The Three Categories of Water Damage

Many people cannot tell the difference between the three categories of water damage; black water, grey water and clean water. There is a huge difference when it comes to the damage caused by the different kinds of water. It pays to have knowledge about water damage.

The Categories of Water Damage

• Category 1. The first category is clean water damage. This type of water damage is from a clean and sanitary source. After 48 hours, Category 1 can become a Category 2.

Clean water damage sources:

1. Faucets
2. Toilet tanks
3. Leaky clean water supply line to dishwasher 

• Category 2. The second is grey water. This type of water damage is hazardous due to significant levels of contamination of bacteria, mold, and/or chemicals, all which could easily damage your property and pose risks to your health. Category 2 becomes a Category 3 if left untreated for 2 days or more. 

Grey water damage sources:

1. Dirty water from washing machine
2. Broken aquarium
3. Toilet overflow containing urine (no solids)

• Category 3. This third is the worst classification and is unsanitary. Black water is very dangerous and you should always use caution when coming in contact with this type of water damage. This type of water is not only unsanitary, but corrosive as well. Black water hosts very destructive bacteria, fungi, and blood borne pathogens that could cause serious illnesses. 

Black water damage sources:

1. Broken sewage pipe
2. Flood water
3. Toilet overflow with feces

Comparing Mold and Mildew - What's the Difference?

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi and both will grow in similar conditions. They both can be dangerous to your health and can cause allergic reactions to certain people. How can you prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home?

Comparing Mold and Mildew

Definition

Mold: Mold is a fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei. It grows in the form of hyphae of filaments.

Mildew: Mildew is a specific kind of mold, usually with a flat growth habit. 

Appearance

Mold: Mold can appear cottony, velvety, granular or leathery and can come in any shade or color. It will usually have a musky or earthy odor. 

Mildew: Mildew appears as a thin, powdery film with white, gray or black color. 

Prevention and Control

Mold: To prevent mold in your home, you need to keep all the areas dry and moisture-free. You should check the humidity levels in the house and take the necessary measures to control humidity. 

Mildew: To prevent mildew at home, keep all the areas moisture-free. There are mildew removers available at stores to eliminate mildew. To protect crops from mildew use mildew-resistant seeds, remove infested plants, avoid overhead heating.

Reference:

http://www.diffen.com

How Do Flood Zones and Evacuation Zones Differ?

Flood zones and evacuation zones are different. They measure different conditions that may not occur at the same time.

Flood zones are areas mapped by FEMA for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. Each flood zone designation, represented by a letter or letters, tells homeowners exactly what the risk is for flooding at their property over a period of years, regardless of the cause. By law, all homes in high-risk zones carrying a mortgage must be covered by flood insurance.

Evacuation zones, on the other hand, are based on hurricane storm surge zones determined by the National Hurricane Center using ground elevation and the area’s vulnerability to storm surge from a hurricane. The evacuation zones are marked from A through E, plus non-evacuation zones.

The flood zones and evacuation zones are determined by different methods and have different purposes. A home may be located in a non-evacuation zone, yet still be located in a flood zone because of a nearby stream or pond. 

Residents need to check both zones.

An important thing to remember is that flood losses are not covered by homeowners insurance policies. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Any flooding damage covered under the policy – whether or not a federal disaster declaration is made – will be reimbursed per the policy limits, which can include structural damage or the loss of contents.

For more information on flood zones, visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov or call (888) CALL-FLOOD (225-5356).

For more information on evacuation zones in Pinellas County visit the website below:

http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/PDF/hurricane_guide/Hurricane_Guide_6-7.pdf