Water Cleanup Risks In New Orleans

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

New Orleans Water Removal and the Expertise of SERVPRO

Identifying and Removing Potentially Contaminated Water Is a SERVPRO Cornerstone Service

New Orleans floods, a lot. It is almost a normal part of our lives here, so cleaning up from water in our homes is a regular occurrence for residents and restoration services.
 
Performing a water cleanup in New Orleans takes much than just a large Water-Vac and a push broom, however. SERVPRO teams have to identify the category of water that floods a home to determine the cleaning method and what precautions they need to take to keep our technicians and the homeowner safe.
 
Category One is Clean Water. It does not contain waste products. Burst pipes, leaking faucets, and some failing appliances are the usual sources of clean water. Natural disasters can damage roofs and expose homes to rain and snow. This category presents minimal health risks during removal and requires no special requirements for cleanup. If the water flowed over the soil before entering the home, however, it is not considered clean water. As a caveat, if rainwater intruding through the attic soaks through insulation and items, it is not clean water.
 
Category Two is Gray Water. It is water that was used but does not contain human waste. This category includes water from an overflowing washer that drops detergent-filled water on the floor. An overflowing toilet with no solid waste also is included in this category. Gray water is not a vector for spreading disease, but people can become sick by touching it, drinking it, or walking through it without protective footwear. Carpet soaked in gray water needs thorough cleaning for restoration and furniture needs to be sprayed or wiped down with an anti-bacterial cleaner.
 
Category Three is Black Water. This unsanitary water often contains human waste and presents a health threat to anyone who comes in contact with it. SERVPRO technicians wear protective gear while removing it from each home. Before starting removal, our teams also spray the surfaces with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal cleaners to reduce the risk. They treat all floodwater as Black Water since it is impossible to know what it traveled through before it entered a home. Team leaders dispose of carpets soaked in Black Water and only recommend attempting to clean high-value rugs since technicians can lift them from the floor and soaked them in a biocide solution that kills all living organisms.

SERVPRO cannot emphasize enough the need for grappling with floods differently than from a water line leak. Safety first, and we are proud to help our neighbors.
 
If you are dealing with water intrusion in your home, contact SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview to determine the category of the threat to your home and family. Call us today at (504) 468-3046.

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