnant and secondary damages can occur.

Controlling the Temperature: this is key in structural drying to both enhance evaporation rates and effectiveness of dehumidification and is a basic principle for safe, effective drying.

Cleaning and Repair: Clean affected structure, systems and controls where necessary. Repairs where needed and according to scope.

All of the steps necessary to put your home or place of business back to a pre-loss condition. We will work with your insurance company to help you achieve this in a timely fashion.

Stay tuned for Category 2 & 3

2011-12-03T18:54:00.001-08:00

What are you doing for your weekend?