Why does SERVPRO Wear Hazmat Suits when Working on a Flooded House?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that floodwater contains contaminants? Never enter floodwaters without protective gear.

We Need to Use Extra Precautions when Mitigating Homes in Fort Lee, Beginning with Floodwater Removal 

Flooding in Fort Lee involves foul water – water containing microscopic parasites and other biological matter and chemicals that dissolved in the water. Other dangers include sharp items that can cut or puncture the skin. Even scrapes that might seem minor in different situations can cause serious health effects. 

Flood information given to residents in Fort Lee includes warnings about the dangers caused by the water. High risks remain present, even in areas where the water has drained out and no longer seems to pose a real threat. Silt and mud are denser than it looks, mainly because it is wet. Movement of such material or your belongings can create problems when removing floodwater from your home. We use personal protective equipment or PPE to help keep our team members safe from various dangers. 

Different components of our PPE and their primary use are: 

• Boots, to protect the feet from sharp items, skin from microbes, and insulation from shock near live electrical circuits.
• Gloves, for protecting hands from a multitude of dangers.
• Full body suits, tucked into boots and gloves, help keep regular clothing clean and germ-free.
• Masks and respirators, so we can avoid breathing in any airborne particles. 

While we remove small pockets of floodwater, we continue to wear our PPE. Many of the risks dissipated with eliminating the standing water, but hazards like electrical shock remain. 

We ensure your home is safe and livable before considering the job-ready for a final walkthrough. We do more than pumping the water out – we also dry and clean everything, disinfect where needed, deodorize, and protect against microbial infestation. We check the moisture content of your hardwood floors and restore any demolition work like drywall tear-outs, as well. 

SERVPRO of Fort Lee provides a comprehensive service to residents in flood-struck areas, including Palisades Park, NJ, Leonia, NJ, and Edgewater, NJ. Always ready to serve our community, property owners can contact us round-the-clock by calling (201) 496-6024.