WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

A ROMPIN RONNIE REVIEW

Rompin’ Ronnie

INTEGRAL BUILDING COST DATA INFORMATION BUREAU

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Yes folks, the 2023 season will soon be upon us for the “CATS” to be upon us again. Over the decades, they have assumed different names and different theories of why they happen, but they all remain the same with the same results. SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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This is why Emergency Management is so critical over Emergency Service. Management goes beyond the immediate response to the situation and can be critical in loss prevention. There is nothing really that new here except keeping this article handy for future reference is well advised. It is worth saying once again. From the Integral Compliance & Regulatory Review Ruling vault:

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A L.K.Q.S.S. COMPLIANCE & REGULATORY RULING

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Before we can really define Emergency Management, we first must define Emergency Service, the common denominator in any loss. All property claims will have Emergency Service of some description completed to some description in them.

Emergency Service can be simply described as “to secure the building and stabilize the loss.”

Emergency Management goes a lot further than that as it not only performs Emergency Service within its description but loss prevention and the initial stages of restoring the property back to its original condition before the loss had occurred.

The following is what constitutes Emergency Management.

FIRE

There are four classifications of fire that will indicate how volatile, how intense, how toxic, and how fast it can travel. They are

·??????Class A ?????????Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, textiles, etc.

·??????Class B??????????Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, fats, etc.

·??????Class C ?????????Live electrical wiring, motors, appliances, etc.

·??????Class D?????????Combustible metals, magnesium, potassium, etc.

FIRE or SMOKE DAMAGE to your home or business can be very emotionally upsetting and stressful as well as disruptive to your daily routine. Water, mildew, and smoke can be very destructive if not treated correctly. An independent restoration consultant (not the restoration contractor who has only one goal in mind and that is to complete the restoration process of the building and/or the contents only) hired by you should be there to help you through the process of getting your life back to normal.

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Damage can be in the form of burnt and charred material, and black, grey, or white smoke, depending on the severity and type of fire. Building and contents can sometimes be cleaned and deodorized on site. Some items may have to be treated at the restoration contractor’s plant.

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When contents are removed, the contractor should complete a removed articles list of which you will receive a copy. They should take proper measures to protect your property in transit, in the warehouse and in storage.

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Protein fires produce a penetrating, rancid odor and you may not see a clear, almost invisible film throughout the affected area. Standard cleaning and smoke odor removal processes are seldom effective. Specialized treatment for both odor and cleaning are required.

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The first step will be to apply all necessary steps under EMERGENCY SERVICE to stabilize (stop the cause of) the loss and secure (prevent further damage to) your property. Initial steps by a qualified expert for this type of damage will be:???

·??????Sort and arrange contents for treatment (It will be necessary to treat contents back at the plant.).

·??????Extract water and raw sewage.

·??????Remove wet and damaged ceilings, walls and flooring.

·??????Remove all charred materials.

·??????Open any wet cavities.

·??????Treat all affected areas for mildew and bacterial growth.

·??????Provide and set up drying equipment in the form of:

??????????????????????????????Air Movers *

??????????????????????????????De humidifiers

??????????????????????????????Generators **

??????????????????????????????Pumps **

·??????Smoke seal all open framing and smoke damaged surfaces.

·??????Treat odor as necessary

·??????Remove all contaminated contents.

·??????Provide emergency structural cleaning.

·??????Secure the building.

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* Air Movers are not used when raw sewage is evident as they will put bacterial spores into the air.

** This equipment is installed only if required.

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Immediate EMERGENCY action can reduce:

·??????Overall Damage

·??????Overall Claim Costs

·??????Later Repairs or Reconstruction

·??????Illness from Contaminants

·??????Additional Living Expenses

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FIRE DAMAGE MITIGATION includes:

·??????24 Hour Emergency Deodorization, Board up, Water Extraction, and Drying Services

·??????Move outs: Packing, Inventory, Warehouse Storage

·??????Draperies and Clothing Deodorized, Dry Cleaned, and Laundered

·??????Electronics Cleaned and Service Checked (computers, stereos, TV’s etc.)

·??????Fine Art Cleaning and Restoration (paintings, sculptures, textile art, etc.)

·??????Wall to Wall Carpet and Area Rug Cleaning and Deodorizing

·??????State of the Art Drying Equipment and Techniques

·??????Debris Removal

·??????Odor Removal

·??????Upholstered Furniture Cleaning

·??????Media and Data Recovery

·??????Contents Cleaning and Restoration

·??????Detailed On Site Interior Clean up

·??????Furniture Refinishing

·??????Books and Documents Restoration and Drying

·??????Certified Inspectors, Appraisers and Technicians

·??????Direct Insurance Company Billing

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APARTMENTS & CONDOMINIUMS

All too often you can hear on the news that a large apartment building or multi-unit condominium complex is struck by fire, leaving families homeless. What you seldom hear reported is that skilled crews arrive to assess the damage, and, before reconstruction can take place, necessary steps are taken to protect the building owner against liability or looting, which includes sealing off dangerous or exposed areas, sandbagging against water damage or leakage, and handling specialized problems such as asbestos removal or disposal of hazardous materials.

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HIGH RISE BUILDINGS

A high rise building that has been damaged by fire and the water that is used to fight the fire, whether it’s an office tower, apartment or condominium building, or a hotel, we have the expertise, and the knowledge to return it to its original pre loss condition. High rise projects can be extremely complex, involving many different parties, including insurance companies, engineers, architects, building owners, building managers, individual tenants, and specialized contractors.

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SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES

A single source service of an insurance repair contractor can handle the restoration from start to finish. There is no need to have a stream of sub-contractors coming in to survey the damage and provide estimates for repairs. This turnkey service will provide all the trades that are necessary from obtaining permits to demolition to repairs to final cleaning.

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Their APPROACH in solving your restoration problem will include the following:

·??????An onsite inspection of the premises.

·??????A general scope of our proposal as to the assessment of damage and repairs.

·??????Our specific observations of the premises, damage, conditions, and restoration procedures.

·??????Photographs of damage and overviews.

·??????Recommendations regarding the required repairs.

·??????Options of various ways to resolve the problem with your needs in mind.

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Their ESTIMATES or BUDGETS include:

·??????Permits and Fees

·??????Labor Costs

·??????Material Costs

·??????Equipment Costs

·??????Management Fees

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Work should be done in a quality manner within a time frame that meets your requirements.

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Their goal should be to put you back into the same position you were in before the loss occurred, as quickly as possible with as little inconvenience as possible.

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Their billings should be made on a monthly basis based upon the dollar value of the loss restoration that has been completed to date for that 30-day period.

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LOSS PREVENTION BEFORE FIRE DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED

1.???????We suggest you read your insurance policy and contact your broker if you have any questions about coverage, limits, etc. Read all of it and just don’t skim through it - now is the time to understand it - not after a loss has occurred.

2.???????Install smoke alarms throughout the entire building. Areas of special concern would be sleeping quarters, cooking facilities, heat sources, etc...

3.???????Keep fire extinguishers near heat sources such as furnace rooms, workshops, kitchens, etc... Make sure they are properly rated and fully charged.

4.???????Know how to remove the source of fuel or contamination. Everyone should know where the main shut off is for electricity, gas, and water. Containment will limit the amount of damage that can occur.

5.???????Have an emergency plan for everyone to follow in the event of fire. Have a pre-determined place to meet or phone for family members or staff in case the building is severely damaged. Have periodical fire drills.

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LOSS PREVENTION AFTER FIRE DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED

After fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration. Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical, experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot.

·????DO clean and protect trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.

·????DO blow off or brush vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.

·????DO open windows for ventilation.

·????DO change furnace filter if blower is operating.

·????DO empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.

·????DO clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with a light coating of oil.

·????DO pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if the heat is off in winter.

·????DO wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).

·????DO call a plumber to drain heating system if the heat is off in winter.

·????DO remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.

·????DO cover upholstery with clean sheets.

·????DO tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.

·????DO limit the movement in the home or business to prevent spreading and embedding soot particles.

·????DO turn off water and drain lines.

·????DO drain the hot water heater if the electric or gas is off.

·????DO NOT wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.

·????DO NOT use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.

·????DO NOT use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to?????excessive heat.

·????DO NOT use TV’s, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.

·????DO NOT send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor.

·????DO NOT use domestic carpet or upholstery cleaners.

WATER

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER

Beyond the human toll taken in lives and suffering, flood damage does cost taxpayers millions of dollars annually.

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Though governments at every level work to reduce the risk of floods, the first line of defense always rests with the individual. Each of us has a responsibility to protect our homes and families to the greatest extent possible. By planning and taking sensible precautions, you can do your part to minimize flood damage.

Flood threats to areas can usually be forecast in a number of ways:

·?????? by constant evaluation of rising water tables that result from heavy rain

·?????? through surveys of snow conditions in river drainage basins

·?????? by meteorological observations and forecasts.

Flash or sudden flooding, in which warning time is extremely limited, can result from other causes such as earthquakes, tsunamis or tidal waves, hurricanes, violent storms or bursting of dams.

In all cases, local government authorities try to keep residents informed of developments in areas most likely to be affected by flooding. Regular media advisories will recommend actions people should take to limit or prevent disaster. As the need arises, more detailed instructions by municipal or provincial authorities will be given.

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BEFORE THE FLOOD

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ELECTRICITY

When there is immediate danger of flooding, shut off all power in your home.

HEATING EQUIPMENT

Special precautions should be taken to safeguard or minimize damage to electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment. If there is enough warning time, consult your supplier for instructions on how to proceed?

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Ensure that you have a battery-powered radio in working order, with spare batteries, to listen to instructions from your local station.

Prepare an emergency survival kit that includes food, water and medical supplies in an easy-to-carry container. In addition to the battery-powered radio and spare batteries, it should contain at least the following items:

·?????? flashlight with spare batteries

·?????? warm clothing, including waterproof outer garments and footwear

·?????? blankets

·?????? all necessary medication

·?????? infant care items

·?????? personal toiletries

·?????? identification for each member of your household

·?????? any important personal and family documents.

Move furniture, electrical appliances, and other belongings to floors above ground level.

Remove such toxic substances as pesticides and insecticides from the immediate area to prevent pollution.

Remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden plug.

Disconnect eaves troughs if they are connected to the house sewer.

In some cases, homes may be protected by using sandbags or polyethylene barriers. But this approach requires specific instructions that must be obtained from your local emergency officials.

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EVACUATION

Vacate your home when you are advised do so by local emergency authorities. Ignoring such a warning could jeopardize the safety of your family or those people who might eventually have to come to your rescue.

When you leave, take your emergency survival kit with you.

Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.

Plan for pets.

Should time allow leave a note informing others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, leave the note there.

If you are evacuated, register with the reception center so that you can be contacted and reunited with your family and loved ones.

If you are using your car, try not to drive through flood waters. Fast water can sweep your car away. However, should you be caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls, leave it behind. Always consider your safety and the safety of others first.

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AFTER THE FLOOD

Following a flood, it is important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your house and its contents.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has prepared the following handy checklist to help you organize your clean-up. However, this information is provided as self-help advice only.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Exercise caution when re-entering your home. Avoid electrical shock by wearing rubber boots in an area flooded with more than 5 cm (2 in.) of standing water.

ELECTRICITY

Keep extension cords out of the water. If the power is on in the flooded area, shut it off immediately at the breaker box.

If conditions are wet around the breaker box, stand on a dry board, and use a dry stick to turn off the switch.

Consult with your local electrical utility if you require assistance.

THE BUILDING

Make sure the building is structurally safe. Look for buckled walls or floors. Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass, and other potentially dangerous debris.

WATER

Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants and pose a serious health hazard. If, through taste, color or odor, you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, purify it before drinking either by boiling it for 10 minutes or adding purification tablets. If you choose to chlorinate your water with a non-perfumed bleaching compound, add one drop per litre of water, or three drops per litre of cloudy water, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before consuming.

Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations.

EQUIPMENT

Assemble equipment and supplies, which should include:

·??????gloves, masks, and other protective gear

·??????pails, mops, squeegees, and plastic garbage bags

·??????chlorine bleach and non-ammonia dishwashing detergent

(Note: Never mix bleach with ammonia since the fumes produced together are toxic.)

·??????large containers for soaking bedding and clothing, and lines to hang them until they are dry.

·??????You may also need to rent extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, a carbon monoxide sensor, and dehumidifiers, fans or heaters.

Remember to store all valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer until they are needed.

Record details of flood damage, by photograph or video if possible. Register the amount of damage to your home with both your insurance agent and local municipality immediately

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FIRST STEPS IN CLEAN-UP

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WATER DAMAGE

Immediately add about 2 litres of chlorine bleach to standing water.

Do not occupy a house that still contains standing water.

Remove water from your flooded home slowly. Drain it in stages – about a third of the volume daily. If the ground is still saturated and water is removed too quickly, it could cause the walls or the floor to buckle.

Use pumps or pails to remove standing water, followed by a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the rest.

For instructions on how to disinfect and restore wells and cisterns, contact your local or provincial health authorities or emergency measures organization.

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HEATING

Do not heat your home to more than 4 degrees Celsius (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) until all water is removed.

If you use gasoline, kerosene or propane powered pumps or heaters, buy and install a carbon monoxide sensor. Combustion devices can produce large amounts of lethal carbon monoxide when out of tune or improperly ventilated.

DIRT AND DEBRIS

Remove all soaked and dirty materials and debris. Break out walls and remove drywall, wood paneling and insulation at least 500 mm (20 in.) above the high-water line.

Remove residual mud and soil, furniture, appliances, clothing and bedding.

Hose down any dirt sticking to walls and solid-wood furniture. Then rinse several times.

Wash and wipe down all surfaces and structures with chlorine bleach, ensuring there is adequate cross ventilation to remove fumes. Then rinse again. Wear a charcoal respirator (which can be obtained at major safety supply or hardware stores) when using bleach in any closed space.

Wipe down surfaces that have not been directly flood-affected using a solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts cold or tepid water, mixed with a small amount of non-ammonia dishwashing detergent. Then rinse.

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STRUCTURES

Ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely dry. Tape clear food wrap to sections of material. If these sections are still damp inside, they will turn darker than the surrounding material. Dry until this does not occur.

Rinse, and then clean all floors as quickly as possible. Replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage.

Clean all interior wall and floor cavities with a solution of water, chlorine bleach and non-ammonia dishwashing detergent and dry thoroughly.

If regular checks reveal mold, kill it with chlorine bleach. Mold can lead to serious health problems.

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FLOOR COVERINGS

Carpets must be dried within two days. For large areas, hire a qualified professional to do the job. Carpets soaked with sewage must be discarded immediately.

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WATER-DAMAGED HEIRLOOMS AND ANTIQUES

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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Time is of the essence to prevent further damage. Wet items will be heavy and fragile, so keep them well-supported when handling, drying, or freezing. Relocate items to a cool, dry location as soon as possible. Freeze books, paper, and textiles until they can be properly treated and consult a conservator before attempting any repairs. If items are contaminated with sewage, take proper health precautions.

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DIRT

If dirty items are saturated, rinse with clean water if they are strong enough to withstand it; exceptions are paper, fragile items, or those with loose parts or soluble paints and adhesives. If items are only damp, let mud dry and then brush it off.

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MOLD

To minimize mold growth, move items to a cool, dry area within 48 hours and set up fans. Alternatively, textiles, paper, and books can be frozen, and a conservator called for advice. Wet mold will smear if wiped; let it dry, then brush it off out-of-doors. Materials not affected by alcohol can be lightly misted with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) to kill mold spores. Note: Mold is a health hazard. If present, wear a face mask and disposable gloves.

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TEXTILES (OTHER THAN UPHOLSTERY)???????

·??????Separate dark and light-colored items to prevent staining. If colors run, rinse in clean water until the water runs clear.

·??????Remove any metal attachments and dry separately.

·??????Blot excess water, lay items flat, shape them, and air-dry quickly using fans; alternatively, place textiles individually on supports, bag separately, then freeze for treatment later.

·??????If staining has occurred, do not allow items to dry; bag them wet and freeze them, then seek the advice of a conservator.

FURNITURE

Priority is to keep the wooden structure from warping or splitting, so dry slowly.

Discoloration of the finish such as “blooming” is secondary and can be dealt with later. Use caution with flaking paint and lifting veneers. Joints may be loose if glue is water-soluble.

·??????Open doors and drawers immediately so they do not swell and become impossible to remove when dry; do not force if stuck.

·??????Blot excess water.

·??????Lay freezer or wax paper on lifting veneer and apply weights.

·??????Air-dry using fans; if necessary; shelter the item under polyethylene sheeting to slow drying.

·??????For upholstered furniture, remove cushions but not upholstery, and blot excess moisture from both; raise furniture onto blocks and place fans underneath.

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METALS

·??????Move ferrous (iron-containing) metals to a dry location as soon as possible, blot excess water, blow hollow areas with warm (not hot) air, and air-dry.

·??????Metals other than iron are less prone to water damage.

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PAPER

Most items can be air-dried. Inks or dyes that have run can be ??wicked up?? with the corner of a sheet of blotting paper or paper towel. Do not blot! Stains and distortions should be treated by a paper conservator.

BOOKS

·??????Bag or wrap in freezer paper all books printed on glossy paper, and freeze immediately to prevent pages from sticking together.

·??????For other books, if not saturated, fan out pages and air-dry, using fans (set on cool) to circulate air. If saturated, freeze as soon as possible and thaw as time permits.

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DOCUMENTS

·?????? Remove documents from wet storage boxes or colored file folders; keep supported.

·?????? Do not try to separate pages if stuck together.

·?????? Where possible, remove pins, paper clips, and staples to avoid corrosion. ??????

·?????? Air-dry on blotting paper or paper towels, or freeze.

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FRAMED ITEMS (I.E. PRINTS, DRAWINGS, WATERCOLORS)

·??????Remove items from frames, lay face up on blotting paper or other absorbent material, and air-dry.

·??????For vellum or parchment documents, and pastel, charcoal, or chalk drawings, calls a conservator.

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OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS ON CANVAS

·??????Remove excess water by tilting and draining from a corner.

·??????Relocate paintings to a dry area; use fans to increase air circulation.

·??????Remove paintings from frames unless there is adhesion of the paint to the frame; do not remove paintings from stretchers. ??????????

·??????Place damaged or highly textured paintings face up and raise on blocks for adequate air circulation. ???

·??????Paintings with minimal texture should be placed face down on a padded, absorbent surface covered with tissue paper; if the stretcher is warping, place weights on the corners.

·??????Contact a conservator immediately for further advice and/or assistance.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Some early photographs (i.e., tintypes, daguerreotypes) will not survive immersion.

Store them in waterproof containers away from potential leaks. If other types of photographs are stuck together do not try to separate them. Prioritize for salvage as follows:

·??????contemporary color prints.

·??????black-and-white prints.

·??????black-and-white negatives.

Most photographs can be either air-dried (face up) or frozen, then thawed and air-dried.

“Correct Mitigation is Emergency Management”.

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Need an independent Compliance & Regulatory Ruling or a File Review email us at [email protected] with the following information.

·??????Your name

·??????Your email address

·??????Your phone number

·??????A synopsis of the situation