Disaster Responders

  Asbestos is a natural mineral found underground that was used in construction materials because of its heat resistance, strength, and low cost. However, it was later discovered that inhaling asbestos fibers can be extremely harmful to health. If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it may contain asbestos. To test for it, you can purchase a DIY asbestos testing kit online or at a home improvement store. Start by dampening the area, collect a sample, seal it in a labeled container, and send it to a certified lab. Wear Protective Gear Before you do anything, you should wear protective clothing to be safe from inhaling any asbestos dust: Disposable suit Gloves Safety goggles Respirator with a HEPA filter Closed-toe shoes Seal the Area Seal off the room with plastic sheeting and tape, then proceed to collect the sample. Close all windows and doors, and turn off fans and HVAC systems to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading through the air. Dampen the Sample...

  The water pump is used for moving water from a tank or main water line to where it needs to go. If the pump starts leaking, the signs show up in unexpected places like walls and ceilings. A few water stains might not seem like a big deal at first, but ignoring them could lead to serious damage down the road. Rusty stains, bubbling or flaking paint, cracks around the stain, and mold are all common signs of a leaking water pump in walls and ceilings. Read on to learn more. How Does a Leak Reach Walls or Ceilings? Water is sneaky. When it leaks out of the pump, it can travel through walls or ceilings nearby, especially if the pump is in a closet, attic, basement, or crawl space. Water doesn’t always drip straight down. Instead, it follows the easiest path, moving through insulation, behind walls, along pipes, or between ceiling panels. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for changes on your walls and ceilings, even in rooms far from the water pump. Signs of Water...

  Restoring a commercial property after a flood can be daunting, but with the right steps, you can get your business back on track. Floods can cause significant damage to the physical structure of the building, equipment, inventory, and business operations. Knowing what to do and when can make all the difference in restoring your property. In case of a flood, make sure everyone evacuates the building safely, shut off utilities, remove standing water, dry all affected areas, assess structural damage, and replace damaged materials. Keep reading to learn more about how to restore commercial property after flooding. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe Safety always comes first. When your commercial property gets flooded, the first thing you have to do is make sure everyone is safe. If there’s water inside the building or it’s still raining heavily, evacuate the building calmly and quickly. Don’t let anyone wade through deep water, especially if power lines are down or electrical outl...

  Water damage can come from flooding, hurricanes, or even burst pipes. It can appear suddenly or develop over time, but either way, it can cause significant damage to you and your property. Noticing the signs early and finding ways to fix them can help you avoid major damage and costly repairs. Discoloration on walls, peeling paint, warped flooring, musty odors, visible mold growth, sagging ceilings, rusted pipes, and increased water bills are all signs of water damage. Discoloration on Walls and Ceilings Rust-colored stains on walls or ceilings are a clear sign of water damage. They usually mean there are roof or plumbing leaks or there’s a buildup of condensed water. If the stains become larger, it usually means the leak is still active or worsening. Over time, the area may start to feel soft or even sag, especially on ceilings, indicating that water is collecting above. Overlooking these signs can lead to mold growth and even structural damage. Peeling or Bubbling ...