The Risk For Mold After Fire Fighting efforts

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

After fire fighters leave, you have both fire damages and water damages that can quickly become mold damages if not dealt with right away by SERVPRO

SERVPRO Technicians Assess Mold Infestation Issues After Water was Used to Put Out a Fire at Your Home

Water seems like a real savior during recent fire events in and near Portland. As the threat of extensive damage reduces through fire-fighting efforts, the possibility of mold damage developing is rarely considered. Once you step back and consider how much water is used to control a blaze or reduce the possibility that fire takes off in your home you understand that secondary water-accelerated mold damage can become a crisis in its own right. 
 
Mold damage basics in Portland, as elsewhere, emphasize that where standing water or residual dampness remains unabated for just a couple of days, microbial growth is almost inevitable. Our area of Oregon is one of the most humid in the country, and the 73.2 percent average ambient moisture can by itself support mold growth. Add water-based firefighting efforts, and it is not surprising that area homeowners so often seek our mold remediation skills. 
 
If mold damage does take hold in your home, abating it becomes as important as cleaning up soot or smoke damage. SERVPRO offers full-service restoration, able to handle your water damage issues, smoke and soot cleanup, as well as providing the mold remediation protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Your reliance upon our ability to respond professionally and successfully whatever your restoration needs is well-founded. Our technicians train in a broad variety of strategies and methodologies supported by courses developed with the backing of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an international restoration industry standards-setting organization. 
 
Expect the mold damage remediation process to emphasize the safety of you and your family as well as the professionals providing the services. SERVPRO technicians wear full personal protective gear during the abatement and contain the moldy areas with physical barriers and modern technologies, like negative pressure air scrubbers, preventing particles from contaminating mold growth-free areas of your home. Any porous materials infiltrated by mold growth will be removed along with the mold colonies, and the infested items disposed of according to local codes for hazardous waste. 
 
Final mold remediation steps include sanitization with professional grade antimicrobials matched to the fungal growth and a careful consideration of the water incursion that activated the mold in the first place. Any water or moisture remaining after all restoration services complete can contribute to another wave of mold growth. The water and fire damage efforts must completely eradicate excess moisture issues to prevent further mold damage. 
 
Often home restoration is a complicated matter, and SERVPRO of Northwest Portland has the skills, experience, and trained technicians to manage mold, water, and fire damage issues, as well as other. Call 503-283-3658 to set your individualized remediation processes in motion.