Calgary, PLEASE BE AWARE

Posted in Flood & Water Damage, on June 26, 2013

Stages of Remediation of Severe Floods

The process of remediation of severe floods includes three steps. The first is to remove all of the water then to remove and tear out all of the affected materials and possible contaminates, and the third is the environmental procedure to ensure that the environment is habitable. There are several reasons as to why the removal and remediation process should be taken with severe care and why this work should not be left for the inexperienced or volunteers. The following breaks down the process and the possible hazards in the environment and your personal safety.

Many have taken the responsibility of addressing the problems themselves and they have managed to reduce the damage of their property, potentially minimized the risk of mould and provided a temporary solution. The Water damage caused by the sewage backups and the flooding is defined as category 3 According to the regulations of the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and the work should be carried out precisely.

The Pump out Stage

• Most properties have finished pump out and extracted all of the water. A large percentage of homes and properties still have debris, bacteria, and mud left behind from the water. This should be addressed.
• Apply enzymes solutions

1. The Tear Out Stage

• This includes removal of all affected materials. There are many points to consider when completing this task

 i. Cross contamination is highly possible due to inexperienced workers (homeowners, volunteers) affecting other areas of the building. The basement should be set apart and movement from the affected area to non-effected should be minimized. ii. Volunteers have been blowing hot air in the basements before they property has gone through the environmental stage (stage 3). This can increase the chance of bacteria. Drying the cement /concrete floors before the time is right can be dangerous. iii. Possible asbestos: Many of the homes built more than 30 years ago, have a chance that pipes, walls can contain asbestos. Removing plaster for instance with out testing for asbestos is NOT recommended. iv. Health Hazards with many bacteria’s and micro organisms in the water, improper remediation can put the volunteers and homeowners at risk. We are concerned about major potential hazards:

• Virus
• Ecoli – commonly found in sewage
• Mold and the air quality of the property.

Stage 3 – environmental

• The use of proper antimicrobials, hepa vacuums, and air scrubbers will play an important factor in the near and far future. Such machines are able to purify the air and reduce the risk of affecting the health of the people occupying the properties.
• Implementing part of the protocol that the general public is not aware of such as wipe down, hepa vacuum and wipe down again is a vital part that can help prevent long term problems.
• Proper products for the right surfaces.

After working in the city alongside many of the amazing people of Calgary we want to suggest the following:

1. Use personal protection, gloves, masks.
2. Immediately clean your hands with soap water and any available disinfectant (anti microbial). This must be done immediately after removing your gloves.
3. If you are volunteering, bring spare clothes & shoes before you go back to your car or other transportation.
4. Consult with your local Doctor about available vaccinations if you do feel you have been exposed.

Canada’s Restoration Services is available to assist in all or any one of the stages. Call : 1-888-551-0514