Let me explain the different types of water damage. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) have developed the industry standard for water damage mitigation. The IICRC S-500. This document classifies water damage into three categories; Category 1, category 2 and category 3.
Category 1 or clean water is that in which the source of the water is from a clean water source such as a plumbing supply line.

Category 2 or gray water damage is that in which the source of the water may contain chemicals or other contaminates that could cause discomfort or sickness to the occupants. Some examples of this would be an appliance discharge, a broken waterbed or fish tank or overflows from toilet bowls.

Category 3 or Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. Examples include Toilet backflow that originate from beyond the toilet trap, flooding from seawater, ground surface water or rising water from rivers and streams. Category 2 water that is not removed promptly, may be re-classified as category 3 water.

When a sewage backup affects a structure, a unique set of restoration techniques must be employed to safely handle the situation. Federal, state and local government agencies agree that the best protocol of restoration is to follow the published standards and guidelines developed by the IICRC.

During sewage backups or other "black water loss", large amounts of bacteria can enter the interior environment and pose potentially serious health risks to the occupants. In fact, the bacteria introduced to the structure could stay active for up to one month if left untreated. Advanced restoration methods are employed to rid the structure of all traces of sewage and make the structure clean and safe for occupancy.

In a black water loss, care must be taken to not disturb the bacteria in the water and make it airborne. When bacteria are contained in the water and not sent airborne, it is not easily breathable by restoration workers or occupants. This means that doors and windows should remain closed during clean up. The typical fans and blowers used to dry a structure that has experienced a "clean water loss" (non-sewage) should not be used in the early stages of a sewage clean-up project.

Negative air machines, equipped with HEPA filtration, are utilized to remove bacteria and other contaminants from the air during restoration work. Standing water and bulk sewage must be extracted with self-contained vacuum equipment with proper waste holding tanks. The waste is then disposed of at a sanitation station or, authorized dumping facility. Hard surfaces that are impacted must be cleaned and sanitized.  Soft structural materials such as carpeting, carpet paddings, plaster wallboard must be removed and properly disposed of.  Any material that absorbs substantial amounts of moisture and cannot be adequately cleaned must be removed. Once contaminated materials have been removed a second application of sanitizers must be applied to all work surfaces.

As you can see, time is of the essence when dealing with a water damage event. Steps that you can take to minimize the damages and protect your family are:

• Eliminate the source of water if possible, or contact appropriate parties to eliminate the water source or to make necessary repairs. Keep any parts that are replaced for your insurance company inspection.
  
• If there is no risk of electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas; unplug and remove any small electrical devices currently located on wet floor coverings or other wet surfaces.
  
• Remove and secure small furniture items to minimize rust or other stains and expedite restoration.
  
• Place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture, especially antiques that may permanently stain carpet.
  
• Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts as possible to prevent contact with wet floor coverings, minimizing damage such as water marks, browning, dye transfer or migration.
  
• Remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items that may stain the carpet (check especially under beds and in closets for these items).
  
• Remove and secure breakables, moisture sensitive or high-value items.
  
• Make plans for restoration crews to remove large furniture items from affected areas. Don’t forget the china cabinet, entertainment center, waterbeds or aquariums!
  
• Be aware that time is a crucial factor, and delays in loss mitigation and restoration may result in adverse health and safety effects, and additional damage to the structure and contents.

In Category 2 and Category 3 Water Damage you should also:

• Turn off the HVAC or air handling system if safely accessible.
  
• Protect yourself against contact with sewage or sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Wear gloves, boots, goggles, protective clothing and a respirator if you absolutely have to perform any cleaning or handling of sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Wash your hands after handling any sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Contact your doctor if you have any adverse health effects.

Things that you should not do include:

• Use your home vacuum (wet/dry vacuum) since electrical shock may result, as well as damage to the equipment itself.
  
• Place newspaper on wet surfaces since newspaper ink transfers easily.
  
• Walk on wet surfaces any more than necessary in order to minimize safety hazards and to keep from spreading damage and possible contaminants.
  
• Activate the HVAC system if it has been directly contacted by water, or if it might serve as a means of spreading contamination.
  
• Adjust indoor air temperatures unless instructed by a qualified restoration technician.
  
• Enter an area that has standing water because of the potential for electrical shock hazards.
  

In category 2 or 3 water damage do not:

• Consume any food that has been left out in a contaminated environment.
  
• Use personal hygiene items that have been left out in a contaminated environment.
  
• Turn on fans to dry things out.

Do not stay in the building if you:

• Have respiratory problems, including allergies and asthma.
  
• You are under the age of 2 or over the age of 60.
  
• Have a weakened immune system because of illness, medication or any other reason.

When selecting a Water damage mitigation company for your project consider the following:

• Is the company a member in good standing of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
  
• Does the company employ individuals that hold advanced certifications by industry trade associations such as the Water Loss Institute or the National Institute of Damage Restoration to perform water damage mitigation?
  
• How many years of experience does the company have in the field of water damage mitigation?
  
• Can they provide proof that the company is properly licensed and insured?
  
• Does the company follow accepted standards for water damage mitigation such as those published by the IICRC?
  
• Does the company have the necessary testing to locate areas of damage not visible to the naked eye?
  
• Does the company have the necessary drying equipment to ensure a complete and competent mitigation?

As you can see, there is much more to water damage restoration than is often imagined. When water damage strikes, most persons are concerned with the wet carpets, which are usually a soggy mess. An experienced restoration contractor has many other concerns. After all, he knows anyone can rent or buy fans to dry a wet carpet. In fact, in recent years, carpet and carpet cushion have been designed and manufactured to withstand water. Using special microscopic textures on carpet fiber, many carpets are made to prevent molds from growing.

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