You Can't Hide from the EPA - Futgitive Arrested on Abestos Fraud

Well , you just can't hide from the EPA, yes it may take a while but the EPA always gets there man, er... woman!

WASHINGTON — Nineteen months after she fled her federal sentencing hearing, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fugitive Albania Deleon was captured on Saturday in the Dominican Republic, according to a press release.


Deleon was wanted by EPA for certifying individuals as having asbestos removal training when they never took the required course, the release noted.
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What do you do after a Fire has struck your home or business

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) has gathered the following information to assist you in this time of need. You will need to take action immediately on some of the suggestions. Some actions may be needed in the future, while others will be ongoing. This information is intended to give you the assistance needed to help you as you begin rebuilding your life.

Click Here to Download the FEMA Booklet

ServiceMaster Anytime is an active member of Volunteers Organizations Active In Disaster (VOAD)

VOAD Mission Statement:

We promote communication and collaboration among organizations throughout Santa Barbara County in planning for and responding to disasters in order to:

 

• Improve disaster preparedness throughout the County.
• Increase the effectiveness of our collective response.
• Minimize the duplication of resources.
• Provide more efficient services to those affected by disasters.

To Learn more about VOAD

 

EPA Gives Status of RRP Training and Certification Counts at June LEHA Workshop

The Lead and Environmental Hazard Association (LEHA) has been conducting a series of workshops across the country. The workshops bring together representatives from federal, state and local agencies to discuss the RRP rule with interested parties including renovation contractors, lead inspectors and others in the industry providing services and or products related to the RRP. The state of Massachusetts' Department of Occupational Safety (DOS) has taken delegated authority and enforcement of the rule from EPA. Several representatives from DOS and the state were in attendance and participated in the workshop as panelists.

David Merrick, NARI Government Affairs Committee Chairman, and several others from NARI attended one of the workshops on Friday, July 23 in Baltimore. Also present at that workshop was the region 3 EPA Regional Lead Enforcement Coordinator, Annie Skidmore.


At the meeting EPA's Annie Skidmore brought everyone up-to-date with the latest numbers (as of the June 22nd workshop) from the EPA regarding the RRP.



• 411,000 people have completed RRP Certified Renovator training.

• 40,000 firms have completed firm certification with 10-20,000 applications in the pipeline.

• EPA acknowledged that their initial estimate of the number of firms that will need to be certified and the number of workers that will need to be trained was way off the mark. The EPA now says the 40,000 firms that are certified represent about 20% of the firms that will need to be certified.

• There are a total of 282 Certified Training Providers, many of which travel and train nationally.

• A total of 17,800 training courses have been held.

About Lead Poisoning

Lead is a natural element and does not break down in the environment. Once lead has been dispersed and re-deposited in the environment, it will remain to poison generations of children unless it is controlled or removed. Lead is a serious danger, especially to children ages 6 and younger. Children are most commonly poisoned by lead when they ingest lead-contaminated dust from lead-based paint.



Once in the body, lead is a powerful toxin. It can cause hyperactivity, developmental delays, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, anemia and hearing problems; these effects are long-term and often irreversible. Children with high levels of lead in their bodies require hospitalization and medical treatment. Very high lead exposures can cause mental retardation, convulsions, coma and death. Children 6 years old and younger are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of lead because their central nervous systems are not fully developed and their bodies absorb and retain lead to a greater extent than the bodies of adults. Additionally, infants and toddlers often crawl and play on the floor, play in the dirt, and put things in their mouths.



Although children from all socioeconomic groups can be effected, those from low-income and minority families are at greatest risk. African American children are almost five times as likely as Caucasian children to be lead-burdened. Low-income children are eight times as likely to be lead-burdened as children from wealthier backgrounds. An estimated 60% of all children suffering from childhood lead poisoning are enrolled in Medicaid.



Lead may get inside children’s bodies when they ingest dust, paint chips, water, and food. Children may not look sick or feel sick, even if they have very high levels of lead in their blood. Only a blood test can determine lead levels. The federal Medicaid Act requires state Medicaid programs to provide Medicaid-enrolled children with a lead blood test at 12 months and again at 24 months (or between 36 and 72 months if the child failed to receive a screen at either 12 or 24 months). Any child under the age of 6 years who has never been tested for lead should be tested immediately. A mother with an elevated blood lead level exposes her unborn child to lead.

Courtesy of :http://www.newhavenlead.com/website/

ServiceMaster Anytime is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm

CORROSION MITIGATION

With the temperatures rising so does the risk of fire increase. This series will be dedicated to Emergency Corrosion Mitigation and the next several posts will enlighten you on this restoration category.

 CHEMISTRY OF FIRE

The chemistry of a fire is a combination of complex reactions, particularly where synthetic materials have burned. There are well over 100 chemical elements, which have been identified. Many of them are involved in the process of burning and the cleaning techniques used in restoration. Three conditions are required for a fire to occur:
(1) a fuel is needed;

(2) the fuel must have enough surface to be raised to its kindling point (e.g. a match will light wood shavings but not a log a foot in diameter); and
(3) sufficient oxygen to support combustion must exist. With these conditions and a source of ignition, fire results.

Fires may be classified into two groups -- simple and complex. A simple fire results in complete combustion and produces no soot, no free carbon, and no appreciable amounts of corrosive gases, fumes or smoke. A relatively pure fuel, such as natural gas, gasoline or a high quality fuel oil consists of many compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. However, if any of those relatively pure fuels are burned efficiently and completely, the products of combustion would be essentially carbon dioxide and water. Only trace impurities would be present. In disaster restoration, virtually no fires are simple.

Most fires are classified as complex. These fires are the result of incomplete combustion and are fueled by synthetic materials. Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen present to react with the carbon and hydrogen in the fuels. The products of incomplete reactions could include carbon monoxide, unburned or free carbon and a variety of complicated hydrocarbon products. Materials acting as synthetic fuels form acid gases and corrosives such as hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, sulfuric and nitric acids. Some of the synthetic fuels are foams, films, polyethylene, polypropylene, melamine, acrilan, Saran, synthetic rubbers, Teflon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chlorides and fluorides. Objects made from these materials include: toys, carpets, flooring tiles, and sheet goods, furniture, clothing, shoes, appliances, plumbing, dishes and bathroom equipment. Even wood fires have been analyzed and found to produce over a dozen different organic acids.

In a fire, acid gases combine with heat and water vapor and penetrate cracks and crevices. When the surfaces cool, the gases condense, forming highly corrosive solutions. Even small amounts of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe can produce enough hydrochloric acid to cause damage. Rubber containing sulfur produces sulfuric acid when burned. Burning Teflon or other fluorinated hydrocarbons produce hydrofluoric acid which etches glass. Some surfaces are especially sensitive to these gases and residues. Machinery and tools, electrical equipment, precision or sensitive metal apparatus, metallic building construction parts, household appliances, limestone, marble and terrazzo surfaces, aluminum and glass can be permanently pitted, etched, and stained from acid residues.


When acids attack metals, salts are produced which also continue to damage the metal surface. An example of salt action is the corrosion on cars from snow and ice treatments or salt-water spray in ocean areas. Anodized aluminum is extremely susceptible to permanent damage from both acids and alkalines. Anodized aluminum is actually aluminum with an extremely thin veneer of aluminum oxide. Once the veneer has been damaged, it cannot be restored.

Soot is comprised of carbon and other materials, which are incompletely burned or oxidized. Although some of the carbon particles have electrical charges causing them to stick together, more often greases and oils are the adhesives. Some soot particles are dry and can be vacuumed effectively. Other soot particles require alkalinity and/or solvent action to dissolve the greases or oils. The alkalinity of a cleaning solution plus the lifting-wetting action of surfactants chemically reacts with oil or grease to form a new product, a water-soluble soap, which is washed away. These reactions then release the insoluble carbon and permit it to be removed physically, often with water. The type of soot residues and the surfaces to be cleaned determine what process, chemicals and concentrations are necessary for the most effective cleaning. An alkaline wash will react with residual acids and some of the greases and oils in soot deposits. Other soot deposits may require a solvent additive. There are some deposits that may even need a putty knife or other physical means of removal. For example, the combustion products from certain plastics vaporize and condense into a solid form.

The most important action to take in fire restoration is drying out the area as soon as possible. Smoke, water vapor and other gases should be evacuated. Portable metal objects should be moved, cleaned and dried with warm air as soon as practical. Normal cleaning should proceed as usual, starting the salvage procedures in the wettest and heaviest areas. If a time lag is necessary, contaminated metal surfaces should be coated with a light coat of vegetable oil to stop further attack. If there is too great a time lag between the initial survey of the job and when work begins, a cost factor should be considered. Delays in cleanup may change the probability that soil will be removed from a particular substrate, requiring more time and more products than would have been necessary when the first test patch was made. Delay may also allow further chemical attack and decrease the level of success in cleaning. Some surfaces may even become so severely attacked that they are no longer salvageable.

Summer Vacation Home Security Tips

With summer in full swing, the family vacation isn’t too far behind. Lots of folks start worry about their home once the ignition key is turned on and the car is headed down the highway. A few simple steps to take before you leave should set your mind at ease and give you the restful vacation that you deserve.




1. Don’t tell anyone (and don’t post on Twitter or Facebook) that you are leaving except immediate family and very close friends. Try not to mention your departure around the office or at the ballpark or at the gym. A passerby or someone listening in might be someone who would take advantage of you while you are gone.

2. Stop newspaper services. Call your newspaper or in many cases you can put a vacation hold on your account at the papers web page. Plan to do this about a week in advance and ask that your subscription be stopped while you are gone. Newspapers piled in your driveway or steps might alert a would-be thief that no one is in residence.

3. Ask the postal carrier to hold the mail until you return. You can put a hold on your mail at https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/landingView.do Just like with newspapers; mail protruding from the mailbox could alert a thief that you are out of town. If you forget the ask the postal carrier in advance, ask a neighbor to pick up the mail and to save it until your return.

4. Ask a neighbor to watch out for any visitors who might be in your yard. Be sure to leave a contact phone number so that the neighbor can reach you or someone that you trust in the event of a problem.

5. Lock the doors using dead bolts and regular locks. Many people say that locks can only keep out honest people but you want to make it as hard as possible for someone to enter your home without your permission.

6. Lock all the windows. If a thief can’t get into your home through the door, he will probably try the window.

7. Install a timer so that a lamp will come on when it becomes dark outside. Timers are fairly inexpensive to purchase and will provide added security for your home. To operate, you simply plug them into the wall outlet and then plug the lamp into the timer. Set the timer so that the lamp comes on around dark and turns off at an appropriate time.

8. Move valuables to a safety deposit box before you leave. When in doubt, take precautions. Move expensive jewelry and other small items to your safety deposit box. If it can’t be replaced because of sentimental value, don’t take any chances.

9. Lock all storage sheds and garages. If someone can’t enter your home, they might still be interested in the goods that are in your garage. Lock them up and take the key with you rather than hiding it nearby.

10. Turn off you main water supply. A broken toilet supply line can dump up to 4000 gallons of water in a 24 hour period. Unplug coffee makers, toasters and appliances- this will lessen the likelihood of fire.

While this isn’t a complete list of the items and areas of your home that you may need to secure, we hope this will help you prepare your home for its own vacation.

EPA DELAYS Enforcement of RRP Rule Certifications until October

Latest EPA RRP Update




EPA DELAYS Enforcement of RRP Rule Certifications until October



Click on the link below to read the June 18, 2010 Memo from

EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance



docs.google.com/fileview



EPA accredited RRP certification classes hosted by ServiceMaster Anytime, visit
http://www.svma.com/eventscalendar.html for more information or to register for a class.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR SEWAGE CONTAMINATION ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Now that we know how nasty a sewage loss can be... lets take a look at the general precautions that are recommended if you find yourself in a situation like this.* 

PERSONAL SAFETY:


• Avoid direct contact with sewage.

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a dust mask during cleanup.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with sewage, especially before eating. Remember to wash children’s hands, too.

• If sewage has been swallowed, see a physician or clinic.

FOOD SAFETY:

• Discard any food without a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with sewage.

• Discard any garden produce which has come in contact with sewage. .

• Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with sewage water because they cannot be disinfected.

CHILD SAFETY:

• Do not let children play in contaminated areas.

• Clean and disinfect their play areas.

• Wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

• Don’t let children play with toys which have been in contact with sewage until the toys have been disinfected. Use a mild solution of 1 cup bleach in 5 gallons of water to disinfect.

• Toys that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected should be discarded.

PET SAFETY:

• Keep pets out of contaminated areas.

• Wash and disinfect pet toys.

• Bathe pets that have been in contact with sewage.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY:

• Wash all clothing, bedding and linens in hot water or dry-clean them.

• For mattresses and upholstered furniture that becomes contaminated it should be discarded, some others may be cleaned with sanitizer and hot water extraction then air-dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with disinfectant.

• Thoroughly wash and disinfect dishes, utensils and food preparation equipment, which may have been exposed to sewage.

• Be sure sewer lines are intact before turning on water or using the toilet.

• Clean hard surface walls (drywall will typically need to be removed), hard surfaced floors and other surfaces with soap and water. Disinfect with a solution of 1-cup bleach to 5 gallons water. Also disinfect areas in which food is stored or prepared, such as countertops, pantry shelves, refrigerator walls and shelves.

• Discard any contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, rugs, carpets, and drywall.

• Ventilate cleaned areas to remove moisture and excess cleanser odors.

OUTDOORS & YARD SAFETY:

• Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas.

• If there is solid sewage waste on the ground, it may be shoveled into watertight bags, sealed and discarded in the trash. Wear rubber gloves and boots. Wash equipment when finished.

• Solid ground surfaces, such as concrete or decking, can be washed and then sanitized with 1cup bleach in 5 gallons of water.

• Other ground surfaces such as grass, ground cover, and soil, are not easily treated. However, sunlight, rain, watering systems, and soil components, will naturally denature sewage contamination, usually within 2 weeks.

• Discard garden produce directly contaminated by sewage.

As I started this two part blog, nothing disrupts your life like sewage backup or overflow. It Stinks!  Yes, there are many things that you could do to take care of a sewage backup but do you really want to?  I highly recommend a call to your insurance agent and then a call to a professional restoration company like ServiceMaster Anytime.  We have the equipment, training, personal protective equipment, proper health vaccinations and precautions  in place and proper sanitizing and cleaning protocols. Visit us at www.svma.com


*These are only general precautions and should be be considered a substitute for exact protocol in any particular sewage contamination.

Sewage Contamination

Nothing disrupts your life like sewage backup or overflow. It Stinks! In the next couple of blog posts we will explore why a sewage loss is so-so bad. (Yes, besides the obvious) We often times have clients that have a simple sewage back up contained to the bathroom and are reluctant to have us follow proper sanitization and cleaning processes. That is code for: I really don’t want to replace drywall and flooring just because “a little doo-doo has been sitting in my bathroom for several hours or days.” Yes! Really clients do say this… read on… and you’ll never thinking twice about incorporating proper sanitization and cleaning protocols.


When a building is contaminated with sewage backing up from the septic lines, or flooding of a building occurs that involves sewage, a serious threat to human health exists. Extensive damage to contents and structural materials will occur immediately or in time without appropriate action. If time passes extensive contamination and permeation of absorbent materials such as concrete, paper, gypsum and wood will occur. This penetration with organic matter (sewage) and water leads to the growth of potentially ailment-causing (or opportunistic) microorganisms. These kinds of bacterial organisms may pose a serious health risk to occupants of the building. Organic matter and water-saturated materials can be used as platform for growth of microorganisms that are lethal to humans and are hazardous to materials.

Some of the questions to be answered in this situation include the following: What are the effects of the initial contamination of the building, its contents, and the health and welfare of its occupants? To thoroughly clean up the contamination and repair the damage, what is needed? Should the whole building or just a part of the building be evacuated and for how long should this last? Can semi-porous materials be sanitized and freed from contamination, or should they be replaced? What is the trade-offs of using insufficient measures to remediate the damage? What are the indicators that help show when the building is safe or not safe for people to move it? What procedures should be used to test for these indicators? What is the effect of the sewage damage on other systems, especially the air changing systems (ACS) and the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the build environment?

There are several factors that are related to the remediation of the problem. Among these are the nature of the contamination, the types of water-damaged materials (organic or synthetic; porous, semi porous, or nonporous), the sewage micro flora (pathogens and allergens), organic matter load, water volume, and impact of ambient outdoor temperature and humidity on the indoor environment. Of major concern is the survival of sewage-borne micro flora (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and their potential transmission to
humans. The potential exists for some fungal and bacterial contaminants to establish an ecological niche and present a health risk from chronic exposure for some time after the event.



Now What?

The factors that determine the extent of contamination within the building include the volume and the solids content of the sewage backflow, whether flooding is isolated or involves other areas as well, and how long the contamination has been in place. The assumption must be that potential pathogens are present in the contamination. Such microbial contamination includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This lists the micro flora that may be found in raw, untreated sewage and the diseases that these organisms have the potential to cause. Also, hypersensitivity lung disease has been shown to be caused by repeated flooding of homes with sewer water.

The routes of exposure of the building occupants to these pathogens are contact, ingestion, and inhalation. An incomplete or inadequate job of cleaning and disinfection may leave residue that can be a substrate for disease-causing microorganisms. Occupants may be infected by contacting contaminated surfaces, with inadvertent transmission from hands to mouth, or aerosolization of contamination may result in the inhalation of microorganisms or their products (e.g., endotoxins). Residue and microbial contaminants also can be tracked by occupants’ feet to other parts of the building.


Another aspect of health impact is that the conditions caused by sewage backflow are conductive to the growth of nonsewage microorganisms. These conditions include wetness, humidity, and organic matter. Microorganisms, which exist in various life stages in both indoor and outdoor environments, would then have the opportunity for exponential population growth. These species can produce bioaerosols, which are potential sources for disease. For example, mold allergy is a common source of indoor air symptoms and complaints.

In regard to the susceptibility of building occupants, those individuals whose immune systems are in some way compromised (i.e., immune and compromised), or who are otherwise susceptible due to age, medication, or underlying illness, are considered to be at greater risk of contracting potentially fatal infections than those individuals who are healthy.

Next time we will explore the General Precautions for Sewage Contamination on Residential Property.

Trauma Restoration Industry Part three

Today we continue our final part of the three part series on the Trauma Restoration Industry.


The safety and health of employees performing this type of work is paramount to ServiceMaster Anytime. The risks from exposure are high to both the person exposed as well as the business owner who is ultimately responsible for that employee’s proper training and safety. In specific instances where there is exposure to Hepatitis and/or AIDS, the outcome can be catastrophic.

We minimize these risks however by being aware of what these risks are and by providing the proper training, equipment and resources to those employees involved.

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) writes the laws that apply to this type work and mandates enforcement of those laws. Penalties are severe and in some cases where employer negligence is determined, those fines can even close down a business.

OSHA Requirements

OSHA requires that the following minimum standards are in place before any person or business should attempt to engage in trauma restoration services:

1. Completion of a certified bloodborne pathogen course and maintain the proper documents at the cost of the employer.

2. Immunizations to receive the following: Hepatitis B vaccination series including the final blood test commonly known as a “Titer Test”. (Every 9 yrs.)Tetanus booster. (Every 7 yrs.)

3. Maintain the proper Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals in use including “over- the- counter” chemicals.

4. Provide the proper training, safety equipment, protective uniforms, chemicals, tools and supplies at no charge to all employees performing this work.

5. Provide and maintain the following OSHA documents: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Guidelines for Prevention, Exposure Control Plan and the company safety manual.

Trauma Technicians are some of the best trained employees available in the cleaning industry. Historically, these positions have been filled by paramedics, ambulance attendants, fireman and medical workers. Trauma Technicians encounter more emotionally trauma disturbing situations, are placed in more potentially dangerous environments and are exposed to more direct health risks than the average cleaning worker.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is critical to the safety of the technician that proper PPE or Personal Protective Equipment be utilized when working in trauma cleanup. The following is a list of the most often used PPE.

Rubber boots, Disposable shoe covers, Disposable Tyvek® body suit w/hood (large), Disposable Tyvek Coveralls, Face shields, Plastic goggles, Eye wash solution, Rubber gloves (heavy), Nitrile butyl rubber (NBR) gloves or equivalent. For underneath the Rubber gloves, Air purifying respirators. (Full or half face with acid gasses/organic vapor cartridges), Disposable particle masks Polysporin ointment (individually wrapped single-use packages)

All production personnel suit up in appropriate PPE. PPE must be chosen based on the clean-up to be conducted. The Technicians must always wear latex gloves #9 or equivalent. Whenever there is a chance for splashing of blood or OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Materials), Tyvek coverall and face shields or masks and goggles must be worn. When scraping dried blood or OPIM, masks and goggles must be worn. For large blood spills, disposable shoe covers should be worn.

Cleaning Processes

There are many steps to the decontamination and restoration of a trauma site. We start with meeting with the customer. Most of the time this meeting takes place on site but may well take place off site if odor and other emotional concerns are present.

When the supervisor responds to the customer’s call to discuss the exposure, the customer may not be able to discuss specifics or the extent of exposure. Above all else, we remain sensitive to the customer and the situation. If the trauma scene is also a crime scene, the supervisor will also obtain a written release from the police before further action is taken. The supervisor walks through the trauma site reviewing the specifics of the loss. The supervisor also inspects all other rooms at the trauma site into which first responders may unknowingly have transferred contamination or bodily fluids or OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Materials.) The customer may not want to or need to be present to accompany the Supervisor on the walk-through of the trauma site. The Supervisor clarifies the expectations with the customer so there are no unexpected situations to come up. Supervisor outlines for the customer the basic steps the team will take. The supervisor explains the general cost structure agreeing to provide a more specific cost estimate after the walk-through. The supervisor will brief the technician(s) on job specifics that impact the equipment, tools, products and supplies needed.

What can we clean and what must be destroyed through proper and legal procedures.

First we will determine if the room contents are contaminated with blood or OPMI and if they must be disposed. If so, we will sort the hazardous from the non-hazardous materials and pack the contents. All contents will be inventoried. Since disposing of infectious waste is costly, sorting the hazardous from the non-hazardous materials will save the customer expense. We are often asked to dispose of items that are not contaminated by direct contact with blood or OPMI but are within the trauma site. We then document which items have been disposed of and this will become part of the file as required by OSHA #29 CFR 1910.20.

Then we remove the contaminated materials that cannot be restored. We remove surface coverings (e.g. flooring, countertops, wallboard, carpet, etc.) and dismantle structural components (e.g. studs, sub-flooring) contaminated with blood that cannot either be completely cleaned and de-stained or be adequately cleaned and encapsulated with a sealer. All contaminated portions of soft surface items such as sofas, cushions, mattresses, etc. must be removed and properly disposed of in biomed containers.

The hard-surface contents that are contaminated with blood and OPIM must be cleaned with an appropriate detergent and disinfected with a tuberculocidal disinfectant before being returned to the customer. Hard-surface contents may include the following types of surfaces: Metal, Plastic, Finished wood, Stone and Glass. The hard-surface contents at the trauma site that have not been contaminated by blood or OPIM may be cleaned and disinfected. This process provides the customer with a safe and healthy environment while saving production time and product expense.

Structural Materials

The walls and ceiling materials are cleaned and disinfected, as well the flooring materials. Then we disinfect with a secondary cleaning product and rinse thoroughly in preparation for sealing. Occasionally, stains cannot be completely removed; in these cases we seal the structural material using a pigmented shellac sealer. If the blood or OPIM has heavily saturated the structural material, we advise that the material be removed and replaced.

Structural materials may also have been damaged by the trauma. We carefully inspect materials and remove any bodily fragments like bone or teeth and store these appropriately. We only remove bullet fragments if a signed “Authorization to Begin Work” form has been received. Otherwise, we will wait for removal instructions from authorities. ServiceMaster Anytime is a fully licensed General Contractor so we are prepared to repair or replace any damaged structural materials for the customer.

Clean, deodorize and sanitize soft surfaces.

The customer may request that a contaminated carpet or rug be cleaned and returned. We highly discourage this practice because of the potential for infectious residue. However, the rug is the customer’s property and they may insist that we comply with their wishes. We let the customer know that the chances of complete stain removal are remote. If the customer still insists, we will obtain a “release” for our records.

Upholstered Furniture

The customer may also request that a contaminated piece of upholstery be cleaned and returned. We discourage this practice as well. Even though, thorough cleaning does reduce the risk of leaving a bloodborne pathogen on the fabric surface where it can be passed to another person. We also let the customer know that the chances of complete stain removal are remote. If the customer still insist, a “release” for our records.

Inspection of all work.

Inspection plays the most important role of all the action steps in the trauma restoration cleaning process. The customer expects the area or home returned to normal and they deserve perfection.

Without exception, the following inspection guidelines are followed:

The Technician self-inspects the item or surface immediately upon completion of cleaning. Then the Technician requests peer or a supervisor to inspect the area, this is done to ensure through cleaning is completed. We inspect what we expect. If any problem is found, the inspector verbalizes the oversight to the technician. The Technician will then clean the entire item or surface again. The technician then self-inspects the item or surface, asks for peer or supervisor inspection and the process continues until satisfactory inspection is confirmed. The Supervisor re-inspects the entire job site prior to opening trauma site to traffic. At the end of the job, the Supervisor and customer inspect together to ensure complete satisfaction.

Transition Steps from Work Area to Shop

The Technician(s) inventory and discard all contaminated disposables used for cleaning (e.g. towels, paper goods, etc.) in sealed biomed boxes or trauma barrels. Technician(s) clean and disinfect all boots worn during restoration work that will be used to walk through uncontaminated areas. Used Caution/Warning tape is discarded in biomed boxes.

The Technicians return equipment, tools, products, supplies, biomed boxes and trauma barrels to the production vehicle via the traffic lane runners. The Technician(s) remove traffic-lane paper and tape and discard in remaining biomed boxes. All production personnel remove all reusable personal protective gear and place in remaining biomed box marked “TO BE DISINFECTED” and seal that box. All disposable personal protective gear should now be removed and placed in the remaining biomed box. The Technician(s) seal and load all remaining biomed boxes into vehicle.

The Crew members must wash their hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply. Hands should always be washed after gloves are removed, even if the gloves appear to be intact.

Final Clean-up and Paperwork at the Shop

The Technician(s) unload all biomed boxes and/or trauma barrels into a secure area and disinfect the outside of trauma barrels. After the Technician(s) put on fresh disposable gloves, they’ll unload contaminated equipment, tools, chemicals and supplies and place them in an isolated area to be disinfected. Folding tables are set up as a workstation and the process of disinfecting the contaminated equipment, tools, product containers and supplies is completed.

Hopefully we have provided a good understanding of the Trauma Restoration industry. Trauma work is a carefully performed process, although with sadness, it is a process triggered by an event. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is that the correct and legal protocols be applied and followed. We really want people to understand and know about Trauma Restoration because without the proper guidance and advocacy, families often face the cleanup themselves because they are unaware of the services that Trauma Practitioners perform. This can be an emotional hardship for the family but consequently, when a self clean up occurs; it is often handled badly or illegally. Our community landfills are common dumping grounds for infectious and contaminated waste that should never have ended up there. Proper disposal of blood borne pathogens and any cleaning clothes and tools must be handled correctly and in full compliance with laws and regulations.

Trauma Restoration Industry

Today we continue our three part series on the Trauma Restoration Industry. Last week we learned about Blood Borne Pathogens. So just what does constitute a Trauma and what is Trauma Restoration?


What is a Trauma?

• Trauma: A physical wound or injury. A psychic wound or emotional shockthat has a lasting effect on the mind. An abnormal physical or mental condition produced by a shock, wound, injury or death. The New World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary -

• Trauma Restoration: “The physical and emotional action taken to return, repair or restore a traumatized area and its occupants back to some degree of normalcy.” D. Neal Riley, FBI Retired and former Director of Marketing for Trauma Restorative Services of Alabama

Trauma as stated above is a physical condition, at ServiceMaster Anytime, the types of jobs that we most often are working on are crime scenes. However, we also do trauma restoration for natural death sites as well. A death site is usually not a crime scene and differs mostly in the magnitude of the restoration process. Simply put, a death scene might occur when a person passes on, sometimes this is an elderly person that lives alone and the discovery isn’t made until days or weeks later.

We really want people to understand and know about Trauma Restoration because without the proper guidance and advocacy, families often face the cleanup themselves because they are unaware of the services that Trauma Practitioners perform. This is not only an emotional hardship for the family but consequently, when a self clean up occurs; it is often handled badly or illegally. Our community landfills are common dumping grounds for infectious and contaminated waste that should never have ended up there. Proper disposal of blood borne pathogens and any cleaning clothes and tools must be handled correctly and in full compliance with laws and regulations.

The trauma clean up starts only after the Coroners’ office or other agencies like the Police have completed their investigation. The authorities will release the scene back to the homeowner or business owner. The Coroners’ office or Mortuary is responsible for removing all body(s) and any human remains that may have become detached. The Trauma Restoration specialists usually will not be allowed to or required to remove any human remains. What is left to clean? All of the contaminated content and structural materials in these cases must be cleaned, restored, removed and/or disposed. This is where the experience and training of a licensed and registered Trauma Practitioner comes in.

Two Levels of Dead. Really?? Well not really, once a person has died they are surely dead but there are two levels of death scenes.

Level 1 exposure: Decontamination & Restoration

A “Level 1 Exposure” site has been contaminated by a traumatic event but has been discovered before any biological decomposition or odors has developed. Some areas of the site may still be habitable and the customer or family may still occupy these areas during restoration

Level ‘2’ Exposure: Complex Decontamination and Restoration- (Body


Decomposition and Putrefaction Odors)

A “Level 2 Exposure” site occurs when the resulting odor is bad enough so that the customer or family cannot inhabit the area. The restoration and cleaning process will tend to be more complex. Additional information is critical here for the effective decontamination and control of these problems. Decomposition odor is caused by bacteria or fungi actually splitting proteins which in turn forms a foul smelling residue which must be eliminated as quickly as possible.

Next week we will discuss the restoration process, including preparation, sanitizing, decontamination, items that must be removed and cleaning and restoring hard surfaces.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

This week, ServiceMaster Anytime will begin a three part series on the Trauma Restoration Industry. We hope to provide you with informative knowledge and help to create an educated awareness for the need for professional cleaning and restoration. All of our content will be informational based and not graphic.


Our first topic provides some basic information on BloodBorne Pathogens.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?


Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms that can cause disease when transferred from an infected person to another person through blood or other potentially infected body fluids. The microorganisms are capable of causing serious illness and death. The most common diseases spread in this manner are Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Examples of other bloodborne diseases include malaria, Hepatitis C and syphilis.

Who is at Risk?

Workers in health care and public safety jobs could be potentially exposed to these disease pathogens. These workers include, but are not limited to, doctors, dentists, nurses, paramedics, police, laboratory workers and housekeeping workers in the health care industry. Needlestick injuries are the most common method of exposure for health care workers. Non-health care workers may become exposed at work while providing help to an injured co-worker and coming in contact with the injured person’s blood or body fluids.

How can you become exposed?

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur in many ways. Any kind of opening or break in the skin provides a place for infected blood or fluids to enter your body. Scrapes, cuts, rashes, burns and other minor injuries that create an opening in the skin are entryways for bloodborne pathogens. Your eyes, nose and mouth are mucous membranes, and are also openings for diseases to enter.

Universal Precautions

Universal precautions are methods of protecting yourself from bloodborne pathogens. Universal precautions assume all body fluids are infected with bloodborne pathogens. Universal precautions include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – to be used at all times to prevent skin or mucous membrane contact with bodily fluids. Always inspect PPE for cracks, holes or other damage. Never use damaged PPE. PPE examples include lab coats, gloves, eye goggles, face shields, etc.

• Wash hands or other skin surfaces thoroughly and immediately if contaminated.

• When using sharp items (scalpels, needles, pipettes, etc.) that may be potentially contaminated, a puncture resistant container must be used for storage and disposal after use.

If you think you’ve been exposed:

If you have come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids, you’ve been involved in an exposure incident. Stay calm, wash yourself thoroughly, and report to your supervisor right away. Inform your supervisor of how, when, where and whose blood you came in contact with. If you’ve been involved in an exposure incident, seek medical attention. A medical professional will provide you with appropriate testing, treatment and education.

Bloodborne Pathogens Program

In 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began requiring employers with workers potentially exposed to blood or other infectious materials to establish a Bloodborne Pathogens Program. The purpose of a Bloodborne Pathogens Program is to protect employees from the health hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens and to provide appropriate treatment and counseling should an employee be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. If you have any health concerns or questions, contact your health care provider.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

California Department of Public Health ServiceMaster Anytime is a Registered Trauma Scene Management Practitioner #187.

EPA Lead Paint Rule & the Owner Operator

Who Must Follow the EPA Lead Rule’s Requirements?

In general, anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, this may include, but is not limited to:

• Residential rental property owners/managers – General contractors
• Special trade contractors, including 
• Painters 
• Plumbers 
• Carpenters 
• Electricians

What Activities Are Subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program?

In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

• Remodeling and repair/maintenance
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Painting
• Carpentry
• Window replacement

What Housing or Activities Are Excluded and Not Subject to the Rule?

• Housing built in 1978 or later.
• Housing for elderly or disabled persons, unless children under 6 reside or are expected to reside there.
• Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.).
• Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.
• Minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.

Note: minor repair and maintenance activities do not include window replacement and projects involving demolition or prohibited practices.

What Does the Program Require Me To Do?

Pre-renovation education requirements - Effective now.

In housing, you must:

Distribute EPA’s lead pamphlet to the owner and occupants before renovation starts.

In a child-occupied facility, you must:

Distribute the lead pamphlet to the owner of the building or an adult representative of the child-occupied facility before the renovation starts.

For work in common areas of multi-family housing or child-occupied facilities, you must:

Distribute renovation notices to tenants or parents/guardians of the children attending the child-occupied facility. Or you must post informational signs about the renovation or repair job.

Informational signs must:

Be posted where they will be seen;

Describe the nature, locations, and dates of the renovation; and

Be accompanied by the lead pamphlet or by information on how parents and guardians can get a free copy

Obtain confirmation of receipt of the lead pamphlet (see page 23) from the owner, adult representative, or occupants (as applicable), or a certificate of mailing from the post office.

Retain records for three years.

Note: Pre-renovation education requirements do not apply to emergency renovations. Emergency renovations include interim controls performed in response to a resident child with an elevated blood-lead level.

Training, Certification, and Work Practice Requirements– Effective after April 22, 2010.

Firms must be certified.

Renovators must be trained.

Lead-safe work practices must be followed. Examples of these practices include:

Work-area containment to prevent dust and debris from leaving the work area.

Prohibition of certain work practices like open-flame burning and the use of power tools without HEPA exhaust control.

Thorough clean up followed by a verification procedure to minimize exposure to lead-based paint hazards.

The information contained in this blog is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the official compliance guide for small entities, as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA)

New EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule

A Federal regulation called the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) will go into effect on April 22, 2010. It requires renovation and painting contractors and other trades who work in pre-1978 housing and who might disturb painted surfaces to become Lead Certified Renovators. The Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule requires that renovators are trained in the use of lead safe work practices, that renovators and firms be certified, that providers of renovation training be accredited, and that renovators follow specific work practice standards.


FAQ's concerning Lead & RRP Rule (Information provided by EPA)

What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead-based paint is present in many homes built before 1978. The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in housing in 1978. Lead is known to cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk from exposure lead-based paint because they crawl on the floor and they put their hands and other items which can have lead-based paint dust on them into their mouths. Because their bodies are still growing, children tend to absorb more lead than adults. From: www.epa.gov/lead.

Where is Lead found?
In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.
Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier.
In soil around a home. Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars, and children playing in yards can ingest or inhale lead dust.
In household dust. Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home.
Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead.
If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes.
Old painted toys and furniture.
Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. Food can become contaminated because lead can leach in from these containers.
Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture.
Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach.


What are some of the Health Effects of Lead Poisoning?
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
Damage to the brain and nervous system
Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
Slowed growth
Hearing problems
Headaches
Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
High blood pressure and hypertension
Nerve disorders
Memory and concentration problems
Muscle and joint pain
http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#health


What is the most significant source of childhood lead exposure in a residence?
The scientific literature suggests that nationally lead-contaminated paint dust is the most significant source of childhood lead exposure. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into your home. This dust may accumulate to unsafe levels. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can also create hazardous lead dust. People, especially children, can swallow lead dust as they eat, play, and do other normal hand-to-mouth activities.

How do I know if my house has lead-based paint?
Older homes, child care facilities, and schools are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Homes that contain lead-based paint may be single-family homes or apartments. They may be private, government-assisted, or public housing. They may be urban, suburban, or rural.





You have the following options: You may decide to assume your home contains lead. Especially in older homes and buildings, this is the simplest and safest approach. For example, 87% of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, while 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 have some lead-based paint. You may also test for lead using a lead test kit. Test kits should be recognized by EPA (see http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/kits.htm) and are available at hardware stores. They include detailed instructions for their use. You can hire a certified professional to check for lead-based paint. These professionals are certified risk assessors or inspectors, and can determine if your home has lead or lead hazards.

• A certified inspector or risk assessor can conduct an inspection to determine whether your home or a portion of your home, has lead-based paint and where it is located. This will tell you the areas in your home where lead-safe work practices should be used for renovation, repair, or painting jobs.


• A certified risk assessor can conduct a risk assessment telling you if your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil. The risk assessor can also tell you what actions to take to address any hazards.


• For help finding a certified risk assessor or inspector, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
  

What information can I get about lead-based paint in a home before I buy or rent it?
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have some lead-based paint. Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying pre-1978 housing. Sellers and landlords must: -

• Disclose information on known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the housing being sold or rented;


• Provide buyers and renters with any available records or reports pertaining to lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the housing; and


• Provide buyers and renters with a copy of the pamphlet entitled Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. Click Link for Pamphlet. http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadpdfe.pdf In addition, sellers must give potential buyers an opportunity to check the home for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. To learn more about the lead disclosure rule (Section 1018) visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadbase.htm
  

How does a firm or renovator document or confirm the age of the structure? Is a signed statement by the occupant sufficient? Can publicly available information such as tax records, etc. be sufficient?

The property owner is likely to be a good source of information on the age of a home or other building. However, under the final Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, renovation firms are responsible for making this determination-they may not rely on the statement of the property owner as to the construction date of the building if there is evidence to the contrary. If in doubt, renovation firms can use tax assessments, property records, and similar information to determine the date of construction. Finally, the renovation firm may always assume that a home or child-occupied facility was constructed before 1978.

How can I find a trained renovator to do work in my home?
After April 22, 2010, all renovators will be required to be trained in lead-safe renovation work practices. Contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD for a list of contractors in your area.

ServiceMaster Anytime is an EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm.

20 Questions- A Water Damage & You!

Experiencing a water loss isn’t something that most people practice and drill about. In fact, most people just hope that it will never happen to them. So what if it does? How will you know what you should tell the restoration professional when you call? Hmm… Here are 20 things the Restoration Professional should ASK YOU, if they don’t, you need to tell them this information. Clip this handy list and post in by your phone…just in case!

20 Questions when you need to report a water damage(We start with the no brainers and basics)
1) Your name?
2) The address where the loss has occurred, best phone number to reach you at now, home number and cell number?
3) When did the water damage occur? (Day and time)
4) What was the cause of the water damage? (water heater, tub, toilet, etc)
5) Is there standing water in the structure?
6) Is the water from a clean source or contaminated source?
7) Has the water flow been turned off?
8) If a plumbing problem occurred, when will the repair person(s) be starting their work?
9) Was the home built before 1978? (relates to 2010 EPA Lead regulations)
10) Which rooms or areas of the home were affected?
11) How much furniture is located on the wet flooring?
12) What type of flooring is there? (If carpeting, there may be a wood subfloor)
13) Is there sanitary water on site?
14) Is there electricity on site and has it been turned off in the affected areas?
15) Is there a functioning heating system? (can aid in drying process when used by a professional)
16) Are there any other special concerns? (This is content and people question) Antique books, Art work, Health issues of residents, etc)
17) Is the caller legally able to authorize the work to be performed, if not who is and will they be present at the site when we arrive? ( A work authorization will need to be signed before work is begun)
18) Do you have insurance, if so what is the name of the insurance company?
19) What is the name of your insurance agent?
20) How did you hear about our company?
For more information visit us at ServiceMaster Anytime http://www.svma.com/ or call 805-963-1365

Next.... New 2010 EPA Regulations concerning Lead Paint

Fire control procedures & high humidity conditions can cause or contribute to water damage.

Fire Control Procedures
Fighting fires often requires substantial quantities of water, in many cases spreading to parts of the structure not affected directly by the fire. The problem is often compounded when the fire (and water) damaged home is boarded up and left unattended while adjusters and contractors prepare estimates. Any delay in initiating proper drying procedures leads to a substantial increase in the amount of damage. As with all water damage, emergency procedures should be initiated as soon as possible to reduce primary and secondary damage.

High Ambient Humidity
Even high humidity conditions can cause moisture damage. Many materials are hygroscopic; that is, they seek a moisture equilibrium with the environment. They absorb water vapor from the air. Such hygroscopic materials may be damaged or mildewed when in an environment above 60% Relative Humidity for extended periods. As a water damage professional, we can treat and dry materials that were damaged by the effects
of high humidity. Obviously, we have not discussed every cause of water damage. There are virtually
hundreds of situations causing it. Combine all the causes of primary water damage with those more related to secondary humidity damage, and opportunities for restoration are almost endless. Simple accidents in the home can cause extensive damage.

Next….what’s with the 20 questions…. Things your restoration company should ask you when you call in a water damage.

Water Damage Causes

Ever since Noah's flood, unwanted water has plagued people. Most early water damage was caused by structural leaks and rising rivers. Buildings resistant to natural elements must have been a high priority in early civilizations. While man has learned to construct more water resistant buildings, interior water damage is more likely than ever. Between plumbing, porous finishing materials and fine furnishings, this combination creates a perfect environment for water and humidity damage.

Water damage occurs more often than most people realize. In fact, average homeowners will have at least one water damage experience during their lifetimes. Natural causes of water damage from hurricanes, rivers and coastal flooding still occur and are the most devastating. Yet the most common causes of water damage include frozen pipes, faulty appliances and fixtures, faulty or damaged plumbing, accidents or negligence, faulty or damaged construction, and willful misconduct or vandalism.

Let’s take look at the most common causes of water damage on the central coast.
Defective or Faulty Appliances
Some of the most common water damage situations occur because of faulty or defective appliances. A hot water tank, for example, has a limited life, and often causes leaks when it fails. The degree of damage depends upon its location, the quantity of water, and the time of saturation. Other examples of faulty or defective appliances causing water damage include dishwashers, ice-makers, washing machines, water
softeners, and air conditioners.

Defective Fixtures
Defective, worn and damaged fixtures also cause a great deal of water damage. A stuck toilet float or worn shutoff valve can lead to extensive leakage. When leaks are not discovered quickly, the resulting damage can be severe. Other examples of defective or faulty fixtures include fire sprinklers, sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, Jacuzzis® and hot tubs. Defective sprinklers in commercial buildings are a major cause of water damage.

Faulty or Damaged Construction
An above-average incidence of water damage is found in areas of new construction, for several reasons. Newly installed drainage systems may fail after first heavy rains. A system may be poor in quality, crushed, blocked, or inadequate for conditions. A drywall contractor or carpenter may have nailed through a pipe during installation. The roof may have leaks around flashing or gutters. Appliances and fixtures may leak when the water is connected and turned on.

Accidents and Negligence
Simple accidents or negligence often cause water damage. A homeowner accidentally leaves the water running in a sink or tub while going to the supermarket. An aquarium leaks or breaks while being moved. A garden hose left running near a foundation leaks into the basement. The list of accidents involving water is endless and the damage can be extensive.

Willful Misconduct and Vandalism
Vandals may intentionally cause water damage. They may place a garden hose into a basement window. Such vandalism usually occurs when homeowners are away on vacation, or on new construction before a building is occupied. Because discovery is often delayed, water damage in these situations can be extensive.


Stay Tuned… Next fire control procedures and high humidity conditions can cause or contribute to water damage.

Water Damage Clean Up or Restoration services- What’s the difference?

Water damage is "any water that causes the usefulness, or future use or value of any property to become impaired by water." For example, if a gallon of water is spilled over a hundred square feet of carpet, it will do little damage. If an aquarium breaks on the same carpet, it will certainly cause damage. If the water is contaminated, the water damage will be even more serious.

The old days of cleaning up water damage with a wet vacuum and opening the windows to allow for natural drying of structures and contents can bring unwanted secondary damage, potential mold growth and a host of other potential health and liability concerns. The old days are gone and thank goodness. The restoration industry has continued to evolve and restoration firms today must be well trained in microbiology, biocide chemistry, inspection techniques, psychrometry, thermodynamics, building science, and evaporation and dehumidification theory.

Some restoration firms make the error of saying that they do water damage. At ServiceMaster Anytime, we don’t "do water damage," we offer water damage restoration. The key word is restoration. According to the dictionary, restore means to "bring back to a former or normal state." Restoration is "the act of restoring." So the first and most important aspect of water damage restoration is to remove abnormal moisture from affected materials and return them to their former "normal" state. The restoration job is not complete until all affected materials are completely dried and restored to their former condition. Only then can you even begin to assume that you are "doing restoration." However there are some cases where the fire or water damage is very severe and some items cannot be restored. Others could cost more to restore than their actual value. We work with you and your insurance claim representative and explain the limits of what we as professional restorers can do in the case of severe damage.
Watch this Blog for more on the Restorative Drying.

Santa Barbara Northside Optimist Club Gets Prepared

The Santa Barbara Northside Optimist Club invited ServiceMaster Anytime to present Personal Disaster Preparedness training. Michelle Profant, President of the club said, “Your presentation at our Optimist Club last Wednesday was eye opening and VERY informative, Thank you!”

ServiceMaster Anytime provides free Disaster Preparedness training and planning services. We are an Authorized Mentor of the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Business Disaster Preparedness program. The Ready Business program helps owners and managers of small to medium size businesses prepare their employees, operation and assets in the event of an individual or community disaster. We provide this service free of charge. For more information visit us at http://www.svma.com/contingency.html

SMA's Justin Haagen joins VOAD Executive Committee

In addition to serving on the VOAD Long Term Recovery Committee, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) welcomes Justin Haagen of ServiceMaster Anytime to the VOAD Executive Committee for a 2 year term. Justin will service as the Treasurer.

The function of this organization is to encourage cooperation and coordination in planning for and responding to disasters. We do this so that our response will be more effective, duplication of services will be minimized, and more efficient service will be provided to those affected by a disaster.”

To benefit people affected by disasters through:
• Cooperation — to create a climate for cooperation at all levels (including grass roots) and to provide information.
• Coordination — to coordinate policy among member organizations and to serve as a liaison, advocate, and community voice
• Communication — to disseminate information through newsletters, a directory, drills and critiques
• Education — to provide training and to increase awareness and preparedness in each organization
• Mitigation — to support efforts of federal, state and local agencies and governments
• Convening mechanisms — to put on meetings, seminars, training programs and local conferences
• Outreach — to encourage the formation of, and give guidance to, local voluntary organizations active in disaster relief
For more information visit http://www.svma.com/page21/page21.html

Vieja Valley School receives Cell Phone Donation

When it was time to upgrade the company cell phone carrier, ServiceMaster Anytime (SMA) also had to change the actual cell phones that each team member carries. ServiceMaster Anytime donated 37 cell phones to Vieja Valley Elementary School. The school recycles the phones and receives cash back for each phone from Escrip. The estimated rebate for the donated phones earned Vieja Valley over $800.00. ServiceMaster Anytime’s Justin Haagen stated, “We are always very happy when we can help the community in some way, donating our old phones was a win-win for both ServiceMaster Anytime and Vieja Valley.” Vieja Valley’s PTA director, Marina King said, “This really helped the School with a nice large cash rebate amount all at once, Thanks ServiceMaster Anytime.”

Cleaning Tip Contest!

Winter Break is Over!!! Yeah…. As I sent my school age son and my adoring husband on their way this morning, I rejoiced, winter break is over. Another holiday season is done, the decorations are packed away, the lights have been taken down, and the cozy feelings of the season have vanished. Now what?

It’s time to CLEAN! Ok, according to HGTV, you are supposed to make a game of cleaning. HGTV suggests setting a timer for 10 minutes and pick up as much stuff as you can before the timer goes off. Fun? Sure…. Now what do I do with all the stuff I just dashed around picking up? Dump it in the nearest closet of course!

Do you have a cleaning trick that has saved you time, money or just left you less frazzled? Share your secrets with us. Visit us at http://www.svma.com/contactus.php and send us your best cleaning tip. All cleaning tips will be posted on our web page. The most unusual cleaning tip per week (as voted by the ServiceMaster Anytime team) will win a $25.00 gift card. Enter today! Winner announced at www.svma.com each Monday in January.