The Dangers of Flood Water

Flood water is deceptive. The depth and the speed of the water is not always obvious. If you cannot see the bottom of a flooded road, do not walk or drive through it. Flood water can erode and wash away road surfaces leaving deep holes and uneven surfaces which cannot be seen. About 60% of all flood deaths are people in vehicles that moving water sweeps away. Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly.

Flowing Flood Water

• Flood water moving at only 4 mph, a brisk walking pace, exerts a force of about 66 pounds per square foot of anything it encounters
• Double the water speed to 8 mph and the force zooms to about 264 pounds per square foot. That's enough force push a car or light truck in 2 feet of water, imagine what that would do to a person!
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars causing loss of control and possible stalling
• A foot of water will float many vehicles
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's, buses, and large trucks.

Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, down power lines, and unknown material capable of causing injuries. Flood water may have high levels of raw sewage or other hazardous substances. Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include; upset stomach, intestinal problems, headache, and other flu-like discomfort. Anyone experiencing these and any other related symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. 

Flood Water Contact

If you come in contact with flood water you should:

• Wash your body off immediately
• Wash frequently using a disinfecting soap
• Limit any other direct contact with contaminated flood water
• Look for cuts or open wounds, report all symptoms of illness

Home septic systems - Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. If you have a home-based or small business and your septic system has received chemicals, take extra precautions to prevent contact with water or inhaling fumes. Proper clean-up depends on the kinds of chemicals in the waste water.

Home/private drinking water wells - Do not turn on the pump. There is danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if flood. Do not drink or wash with well water. Water from a private well that has been flooded may be contaminated. Boil water before any use. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

PRS of Tampa Bay, Inc. - "Restoring peace of mind, one emergency at a time"

If you should experience a flood, safety is your first priority. When the water has receded and your property has been deemed safe to return, call your insurance company and then call Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc at 727-NO-WATER. Time is of the essence, the longer the moisture sits the more damage to your home. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year. With the experience and technology PRS if your one stop shop, from water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation to soft contents restoration.

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Be Informed, Make a Plan, Building an Emergency Kit

Know the Difference

Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issue, and stay informed. 

Hurricane Warning - Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities. 

Make an evacuation plan & make sure all family members know where to meet and what to do.

An emergency supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. 

Emergency Supply Kit

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  
  for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 8 drops or 1/8 tsp of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per gallon of water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, and other activities for children

First Aid Kit Supplies

• Two pairs of latex or sterile gloves if you are allergic to latex
  
• Sterile dressings
• Cleansing soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontamination
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. 
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment supplies

Non-Prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxative 

Other first aid supplies:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Petroleum jelly

What is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation is the process of removal and/or cleanup of mold from an indoor environment. There are several steps to this process.

How do I know if mold is a problem in my home? Mold is a type of fungus that is present in our natural environment. Mold spores, which are tiny microscopic 'seeds', can be found virtually everywhere including inside homes. It takes 24-48 hours for mold to start to grow. Mold only needs something to attach itself to, food and moisture to grow. High humidity levels inside of a home can cause mold. You can check the humidity level inside your home by purchasing an indoor humidity monitor. You can keep humidity levels down by purchasing a humidistat. This will work in place of your thermostat.


The temperature inside of your home has nothing to do with mold growth. Humidity is the culprit. If you cannot see the mold or smell it but you are experiencing worsening allergy-like symptoms you might have mold. Controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth. Mold can be on clothing, on or behind furniture, on walls, on the underside of wallpaper and can even get into the building's support structure. The longer the mold has been present and growing the greater the extent of the damage.

Why does my home need mold remediation? Besides wanting to remove the musty odor caused by mold there are health effects from exposure to mold that can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount of the mold in their home. Improper cleanup can cause the problem to go away temporarily and cause more damage. The type of health symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal and throat conditions. People with asthma or allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms worsen. Individuals who have weak or compromised immune system, like the elderly, small children and those who are already ill are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory infections if they are exposed to a moldy environment. Mold should be removed by a certified mold remediator that has the proper equipment and skill to get the job done right.

Who is qualified to do mold remediation? If you are in need of a mold professional you should do your research and verify they are a state certified mold remediator. A certified mold professional has met all state requirements and has completed the proper training to hold a mold remediator license. Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is licensed to assess and to perform mold remediations in the state of Florida. PRS is also a licensed building contractor and they are able to perform the job from start to finish.

If you have a mold problem give PRS a call today! 727-NO-WATER