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Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, however not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, while others such a flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. (Ready.Gov/Floods)


Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event typically occurs when waterways such as rivers or streams overflow their banks as a result of rainwater or a possible levee breach and cause flooding in surrounding areas. It can also occur when rainfall or snowmelt exceeds the capacity of underground pipes, or the capacity of streets and drains designed to carry flood water away from urban areas. (Ready.Gov/Floods)


When disaster strikes, the demand for immediate cleanup follows. Whether fire, smoke, water or mold damage, the Basement Professor environmentally friendly methods provides a more thorough clean, even in tight angles of trusses and around nails and wiring.


Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seeping through the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or entering through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows could cause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters may cause water to pool around the home’s foundation and enter the home.

 


 

A wet basement can decrease a home’s value and potential damage what’s in the home. Standing water in a basement can also pose health hazards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground for insects that like moist conditions


The existence of mold in a building is the symptom of much larger problem with moisture. As any mold remediator knows, eliminating the moisture problem is the only way to assure the mold will not return. Once the moisture problem has been solved, remediation of the existing mold is top priority. Mold can cause a great deal of health problems and can severely damage the integrity of a building's structure. So, removing the mold in its entirety is vital to any mold remediation project.


While it can remain dormant for months, even years, without being noticed, when conditions are right it can grow with amazing speed, causing potential health concerns for some people. 

As a leading mold remediation company for commercial and institutional buildings, we often are asked to describe our remediation processes. While every situation is unique, the following describes a typical remediation process: 

Assessment Process 

If mold spores are resting on a food source (organic material such as drywall paper, ceiling tiles, etc) they can grow rapidly once moisture is introduced. Seemingly overnight, you can notice a scent that initiates a mold assessment call. 

Since moisture is required for mold growth, our inspection may utilize high-tech, infrared cameras and moisture meters to identify potential areas of growth. 

Remediation Process 

If suspect mold is found, we rely on an independent industrial hygienist (IH) to conduct testing and to write protocols for remediation, avoiding any potential conflict of interest between testing and remediation. We work very closely with the IH throughout the entire process, which can include the following steps: 

  1. Identification of affected and suspect areas of contamination.
  2. Identification and correction of moisture sources.
  3. Testing of air/surface areas, followed by issuance of an analytical report and protocols which are reviewed and discussed by the Basement Professor and the IH.
  4. Establishment of containment areas at the start of remediation. We typically generate negative air pressure, which ensures that no spores escape the work area. We utilize HEPA air scrubbers within the containment area to capture mold spores, guarding against cross-contamination.
  5. Remediation of the area, using well-trained mold remediation technicians who are outfitted with appropriate personal protective equipment. We remove affected non-salvageable materials in the prescribed manner, using EPA-registered biocide agents and HEPA vacuums within the containment area to kill and remove mold spores.
  6. The IH will test again once remediation is completed, generating a report detailing how the remediation goals were met.
  7. Removal of containment walls once the area passes testing.


Flood Facts (FloodSmart.Gov)

  • Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
  • Everyone lives in a flood zone.
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
  • Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
  • Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
  • A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
  • Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
  • New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.


Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. (Ready.Gov/Floods)


Anywhere it rains, it can flood. A flood is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Many conditions can result in a flood: hurricanes, overtopped levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall. (FloodSmart.Gov)


In terms of number of lives lost and property damage, flooding is the most common natural hazard. Floods can occur at any time of the year, in any part of the country, and at any time of the day or night.  While heavy precipitation is the common cause of flooding, hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common, but often overlooked, causes of flooding.  


Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn't mean you won't in the future. Flood risk isn't just based on history, it's also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development. (FloodSmart.Gov)


What is Mitigation?


Mitigation is an action taken to reduce the loss of life and property. This is achieved through communities identifying and analyzing their hazards and risks. (FEMA.Gov)


There are many low-cost mitigation measures youcan take to protect yourself, your home, or yourbusiness from losses. For example:

  • Move valuables and appliances out of the basementof your home or business if it is prone to flooding.This will increase the chance that your belongingswill remain dry when a flood occurs. 
  • Elevate the main breaker or fuse box and the utilitymeters above the anticipated flood level in yourhome or business, so that flood water won't damage your utilities.
  • Install a Water Management System
  • Buy flood insurance to cover the value of your homeand its contents. Not only will it give you greaterpeace of mind, but it will also greatly speed yourrecovery if a flood occurs. To learn more aboutflood insurance, contact your insurance companyor agent, or call 1-800-427-4661.


EDUCATE YOURSELF

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family's safety.  (Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov)

1. Safeguard your possessions.

Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have: 
  • A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
  • Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit KnowYourStuff.Org
  • Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

  • First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Anchor any fuel tanks.
  • Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
  • Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
  • Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

  • Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
  • Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
  • Have a plan to protect your pets.

Call Us Now For A Free In-Home Inspection (888)719-4869