Homeowners and building owners affected by water damage from Hurricane Katrina should be dried within 48 hours to prevent mold contamination. However, as is the case with Katrina, due to the massive damage such rapid restoration and remediation is often impossible.
 
The Restoration and Environmental Remediation Tips provided by Pure Air Control Services and Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab™) is intended assist those living in areas affected by the hurricane, flooding and resulting mold, bacteria, toxins and ubiquitous allergens.

After a flooding disaster, consumers need to be wary of fly-by-night charlatan/shaman operators seeking to take advantage of water damage victims.
 
Pure Air Control Services recommends that consumers use the following minimum guidelines to qualify any contractors they hire:  

1. Obtain references from you insurance company, friends and neighbors
2. Know your contractor (check references)
3. Check with the Better Business Bureau
4. Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured including professional liability
5. Obtain a copy of their license and insurance certificates. Make sure their liability/general liability covers mold.
6. Hire contractors certified by reputable trade organizations such as AEE, IAQA, IIRC, ASCR, AIHA, NADCA
7. Differentiate between a “Restoration contractor” and a “Remediation contractor.” Most restoration contractors are not knowledgeable in environmental remediation techniques and protocols.
8. Certified contractors should follow a strict code of ethics (ask for a copy of their respective “code of ethics” they plan to work with)
9. For mold/bacteria damaged buildings, request pre-remediation (baseline study) and post-remediation environmental testing be performed.
10. Request a post remedial environmental clearance study. This is essential to assure good indoor air quality (health and safety) and may be required when you sell your home.
11. Request that the microbiology laboratory used is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)

 
Contractors must work according to established industry standards and guidelines, including but not limited to:
 
-  ACGIH Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control
-  EPA Mold Remediation for Homeowners
-  New York City Department of Health - Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments
-  EPA Mold Remediation for Schools and Commercial Buildings
-  IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Water Damage Restoration, Guide for mold remediation
-  NADCA ACR 2005, Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC Systems
 
Resources and Guidelines for Disaster Restoration and Environmental Remediation available at:
 
-  U.S. EPA Mold Remediation for Home owners
-  Building Health Check (BHC™) - Mold Remediation Guidelines www.BuildingHealthCheck.com
-  Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab™) - Mold & Bacteria Bioaerosol Guidelines www.EDLab.org
-  Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA): Steps to Take After a Disaster
-  Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC)
 
 
Find a Water Restoration Service Provider (to remove water and dry out the building):

-  Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration (ASCR) 
-  Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) 

Find an Environmental Remediation/HVAC Service Provider (to perform mold/bacteria contamination clean up):
 
-  National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
-  American Indoor Air Quality Council (AMIAQ)
 
Find an Indoor Environmental Inspector (to perform environmental testing, draft specifications and provide clearance studies):

-  Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) - Certified Indoor Air Quality  Professionals (CIAQP)
-  American Indoor Air Quality Council http://www.amiaq.org/Certified-Members/certified-iaq-consultants.htm
-  American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
 
Specific Tips for Homeowners Having Restoration or Environmental Remediation Work: 

1. Compare the amount of the insurance check with the estimate by the restoration and remediation contractors. They aren’t always the same but should be close to each other for the covered part of the loss.
2. Ask the remediation contractor to provide a Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule detailing the work schedule, start and completion dates.
3. Pay a minimal deposit, 10% (if any)
4. Pay a portion of the cost at halfway, typically 40%
5. Confirm quality of materials installed with those specified, inspect and verify satisfactory completion of work before paying the final 50%
6. Request a clearance study before final payment

 Warning Signs: 

1. Contractor wants 50% deposit plus cost of materials
2. Contractor offers financing of the deductible or other significant costs
3. Contractor offers to act as the homeowner’s agent in representing them to FEMA and lists themselves as beneficiaries
4. Contractor offers to work on behalf of the insurance carrier (without the carrier’s approval)
5. Contractor emphasizes cost saving over relationship, trust and final warranty of satisfaction
6. Contractor is not capable or able to provide professional environmental clearance for your home

 
About Pure Air Control Services:
 
Pure Air Control Services is interdisciplinary indoor environmental consulting firm providing IEQ consulting services to city, county, state and federal governments, school boards and the private sectors. They have an in-house American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accredited environmental diagnostics laboratory providing environmental microbiology/microscopy services as well as building/HVAC system remediation services. Pure Air Control Services family of IEQ services includes: Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) www.EDLab.org; Building Health Check www.BuildingHealthCheck.com; Building Remediation Sciences http://www.pureaircontrols.com/buildrem.html.  Contact can be made at info@pureaircontrols.com; www.pureaircontrols.com; Phone 1-800-422-7873 ext 802.
 
For additional assistance on your flood damaged home or building please call Pure Air Control Services toll free at 1-800-422-7873 ext 804.
 

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Pure Air Control Services, Inc.

1-800-422-7873