Immediate Health Risks of Water Damage in The Villages, 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 Ocala, FL and The Villages, 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 The Villages, FL. 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 Ocala and The Villages 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
What Happened A contractor in Williston, Florida 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 Belleview, 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 Ocala, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
What Happened Ocala, Fl: An elderly mother’s cat repeatedly urinated throughout the house, including on the carpet. When the mother passed away, the daughter inherited the house. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to sell the house because prospective buyers complained about the odor . Given Florida’s temperature and humidity levels, it was not surprising that the odor remained in Ocala, FL. PUDDLES is often asked if we use an ozone machine to remove odors. According to the EPA, “When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation.” See https://www.epa.gov/.../ozone-generators-are-sold-air... “Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” Id. “There is a large body of written material on ozone and the use of ozone indoors. However, much of this material makes claims or draws conclusions without substantiation and sound science. … Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims … Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces.” Id. Because ozone can kill living things, such as plants, pets, and YOU; we do not use ozone machines. What We Did Removed the glued down carpet Utilize chlorine dioxide Implemented a Hydroxyl Machine Added a HEPA Air Scrubber with a charcoal filter Sprayed the entire house (walls and floors) with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial Fogged the entire house with an EPA-approved plant-based anti-microbial approved for fogging Even if you do not plan to be in the property while the ozone machine is operational, ozone also breaks down organic substance, and rubber, plastics, fabrics, paint, and metals. That Gucci or Louis V handbag you love can deteriorate.
What Happened After removing the old flooring from a home in Belleview, Florida , the flooring company uncovered water on the slab that was trapped under the underlayment. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, water was slowly penetrating the vertical exterior walls via hairline fractures. Both the cracks in the stucco and in the concrete slab itself were resolved, but the flooring company wanted the concrete slab moisture levels below a specific percentage. What We Did Florida tends to have elevated levels of humidity, including Belleview, Florida. To increase the drying efficiency, we sealed all the windows throughout the house with 4 mil plastic to prevent any moisture penetration. We placed a Phoenix DryMax XL Pro dehumidifier and a Dri-Eaz Stealth AV3000 axial air mover in each room. We also implemented the use of a heater to increase the internal temperature slowly to draw the moisture out of the concrete.
Homeowners in Crystal River and West Central Florida dealing with insurance claims related to water damage and mold can trust PUDDLES Restoration for assistance. Learn about the complexities of the process and how we can help in this blog article.
WE REMOVED AND DISCARDED THE AFFECTED MATERIALS, CLEANED THE SUBSTRATE, THEN ENCAPSULATED RESULTING IN A CLEAN PRV.
The Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) certification covers scoping, mitigation, cleaning, deodorization, subrogation, spoliation, documentation of residential and commercial fire and smoke damaged structures and contents. Upon completing this certification, you demonstrate that you are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
The Health and Safety Technician (HST) certification covers occupational health and safety. This certification demonstrates competency in cleaning, maintenance, and restoration industries concerning the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and health and safety principles. The certification covers engineering and administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment used in each specific industry or trade. The certification promotes the importance of hazard and risk assessments and implementing controls on the identified hazards. The hierarchy of hazard controls is emphasized so that eliminating, reducing, and controlling hazards will become the focus of health and safety instead of just regulatory compliance. Upon achieving the certification, the technician demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and awareness needed to save lives and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and recognize and appreciate the value of health and safety on the job. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@ PUDDLES restoration.com Website: www. PUDDLES restoration.com
