These unprecedented times have changed life as we know it for the foreseeable future.

Media coverage, which is supposed to be Fact based and Unbiased is riddled with Opinion, Speculation and Fear has caused mass hysteria in the world trying to keep COVID-19 out of their homes and work spaces. It is hard to separate fact from fiction. That same mass hysteria has made a vast impact for restoration COVID-19 (Biohazard) cleaning services. 

 

Can these services rid your home/business of the virus?

Using the correct SARS-CoV-2, aka COVID-19 resources is critical for success. The resources used for this article are as follows: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), NYC Department of Health and prominent science professors is pertinent moving forward. You need to know the FACTS! Savage Restoration has done this research for you.    

Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination

When people touch a surface or object contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and then touch their own eyes, noses, or mouths, they may expose themselves to the virus.

Early information from the CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and other study partners suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on certain types of surfaces, such as plastic and stainless steel, for 2-3 days. However, because the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 from contaminated environmental surfaces and objects is still not fully understood, everyone should carefully evaluate whether or not areas occupied by people suspected to have the virus may have been potentially contaminated and whether or not they need to be decontaminated in response.

The only recommended method of disinfection, according to the CDC is cleaning with an EPA registered disinfectant following the guidelines and instructions printed on the label of the product. Some products get diluted, and some products are packaged ready to use (RTU). It is important to pay attention to the instructions which may also include recommended dwell times. It is also important to understand the MSDS (manufacturers safety date sheets).

This type of cleaning, because of the detail involved can be a costly process, because it is detail oriented and time consuming.

Disinfectant Fogging

Using a ULV (ultra-low volume) fogger will atomize a disinfectant to create a "fog" of disinfectant. This is common in mold remediation to help reduce airborne particulate. This may also assist with helping to kill airborne viruses, but is not very effective in disinfecting surfaces because it simply does not apply enough disinfectant to the surface, and may miss vertical surfaces and surfaces such as those under desks etc. Some products are high percentage hydrogen peroxide based. Although these products can be effective, they should only be used by trained personnel in certain conditions. Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizer, with means there is a strong possibility of "bleaching" organic materials such as wood, leather, wicker, cotton, silk, your hair etc. (anything organic). It will also accelerate oxidation of iron, steel, and aluminum. Other products commonly used have quaternary ammonium germicides or biocides, which in some cases can posed health risks and leave a heavy white residue behind.

The following comes directly from the NYC Department of Health:

The use of gaseous, vapor-phase, or aerosolized biocides for remedial purposes is not recommended. The use of biocides in this manner can pose health concerns for people in occupied spaces of the building and for people returning to the treated space if used improperly. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these treatments is unproven and does not address the possible health concerns.

 

Lee-Ann Jaykus (Professor) who specializes in food microbiology and virology, at North Carolina State University stated:

"Because COVID-19 is so new, there hasn't been any academic research on the effectiveness of disinfectant sprayers and foggers in killing the coronavirus," published in the Wall Street Journal.

Please click on the following link to see the CDC's recommendation for cleaning during the COVID-19 crisis: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Nowhere on the CDC website does it say that fogging will help sanitize spaces for COVID-19.

HEPA Air Scrubbers

The use of HEPA Air Scrubbers is ideal for handling indoor air quality needs on MOST restoration losses. The best way to explain what a HEPA Air Scrubber does is as follows; Air scrubbers draw in air and then use a series of filters to clean the air before pushing it back out, so it recirculates throughout a space. Thus, offering an effective way to improve air quality.

According to the CDC and OSHA, the virus that causes COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 micron (125 nanometers) in diameter. It falls squarely within the particle-size range that HEPA filters capture with extraordinary efficiency: 0.01 micron (10 nanometers) and above. Many media outlets have incorrectly stated that HEPA filters don't filter below 0.3 micron and therefore could not capture airborne coronaviruses.

But that doesn't mean an air scrubber will protect you, because it's not certain that the virus can survive and remain infectious in the air. The position taken both by the CDC and by other global health agencies is that the coronavirus is primarily transmitted by person-to-person contact and by contact with virus-laden droplets expelled through coughing and sneezing.

Also important to consider, the Air Scrubber has no effect when it comes to disinfecting surfaces. Remember it can only filter air. Consider a vehicle, for example. If you want clean air in a vehicle, open the windows. A slight breeze will move contaminated air out, and clean air in. You will still need to clean the interior of the vehicle in order to disinfect. Clean, not fog.

Again, there is still so much unknown about the COVID-19 virus, that any source of disinfecting may not be effective.

Savage Restoration should be #1 on your referral list to assist your clients in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

You will receive superior service from Savage Restoration.

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you help your insured's get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are "There When You Need Us".

Spring Cleaning: More Important than Ever

April and May have always been the go-to months where Spring Cleaning would take place. A year’s worth of food, bad Christmas gifts, clearance rack clothing, and junk items are no match for a motivated individual who wants to de-clutter. Giving your home a good, thorough cleaning is more important than ever this year. Most of the country is currently under quarantine as a reactive measure to combat the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. If an excuse was ever needed to give your home a deep-clean; this is it.

What will getting rid of junk and wiping down my tables and counters do?

Researchers have found that a cluttered, dirty home contributes to stress and anxiety. In a time when we are forced to remain in our homes, we cannot afford to live amongst dirt and clutter. Aside from the mental benefits that come with a clean and tidy home, you are also reducing your risk of coming in contact with a surface that has been contaminated with a very infectious disease, such as COVID-19.

Ok, that sounds great. Where do I start?

When it comes to decluttering your home, you are going to want to follow a few simple steps:

1.     Set Goals – create a plan that will help you reduce frustrations as you go.

2.     Create a Sorting System – create three separate piles: Keeping, Tossing, and Storing.

3.     Disposal – properly dispose of the clutter from your “Tossing” pile.

I am ready to do this! Any other tips that I should know?

Here are a few good tips to follow when Spring Cleaning:

1.     We generally only use 20 percent of the items we own 80 percent of the time. Try to focus on getting rid of anything that you don’t use 80 percent of the time.

2.     Don’t spend time worrying about the cost of something when you purchased it. The money has already been spent and is non-recoverable. Instead, think of the value you will add to your daily life while living in a clutter-free home.

3.     Ask yourself if you truly love it. If you don’t, chances are you don’t need it.

4.     Organizing your new clutter-free space will help fight future clutter.

This sounds great but may be too much for me to handle. What do I do?

Sometimes it’s warranted to hire a professional to come declutter and sanitize your home. 

Savage Restoration should be #1 on your referral list to assist your clients in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

You will receive superior service from Savage Restoration. 

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you help your insured’s get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are “There When You Need Us”.

Allergy Season 2020:

Staying Informed, Staying Safe

It happens every year. You wake up one morning and your eyes feel like they are glued shut. Your nose is running while you brush your teeth, and you must turn up the volume on your car radio because your ears are clogged. You start sneezing when you get to work, and your throat hurts too much to eat your lunch. Millions of Americans deal with seasonal allergies, but 2020 is a little different than previous years.

February through April were always times of high-stress due to seasonal allergies, but this year we are experiencing an extended flu season, as well as a global pandemic in COVID-19. Most states have implemented a quarantine or a “shelter-in-place” order, which requires individuals to stay home unless an emergency arises. Those with COVID-19 symptoms should only leave their quarantine to seek medical attention.

This raises an obvious question: How do I know if I have the disease, or if I am just feeling the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Dozens of charts have hit the internet from various sources that takes symptom data from the CDC and turns it into an easy-to-follow guide. These charts detail the symptoms of COVID-19, seasonal allergies, and the flu. Using these charts, we can make an informed decision as to what symptoms we are dealing with.

The big symptom that presents in allergies that will not present in COVID-19 is sneezing. Sneezing is one of the most common signs of an allergy, but this symptom is always absent in COVID-19. Sneezing is also rarely a symptom of the flu.

So, how do I manage these symptoms?

Luckily, you can manage your seasonal allergy symptoms while doing your part to limit the spread of COVID-19 by staying indoors and practicing social distancing. Most retail stores, gyms, restaurants, and bars have been shut down, so staying indoors is a rather simple task. If you have the ability to work from home, you limit your exposure to seasonal allergens, and you combat the spread of the disease. If you are actively experiencing symptoms, they can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines.

What happens if I have been exposed to COVID-19, the flu, or any other contagious disease?

Sometimes it’s warranted to hire a professional to come and sanitize the affected surfaces. 

Savage Restoration should be #1 on your referral list to assist your clients in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

You will receive superior service from Savage Restoration. 

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you help your insured’s get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are “There When You Need Us”.

COVID-19; The Global Pandemic in Your Backyard

COVID-19 is the medical name for a novel coronavirus that is spreading across the globe. Originating in Wuhan, China; COVID-19 has now spread to one hundred thirty-two countries on six continents. Antarctica remains unaffected. The World Health Organization has declared this event a global pandemic; the first one

since the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, which saw an estimated half-million casualties globally. At the time of this writing, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over five thousand people, while the number of active cases continues to reach new heights. Epidemiologists don’t know how long it will last or how many people it will ultimately affect.

The symptoms for COVID-19 can easily be mistaken for other common illnesses, with infected individuals experiencing fatigue, fever, cough, runny & stuffy noses, sore throats, and body aches. These symptoms are also common with allergies. We hit the jackpot in 2020, with flu season and allergy season running on currently.

The most obvious question is: How do you know if you should worry about the symptoms that you

are experiencing?

The main symptom that presents in COVID-19 that will usually not be present in other ailments is shortness of breath. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), if you think you have been exposed to the  coronavirus and develop symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath, call your

healthcare provider for medical advice.

The second question that comes to mind is: How can we stop this from spreading?

Individuals following some basic protocols can help to deter the spread of this virus.

For sick individuals:

1.     Stay home except to get medical care.

2.     Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.

3.     Wear a facemask

4.     Cover your coughs and sneezes

5.     Wash your hands often

6.     Avoid sharing personal household items

7.     Clean all high-touch surfaces

8.     Monitor your symptoms

For healthy individuals:

1.     Do not leave home if you don’t have to.

2.     Limit time in public places.

3.     Avoid large gatherings.

4.     Wash your hands often

5.     Clean all high-touch surfaces

6.     Keep 14 days of necessary food, water, and medicine stocked up at home.

What happens if you are exposed to COVID-19 or any other contagious disease?

Sometimes it’s warranted to hire a professional to come and sanitize the affected surfaces. 

Savage Restoration should be #1 on your referral list to assist your clients in cleaning and sanitizing building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants.

You will receive superior service from Savage Restoration. 

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you help your insured’s get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are “There When You Need Us”.

 

Christmas Tree Fires – Don't be a Statistic!

It’s that time of the year again; when homes are festooned with colorful lights, tree ornaments and family mementos, all of them piled upon that beautiful pine Christmas tree. Pine trees are the staple of many homes across America and are the uncontested symbol of Christmas holiday.

Christmas trees can cause home fires, resulting in major home damage.  This is because Christmas tree fires are fast acting, consuming the whole room in a matter of seconds as the pine tree usually acts like the firewood on an open flame.

To avoid becoming a statistic and to avoid a Christmas tree fire this holiday season, here are some tips to consider:

Get a fresh tree

Fire safety begins from when you are picking out your tree. Always make sure that you go for the freshest pine tree possible. This is because fresh green needles are difficult to pluck and won’t easily break from the branches. Because the tree sheds less than pine trees that are not as fresh, it is less likely to catch fire.

Always water your tree

To prevent fire, you need to treat your Christmas tree like a houseplant. Always remember that the pine tree is still a tree and that trees dry out when they lack water.

Avoid secondary heat sources

Not only should you water your tree regularly, also make sure to avoid putting your Christmas tree close to secondary heat sources such as radiators, candles, fireplaces, heat vents or lights.

Keep your pet away

Pets have a way of getting underfoot and often get entangled in Christmas lights strung around the Christmas tree. To avoid this and your tree catching fire due to pet mishap, keep your pets away from your Christmas tree. This is the reason why I can’t put up a tree anymore. 

Put off the lights

As most Christmas tree fires begin at night, always turn off your Christmas tree lights each night as you go to bed, the same way you turn off your home lights.

Keep your tree from falling over

When trees fall over, there is a greater chance for fire. To prevent fire, make sure your tree is standing straight and is not at a risk of falling over.

If you do have an issue, please make sure you call Savage Restoration for all you mitigation needs. 

Fire Prevention Tips During the Halloween Season

Fire Prevention Tips During the Halloween Season

One I learned in kindergarten: Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat, if you don’t, I don’t care, I’ll pull down your underwear! My gosh, now-a-days if a kid said that harmless old phrase, it would probably make national news. Well, maybe not national news, but a walk to the principal’s office.

Halloween was always my favorite holiday. I loved the fact that one day a year, I was able to dress/pretend that I was Ariel or during my ‘I want to do what my older brother is doing,’ a Power Ranger.  The excessive candy wasn’t bad either, until it was ruined by the media scaring parents with news that people were putting razor blades in the candy.  What is wrong with this world? 

Unfortunately, the tragedies do not end there; Halloween is also known for increasing number of house fires.

Halloween fire facts - According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• ·     From 2013-2017, an average of 780 home structure fires began with decorations per year. More than two of every five (44%) of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment.
• ·    More than one-third (37%) of these fires were started by candles.
• ·     One-fifth (21%) of the decoration fires started in the kitchen; 16% began in the living room.

To help you enjoy a safer holiday, follow these important Halloween safety tips from the experts at Savage Restoration.

PUMPKIN SAFETY

One tradition I loved as a child was creating the perfect jack-o-lantern. I don’t know if it was more the creation or squishing the gooey pumpkin seeds with my hands that I loved best. Once my ‘work-of-art’, which was sloppy at best was complete, we would illuminate the front porch with a burning candle. Not Okay!   Placing candles inside a cleaned-out pumpkin is a fire hazard. In fact, any lit candle left unattended is a Halloween fire hazard. If they’re inside pumpkins, they can tip over, ignite surrounding materials and cause a fire. To stay safe, use a battery-operated candle or LED light to illuminate your festive pumpkins.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DECORATIONS

Some of you fortunate people can have hay bales and corn stalks in or around your home.  I leave that story for another blog.  These items can be very dangerous if left near any heat source.  Hay bales and corns stalks are very dry materials and will ignite faster than most other materials.  To protect your home from a fire, keep these decorations away from any kind of heat source, including fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles and outdoor fire pits.

By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe. We hope you have a happy and fun Halloween this year!

Fall Cleaning 101: The Spic-and-Span Basics 

I love setting smart, bite-sized goals.  What does a bite-sized goal entail, you ask?  Well its simple, it’s my monthly checklist broken down.   Is there anything more satisfying than completing a long checklist of to-do tasks? The simple act of crossing off items on your to-do list is a delightful feeling.

With the first Monday of Fall, I have officially compiled my fall cleaning checklist. This list is going to be more in depth than my Spring-cleaning list. 

The first item on my list is the seasonal rotation. All upholstered items get laundered and exchanged for the upcoming colder weather.  For my house this includes; heavier blankets on the beds with clean matching drapes.  I will also take the time to flip my mattresses for longevity reasons. 

Next I focus heavily on my bathroom(s) and kitchen.  Both rooms have cabinetry that gets neglected during the usual cleaning of the home. Based on the type of cabinets you have (mine are oak), I like to clean them with a mild degreaser, such as, Method, followed by a Murphy’s Oil Soap to give it a nice glossy finish.  Of course, I must use this disclaimer, the cleaning process will be different based on the material you are cleaning.

I will also take the time to change out all of cabinet liners that might have become dusty throughout the year.

The tile grout in the bathroom and kitchen will need a good scrubbing. Simply dusting and mopping with not clean the grout as good as you would think. However, make sure that you’re not using a very abrasive brush. As lame as it sounds, I use a soft toothbrush with some oxy-clean.  This makes the grout look brand new. 

Pertaining to the bathroom, another neglected item is cleaning out the exhaust fan. May I suggest that you do with a garbage can below.  You wouldn’t believe how much lint I removed from my fan the other day.  Best part was I just finished cleaning my bathroom.  Womp, womp, womp!!!!

So, this item can be a little tricky. No matter how much you clean your bathtub and surround, you will always get the nasty black caulk around the tub.  Don’t feel bad, it happens to everyone.  I used to hire a professional to re-caulk my tub every year but found that I did it better myself.  This can be costly if you have it done by a professional, but it makes a world of difference aesthetically. 

Once those items are complete an all-around cleaning of the bathroom; including toilet, toilet seat, bathroom accessories, faucets, sinks, etc.

Moving on to the kitchen----

Your refrigerator is arguably one of the most important appliances in your home - after all, it keeps your food from spoiling, saving you from many trips to the grocery store. However, refrigerators are not indestructible.

Condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom, depending on the type of refrigerator you own. When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge.

Clean the coils with yet again a toothbrush and vacuum.  Also, don’t forget about the dust bunnies under the refrigerator. 

All other appliances should be cleaned inside and out.  And for the lucky ones, this might be a good time to push that little button on your oven that says, ‘Self Clean’. Just make sure you take any items out before you do.

General cleaning of all other surfaces will make your kitchen look spic and span. 

All other items that should be addressed in your home is as follows: 

Clean and dust light fixtures, Wipe down all handles, doorknobs, etc. Dust and/or wash mini blinds and other blinds and shades Dust blades of ceiling fans and other hard to reach areas, such as tops of doors, etc. Wash windows and window screens wash mirrors and most important, declutter and organize.

Now let’s make Danny Tanner proud and get to it!