Not since the l880s, and never in Florida’s history, have four hurricanes made landfall on a single state during the same hurricane season. The result was complete devastation and everyone in the state of Florida has been significantly impacted. According to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the Treasure Coast counties of Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie were affected with the greatest percentage of damages.

As many of you know, we at Special Forces are very committed to our community and have been working very hard to keep up with the demand for emergency services, including temporary roof repairs, drying out, extraction of wet and molding materials, roofing and the complete restoration of homes and business.

Over the past several weeks many people have been asking questions about the process of recovery.  Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions and answers that we hope you will find helpful in your quest to restore your homes, businesses and bring our communities back to normal as quickly as possible

What should  I do if water came in to my home?

Do…

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force, however).
• Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place.
• Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight if possible.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water (don't forget to place pans beneath!).

Do Not…

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
• Leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

I noticed mold in my home, should I be concerned?

Whether it is your home or business, a major health concern after storms that cause flooding is the growth of molds and bacteria. Concerns relating to mold growth and exposure, which can occur inside your home following heavy rains or flooding, should be addressed quickly in order to prevent illness.

When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers they can trigger allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, elderly persons and individuals with existing respiratory conditions appear to be at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold. In addition, exposure can cause development of an allergy to mold, resulting in long-term health problems.

Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood caused by storms and flooding provide an ideal environment for mold to flourish. If you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to clean up and remove the mold as soon as possible.

I can smell mold, where should I look and what should I do?

Look for mold growth throughout the house, including the attic, basement and crawlspaces. Have professionals inspect areas that are difficult to see or reach, such as heating/cooling ducts and wall insulation. Wash all items that came in contact with floodwaters with a household chlorine bleach solution, mixing one quarter-cup of bleach per one gallon of water. Leave the bleach solution on the items for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off with clean water.

When using a bleach solution, open nearby windows and wear rubber gloves. If you have any further questions, call your local health department.

Mold in a flooded building can also be dangerous to human health, particularly to people with allergies or respiratory problems.

FEMA has published a handbook on how to prepare for disasters and what to do afterward. The book, “Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness,” can be read or copied on-line at www.fema.gov/areyouready/

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold:

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and dehumidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

How do I get started with emergency services, my insurance claim and  restoring my home?

Timely Action is essential. The longer the water flows or wet conditions exist, the more is absorbed and the greater the recovery problem.

Your first call should be to Special Forces at 772-692-0302 and a representative will take all of your information.  Please have the following ready when you make your initial call: accurate and timely contact information, address with directions to the job,  description of damage, what type of roof do you have (flat, pitched, shingles, tile or metal), the name of your insurance company, policy number, claim number and adjuster contact information.

Please note that a work authorization must be signed and deposit received prior to any emergency services, temporary repairs, and roofing or restoration work being scheduled.

How do I begin to settle my insurance claim?

First notify your insurance company to initiate the claim process. Your assigned insurance adjuster will work with you in determining the scope and value of the damage. We will work closely with your adjuster to ensure that they will cover every detail to restore your home or business to a pre-loss condition.  After the claim is mutually agreed upon, your adjuster issues a check for all or a portion of the work to be completed.

 

additional contact information.

Power Company Contact Information

• Florida Power and Light Hotline: 1-800-4-OUTAGE
• Progress Energy: 1-800-228-8485
• TECO: 1-888-223-0800
• Gulf Power: 1-800-GUPOWER

County Information online

·         Indian River County at ww.ircgov.com

·         Martin County at www.webserver.martin.fl.us

·         St. Lucie County at www.stlucieco.gov