Subcontractors and Vendors
The hurricane season is upon us. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor, supplier, labor provider etc…. please contact me directly for appropriate paperwork and information.
Anyone interested in a temporary labor position feel free to email me with your qualifications and availability.
New Group on Linkedin
As small businesses we are at a disadvantage in the insurance restoration industry. This group has been set up to see if there is an interest in working as a group on a larger scale.
I am sure we have all seen the power of networks such as DKI as well as franchises like ServPro and Paul Davis. These organizations and companies are enjoying a huge advantage over those of us who are competing as individuals.
Preferred Partner Program
The peak of Hurricane season is near and winter freezes is not far behind. Are you prepared? Protect your property by checking into our preferred partner program. Email us at sales@feazelrestoration.com and we can answer all of your questions.
Flash Flooding in Oklahoma City
Mother nature has been very busy this year with Tornado’s in many parts of the country, heavy rains backing up rivers (like the one in Nashville that devastated an entire city) large hail causing a great deal of damage to homes,vehicles and businesses all through the mid-west region, Hurricanes touching land in south Texas and now flash flooding in Oklahoma City.
It has been a very active season to say the least and we at FRI Restoration are here staged and ready with state of the art equipment and plenty of trained and certified personnel at your disposal when you need us. There are many risk and concerns that come with flood waters, and people experiencing this in Oklahoma City should take precautions when dealing with these circumstances. Many floods can cause black water conditions and need to be controlled or handled with specific methods to reduce the risk of health related issues that can be associated with this type of flooding. This link Taking on Black Water will help describe in more detail the risk that may be associated with the flooding in the Oklahoma City area.
For more information please feel free to visit us at www.feazelrestoration.com or call us at 1-877-311-2379
Did Hurricane Alex Impact You?
We are all still waiting to see how Hurricane Alex will impact the South Texas region. If your Business,Commercial Property or Residence is affected by Alex we want you to know you are not alone and we are here staged with equipment and personal ready to help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
Hello my name is Lonnie Kunz Vice President of FRI Restoration Inc. My local experience from the last land fall hurricane on Padre Island provides me with first hand experience and knowledge of the devastation that is possible from even low rated or low level Hurricanes in the south Texas area. The rains associated with any Hurricane can cause a great deal of flooding even if the winds are not strong enough to do physical damage to a structure. Lets hope our services are not needed when Hurricane Alex has passes through, but if we are not that fortunate and Alex has done damage we at FRI Restoration are here local to Padre Island, Harligen and Brownsville ready to help.
Lonnie Kunz
VP.
Are You Ready For Summer?
Kansas City MO. Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes the threat of severe weather. Strong winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding can damage or destroy homes and commercial buildings along with entire neighborhoods within minutes. FRI Restoration of Kansas City, a local company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, provides consumers with a variety of safety measures that can help to when storms strike.
When weather looks threatening, remember to put safety first. Before heading out, turn on your radio or TV to see if a storm watch or warning is issued for your area. Also, have a family and business disaster plan in place,” said Lonnie Kunz, Feazel Restoration Inc’s VP.
A major storm can knock out utility service to your area, leaving you without electricity, heat, water or fresh food. All homes and businesses should have an emergency kit that can be accessed at a moment’s notice. An emergency kit should at least include:
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank commercial radio and a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries for both.
• Cell Phone with charger
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit – with sterile dressings; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes; scissors; eye wash; thermometer (adult and baby); non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; prescription medications; prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment.
You should also consider adding the following items to your kit:
• Can opener, garbage bags and plastic ties
• Infant formula and diapers
• Personal and /or feminine supplies
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Make sure everyone knows where the kit is kept. Review your emergency plan with everyone and keep it in a handy location.
Kunz also recommends preparing your home for a storm. Below are some valuable tips for helping prevent damage from severe weather. If necessary, hire a professional if you are not equipped to do the work yourself.
• Secure major appliances to the walls or countertops of your home using “L” brackets.
• Inspect and make any repairs to your roof to prevent leakage from water driven by high winds. If you have a metal roof, recoat it if needed. If you have a shingle roof, make sure the shingles are secure.
• Remove debris and leaves from your roof. Rotting plant material can deteriorate both shingle and metal roofs.
• Repair exterior siding, awnings, gutters, downspouts and brackets if loose, damaged or dangling. Securely attach your home’s water heater and furnace to wall studs or foundation.
• Learn how to quickly disconnect breakers in the electrical service box, shut off the gas supply and turn off your water from the main shut-off valve.
• Keep your yard free of lawn tools and equipment, garbage cans, bikes, toys and other loose articles.
• Establish a windbreak. Tall, hardwood trees provide a natural windbreak. Remove dead trees.
• Consider replacing older windows with modern, impact-resistant glass.
According to Kunz, use caution after a storm. The aftermath of a severe storm also poses dangers. Make sure the people around you are safe. Also, check for injuries and call for help if necessary.
If damage to your home or business is significant, contact a professional in the property loss restoration and emergency mitigation service industry. Look for properly licensed companies with certifications from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
“Taking preventive steps is the key and is well worth it to avoid injury to loved ones and damage to your property from severe storms,” said Kunz. “If you’re properly prepared, you can react from practice, not panic. You can also greatly increase your chances for weathering the storm safely.” For more information, contact FRI Restoration at 877 311 2DRY (2379)or email us sales@feazelrestoration.com .
Feazel Restoration Inc. is a leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration and reconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. FRI Restoration are properly licensed and insured with certifications from leading industry organizations like The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Feazel Companies have been in business for over 22 years, with office locations throughout North America. Visit the website at www.feazelrestoration.com
FRI is a leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, provides consumers with the following hurricane preparedness information. This information is to remind property owners of the importance of preparing for the potential damage from the high winds, heavy rains, storm surge and tornados that accompany hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30 and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), damage from hurricanes average more than $5 billion annually.
According to Lonnie Kunz VP of FRI Restoration Inc., there are many useful steps to follow which can promote personal and household safety during hurricane season.
Kunz recommends the following tips for hurricane preparedness:
Pre-hurricane season preparation:
• Enter the season prepared; put together a plan for your family and go over it with them.
• Know your evacuation routes.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes.
• Put together a Basic Emergency Kit to include proper tools, supplies and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights and at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable foods on hand.
When a hurricane watch or warning is issued:
• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water for several days and for each family member.
• Evacuate if instructed to leave the area.
What to do before the storm:
• Be ready to put your plan and preparation to action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, TV or the Internet.
• Have the house boarded up or have storm shutters in place.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, first aid, food, fuel and personal items are ready for use.
• Have a secure room available.
What to do during the storm:
• Stay in a secure room and away from windows.
• Don’t use the telephone or candles.
• Monitor weather and civic service bulletins on either regular or NOAA weather radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye of the hurricane moves over your area, the storm will resume shortly.
Safety tips after the storm:
• Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
• Monitor the radio for information from emergency management officials in your area.
• Before venturing outside, ensure the storm has completely passed.
• Report downed power lines and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient until your environment is safe and back to normal.
After the hurricane, Kunz suggests that if storm-related damage occurs to the home, there are many variables to consider about cleanup and repairs. Kunz suggests that property owners consult with professionals who have specific training and experience in this area.
“It is important for property owners to begin the process of cleaning up and repairing any damage immediately,” said Kunz. “You do not have to wait for an insurance claims representative to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. Waiting increases the likelihood of secondary damage that might not be covered by insurance,” he said.
Before taking any action, Kunz recommends that personal safety should be the first and foremost consideration. “As a result of hurricanes and other storms, electrical shock is always a danger. Turning off the electricity to damaged areas is advisable if this can be done safely. Also, turn off the water supply if leaking or broken pipes are discovered,” said Kunz
Kunz along with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends contacting a professional water restoration or general contractor who has specialized water-detection and structural clean-up equipment to assist in the highly specialized work. The contractor can help to identify the source of water and extent of wetting along with specific structural damage and act accordingly. A certified professional can be located by calling the non-profit IICRC toll free at 1.800.835.4624 or by contacting FRI Restoration Inc. which employs only certified technicians with IICRC at 877 311 2DRY (2379)
Taking on Category III Black Water.
Taking on Category III Black Water.
As we enter into the 2010 Hurricane season some homeowner as well as business owners may benefit from knowing in advance what it takes to recover from Category III black water. According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standard for professional water damage restoration (ANSI/IICRC S500-2006), Category III water damage (often called black water) is water damage to a structure where the origin is unsanitary or potentially infectious to humans. The black water classification also includes less contaminated water not treated in a timely manner. The classification depends on the origin of the water damage and the time of exposure. Some examples of Category III black water include: all sewage backflows and all rising water from rivers, streams, and seawater that enter a structure. Hurricanes and storms are usually the causes of this type of damage.
When dealing with Category III water damage, a professional restoration company would consider several basic factors. We begin with the safety of the buildings occupants and all site workers as the primary consideration. Next the business should conduct a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the damage; this information will dictate the restoration process. Once this information is gathered the rapid removal of excess water and the removal of all contaminated porous items and the proper disposal of the sewage and other wastes is critical. At this stage the professional will need to establish a Balanced Drying System to restore the environment to its pre-loss, normally dry state.
Safety in all instances must be the very first consideration when exposure to Category III contaminates is a possibility. Category III water intrusion could contain many harmful viruses including Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Adenoviruses, and Enteroviruses. Several parasites and many kinds of harmful bacteria could also be present. And, of course, numerous fungi in the form of mold spores are also present and can become a serious problem if timely decontamination does not occur and if professional drying does not begin within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Category III water intrusion can be subdivided into three levels that will help the professional restoration business process the contamination efficiently.
- – Category III Level 1 contamination is usually a very limited waste problem. It always originates inside the building or house, affects a small area, does not affect porous material, does not penetrate the structure, and has had limited time of exposure. A small toilet overflow is one example.
- – Category III Level 2 contamination also originates inside the building. However, the area of direct contamination is larger. Porous materials as well as non-porous materials are affected. Restoration must be more thorough to include removing moisture barriers like vinyl and plastics that will contain the contamination. Cabinets and other structural enclosures must be inspected and possibly removed if the contamination is present — especially if it is inside the walls behind these items. All contaminated porous items such as drywall, carpet, pad, upholstery, drapery, or particleboard furniture must be removed and properly disposed of.
- – Category III Level 3 contamination includes water and waste coming from an outside source such as a septic system, main sewage line, rivers, streams, and ocean waters. Level 3 indicates more contamination for a longer period and presents a much greater health risk.
All black water losses present serious risk of illness. Therefore, contractors should ensure that all employees wear appropriate personal protective equipment. For Level 1 losses, eye protection, gloves, and boots (or shoe covers) may be sufficient. For Level 2 and Level 3 the protection would be more extensive, which could include waterproof coveralls and respirators.
The professional restoration business will know when to use an air scrubber to clean the air, or a negative air machine with containment to prevent contamination from spreading to unaffected areas. They will also make certain that all remaining surfaces are cleaned and sanitized with appropriate cleaners and EPA-approved disinfectants.
Following a Category III black water loss, a professional restoration business will understand and use proper procedures, techniques, products, and equipment (such as professional dehumidifiers and high capacity air movers) to establish a Balanced Drying System to help restore property to its pre-loss condition safely and as rapidly as possible.
In some cases, structural materials may be sealed with an appropriate product to help ensure that contamination does not spread and to help prevent the development of mold.
Regardless of the circumstances – dealing with Category III black water or other water damage, fire/smoke damage, or mold remediation — call your local FRI Restoration Inc.office. For all property damage situations, these professionals are standing by. They will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. All FRI Restoration Inc. offices have well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.
8 STEPS THAT WILL HELP YOU EXPIDITE YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM AFTER A MAJOR STORM
8 steps to help you with you insurance claim.
Reading and understanding the key concepts listed below will help you better understand the process of filing an insurance claim. We understand that the claim process can be complex, that is why trained, reputable and professional storm restoration companies such as FRI Restoration Inc. can help you navigate through the process making it as seamless as possible.
1. Know the exact storm date your home or business incurred damages.Your insurance company will require this information upon filing a claim. You will be asked to name general areas that appear to have been damaged, such as the roof, siding, windows, ect. It is also equally as important to mention that the damage could have been caused by wind or hail as this information will be forwarded onto your insurance adjuster. This results in a more thorough inspection by your insurance adjuster because generally speaking, wind damage is less evident.
2. Have a storm damage claim specialist inspect your home or property prior to the insurance adjuster.This is an important concept because a professional who looks at storm damage regularly may see things that other contractors may overlook, as some damage is less obvious then others. Also a company that specializes in insurance claims knows the approximate cost of the needed repairs, and can cross reference with the adjuster to ensure no damages are over looked. Often insurance adjusters are from out of state and may not know all local building codes, and material costs.
3. Know your current home mortgage information including loan number, and mortgage contact information.The adjuster will need to know this information for payment processing. This will prevent payment processing delays. In many cases a check to begin repairs may be written with the wrong lender as an endorsee. Imagine trying to get a check endorsed with the wrong lender information. Also, a mortgage that is not current will slow down the payment process. So being prepared on the front end will substantially help expedite your claim and avoid possible delays.
4. Every insurance adjuster is not the same. There are two basic types of insurance adjusters and the two differ greatly.
1) A staff adjuster is employed by an insurance company. Generally speaking, these adjusters are salaried employees of an insurance company with a broad license for automotive, fire and property and casualty claims. Staff adjusters tend to be more conservative when adjusting damage of properties.
2) A independent adjuster: Adjusters who are contracted to adjust claims when local adjusters have a large amount work. Independent adjusters focus on wind and hail damage in the majority of their work, so this is their specialty. These adjusters tend to be paid on commission or a percentage of the damage they find. They tend to be more liberal when assessing damages.
5. The rule of 4 feet and higher. Anything below four feet is what adjusters call “mechanical damage.” This simply means damaged caused by something other than hail or wind. This may include any damaged caused by items such as balls, weed whips, lawnmowers, or animals. An experienced insurance claim specialist can tell the difference between mechanical damage and storm damage.
6. The year your home or property was built…Or when the exterior finish materials where last updated. The insurance adjuster will use the age to calculate depreciation. This is the standard amount that the insurance company will hold back until the repairs are complete. The newer the house or property, the less the depreciation.
7. Estimate damage of personal property that sustained damage.These items include pool covers, sheds, patio furniture, planters and other misc. yard items. If you have receipts from these previous purchases it tends to be helpful. If no receipts are available a fair approximate cost is often agreed to when the adjusters meeting occurs.
8. Have an experienced hail damage consultant present at the time of the insurance adjustment.Having knowledge of the claim process and inspections is one of the most important factors in making sure you are compensated for all damages. A good claims consultant will ensure this step happens by working alongside the insurance adjuster. Given the correct approach, most adjusters will be thrilled they had this assistance. This is because it prevents any re inspections due to damage being missed.
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