Hurricanes aren’t just a threat to the Carolina coast. Often, flooding and other damage comes far inland. For example, Hurricane Fran went right over the Raleigh area. Others, such as Bertha and Floyd, affected nearby inland areas with intense damage.
After a hurricane or other catastrophes, you need natural disaster restoration that will help get your business back on track as safely and as soon as possible. Minimize your downtime and maximize your profits. Do the job right.
So, what do you need for remediation in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as a hurricane? We’ll take a look at the size and scope of the job and how First Call has you covered for whatever you may need.
How Do They Clean Up After a Hurricane?
There are several steps involved in cleaning up after a hurricane. We complete each one thoroughly and thoughtfully to ensure the best results. Therefore, your business can get rolling again as soon as possible.
These steps include:
Assessing initial damage.
We carefully examine your business and take photographs. We provide all documentation needed so we can communicate closely with your insurance company. This saves you time and headaches. After all, you’re going through enough stress after a hurricane, so let us take some of the burden off of you. Damaged HVACs create a lot of issues. We examine them carefully to ensure there is no mold.
Water Cleanup
All cleanup is important, but water cleanup is especially critical. Floodwater can be dangerously contaminated, and damaged items must be cleaned and dried as soon as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control cautions that floodwaters and standing water may contain contaminants such as human and animal waste in addition to coal waste. Waters may also contain hidden animals such as snakes.
Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours after water damage has occurred. Any delay means a longer and more extensive remediation.
Mold must be removed in a manner that prevents contamination of other areas. This is why First Call has the right equipment to do the job. We’ll set up a negative air pressure environment to be sure that spores aren’t released to settle in other areas of your business.
Clean and Examine Drywall
Sometimes, drywall or ceiling panels can be salvaged depending upon the extent of the damage. However, this determination is time critical. The right cleaning and disinfectants must be applied to these surfaces within three days. If it’s not possible, then the drywall must be removed.
Successful restoration of these items also depend upon if the surface is porous or nonporous.
If drywall has to be removed, then beams and studs should be cleaned as well.
Treating Areas
Cleaning works to remove stains, but it doesn’t take care of mold or mildew. Once the area is cleaned, the mold will need to be eliminated and the area decontaminated.
Cleaning up After a Hurricane Isn’t a DIY Job
It’s tempting to get out the rubber gloves and bleach and start doing the job yourself, but this presents certain problems—and it’s a danger to your health.
As the experts in natural disaster remediation, we have the extensive gear needed, including respirators and the ability to clean up materials such as sewage without contaminating other areas of your business.
Failure to establish these protocols not only leaves the job half-finished, but if your employees sustain health problems as a result of improper cleanup, you could be opening yourself to liability.
First Call is the Right Call for Natural Disaster Restoration
When your business is affected by the aftermath of a hurricane, time is critical—remediation must begin immediately to stop mold and other contaminants from causing further damage.
First Call understands not only the importance of doing a job right, but how vital it is for your business to be running smoothly and efficiently. That’s why we have served customers in the Burlington, Triangle and Greensboro areas for decades. Whether you are a small accounting firm or a major corporation, we have the tools and the knowledge to provide the highest level of service.
See why we have been the cleaning and restoration company of choice for thousands of area customers. Don’t wait, contact us today.
