Houston Call to Action!
Back to Home PageThese are the first few steps you need to take to keep your home and, most importantly, your family safe!
Most Houston area homeowners are focused right now on getting demolition and haul-away work done. While this is a key initial process, the most crucial immediate steps are taking preventative measure to remediate and decontaminate all bacteria, pathogens, viruses and mold. Whether you are waiting on your insurance adjusters or have already met with them, this process is extremely important to keep your family safe and to be able to restore your property properly and without future health concerns. Restoration Texas uses FLIR thermal imaging technology and professional moisture readers to “see” throughout your home, behind existing walls, cabinets and more; to measure and document moisture content. It is crucial that these images be documented and saved for your insurance company in order to obtain the maximum reimbursement.
Our primary focus after documenting these items is putting in-place commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, foggers and air scrubbers to bring clean air in. Our air testing equipment monitors the entire process while we do a complete decontamination of the affected areas. We have the experience, equipment and means to get this done promptly and correctly. Most “Chuck in a Truck” contractors do not! Contact us at 713.858.2229 to start this process on your home or business.
Our turnkey approach makes it easier on you, the home or business owner, during times that might be otherwise overwhelming. Restoration Texas is locally owned; our founders were born and raised in Houston. We are particularly proud of our knowledgeable and skilled staff. When you employ us, we understand you are placing your trust in Restoration Texas at a time of vulnerability and go out of our way to insure that this trust is rewarded.
Click to download FEMA Drying Guide and EPA Flood-Related Cleaning Guide (Restoration Texas follows both of these closely).
Reprinted from:
Texas Man Contracted Flesh-Eating Bacteria From Hurricane Harvey Floodwaters
A bug bite and a little bit of floodwater can be a potentially deadly combination.
On Aug. 29, former firefighter and paramedic J.R. Atkins of Missouri City, Texas, paddled through his flooded neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, looking for anyone who might need medicine, food, or other assistance. He wore a jacket, waterproof pants, and rain boots, but no gloves because he didn’t plan to leave his canoe and didn’t have any open cuts on his hands, according to People Magazine.
He didn’t plan on being bitten by an insect, either, but that’s exactly what happened, unbeknownst to Atkins at the time. The bite, on his hand, came into contact with Hurricane Harvey floodwater shortly after, and by the next day, his hand and arm were swollen and red. His wife took him to the emergency room immediately and he spent 10 days in the hospital (five of those in ICU) undergoing three surgeries. Apparently, the hole in the skin left by the bug bite was large enough to allow Strep A-infected water in, resulting in bacteria growth that causes necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” Atkins told People.
Doctors told Atkins’ wife his condition was limb- and life-threatening: necrotizing fasciitisis is fatal in more than 25 percent of cases. Atkins was fortunate that his training as a first responder tipped him off to the symptoms and that he got to the hospital quickly. He’s back home now, hand completely intact, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Understandably, Atkins wants to make sure no one else goes through the same ordeal. “You want to stay dry,” he said. “Completely cover your skin with waterproof clothes and make sure any open wounds are sealed with material that water cannot penetrate.” He especially stresses the importance of wearing a mask to prevent breathing in water droplets or mist: “No one wants flesh-eating bacteria in their lungs.”
Five Flood Recovery “Must Knows” For Your Home!
Patience
Be patient – it can take up to five seasons (15 months) before you know the full effect of the water damage to your home.
Terminology
You don’t have a “flood home” or “mold home”, you have a “black water loss”. This is important to know because it properly defines the remediation process.
Safety First
Do not try to save contents. If you have an heirloom, clean it and observe it for up to a year before bringing it back into your home.
Exterior Sheeting
Your sheeting will be hard to dry and may require replacement. Remove it from between the studs at the same height as the interior walls are demolished.
Microban
Just spraying Microban is not enough. Spraying without wiping doesn’t make it clean. Wipe off the spray and repeat the process several times.
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