Thriving on matter that is moist, dead or decaying, mold can quickly turn a slightlywet document into an unsightly object thst you would not let your children approach. Mold is not an animal or a plant; it comes from the diverse and hearty fungi kingdom. In nature, mold is like a natural recycling system that helps break down decomposing organic matter like fallen leaves and timber. This zombie-like recycler, however, can do the same to your home and office when there is the slightest hint of moisture.
The Unwanted Guest
Invisible to the human eye, mold spores quickly travel through the air in hopes of finding moist or wet areas to call home and spread. You generally cannot see most molds until they begins to grow. With regular cleaning and sanitizing efforts, you can keep mold at bay around your windows and parts of a building that experience more moisture, like bathrooms or basements. An unexpected leak, burst pipe or a flood, however, can give mold the opportunity to run rampant throughout a building and destroy everything in its path, which could include your health if it produces mycotoxins.
When you experience water damage of any kind, take measures to dry out anything that got wet quickly and safely. If important documents, books or photographs experienced water damage, particularly if you run a business, it is best to call a document recovery specialist who can use the latest technologies to restore water-damaged items. Such items can include water-damaged blueprints, x-rays and large amounts of documents.
The first 48 to 72 hours after water or humidity damage occurs are the most crucial in salvaging the affected items. Talk to a disaster recovery specialist to learn about ways to prevent water and mold damage, as well as ways to take appropriate action after damage has occurred.
When the rains clear and you do the regular inspections and maintenance on your business, the last thing you want to find are several pools of water in your crawl space or around your foundation, rot or black mold on the floor and wet documents. Your may want to immediately replace your flooring, but what you must do first is address your drainage problem or you will have repeat water damage problems.
Building Inspections
If your building has a crawl space, inspect it at least twice a year for water entry, flooding or decay. It is also a good idea to have a pest control service inspect the building for signs of critters that can cause structural damage.
Gutter Placement
While conducting a building inspection, make sure the gutters remain directed at least six feet away from the foundation. However, if you have a sloping yard or the business is on a hillside, you may need to extend the gutter drain further. While a runoff drains in the ground may not be your ideal business accessory, you may need to install them just under the surface of the building’s landscaping to prevent pooling. Burying a French drain around the perimeter of your building’s foundation down to the footing is an effective and discrete way to prevent water damage, rot and mold.
Landscaping
Your business’ landscaping may also be to blame for bad drainage. Yards that slope towards a building, mulch, loose rocks, weeds and topsoil near a foundation can direct runoff water and rain towards that area with the help of gravity. If this is a problem you encounter, consider using a heavy clay soil that you compact and slope as your first layer of landscaping can help prevent water from traveling towards your business. Additionally, make sure that concrete walkways, patios and driveways, as well as those made from pavers, slope to ensure proper drainage.
Sump Pumps
If your business is too low for a gravity-drained system to draw water away from the building, you may need to install an exterior sump pump. This will help raise and direct the water to a location where gravity will help drain the water away and prevent flooding.
When seeking flood restoration services, the Better Business Bureau warns storm victims to practice caution when hiring a contractor. After experiencing a flood, you may find people you do not know knocking at your door offering discounted flood repair services. These individuals may not be legitimate contractors, but will claim FEMA or your insurance company sent them to your home or business. When done incorrectly, flood repair can result in the growth of dangerous molds, structural damage to a building, rot, the harboring of disease-carrying microorganisms and ongoing damage to wet contents.
Before Hiring a Flood Restoration Specialist
The truth behind the flood restoration process is that it is generally expensive and may take several days to complete, depending on the extent of the water damage you experience. Quick fixes may end up costing you more in the end. The cost of hiring a legitimate disaster recovery company will ultimately save you time and money.
Before hiring a flood restoration specialist, do the following to avoid falling victim to a scam:
Talk to your insurance agent to learn if your insurance policy helps cover the cost of a disasterrecovery service.
Check with the BBB to learn about flood restoration specialists that have received good reviews.
Get all contractor estimates in writing and seek at least three bids.
Require the profession give you all guarantees in writing and a contract before the work begins.
Ask the contractor for proof of general liability insurance and call the insurance company listed on the documents provided to make sure the contractor has an active policy.
Check with your local construction contractor’s board or department of labor to make sure a contractor registered his business with the state.
Avoid contactors who come to you unsolicited and try to pressure you into hiring their services, require a full payment upfront or require you to obtain permits to complete work.
Only issue the final payment for flood restoration work after a contractor finishes the job.
To report damages to your home, please call the Flood Damage Hotline at 1-877-212-0316 or fill out the Flood Survey.
ND Road Conditions are available on the NDDOT website; always learn about road conditions before traveling during a flood. North Dakota Travel Information is also available from any phone by dialing 511.
If your area was affected by a disaster, FEMA officials suggest you register for disaster assistance available even if you are not sure you qualify. This statement comes in response to nearing deadline in Cullman County, Alabama, where FEMA’s Nate Custer told the Cullman Times, “…Even if you are uncertain if you need or qualify for assistance, it’s important to register.”
The Importance of Registering
It is common for people who live in a disaster-affected area to believe that they do not qualify for assistance because they do not find any immediate problems with their homes or because they are able to live with friends or family members. However, homeowners often find damage within weeks of a disaster. Likewise, living arrangements with loved ones sometimes do not work out well. FEMA deadlines allow you to register yourself so you are in the system in the event you need to file a claim or ask a question.
FEMA often has resources available to those who experienced a disaster and register on time. For example, Custer states that FEMA can help a family secure a rental unit while their home undergoes the restoration process. Additionally, manufactured homes are available as a temporary living solution based on preference or if rental units are not available. Additional services include homeowner grants and business loans from the Small Business Association. However, an individual must register with FEMA by the deadline to access such services.
Where to Register
While FEMA often has physical sites where residents can register for assistance, individuals can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or over the phone by calling (toll-free) 1-800-621-3362.
Even if you think you are not eligible for disaster assistance, register and find out for certain. The funds provided by FEMA can help you recover from a flood or another disaster so your life can get back to normal.
Thriving on matter that is moist, dead or decaying, mold can quickly turn a slightly wet document into an unsightly object thst you would not let your children approach. Mold is not an animal or a plant; it comes from the diverse and hearty fungi kingdom. In nature, mold is like a natural recycling system that helps break down decomposing organic matter like fallen leaves and timber. This zombie-like recycler, however, can do the same to your home and office when there is the slightest hint of moisture.
