Disaster Restoration Professionals

No matter how prepared you are for events such as hurricanes or flooding, natural disasters and other unwanted disasters like fires do strike.  When disaster strikes and you have your hands full with evaluating the needs of your home or business and safety of your family, it might be the right time to engage the services of a disaster restoration company.  These folks are the experts in water extraction, odor neutralizing, mold and mildew evaluation, hazards to health and home, professional clean-up and complete restoration of property, including contents which can be salvaged.  They can make a big difference in your recovery time and really remove stress from the process.

Not only does a disaster restoration staff have specialized training and knowledge in disaster recovery, but also they have super-duper equipment like high-powered water extraction units, gigantic fans and state-of-the-art thermal imaging tools to find water where you cannot see it.  It's likely if they are on the scene quickly, after a flood, for example, that mold will never materialize into a big issue because they know well how to act fast to remove water and dry a structure.

Additionally, disaster restoration firms can deal with biohazards like sewer backup, hazardous material spills, copious mold, hoarding situations, even crime and death scenes.  Most of these firms are familiar with and assist in the process of dealing with insurance companies and claims making the process even easier for you.  Some municipalities may require professional cleaning before re-instating an occupancy permit in a house or allowing you to re-open your business building.

When choosing a disaster recovery company, look for online reviews & reputation, check to see that they have a local contractor permit, registered to do business in FL, Better Business Bureau endorsement and/or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) logo. This non-profit institute offers a comprehensive line of classes to increase knowledge and competency and certification in a wide range of areas, like:

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
• Senior Carpet Inspector (SCI)
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
• Health and Safety Technician (HST)
• Odor Control Technician (OCT)
• Wood and Laminate Flooring Inspector (WLFI)
• Introduction to Substrate Subfloor Inspection (ISSI)
• Building Moisture Thermography (BMT)
• and  many more...

The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) has been providing advanced training to indoor environmental professionals for more than a decade.  NORMI is involved in possible legislation that states may embrace which will not impede business growth.  Currently, there are few or no mold regulations for building or maintaining structures.

While we applaud the do-it-yourselfers who often rent Tampa roll off dumpsters from Bin There Dump That, there are DIY projects both at home and at work (if you are a business owner) which are best left to the professionals in terms of turnaround time, expertise,  equipment and proficiency.   When it comes to getting rid of that debris or junk, Tampa dumpster rentals from the team at Bin There Dump That is a great option to considder.  Let them do what they do best, Tampa dumpster rentals, so you can spend your post-disaster time and energy on family, business and employee safety and security.

Dozen Days of Downpours... plus a few Dozen more!

This past month had a few dozen days of downpours.  A few dozen or so roads closed. A few dozen inches of rainfall...  Several dozens of disasters.   If you are dealing with the fallout of flooding and rain damage, the Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to help.   

July ended with 4.77 inches above normal rainfall, and if you have wet carpets, a flooded carport, water damage in your yard or around the foundation or other rain-inflicted destruction, you need to take action.   The City of Tampa has been giving away sandbags, and residents have to exercise caution in leaving home, as many roads have been closed, flooded and/or damaged.   Flood warnings were issued, and the Anclote River rose more than two feet above flood stage on Aug. 3.   Flooding can occur days after rain has stopped.

Unwanted water commands immediate attention as it not only can destroy carpets, electronics, floors and furnishings, but also it creates a haven for mold growth.   Mold can ruin interior walls and structure components, and it promotes very poor indoor air quality which in turn can cause serious illness and respiratory problems.   The quicker you act, the faster you reduce chances of unnecessary damage and health issues.

• Disconnect power if water is above any electrical outlets, and exercise caution using electrical things like a shop vac in places where water has accumulated
• Wear protective clothing, boots and gloves, etc
• Take photos for insurance purposes before you begin clean-up work
• Remove what you can as quickly as you can to higher ground or place
• Get rid of water; use buckets and mops if you have to; remove mud with shovels and hose out what you can
• Cut away wet drywall, tear up rugs, remove wet insulation and worry about repairs later
• Check foundation for mortar breakdown
• Open up everything you can to dry air and breezes
• As things dry, clean with disinfectant to eliminate bacteria; water and common bleach mixture (5:1 ratio) is a great disinfectant except for fabric; wear protective gear and work with windows open
• One excellent product, Concrobium, inhibits mold growth  
• Arrange for a Tampa dumpster rental with Bin There Dump That to keep all the wet, damp and damaged stuff together and away from the house.

Timing is of the essence when cleaning up unwanted water, and cross-ventilation is the best way to dry things out.  It may not be the fastest, and you can assist with fans.  Don't forget to open small spaces like half-baths, closets and pantries. 

Then head for the yard for downed branches, debris, plastic chairs and anything in the neighborhood that wasn't nailed down during high wind and rain that may now be on your property.  Bin There Dump That can deliver a yard waste dumpster rental for you to share with a couple neighbors for tree limbs, errant junk and damaged landscaping. 

Remember this tiny fact: Most people underestimate the size of a dumpster they need, so go up a notch or two and be sure you have what you need first time, so you're not paying for multiple pick-ups and replacement. The Bin There Dump That folks can help you decide, and they'll be like your new best friend for a quick response and professional placement and storm debris and junk removal. 

Keep an eye on where ERIKA is going, hopefully it turns east and gives us a break from the rain!

Be Safe ~ Be Smart: Flood Prep

The number one natural disaster in the United States is floods, and Florida leads the country with twice as many claims and twice as much money paid out than the second state on the list [Alabama]. While a flood is a temporary condition, it is also a potentially dangerous and expensive experience. 

In the Tampa Bay region, it's not usually swollen rivers overflowing their banks, but heavy rainfall in a short period of time, measured in hours, not days or weeks or the high tides in South Tampa.   The topography is fairly flat, and there are not many appropriate places for rainwater to go once the drain systems are overwhelmed. So, it leaks and pours into inappropriate places, like your house. 

You can't control Mother Nature, but you can be prepared and remain safe during torrential rains and local flooding.   About half of people who die in floods are trying to drive through water.  The Bin There Dump That Dumpster Diva is here to tell you that water is one powerful force.   It creates valleys like the Grand Canyon, can sweep away a car or SUV in a mere two-foot depth, and a person can go down quickly in as little as six inches of rapidly moving water.  

If you live in Aspen, Colorado, you should be prepared for heavy snows and power outages.  If Chicago is your home, its nickname of the Windy City is a clue that mega breezy conditions may occur.  And if you are lucky enough to reside in the Sunshine State of Florida, flooding could be the thorn in your side.  Preparation is key, even if there's nary a cloud in the sky.  

Things to keep on hand year round, plus extras you can gather even one day in advance:

• flashlights and batteries
• radio with batteries
• pet flood emergency plan
• spare toiletries in a secure bag
• change of clothes in waterproof container
• dry foods, snacks and pet food
• medicine
• flotation devices (why not?) for every member of the family
• know how to shut off power and gas to your house
• fully charged cell phone
• at least a few gallons of clean water.

All levels of government stay informed and impart information to the public as it becomes available.  Stay tuned in advance to weather alerts and heed both watches and warnings.  Hold a family powwow and go over emergency procedures, plans and supplies.  

Take advantage of free sandbags, like the City of Tampa recently provided, and all other services, including moving to a shelter in advance.  Emergency Medical Services personnel and equipment are stretched to the limit during natural disasters, and people who plan ahead need not be in the statistics of those who need evacuation assistance or among those who perish in the disaster.   Be part of the solution, not the problem. 

• Stay calm and clear-headed
• Tune in for local news and information often
• Do not drive or walk in moving water
• Evacuate in advance if it looks worse than normal
• Cut off your own power if water rises
• Don't touch any downed power lines
• Refrain from swimming
• Be smart, sensible and safe

Since hurricanes are a serious source of flooding, many of our resources locally address flooding in hurricane preparedness communication.  Here are a few local resources for flood preparation around our area:

• City of Tampa - Hurricane & Flood Preparation
• My Fox Tampa Bay Hurricane Preparation resources
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Bay News 9 Hurricane Preparation resources
• City of Clearwater - Protect yourself from floods
• City of St. Petersburg - Hurricane Center