Who to Contact After a Fire?... PUDDLES of PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages
websitebuilder • April 2, 2024
Quack! Quack! Fires are scary, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. But fear not, feathered friends, because PUDDLES is here to guide you through the process of who to contact after a fire.
Unveiling the Costs of DIY Mold Removal
First: Getting everyone, including pets, out safely is the absolute priority during a fire. Once you're safe, here's who you should contact to navigate the recovery process:
- Emergency Services (9-1-1): This is a no-brainer! Even if the fire seems under control, contacting the fire department ensures a thorough inspection and prevents potential flare-ups.
- Local Law Enforcement: Having law enforcement secure the scene can prevent looting and unauthorized access. Additionally, they can file a fire report, which might be required by your insurance company.
- Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages: Our team of restoration experts will handle the cleanup and repairs, and we can also work with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process. Let us help you get back on your feet after a fire.
- Your Insurance Company:
Don't delay! Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire is extinguished. Their adjusters will assess the damage and help you understand your coverage options.
Here are some helpful tips for contacting your insurance company:
- Gather your policy information: Have your policy number readily available.
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the fire damage as soon as it's safe to do so. This will be crucial for your claim.
- Be honest and detailed: Explain the cause of the fire (if known) and the extent of the damage to your property and belongings.
- Ask questions:
Don't be afraid to ask your insurance agent questions about the claims process and your coverage.
A Reputable Restoration Company (PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages!)
Now, let's talk about your trusted allies in the recovery process - restoration companies, such as PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages who specialize in fire damage restoration and can help you get your life back on track immediately.
Here's what a professional restoration company like PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages can do for you:
- Emergency Board-Up: We can secure your property with temporary boarding to prevent further damage from the elements or unwanted entry.
- Water Damage Mitigation: Fires often lead to water damage from firefighting efforts. We can start the water damage remediation to dry the property ASAP to minimize mold growth.
- Smoke and Soot Removal: Smoke and soot can penetrate deep into walls, furniture, and belongings. We have specialized equipment and techniques to effectively remove smoke residue and minimize lingering odors.
- Content Cleaning and Restoration: We can clean and restore personal belongings, furniture, and electronics that may have been damaged by smoke, fire, or water.
- Structural Repairs: In some cases, fire damage might necessitate structural repairs. We can work with qualified contractors to restore your property.
How do I choose the right restoration company?
That's a quacktastic question! Here are some key factors to consider:
- IICRC Certified Technicians: Ask the restoration company to provide you with a copy of their IICRC certification as a Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) to confirm that they are prepared to perform and document cleaning and deodorization of typical residential or commercial fire and smoke damage projects.
- Experience: Choose a company with a proven track record and experience in fire damage restoration.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured to protect yourself and your property. Ask for documentation and confirm the insurance is neither expired or canceled.
- 24/7 Availability: Fire emergencies can happen anytime. Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services.
- Transparency and Communication: Look for a company that clearly explains their services, costs, and the restoration process.
- Cherry On Top/ IICRC Certified Firm: It is not required, however, IICRC Certified Firms are known for their high level of technical experience and professionalism. With unmatched expertise to complete complex projects, Certified Firms give consumers peace of mind that the job will be completed right the first time.
PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages checks all these boxes and more!
Furthermore, because we are a locally-owned and operated company, we can be at your property within hours of your call, as opposed to days later.
Additional Resources:
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): https://www.nfpa.org/en (Provides fire safety information and resources)
- The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): https://ibhs.org/ (Offers resources on disaster preparedness and recovery)
- The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC):
https://iicrc.org/iicrccertifiedfirm/
Remember, recovering from a fire can be a challenging process. But by reaching out to the right people and prioritizing your safety, you can navigate this difficult time and get your property back to its former glory.
Stay safe and don't hesitate to contact PUDDLES Restoration Services of Ocala & The Villages if you need fire damage restoration assistance. We're here for you!
Quackingly yours,
PUDDLES the Duck
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
