What is IICRC Certification?

IICRC or Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is an organization that set standards for the industries that offer inspection, cleaning and restoration of homes and buildings that were affected by water (either by flooding or leaks), fire and others. 

How Does your Company Get IICRC Certification?

Before your company can get an IICRC Certification, some or all of your employees should be trained in courses under the IICRC. There are different courses that need to be completed: courses in restoration, cleaning and inspection. You should have a professional employee who specializes in each course. Courses in restoration cover several restorations of walls that were affected by flood, that cause mold because of moisture in the atmosphere.

If your house or business building is suffering from such, look for a company that specializes in mold remediation services in Clearwater Florida. After your technicians have an IICRC Certification in each course, continue to train them in IICRC; they can continue their training up to the Masters level of each course offered or they can be trained in the field that will make them more competent in dealing with the real matter and issues in cleaning, restoration or inspection of homes and businesses. Have this training documented for the ongoing process of your certification. Moreover, have a Proof of Insurance – some of your clients may ask for this proof and your company must present it. 

One of the aims of IICRC is customer satisfaction; thus, the company is required to set up a document that they have properly addressed the situation and have given remedy to the affected areas. 

When your house or business is damaged by water, either from flood, leaks, or an overflow that makes the building wet, unusable, or cause a bacterium build- up, such areas should be properly treated. A Clearwater Florida flood damage restoration company should be contacted immediately to treat and make your property properly dried and mold-free.

Any company who is in water damage restoration in Clearwater FL can engage in business without the IICRC certification. However, in order to gain the trust and confidence of your clients when restoring and clearing damages in their houses and businesses, you need to present a proof of your credibility and expertise. You should be one of the IICRC-certified firm in Clearwater FL. Also, by getting this certification, you can vouch for the skills of your employees that will give you confidence in giving your services, not just for the sake of repairing and restoring your clients' houses but giving your service with limited flaws and error .

Also, an IICRC certification will give your business a professional reputation that will set your business and employees' competency in doing the restoration of damages of one’s home. Make sure to keep your company competitive by giving continuing trainings and insurance, and properly document the trainings you have for your employees and technicians in the past and the on-goings. Finally, keep your business complaint-free by maintaining a proper customer complaint system that will help your company address and follow up the issues professionally.

ServiceMaster by PWF is servicing Clearwater, Florida, and other parts of Pinellas County Contact our office at (866) 599-0871 or visit us at https://www.servicemasterbypwf.com.

How to Prepare for a Category 5 Hurricane

Hurricanes in Jacksonville FL are among nature’s most terrifying and destructive forces. What begins as small disturbances can become fierce mega-storms as they gather strength and size over the ocean. The ones that make landfall over populated areas can cause tremendous destruction.

Category 5 hurricanes are tropical cyclones that reach Category 5 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. They are by definition the strongest hurricanes that can form on planet Earth. They are rare in the eastern Pacific Ocean and generally form only once every several years. There has been a Category 5 storm in the Atlantic the last 4 years.  Here’s how to prepare for a Category 5 hurricane.

• Check with your local building control authority to see if your home has been built to cyclone standards.
• Check that the walls, roof, and eaves of your home are secure.
• Trim treetops and branches around your home.
• Preferably fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.
• Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
• In case of a storm surge/tide warning or another flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
• Prepare an emergency kit containing:
  • a portable battery radio, torch, and spare batteries;
  • water containers, dried or canned food, and a can opener;
  • matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils; and
  • a first aid kit and manual, masking tape for windows and waterproof bags.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display.
• Check neighbors, especially if they are recent arrivals, to make sure they are prepared.

Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary. Official advice will be given on local radio/TV regarding safe routes and when to move.

• Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.
• Lock doors; turn off power, gas, and water; take your evacuation and emergency kits.
• If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
• If evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow police and State/Territory Emergency Services directions.
• If going to a public shelter, take bedding needs and books or games for children.
• Leave pets protected and with food and water.

When the hurricane strikes:

• Disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates.
• Stay inside and shelter {well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
• If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe.
• Beware the calm 'eye'. If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear'.
• If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear), but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines, and streams. Stay in the vehicle.

Even the mildest tropical storms and hurricanes can cause significant storm damage in your property in Jacksonville FL. Strong winds can damage roofs and siding and even break windows, leading to additional damage from rain and floodwaters. The torrential rains can cause floods or even overwhelm wastewater systems, leading to sewage backups. The storm surge is also likely to cause water damage throughout coastal areas. Mold is likely to develop if water or sewage sits in your home for a few days. Weather is unpredictable and can cause significant storm damage to your home or business in an instant. Storms are likely to cause water damage, fire damage, or sewage backups and may lead to mold damage as well.

If you need storm damage restoration in Jacksonville FL, our local restoration professionals from ServiceMaster by PWF will get your life back to normal fast. They are experienced in all types of flood damage restoration in Jacksonville FL, including roof leaks, flooded basements, sewage backups, and lightning fires. The licensed and insured professionals at ServiceMaster by PWF  team will even work directly with your insurance company.

Let ServiceMaster by PWF give you peace of mind in an emergency. Call us today.