Cleaning the three types of water damage: clean water, grey water, and black water.

1. Clean Water

Water that does not pose a hazard to humans is classified as clean water (drinking water).

• Use a standard cleaning and drying processes.

2. Grey Water

Water that has some form of contamination would be considered grey water (groundwater seepage, sump pump failures, water from a washing machine, etc.).

• Professional cleaning and drying are recommended due to the degree of contamination that can cause sickness or discomfort when consumed or exposed to.

3. Black Water

Water that is grossly unsanitary (sewage, flooding from rivers or streams, standing water, etc.)

• Professional cleaning and drying are required due to high contamination that can cause death or serious illness if consumed or exposed to.

Water damage can cause bacteria to form. Improper drying creates mold – over drying can cause structural damage. If not properly treated, mold can render a home uninhabitable (structurally unsafe).

In a few short hours water destroys your property, your furniture, collectibles, precious mementos, unique family heirlooms, and important papers – items that can never be replaced.

MOLD CAN RESULT FROM IMPROPER DRYING

Mold forms quickly in damp/flooded areas, sewer backup, leaky roofs and pipes, and any area accumulating excess humidity.

MOLD THRIVES IN DAMP ENVIRONMENTS

• Outside and behind walls.
• Within a shower/bathtub enclosure.
• Windows.
• In a ventilation system (duct work).
• Attics, crawl spaces, and other hidden areas of your home or business.

Separate into three categories and begin the restoration process.

1. Undamaged in good condition that can be stored.
2. Damaged items that can be restored (begin to dry).
3. Unsavable items that need to be discarded.

• Remove brass and copper (immediately clean to avoid etching).
• Remove firearms (immediately dry and oil to avoid rust and pitting).
• Remove standing water with a wet dry vacuum and set up fans to get the air moving.
• Dry wet items (clothing, area rugs, paperwork, photos, etc.) quickly to prevent mold and mildew.
• Place aluminum foil under furniture legs. Remove wet rugs and carpet.
• Rescue and secure: driver's licenses, financial records, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, medical records, titles, deed and mortgage documents, tax information, credit cards, blank checks, cash, jewelry, etc.