It's Burning

The devastation of a fire in one's home is already traumatic enough to keep one thinking, how
can I protect myself and my family? Fires are preventable although, every once in a while they do
happen. The smoke and soot can travel and penetrate from room to room affecting the paint, carpet,
clothes and everything else you possess and care deeply about. Within the house, cigarette smoke can
damage the home if left unattended. The main thing here is carelessness. Don't leave cigarettes
unattended just like at an airport you don't leave your baggage's unattended do you? Okay I was going a
bit overboard there but you get the picture. Make sure you extinguish those cigarettes before you
sleep. Watch the cooking, keep an eye on that stove. Make sure all appliances are safely unplugged and
all electrical equipment and tools are unplugged. Most importantly watch those kids, I know they get
curious and start playing with the lighters and electrical equipment. Have a talk with them about not
doing that.

Cough…Cough Too Much Smoke

It's not a good idea to inhale smoke. Let me reiterate it’s a terrible idea to inhale smoke.
However, sometimes the smoke caused by a fire is too overwhelming and you have no choice but to
inhale. We all need to breathe, but here is what happens if you do breathe in the smoke. It causes
health problems. The heat first off damages the tissues of the respiratory tract. When the body doesn't
get sufficient amount of oxygen to the tissues you get asphyxiation. The smoke contains carbon
monoxide, which is deadly and gets in the way of your body's ability to carry oxygen. This all sounds
terrible and it is but on the bright side smoke, once it enters into the body it cools down rather quickly.
The full effects of the smoke inhalation will only be known several days after the initial exposure.

We Got Work to Do

I'm not going to lie these tasks ahead of you are difficult, frustrating, and emotional and I hate
to be negative but you get the point. First off, relax and get out your radio. Play some relaxing and
soothing music. Then make sure you wear some gloves and a gas mask. Okay, now you're ready to
start. Put fans around your house to blow away the remaining smoke out the windows. Take out all
the food products that may be contaminated by the smoke. Then clean your appliances by disinfecting
them. Check the air conditioning unit and replace air filters because they are most likely going to be
filled with soot. Lastly, you are going to want to repaint the walls. Yes, it is a lot of work but you have
that radio to play whatever you want. You can sing or dance as you clean up the smoke. Don't worry,
no one said it was going to be quick so take your time and do it right.

For information on Smoke Clean Up Visit Best American Builders, Inc.

What is Sewage?

Soooooooooooo you don't know what sewage is well, I'll make it easy for you.

No worries this will only take a few minutes, really I timed it. Sewage simply put is; water that
carries waste. This causes extreme and heavily priced water damage. No beating around the
bush here you will get straight up water damage.

The sewage contains all your filth and unwanted nastiness out of the community. Don't say you're not dirty I'm not pointing fingers here we all are ok just you, I was trying to be nice. Hate to get mathematical here but sewage is
actually 99.9% pure water, that’s almost 100% if you didn't know. Depending on where it
comes from waste water can either be labeled sanitary, industrial or surface run offs.
This "sewage" as society properly calls it causes water damage. Sanitary sewage you may be
wondering ummmmm what is that? well, let me tell you that is all the water from washing food,
doing laundry well you get the idea.

How does sewage affect us?

That is a good question in a Don Lafontaine voiceover voice. Well, sewage causes
several health problems and water damage. First off sewage causes pathogenic organisms which
can transmit diseases to humans and other animals. Therefore it's not just affecting you but also
your cute little furry friends. Look at those eyes just telling you, "this place smells and you want
me to eat my food in a bowl on the floor, I thought we were friends, I mean you did let me
cuddle with you last night." The sewage contains organic matter which can cause water damage
to your home. Not to mention the hazardous toxicants from that awful smell of sewage. Yup
that's right folks it smells horrendous. This sewage causes water damage. The amount of water
damage to one's home due to the sewage causes blockages to the homes pipes. Wait did I
mention it stinks?

How To Clean sewage?

First and foremost one of the absolute most important things to do is to not panic because
this is a stressful time so take a deep breath…. Meditate, do some Thai chi whatever you have to
do to relax, in fact I'll do it with you here we go
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….ummmmmmmmmmm, ok let's get started.

Don't hit the
bottle just yet you have work to do. Alright now we can get started. Don't get into contact
directly with your skin, wear some goggles, rubber gloves and rubber boots you know common
sense stuff, to clean the sewage and water damage. Then asses the water damage caused by the
smelly sewage. As with any other type of water damage one must remove all furniture, rugs and
anything else that can be removed. Throw away any carpet or rugs that are just saturated with
sewage. Use mild soap and hot water to clean the water damage. Replace the drywall and clean
furniture and appliances with some bleach. When you are done throw away all the material used
to clean and open up all the windows and breathe again because you are done. It wasn't easy but
we did it together, well mostly just me telling you, but hey I was there in spirit. Ok now you can
celebrate and drink up. Oh and for you nondrinkers maybe drink a juice box.

For more information on sewage clean up please visit our website
Best American Builders, Inc.

What is Basement Dry out?

Basement dry out is when the basement becomes soggy due to heavy rainfall and melting ice. This in turn leads to water damage. The severe rainfall or in areas where it snows the appearance of melting snow leaves the basement wet. The amount of water damage to the area is a nuisance. In some cases water underground rises to the surface due to an underground spring. The basement becomes wet and the water needs to dry out. The water damage occurs after heavy rain and from runoffs. The water damage can then lead to the presence of mold if not taken care of in a timely manner. No matter the size of the storm it can still trigger water in the basement and needs dry out.

Why does a basement need to Dry out?

A basement needs to dry out because if it is not dried out mold will form which is bad for one's health. When water accumulates around the foundation it makes its way inside through cracks and joints in turn causing water damage. A wet basement is a health hazard and can cause severe water damage to the foundation to the house. That is why it is essential to dry out the basement. Water after a flood in the house, water stays in the basement for a longer period of time then the rest of the house. For this reason it is necessary to dry out the basement because it can cause water damage and a costly repair.

How To Dry out a Basement?

In order to dry out a basement one must first determine the depth of the water. Then determine the extent of the water damage. One needs to use a pump to illuminate the water to dry out the basement. This must be done as soon as possible the sooner the better so that mold will not formulate. The water damage has most likely damaged the items in the basement. Therefore they must all be removed to dry out. If there are only puddles a wet vacuum can suffice. It is extremely important to vary the source of the leak to properly fix the water damage and insure it does not happen again.

For more information on Basement Dry out please visit our website at
Best American Builders

What is a Flood damage?

Floods are the result of water levels rising beyond its limit. There are various causes of floods such as heavy rainfall, high river levels, and over saturated soil which cause water damage. Flood damage occurs and becomes a problem when heavy rain meets the urban areas and transforms a parking area or street into a rapid flow of water. Flood damage can cause infectious diseases, the end result being water damage. This in turn, has damaging and dangerous effects to the environment, and causes severe water damage and flood damage to ones property. Water damages the property and once it dries mold can form making the area unhealthy for individuals to dwell in.

Types of Floods Damage

There are two types of floods all of which are devastating and cause flood damage and water damage. One type is called river flood. This type of flood is when the water in the river rises above the edge of the river resorting in water damage. This results in water overflowing and going over the side of the river causing flood damage. When this happens, water damages neighboring buildings and roads causing mold. Another type of flood is known as a flash flood which causes devastating flood damage. This type of flood occurs, when a wall of water quickly sweeps through an area at a rapid pace causing severe water damage.

How To Clean Flood Damage

After the devastating flood has ravaged through ones home, cleaning the flood damage is a daunting task which needs to be done meticulously. First wear waterproof boots and gloves for protection. Flood water is contaminated with lots of mud and other particles picked up along the floods path causing water damage, it is hazardous to one's health. Badly soaked wallpaper due to water damage must be removed however; washable wallpaper can be cleaned using soap or detergent. The foundation must be inspected for movement to make sure it is safe after the flood damage. The basement area will need to be pumped out a little each day. If this task is done too quickly the water pressure outside the basement will be too much and result in the ceiling collapsing and further flood damage. Wood flooring must be dried out slowly to prevent cracking. A dehumidifier must then be used to clean furniture to prevent mold from forming due to water damage.
To learn more about cleaning flood damage please visit our website at Water Damage Los Angeles

What is Tear Gas?

Tear gas also known as lachrymatory agent is a chemical compound which causes tears and pain in the eyes. The term tear gas refers to the immediate flow of tears that follows upon exposure. Used primarily as riot control by the police to disperse a crowd, tear gas can also be used as a personal protection agent to stray away a dangerous individual. It makes individuals temporarily unable to function. It can be released in various ways into the air as a mist, as a liquid or solid form. The three most common tear gas are sold as mace and they are Chloroacetophenone (CN), Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) and Dibenzoxazepine (CR).

How People are Exposed To Tear Gas

Tear gas is used by the police primarily as a riot control agent. During a riot or violent protest tear gas is sprayed into the crowd to disperse and maintain order. It can be released into the air either as a mist or particles. If the gas has been released through the air people can be exposed to the gas on the skin, eyes or via inhalation.