Immediate Health Risks of Water Damage in Gainesville, FL
websitebuilder • September 30, 2024
Water damage, whether it stems from a leaky roof during a Florida thunderstorm, a plumbing mishap, or the aftermath of a hurricane, is more than just an inconvenience. It poses immediate health risks that can impact you and your family. In the warm, humid climate of Gainesville, FL these risks can escalate rapidly, so understanding risks and taking swift action are crucial.
Pick The Right Agent
We have encountered situations where the property owner was unavailable (e.g., Snowbirds, Vacationers, etc.) and their representative (i.e., agent) acted on their behalf. Choosing the wrong agent, who is hesitant to perform necessary work, can create more problems for YOU. We received an emergency call on Saturday at approximately 11:00 PM for a flooded house in Gainesville. The owner was 6 states away in Wisconsin. The neighbor gave us access. After removing the standing water (now Sunday, 2:00 AM), we intended to remove the LVP flooring, but the neighbor prevented us from doing so. We explained the potential consequences of not pulling the floors. A few days later, the homeowner authorized the floor to be removed, and this is what we found. It smelled as bad as it looked. See this post
At PUDDLES Restoration, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the aftermath of water damage and prioritize your safety and well-being. This guide will shed light on the immediate health hazards posed by water damage, the importance of swift action, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones during this critical time.
Prioritizing Pet Safety During Cleanup
Water damage is not just about soaked carpets and damaged furniture; it's a catalyst for potential health hazards that can manifest within hours of the incident. For example, see this Facebook post
- Contamination: Depending on the water source, the floodwater may contain various contaminants, including:
- Sewage and bacteria: This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other serious health problems.
- Chemicals and toxins: Floodwater can also carry harmful chemicals and toxins from pesticides, fertilizers, industrial spills, or even household cleaners.
- Sharp objects and debris: Nails, broken glass, and other sharp objects hidden in the water can cause cuts and puncture wounds, increasing the risk of infection.
- Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Damaged electrical wiring or appliances can lead to electrocution or fires.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors and slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which can result in injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma.
Early Warning Signs: Recognizing the Symptoms
Immediate health concerns after water damage may not always be obvious. It's essential to be aware of the early warning signs so you can seek medical attention if needed.
- Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness can indicate respiratory distress or allergic reactions.
- Skin Irritation: Rashes, itching, redness, or blisters can be signs of contact dermatitis or exposure to irritants.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps could suggest a bacterial or parasitic infection.
- Headache and Fatigue: Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating may be symptoms of chemical exposure or mold-related illness.
- Fever: A fever could indicate an infection developing in your body.
The Importance of Swift Action
Addressing water damage quickly is crucial for minimizing health risks and preventing long-term complications. The longer water sits, the greater the chance of mold growth, structural damage, and the spread of contaminants.
Here’s why immediate action is vital:
- Mold Growth: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage, posing a serious health risk, especially for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
- Structural Damage: Prolonged water exposure can weaken building materials, compromise structural integrity, and lead to expensive repairs. For example, see this Facebook post
- Contamination Spread: Water can seep into porous materials and hidden spaces, spreading contaminants throughout your property and making it harder to disinfect effectively.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Taking precautions during the cleanup process is paramount to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective eyewear when entering a water-damaged area. If there's a risk of mold exposure, consider wearing an N95 respirator mask.
- Avoid Contact with Water: Minimize direct contact with floodwater or contaminated water to reduce the risk of infection or chemical exposure.
- Turn Off Electricity: If the water damage is extensive or near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity at the main breaker to prevent electrocution.
- Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors or use fans to improve air circulation and aid in the drying process.
- Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected surfaces with appropriate cleaning solutions.
- Seek Professional Help: If the water damage is extensive or you're unsure how to handle the cleanup safely, PUDDLES Restoration. We have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove water, mitigate mold growth, and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
PUDDLES Restoration: Your Trusted Water Damage Restoration Experts
At PUDDLES Restoration, we're committed to helping residents of Gainesville navigate the challenges of water damage and protect their health. We offer 24/7 emergency response, thorough inspections, and professional restoration services to ensure your property is safe and healthy.
Our Services Include:
- Water Extraction and Removal: We'll quickly remove standing water and excess moisture using powerful pumps and vacuums.
- Drying and Dehumidification: We'll utilize advanced drying equipment and dehumidifiers to dry out affected areas and prevent mold growth.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: We'll thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces to eliminate contaminants and restore your property to a safe and healthy condition.
- Mold Remediation: If mold growth is detected, we'll provide expert mold remediation services to safely and effectively remove all traces of mold.
Remember:
- Your health and safety are our top priority. Don't hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance with water damage and mold remediation.
- Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Let us handle the cleanup and restoration, so you can focus on your well-being and recovery.
Call PUDDLES Restoration today and let us help you restore your property and protect your health! 352-722-3790
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page. NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
Slow Leaks vs Fast Leaks Gainesville, FL 32601 We are often asked which is worse: Slow Leaks or Fast Leaks?
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
