Special Hurricane Edition

  The Restoration Industry has published an extensive article on disaster planning. What I like about this article is that it has contractor tips at the end. As a consumer, anytime I can get insider information directed toward providers, I pay attention. It gives me guidelines on how to assess those who do work for me.

Reprinted or redistributed with permission from the Restoration Industry Association is fine. You can also send your customers to the consumer section of the RIA website for more information: http://www.restorationindustry.org/consumers.

CONSUMER FACTS

Disaster Planning Tips

Disasters come in endless varieties - sewage backflows, lightning strikes, earthquakes, wind damage, fires and hurricanes or even burst pipes. Whatever the cause, everything stops - abruptly.

The Restoration Industry Association (formerly ASCR) has compiled this list of things to keep in mind when preparing your home or office for general emergencies:

• Ask yourself: If you had to leave your home or business for three weeks, what would you wish that you had done?
• Inspect every area and assess its vulnerability to water. Water is almost always a factor in disasters, whether from fire suppression, roof damage, plumbing failures, chemical spills or earth tremors, even when the damage originates on a remotely higher floor. Nothing but furniture and durable equipment should be stored directly on the floor. Paper records and items are instant casualties.
• Desk and table tops are vulnerable to water from sprinklers or runoff from higher floors, as well as to smoke and heat damage. Make sure important papers and files are put away in a filing cabinet or drawer.
• Take photos of each room in your house or apartment, save them to a CD and print hard copies. Keep one set to take with you and a second set off site (e.g., safe deposit box, relative's home). This gives you a digital inventory of the major contents in your house and what they looked like prior to water or fire damage.
• Back up your computers and keep the information where it's easily accessible in an evacuation as well as at an offsite location. (This is particularly important for people who work from home.)
• Businesses should maintain a moderate stock of emergency supplies. A few dozen plastic tarps, a couple of wet-pickup vacuums with wands and floor attachments, and a few floor squeegees provide a primary level of protection at a moderate cost. A case of absorbent wipes can also be useful. Rapid response is the key to damage control. The ability to swiftly deploy tarps over computers, production equipment, file cabinets and other critical components can dramatically curtail the extent of damage.
• If you have advance warning of a peril, charge cell phones, laptops, PDAs, etc. in case you're without electricity for a few days.

Items to keep in your emergency kit or gather during an evacuation if possible:
 

• Insurance information - health & homeowners policies
• Family photos, irreplaceable mementos/jewelry
• Digital inventory CD and printout
• Wallet, checkbook and credit cards
• Canned goods, baby food & food for pets
• Can opener/multi-purpose tool/sharp knife
• Bottled water, MREs, water purification tablets
• Work gloves & boots
• Water proof matches & candles
• Transistor radio, flashlight & extra batteries
• Duct tape, electrical tape           
• Toiletries, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, wipes
• First aid kit
• Cell phone, laptop & car chargers
• Extra clothing (i.e., socks, underwear)
• Sleeping bag
• Address book, paper, pens
• Medication & prescriptions
• Extra batteries 
 

Evacuation Checklist

If you're forced to evacuate from your home, here is a list of items to make sure you take with you:

• Health & homeowners insurance policies, wills, passports, other critical papers
• Family photos, jewelry & irreplaceable mementos
• Disposable camera, digital camera, video camera
• Digital inventory CD of house and printout of contents
• Paper & pen, address book, emergency phone numbers (family, hospital, physicians)
• Wallet, checkbook, credit cards and cash
• Canned goods, can opener, peanut butter, protein bars, bouillon cubes, M.R.E.s, baby food
• Bottled water (1/2 gallon per person), water purification tablets
• Sharp knife, duct tape, electrical tape, small shovel, rope, work gloves, fix-a-flat for tires, tarps, dust masks, small toolbox, all-purpose tool
• Waterproof matches, butane lighter, small fire extinguisher
• Transistor radio, batteries
• Candles, flashlights  
• Pet food and supplies
• Toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, trash bags
• First aid kit, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, vitamins, general remedies (cold, flu, allergies, lip balm, antacids), glasses
• Clothing - long pants/shirts/gym clothes for sleeping/rain poncho, walking/working shoes, extra underwear and socks, jackets/sweaters
• Sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, folding chairs
• Laptop computer, cell phone, chargers & car chargers
• Medication & prescriptions
• Extra batteries
• Maps
• Children's games & activities 
 

After the Disaster Check List

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these tips for individuals involved in cleaning efforts following floods, fires, tornadoes and other perils:

Immediately

• Notify your insurance carrier. Most policies require you to take reasonable action to prevent further damage.
• Keep a notebook to track dates and times of conversations with individuals pertaining to your claim.
• Save receipts for meals, hotels, toiletries, replacement clothing, prescriptions, etc.
• Take photos or shoot video of each room for future reference and insurance claims. This will provide a digital inventory of some visible contents. Prepare a written inventory if possible.
• Remove any valuables if you are not staying in the house - jewelry, important papers (passports, licenses, insurance papers, birth certificates)
• Beware of scammers offering restoration services. Check references and visit the Restoration Industry Association website - www.restorationindustry.org - to find a contractor.

Safety

• Don't return home unless the proper authorities allow you back in.
• If electrical appliances, including televisions and computers are damaged by water, do not turn them back on when power is restored. This can result in electric shock and/or do further damage to the appliance. Electronics can often be cleaned & restored by knowledgeable contractors.
• Wear heavy rubber gloves or work gloves and thick-soled shoes, preferably not tennis shoes since there can be exposed nails, glass and other sharp objects.
• Only enter during daylight hours if there is no electricity.
• Leave immediately if you smell gas or the structure is unstable.
• If the power is off - turn the main breaker off and tape it down to prevent it from accidentally turning on when the power is restored.
• If you have fuel oil or propane, turn off the valve at the tank. Turn natural gas off at the meter.
• Stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings.
• Because you don't know what was in the water, treat all water affected surfaces and furnishings as toxic until properly decontaminated.
• Floods may force many creatures out of their natural habitats - beware of snakes, spiders and other reptiles and mammals that may take refuge in debris.
• When leaving, secure the building to prevent further damage.

Health Issues

• Pregnant women and people with health problems like asthma probably shouldn't be in the flooded area - check with your doctor.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.
• Tetanus shot should be current.

• Wash your hands frequently - especially before touching your face or eating.
• Avoid cross contamination - don't wear dirty clothes or shoes into the clean or undamaged part of a structure.

• Be careful reaching into muddy water - there can be sharp items, broken glass.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Restoration

• Transport computers and musical instruments to a dry environment.
• Remove lamps, telephones & decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• In wet environments, open windows to ventilate the area. Open drawers and cabinets for interior drying, but don't force them open.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Don't use bleach to disinfect since it is corrosive and can react with other substances. Use household disinfectants.
• Hard surfaces can be disinfected as well as some soft goods, depending on washability.
• Mold starts to grow in about 48 hours in a wet environment with humidity and a food source (drywall) - it is important to dry out as much as you can to prevent further damage.
• If the power is off for more than 24-48 hours, food in freezers and refrigerators will spoil and needs to be disposed of promptly.
• Drywall, insulation and carpeting/padding impacted by rain or flood waters will probably need to be removed and replaced.
• Wall cavities need to be dried out to prevent mold growth.
• Homeowners may hire any restoration company they choose and are not limited to only those suggested by an insurer.
• Restoration firms can help with drying structures and cleaning contents.
• You can hire any restoration company you choose.
• See if the restoration company is a member of their trade association and make sure to check references.
• Restoration Industry Association members abide by a specific code of ethics.

Do-it-Yourself Tips for Flood Repair

Individuals working in an area following a disastrous flood will be exposed to  many hazards. The water may contain sewage, pesticides and other waterborne organisms that can cause disease, as well as sharp objects and other debris. Caution should be used upon entering any flood-damaged structure.

Health & Safety

• Wear heavy rubber gloves; thick-soled boots, goggles, hard hat and an N95 dust mask. These are the minimum requirements for persons working in moldy or flood-contaminated houses.
• Change your work clothes before entering any clean areas in a house or building to avoid cross-contamination.
• Wash work clothes separately from your regular laundry to avoid any cross-contamination.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Rest frequently to avoid overheating and exertion.
• Wash your hands and face frequently using an anti-microbial soap if available. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Have a first-aid kit handy. Treat cuts and abrasions immediately with an antibiotic ointment.
• Confirm that the water is clean and safe. If there is a boil-water advisory, make sure to boil water for washing for at least one minute or add 1 teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes.
• Children, pregnant women, and people with health problems should avoid the flooded area until cleanup is complete.
• Only use electrical equipment in dry environments to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

Inspection & Initial Steps

• Enter the house only during daylight hours. Do not use candles or gas lanterns.
• Leave the house immediately if there is an odor of gas or any suggestion of instability in the structure. Notify authorities and wait for an authorized inspection before re-entering.
• If the power is off, turn the main electrical breaker off and tape it down to prevent it from accidentally turning on when the power is restored.
• If you have fuel oil or propane, turn off the fuel valve at the tank. Turn off natural gas at the meter.
• See Health and Safety, above, for minimum personal protection requirements.

Phase 1 - Preparation

• Support or drain sagging ceilings. (Punch drainage holes around the edge first, then gradually work towards the lowest section.)
• Remove raised floor tiles and other tripping hazards.
• Remove wall-mounted mirrors and heavy pictures before they fall from weakened drywall.
• Go room-by-room and make a list of all furnishings and personal property. Document the contents and damage with photographs.
• Before starting demolition, seal off any areas that escaped damage by stapling or taping plastic sheeting (available at home improvement stores) over all openings to limit the spread of airborne contaminants.

Note:Areas that appear to have been unaffected by rain or flood waters may still have mold growing within wall and ceiling cavities. On walls and ceilings that show evidence or are suspected of having been wet, cutting small holes (approx. 6"x6") will allow inspection of the wall backing and interior for mold growth or other damage.

• To prevent the foundation from collapsing, do not pump out flooded basements until the water outside of the building has subsided. Pump out 2-3 feet and check the following day. If the level has risen, it's too early to drain the basement.
• Get fresh air moving throughout the house. Open doors, windows, closets and cabinets.

Phase 2 - Contents

• Remove all contents from areas that were under water and hose down.
• Double bag and discard all food items and get them off site as quickly as possible.
• Discard rugs, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture and other porous materials that have been affected by water.
• Organic materials such as leather, animal trophies and furs are not restorable.
• Washable garments, towels and linens can be laundered in hot water and detergent. Items with visible mold are not restorable.
• Discard refrigerators and other appliances that contain internal insulation.
• Hard items such as metal, glass, china and finished wood may be decontaminated and restored.
• Guns and uncoated metals are subject to rust, and should be coated with rust preventive or moisture-displacing oil until full restoration can be performed.
• Wash CDs, DVDs and computer disks with clear water and allow to air dry. Video cassettes and players are not restorable.
• Computers may be washed with clear water and blow dried. However, regular water may also cause damage to undamaged components. Remove the hard drive and spray with moisture displacing oil, letting it dry completely before reinstalling into the computer and turning it on.
• Documents and photographs should be stored flat and allowed to dry. Photocopying is the most cost-effective way to preserve deeds and other important papers.
• Damaged antiques and valuable artworks cannot be evaluated immediately. Dry and clean only as necessary to preserve them for a future evaluation by an art restorer or appraiser. Appraisal information is available from the American Society of Appraisers, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Continue to list and photograph damaged contents during removal. (Consider carrying a small notepad to jot down other items as they come to mind later.)

Phase 3 - Demolition and Decontamination

Demolition

• If weather permits, open windows for air circulation and drying.
• Remove plumbing fixtures for possible decontamination and re-use.
• Slice saturated carpets into small strips, roll up and carry out in double plastic bags.
• If electrical power and equipment are available, vacuum all contaminated or moldy surfaces with a HEPA vacuum. Remove shoe moldings, baseboards, door & window trim, drywall, paneling and insulation to at least two feet above the high water mark.
• If there is mold on the back of the drywall, extend demolition until all moldy materials have been removed.
• Remove finished flooring to permit drying and decontamination of the sub-floor.
• Moldy structural framing may remain in place for cleaning and decontamination.
• Bag moldy materials in double plastic bags before removing them from the demolition area.
• Open all water-impacted wall and ceiling cavities for drying.

Decontamination

• Hose down mud and silt, mop or squeegee dry.
• Clean moldy surfaces with a HEPA-vacuum, if available.
• Wash all affected surfaces with a combination cleaner-disinfectant if available, or with household detergent and water, using a scrub brush or scraper for stubborn stains.
• Saturate contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and keep wet for at least 10 minutes. (Caution: do not use bleach with ammonia or ammoniated detergents!)
• Remove insulation from saturated crawl spaces. After drying, remove existing plastic sheeting and replace with new material.
• Allow all surfaces to dry completely before installing new insulation or drywall. Drying the structure will take a minimum of two weeks and possibly longer.  
• HEPA-vacuum all surfaces in unaffected areas and re-seal with plastic during repairs. See Phase 1 note above for checking hidden areas.

Phase 4 - Final Clearance

• If possible, before rebuilding, obtain an inspection and evaluation by a Professional experienced in the treatment of mold and bacterial contamination. You can find one by contacting the American Industrial Hygiene Association at www.aiha.org.
• For additional information check the Restoration Industry Association website at www.restorationindustry.org.
• Additional information is also available from the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), the Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/iaq/molds) and FEMA (www.fema.gov).

Useful Terms

Cross-contamination - transferring bacteria or mold spores from an affected area to an unaffected (clean) area

Decontamination - removing contamination by cleaning and killing germs, bacteria and other microbial contamination and applying biocides

HEPA vacuum - a vacuum equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting filter, capable of capturing up to 99% of extremely fine particles, such as mold spores

Hygienist - an expert in the science of health and the practices that protect it

Moisture displacing oil - a rust preventive oil spray (such as WD-40) available in building supply and home improvement stores

The Restoration Industry Association is the only international, professional trade association for the cleaning and restoration industry. Its national and international member firms specialize in cleaning, treating and repairing damaged buildings and their contents. RIA sponsors education, training and certification programs. For more information phone (800) 272-7012 or visit www.restorationindustry.org.

This information is intended solely for educational purposes and is not to be construed as advice. RIA makes no representation or warranty as to, and is not responsible for, the contents, validity or application of the information by any recipient of this data.

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

CAT Response Mobile Unit List

• Dehumidifiers - Dessicant & Low Grain Refrigerant
• HEPA Vacuum
• Portable Air Scrubber
• Portable Shop Vacuum
• Generators
• Air movers & ducting
• Filters
• Moisture meters
• Infrared Camera
• Traditional tools - hammers, screw drivers, nails, saws, etc.
• Extractors
• Portable work lights
• Crates (for storage of contents)
• Cleaning supplies
• Personal Protection Equipment - goggles, Tyvek suits, coveralls, respirators (N-95/N-100, etc.), dust masks, hard hats, reflective vests, ear plugs, gloves (work, rubber, Nitrile)
• Flashlights
• Mops
• Antimicrobial coatings (& material safety data sheets)
• Containment supplies - PVC pipe, zip-wall plastic, zippers, etc.
• Safety supplies - barricade tape, orange cones, skidders for moving furniture
• Duct tape
• Shovels
• Trash bags
• Extension cords
• Squeegees
• Broom & dustpan
• First aid kit
• Communication radios

For more information, visit www.restorationindustry.org.

*This list is not exhaustive, but provides a general overview of recommended supplies.

Contractor Orientation to CAT Work

Catastrophe/disaster restoration work is unlike either building construction or demolition. Planning for a successful project begins before the peril strikes, and many issues must be considered before undertaking this type of work.

The information in this pamphlet is based on interviews with Restoration Industry Association (formerly ASCR) members who are actively involved in catastrophe response. While it is by no means all-inclusive, it will help to identify some of the major issues involved in this type of work. In a disaster zone, one job usually leads to another. With thorough planning and understanding of the business and personal risks in this work, the experience can be very rewarding. Business owners and their employees will return home safely and have the satisfaction of knowing that they helped restore a community and improved the conditions of the people who live there.

First Considerations

• Unless you have been invited into the disaster zone by a client, it is best to stay home.
• When working away from base, get local contacts. Seek local operators who are willing to partner with you.
• Do you have the necessary licenses for the disaster zone?
• Will your insurance coverage extend to the disaster zone?
• Do you have enough coverage, and the right types, for disaster restoration work?
• Do you have adequate resources - lines of credit, cash, manpower, equipment.
• Do you have crew leaders and project managers who have been trained in the essentials of disaster restoration?
• Do you have necessary PPE (personal protective equipment) for employees and training in its use? Equipment includes suits, masks, respirators, decontamination showers, etc.
• Are inoculations up-to-date for your deployed personnel (e.g., tetanus, Hep. A, Hep. B, cholera)? Consult with a physician before deployment.
• What's your contingency plan if a catastrophe hits in your home market while you are deployed?
• Disaster restoration is chaotic. Can you operate, both personally and professionally, in chaotic situations?
• How will your staff cope with being away from home for weeks at a time?
• Are you liquid? CAT work does not feature progress payments; insurers have been known to take up to a year to release funds.
• Are you resourceful? You may have to scramble for food, lodging and gas.
• Anticipate infrastructure damage that will hinder your ability to move within the disaster zone.
• Have a communications plan. Cell systems and radio nets may be down or overloaded.
• How will you pay your staff in the zone?
• How will you restock supplies? Where will you find supplies and how will you get them into the zone?
• Have an exit strategy. Know how much work you can afford to take on, your fixed costs, and how the client will be able to pay.

Resources and Manpower

• On Site Personnel - CAT (catastrophe) coordinator, estimators, project managers, technicians, sub-contractors, temporary laborers, administrative staff, office manager, controller, IT person
• Satellite phones
• GPS systems (landmarks and street signs are frequently missing)
• Housing or lodging for team - hotels, houses, trailers, campers
• Bottled water, food/MRE's, camping supplies, cooking supplies, food storage.
• Vehicle fleet and fuel credit cards
• Lines of credit with banks and major suppliers. Credit/purchasing cards for personnel.
• Minimal Tools & Equipment - PPE, Tyvek suits, rubber gloves, face masks, respirators, blowers, air movers, generators, fuel, dehumidifiers, HEPA vacs, wet vacs, hardhats, clothing, name tags (you'll need to be able to ID your personnel in the chaos), etc.
• Train your personnel in sanitary safety issues and hazmat recognition.
• Gasoline and/or diesel fuel for generators and vehicles
• Storage facilities for supplies and equipment

Other Considerations

• Pre-engagement site inspection by company owner and a key supervisor is essential to make contacts and assess the situation. Take at least one week's worth of supplies.
• Understand your required resource commitment and the impact to your business at home.
• Establish relationships with your supply vendors and banks before deployment.
• Staff must be committed, compassionate and hard working to handle disaster restoration work.
• Disaster zones have a reputation for "raiding". Realize that once you start a job, there will be other companies trying to take the job and/or your people away from you.
• Know exactly how you're going to get paid before you start the job.
• Know your costs. Know how much work you can take in the zone and when you have reached your limit of risk.

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is the only international, professional trade association for the cleaning and restoration industry. Its national and international member firms specialize in cleaning, treating and repairing damaged buildings and their contents. RIA sponsors education, training and certification programs. For more information, visit www.restorationindustry.org.

The information contained here is intended solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as advice. RIA makes no representation or warranty as to, and is not responsible for, the contents, validity or application of the information by any recipient of this data.

Flooding Clean-Up Advisory for Contractors

Hurricane Katrina provided restoration contractors with the unique opportunity to learn how to respond to massive flooding over a large, affected area. Some of those lessons came at a high price and offer invaluable information for restoration professionals responding to flooding across the country.

Environmental Contaminants

Due to the variety of contaminants that can be found in the flood waters, proper PPE is crucial for anyone working in the flood-affected areas. There are potential health problems for individuals who have skin contact or inhale any of the contaminants.

Environmental contaminants found in flood waters could include:

• Micro-organisms/Bacteria - e.g., gram negative bacilli from raw sewage or animal feces, fungi, viruses and parasites
• Heavy Metals - e.g., arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, silver, zinc
• Diesel Range Organics - e.g., oil (Note: N-95 filtering masks do not provide adequate protection against oil mist.)
• Agro-pollution from Pesticides - e.g., DDT, Chlorodane, Heptachlor, non-water soluble organochlorine compounds and fertilizers
• PCBs  

Health Issues

In New Orleans, contaminants were found in levels high enough to impact the health of those exposed to them. Unprepared workers and volunteers could place themselves at risk for long-term health effects following exposure. Due to testing limitations and a lack of testing standards, these hazards may not be identified until well after workers have been exposed to them.

Injuries and illnesses can include:

• Antibiotic resistant staph infections (MRSA)
• Flesh-eating bacteria
• Intestinal complications
• Respiratory problems
• Exposure to e-coli
• Undiagnosed rashes
• Normal work-related injuries - e.g., falls, vehicle accidents, cuts, bruises

Pittsburgh Protocol

Flood-borne contaminants will impact residents, workers, buildings, vehicles, infrastructure and vegetation. All flood-impacted porous materials should be removed and replaced. Contamination will also be present in semi-porous materials such as studs, sub-flooring and wall sheathing. Any remaining structural components should be thoroughly cleaned following the Pittsburgh Protocol.

The Pittsburgh Protocol was developed in 2004 following Hurricane Ivan and its effects on the Pittsburgh, PA area to deal with mold growth and severe bacterial contamination. There are four basic steps:

1. Work areas should be placed under negative pressure containment or well ventilated with fans, which exhaust outdoors.
2. Thorough removal of large quantities of mud by vacuuming is often impractical. Scrape off heavy deposits of mud. HEPA vacuum loose mold contamination. The remaining mold should be treated with a foam application of an antimicrobial/cleaner.
3. Pressure cleaning with an antimicrobial cleaner will remove the visible contamination and may afford short-term fungistatic protection to surfaces.
4. A highly permeable encapsulant should be applied using an airless paint sprayer to protect the surfaces and inhibit future growth. 

What You Should Know

Restoration professionals should be aware that:

• If you haven't been invited to the area, don't go.
• If you do go, preplanning is critical. Most supplies will need to be brought in with contractors - everything from generators, fuel and building supplies to living quarters and food for workers.
• Communication will be difficult, so satellite phones and/or walkie-talkie sets may be necessary.
• Vehicles should be equipped with GPS since many street signs and markers may have disappeared during the flooding.
• Use unmarked vehicles (without company logos) to lessen the risk of vandalism or having equipment "misappropriated"
• Don't offer an opinion or expertise that you don't have. If health issues are involved, refer the client to a doctor.

Cleaning & Safety Procedures

• Fungal growth prefers clean water, so it will not be unusual to find little or no mold growth below the high water mark. There may be fungal contamination in wall cavities due to water wicking up the walls.
• OSB holds more water than plywood.
• Bleach is a destructive and ineffective antimicrobial and should not be used.
• Deep contamination requires deep cleaning. Basically, what goes in with water should come out with water. Heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers will be needed in addition to agitation.
• Employ aggressive drying strategies.
• In a high humidity situation, high heat is the most effective drying method.
• Open affected areas - including pulling out base moldings and cabinets.
• Plastic-coated electrical wiring can probably be salvaged if cut back to the point of water exposure.
• Treat clothing and textiles with textile compatible conservation treatments.
• Document the damage using photos, video and moisture mapping. Keep a daily log. It's hard to remember what happened months after the fact.
• Remove the damaged materials and hose off or power wash the rest.
• Consider using unmarked trailers to bring in equipment and supplies.
• Train employees on the risks they will encounter, not on every aspect of the job.
• OSHA requires proper PPE, not over protection - Consider: breathable coveralls, P-100 dust masks (more comfortable than half-face respirators), PAPRs.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heat stress and keep employees well hydrated.

Business Basics

• Many homeowners will not have flood insurance, meaning very few will have covered losses. Find out up front who is paying and the payment terms.
• Insurance payments and policies vary - be aware that payments may arrive late or not at all.
• Consider offering a fee-based damage appraisal service. (Can assist your company in pre-qualifying a loss.)
• Know what licenses and legal requirements must be met by contractors for that jurisdiction.
• Make sure to organize your credentials (e.g., state licenses, certifications, etc.) in a presentable manner.
• Verify that your insurance will cover your company in the jurisdiction where you are working.
• Establish lines of credit with banks and equipment suppliers before traveling to the damage area.

These items are in no manner all-inclusive, but are designed to provide restoration professionals with the major issues that should be considered or addressed when working in a flood-damaged area.

For Additional Information

• Restoration Industry Association - www.restorationindustry.org
  • Contractor Orientation to Catastrophic Disaster Work - RIA Technical Assistance Bulletin (click on Contractor Preparation Tips)
  • The ABC's of Returning to Flooded Buildings - FEMA Recovery Advisory
  • Initial Restoration for Flooded Buildings - FEMA Recovery Advisory
• Health Concerns Associated with Mold in Water-Damaged Homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov
• Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.fema.gov
• American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress - www.aaets.org  

Special thanks to Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH; Michael Pinto, CSP, CMP; and Cliff Zlotnik, CR, WLS, CMH, for sharing their knowledge and expertise.