See reverse side for mold control tips

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips MOLD

When Should You Call Our Mold Professionals?

• You have a leaky roof or pipes

• If snow melt and poor drainage have damaged your walls or roof

• Any time unnatural levels of moisture are present in a building for any reason

What we do once on site

1. Assessment: It is critical to assess the severity of the problem before beginning the cleanup process. Our experts will check not only the surface areas, but also every nook and cranny where mold growth can hide. Mold feeds off cellulose as well as moisture, and it is not unusual for us to find it thriving between drywall and framing materials.

2. Containment: Mold spores growing in one area of a structure can easily “travel” to other parts of the structure through the ventilation system: causing additional contamination as well headaches-a common human symptom of mold growth. It is absolutely essential to contain the mold growth at the source and prevent it from spreading before the removal process begins. Our team of mold experts has the skills and the tools necessary to successfully contain the problem according to EPA standards.

3. Filtration: In conjunction with our other containment procedures, we use specialized filtration equipment that utilizes “negative air” technology and specialized air scrubbers to further prevent air-borne mold from spreading during the removal process. It is a highly effective preventive step that helps to guarantee that mold spores stay within the confines of the affected area until they are eliminated.

4. Removal or Remediation: Once containment has been successfully achieved, we proceed with one of two steps depending on the results of the assessment and the seriousness of the problem:

• Light mold presence-We successfully use specialized cleaning treatments to remove mold caught in the early stages of growth. This is the least intrusive method of mold removal and therefore the most desirable. That’s why it’s so important to call us as soon as you suspect mold might be present.

• More severe cases-If mold growth is advanced or if mold exists within and behind walls or ceilings or under flooring, in some cases it may be necessary to remove problem areas altogether—drywall, carpeting, ceiling tiles, roofing—even structural elements, in order to be sure that no mold returns.

5. Repair: Our goal (after successfully completing mold remediation services) is to return your property to its pre-loss condition. By selecting AIR, we are fully accountable for a proper clean up, remediation and reconstruction of your property, and we stand behind our workmanship with an industry leading 5-year warranty.

The key to mold control is moisture control.

Solve moisture problems before they become health problems!

The following is a list of some mold prevention tips provided by the Indoor Environments Division (IED) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their publication “Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Buildings”.

 Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.

 Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.

 Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).

 Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) hoses, coils and drip pans clean, flowing

properly, and unobstructed.

 Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers or showers to the outside where possible.

 Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible by providing adequate ventilation.

 Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.  Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.

 Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.  Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas.

 Inspect the building for signs of mold, mold-like substances, moisture, leaks or spills:

 Check for musty odors.

 Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors and window sills.

 Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains or mold.

 Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains or mold.

 Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.

 Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.

 Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles are prone to mold and need to be replaced using the proper protocol to avoid spreading mold spores throughout the building.

 Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks or spills.

 Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

 Use care to prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue accumulation and ensure that cleaned areas are dried quickly.

 In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains,

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips FIRE

Fire damage restoration is difficult, because firefighting can contribute to water damage. AIR takes care to ensure that contents are properly restored to prevent mold growth, remove smoke odors and oily soot. If not charred, many items can be restored. Even a light coating of soot could be permanently embedded in items if professional restoration techniques are not used. AIR technicians are extensively trained to handle all types of disasters. It is natural to want to clean a building and its contents after a fire. Immediate action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize a satisfactory restoration.

EMERGENCY TIPS DON’T’S

 DO NOT disturb the contents in the room where the fire started (await fire marshal and insurance investigator clearance).

 DO NOT attempt to wash papered or flat painted walls without consulting a professional.

 DO NOT consume any canned or packaged goods/beverages that may have been stored close to the fire, heat or water.

 DO NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring, ballasts and bulbs may be wet or damaged.

 DO NOT attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Incorrect procedure could increase damage.

 DO NOT use electrical appliances that have been close to a fire or water damaged area until they have been professionally checked and cleaned, as they can malfunction.

 DO NOT send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning will set in the smoke odor.

 DO NOT use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided (cover with sheets before handling for cleaning).

 DO NOT touch anything without gloves, and even still, exercise caution, as soot from your gloves could permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork causing additional damage.

DO’S

 Remove pets to clean environments.

 Air out the house to reduce smoke odor (if the outside temp is above 60 degrees).

 Inventory, photograph and discard all open food packages. The food will likely be contaminated.

 Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets.

 Keep hands clean – soot on your hands can damage upholstery, drapes, walls and woodwork.

 Place clean towels or old linens on rug and carpet traffic areas to prevent additional soiling.

 Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bath room fixtures, trim, and appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or oil.

 Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.

 If the electricity is off, empty and discard freezer and refrigerator contents and prop doors open.

 Wash and wipe house plants with water on both sides of the leaves.

 Have HVAC system inspected, filter(s) replaced and if system was running at the time of the fire, have ductwork inspected and cleaned.

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips SEWAGE

Raw sewage and floodwaters contain bacteria and other microorganisms, which are extremely hazardous to human health. These can be transmitted by touching contaminated items or by tracking them into

uncontaminated areas on shoes. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall are not restorable after direct contact with sewage-contaminated or flood contaminated water. If your building is flooded with sewage-contaminated water, cleanup should begin as soon as possible to reduce the risks related to exposure.

 Always wear rubber gloves and avoid skin contact with the water or with any wet materials. (It’s better to stay out of the area completely.)

 Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to avoid infections.

 Keep children and those with health concerns away from contaminated area.

 Do not track contaminated material into unaffected areas.

 Do not attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the-counter germicidal products that may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Call AIR Immediately upon any sewage release. Sewage services include:

 Disposal of all the food exposed to sewage waters including all bottled drinks and any products stored in jars. The contents under the seal of jars and bottles cannot be adequately disinfected. All undamaged canned goods must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

 Proper disposal of all medicines, cosmetics and other personal care items that have been in contact with sewage waters.

 Removal of all furniture, loose rugs, and all wet and damp contents, etc. from the area.  Professional cleaning at AIR facility (using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bacterial test)

 Disposal of soaked carpets, water-damaged mattresses

 Contaminated water extraction, removal or treatment of all soaked building materials

NOTE: Dry-cleaning only cleans the outer surface. AIR can clean and restore large soft goods such as drapery, pillows, comforters, plush toys, luggage, and footwear in addition to fabric clothing , with our

Esporta Wash System. This system truly sanitizes sewage soaked soft goods back to food grade levels of bacteria, guaranteed. Now, 85% of contents that were previously discarded can be restored.

AIR will initiate specialized air circulation to reduce odors and mold growth by placing specialized air movers, dehumidification and air scrubbers.

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips BIOHAZARD

In any situation that deals with the cleaning of blood, at trauma/crime/unattended death scenes, holding cells, medical facilities, residential or public buildings, etc., special precautions need to be taken to safeguard against blood borne pathogens (diseases transmitted via blood) such as HIV, Hepatitis, MRSA, ev-d68, Tuberculosis and other such blood borne threats to health and safety. AIR technicians have been trained and are ABRA (American Bio Recovery Association) certified, fully aware of OSHA’s requirements in safe handling of blood and other potentially infectious materials. OSHA forbids the cleanup of these disasters by untrained personnel.

What should you do in this situation?

 Do not attempt to clean up the area yourself- it is not worth the risk.

 Strongly discourage any family members touching belongings until the area is declared safe

 Leave the windows closed and the structure secure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. Can I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service to clean up blood or bodily fluids?

A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle (clean and dispose of) biohazardous waste such as blood or bodily fluids, and has a legal place to dispose of the recovered bio-hazardous waste.

Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?

A: In some cases, the home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately the property owner is responsible for the cost of the service. (We will bill the insurance company directly for you.)

Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

A: Federal Regulation 29cfr1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to blood spills without first:

1. Receiving Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) training. 2. Having a written BBP exposure control plan.

3. Having been provided personal protective equipment.

4. Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.

5. Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site.

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips WATER

AIR takes care to extract water, and circulate/condition the air to help regulate temperatures and humidity from the surfaces, flooring, interior building cavities and building contents to prevent mold growth after a water related loss. Water damage may cause floors to buckle, wall damage, contents damage and allow mold and bacteria to grow. AIR technicians are trained in the state of the art techniques in identifying and remediating the effects of water damage. It’s not always the amount of water that damages the building, it’s the time it sits wet. The expense and harmful effect of water is sharply reduced by an immediate response.

DO’S

 TURN OFF circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas, provided you do not have to traverse areas with standing water and the circuit panel is dry.

 IDENTIFY the source of the incoming water and, if possible, stop it or call the AIR professionals to handle it.

 TURN OFF all electrical appliances in and around the area affected by water to reduce electrical hazards when the power is turned back on.

 LIMIT SLIP & FALL HAZARDS & ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS – especially in public areas to prevent injury and possible lawsuits.

 IF DAMAGE IS EXTENSIVE, notify/file a claim with the responsible insurance company.

 ACT QUICKLY – Call AIR immediately to address damage – time is off the essence with water damage.

DON’T’S

 DO NOT DELAY calling the mitigation team at AIR  DO NOT TURN OFF power if the circuit breaker

panel is wet or there is standing water between you and the breaker panel. Call your power

company to turn it off instead, and stay away from the water lying areas.

 DO NOT ACTIVATE THE HVAC SYSTEM if system ducts were in direct contact with water or the ducts could serve as a means of spreading contamination.

 DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE OR TEAR OUT any areas that may contain ASBESTOS – CALL AIR for testing.

 DO NOT ATTEMPT to clean up any water that may be contaminated with sewage.

Emergency Tips

Emergency Tips ASBESTOS

Because of its indestructible qualities, asbestos is harmful to the human body. From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in construction, factories, vehicle maintenance/repair garages and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, Mesothelioma and Asbestosis. Asbestos remediation is conducted when asbestos has been accidently disturbed – usually because of water penetrating building materials which contain asbestos. If you suspect that any materials contain asbestos, be sure to call an industrial hygienist to have them tested. The removal of asbestos needs to be done by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.

DO’S

 KEEP ACTIVITIES TO A MINIMUM in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.

 TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION to avoid damaging asbestos material.

 HAVE REMOVAL AND MAJOR REPAIR done by those licensed, certified and trained in handling asbestos. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that sampling and minor repairs also be conducted by asbestos professionals.

DON’T’S

 DO NOT DUST, SWEEP OR VACUUM DEBRIS that may contain asbestos.

 DO NOT SAW, SAND, SCRAPE OR DRILL holes in asbestos materials.

 DO NOT USE ABRASIVE PADS OR BRUSHES on POWER STRIPPERS to strip wax from asbestos flooring or its backing. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.

 DO NOT SAND or try to level asbestos flooring or its

backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new flooring over it, whenever possible.

 DO NOT allow anyone to enter rooms with asbestos- containing materials that have been disrupted or compromised as it could be tracked through the building, increasing health risks.