A 90 year high mark was reached when the Chattahoochee River reached 29.61 feet, breaking the former high of 29.11 set in Dec of 1919. Downstream another record was set as the river approached 30 feet.

Not to be outdone, the Yellow River and Lithonia both set new highs at 25.5 and 21.96 respectively while the Nickajack Creek crested at 19.3 feet and the Suwanee at over 14 feet. In fact, records throughout Georgia may continue into the near future as flood waters continue rise and accumulate.

Fortunately, experts believe the worst is over yet tensions remain high due to severe flooding, water damage and local break-ins. It will be some time before local Woodstock residents are fully able to relax especially those whose homes were directly impacted by flooding.

According to local water damage and flood recovery experts, bacterial contamination as well as the rapid growth of mold remains a high priority. Flood waters often contain bacteria or chemicals which can result in illness, contamination or even the growth of mold within as little as 24 to 48 hours. Because the weather remains warm, it creates the perfect breeding ground for disease and mold to thrive.

The first order of priority for residents returning to their homes is to assure the safety of pets and people; next, call a professional water damage and restoration provider that is Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration for a free inspection and quote. Not only can they work directly with insurance to make sure work is performed up to the highest industry standards, but ancillary services such as temporary secure storage and waste removal assure the rest of your belongings remain safe.

This is not a job for the do-it-yourself type; there is a high risk of disease or even injury when working around standing water or bacteria contaminated furniture. Mud, organic debris and toxic chemicals create a cesspool of hazardous exposure which needs to be removed and professionally cleaned as soon as possible in order to reduce long term health risks.  If you are unsure whether or not to tackle the job, simply call Kiwi’s Woodstock water damage and flood damage repair services for a free consultation or estimate.

Road closures, rising water, contaminated wells and back-up sewage is only the tip of the ice-burg when it comes to flood damage repair and restoration needs throughout Georgia. Unfortunately, thousands of homeowners are in need of clean-up services putting a strain on local resources.

State Insurance Commissioner Jon Oxendine estimates $250 million dollars in damage; far in excess of federal funds requested by Governor Perdue leaving local residents to wonder where the rest will come from. Unfortunately, many of the hardest hit areas were outside of the “flood prone zones” leaving many homeowners without flood insurance creating the potential for even greater hardship in the weeks and months ahead.

According to local experts, one of the most important steps homeowners can take is to remain positive and take a proactive approach to flood damage and water remediation. Research has shown that for every dollar spent in mitigation, four dollars are saved in long term repairs. That is a significant return on investments especially when you consider the potential consequences and health threats associated with water damage. Mold and mildew thrive in the hot, humid environment while contaminated water poses a serious threat of infection or illness.

Fortunately, commercial water damage and repair services are able to extract water, sanitize contaminated surfaces and perform other necessary adjustments designed to keep your family safe.  However, authorities caution against hiring fly-by-night or unknown out of town cleaning companies. Don’t’ make a bad situation worse; instead, insist upon a provider that provides a complete guarantee on all water damage repairs and is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. Not only will it assure that all work meets or exceeds industry standards but it often saves time and money in the long run. Not only can your family return to their home sooner but working with a reputable provider helps protect your real estate investment from future losses by assuring the work was done right the first time.

Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner water extraction and repairs begin the better. Reduce the risk of mold, mildew, fungal or bacterial contamination by working with a nationwide name you can trust; Kiwi Services provides 24/7 Duluth water damage and flood damage support including all ancillary services, mold testing and even temporary storage for your valuable possessions.

Local flood damage repair and restoration specialists urge homeowners to take special precautions including these standard safety recommendations:

1. Shut down power or electricity to appliances or other electrical units exposed to water. Be sure to take precautions when restarting heating or cooling equipment in order to avoid further damage or even electrical shock. It is a good idea to have it fully inspected prior to using.
2. Use bottled or boiled water. Pets and people need roughly 1 gallon of fresh, clean drinking water each day. Do not assume water is safe to drink until confirmed by authorities.
3. Extract water and dehumidify as soon as possible. Professional water extraction, blowers and dehumidifiers can dramatically reduce the amount of damage throughout your home if used quickly enough. Mold and mildew can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours especially during relatively warm weather. It is critical to have clean-up crews that are Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration in order to assure work is performed to industry standards.
4. Don’t Despair! It is easy to feel overwhelmed when confronted with water damage; few people are fully prepared to face the sheer volume of what needs to be done to fix everything. From carpet cleaning to drywall repair, wood floor restoration to mold remediation, air duct cleaning to the removal of contaminated materials…there are a lot of details.  If you find yourself feeling depressed, overwhelmed or highly emotional for no apparent reason, reach out for support. Local hotlines and support groups are available to those in need of a little extra help anytime of the day or night.
5. Just Make One Call. Make it easy on yourself by making just one call to a company able to do it all. Work with a Roswell flood damage repair or Roswell water damage specialist you know and trust; preferably a company able to handle everything from start to finish like Kiwi Services. Fast, friendly, professional service with a nationwide reputation and one year guarantee – finally, a little good news you can use.

Everything from water damaged walls, carpeting and hard wood flooring to the rapid growth of mold is dampening water damage repair. In some areas crews simply are unable to access the area while others cite a lack of manpower; according to local experts, homeowners need to exercise caution before hiring clean-up crews. Unfortunately there are always a few unscrupulous types that attempt to profit from the misfortune of others. This time around it is in clean-up crews.

Before allowing anyone out to your property verify they are licensed, bonded, insured and Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. Flood damage is not just another leaky pipe; Type II and III flooding often results in chemical contamination, bacterial infestation and other potential health hazards which must be properly dealt with. Especially in relatively warm weather, high humidity levels can also result in mold or mildew growth in as little as 24-48 hours. It is essential to use industrial, commercial quality equipment to circulate air and remove humidity in between walls, attics and other areas adversely impacted by water damage.

In fact, extraction is just the first step in a long process; drying, deodorizing, disinfecting and removal of all contaminated materials must meet strict guidelines in order to assure the house is returned to normal. Failure to do so may result in higher insurance rates or lower long term re-sale value of a home. Even more importantly, it provides the peace of mind in knowing your family is safe from the potentially harmful effects of mold spores or bacterial contamination.

Follow these quick tips to find a reputable clean-up crew near you:

1. Verify they are in good standing with the local Better Business Bureau and are licensed, bonded and insured prior to scheduling an appointment for a free quote.
2. Make sure they are Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.
3. Confirm they will work closely with insurance underwriters to restore the property.

Validate their experience and reputation; whenever possible, it is a good idea to use a full service provider with a nationwide reputation and name you can trust like Kiwi water damage and restoration specialists.

Kiwi Services provides Decatur flood damage and Decatur water damage repair services.

1. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Before selecting a flood repair company be sure they are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Unfortunately, it is fairly common to encounter many “fly-by-night” operators that suddenly pop-up after a disaster. Sadly, these people try to profit by the misfortune of others.

1. Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. This all-important designation assures work is performed to the highest industry standards in full compliance with health and insurance expectations.

1. Complimentary and Ancillary Services. Flood damage often results in more than the need for water extraction; carpet removal, upholstery cleaning, air duct disinfectant, temporary storage for possessions and much more are frequently encountered needs. Ask about mold removal and remediation, disposal of contaminated items and complete disinfectant of surface areas.

1. Satisfaction Guarantee. Water damage repairs should be fully guaranteed as well as other complimentary and ancillary services. Ask about satisfaction rating and obtain a written copy of any guarantee prior to hiring.

1. Commercial Quality Cleaners & Equipment. Major flooding requires professional equipment typically unavailable to the average homeowner or even rental agency. From high-speed air blowers that move air across and within walls to industrial grade dehumidifiers that regulate temperature and humidity levels throughout the house, it is essential to use the best commercial equipment, cleaners and disinfectants available. Whenever possible, ask about “green” cleaning to reduce the build-up of harsh chemicals or other potential toxins in your home; especially after major water related repairs that involve carpets, upholstery or other high contact areas of the home.

1. Experience & Customer Service. It is essential to employ only the most experienced water damage restoration and repair specialists especially after major flooding. Often the worst damage is that which isn’t easily visible to the naked eye; inside walls, excessive moisture that leads to mold or other problems may be missed by less experienced technicians. Kiwi’s Snellville water damage repair, Snellville flood damage and restoration professional provides, guarantee and experience you need in order to bring your property back to its formerly pristine condition.

This once in a life-time event may be slowly subsiding as workers rush to the area to restore power and clean away debris from the Stone Mountain Freeway but others remain more pessimistic. Unfortunately, early insurance estimates show many homeowners are not covered by flood insurance leading many to speculate the worst is yet to come for many local residents. 

As neighbors, friends and family begin the long process of picking up the pieces, experts remind everyone to take precautions when returning to flood damaged homes. It is a good idea to print out the following checklist to help prioritize clean-up and repair efforts:

1. Make sure all electricity and utilities are turned off in any areas still impacted by water damage.
2. Use protective gear including gloves and eye-goggles when dealing with water damaged property or possessions; remember, flood waters often contain chemicals, bacteria and organic debris that can lead to disease or infection.
3. Keep records and receipts plus take a lot of photographs. If you have flood insurance it is a good idea to contact your agent to begin the claim process as soon as possible. Even without flood insurance, you may be eligible for tax deductions or other forms of assistance plus it can help when it comes time to sell your home in the future. By providing complete documentation of what work was performed and to what standards, it may reduce the risk of lowering property appraisals due to fear of mold or mildew contamination related to water damage.
4. Contact Kiwi’s Stone Mountain water damage and flood damage repair professionals, provides a full guarantee on all repairs including water extraction, carpet and upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning and restoration services.  It is also important they are Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration especially if you will be submitting an insurance claim.

Although flood insurance is mandatory for real estate located in “high risk” or known flood prone areas, much of the recent flood damage is outside the typical zone associated with water damage. Many homeowners are in for a shocking surprise when they call in a claim only to learn they do not have flood insurance.

Fortunately, caring citizens can help those most in need in a variety of different ways.

Charity – The Red Cross and many local charity organizations are quickly coming to the rescue of those most impacted by the recent flood waters; concerned citizens of Powder Springs that would like to help are reminded to deal directly with a known charity in order to avoid fraud and abuse. It’s important that assistance gets to those in need in a timely manner.  Churches, medical facilities and organizations that assist pets are popular charities that need your help.

The Gift of Time – Clean-up crews, baby-sitters, temporary pet adoption services and other gifts of time mean more than ever especially as people try to put their lives back together. Whether you act alone or coordinate with friends, family and neighbors, giving the gift of time is one of the most important contributions you can make.

Gift Certificates – If you know someone personally impacted by flood damage chances are they have a great number of needs; consider giving a gift certificate to a local grocery store, hardware store or even pay to have all or a part of their water damage and flood recovery services provided by a professional company. Some areas are actually adopting a family or household in need of repairs by contracting directly with a reputable flood recovery company that is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration.  Not only does it reduce the cost associated with repairs but substantially impacts the entire functioning of the family by keeping people in their homes without the risk of disease or further damage. Kiwi provides Powder springs water damage, flood damage and extraction services.

In addition to the initial destruction and damage caused by flooding, water can wreak havoc on the value of your home and property for years to come. This is especially true when homeowners lack appropriate flood insurance or attempt to repair water damage on their home. According to experts, thousands of impacted properties were not covered by insurance leaving homeowners wondering how to pick up the cost.

While it might be tempting to try the “do-it-yourself” route, that is nearly always a major mistake according to local water damage and flood recovery experts. Water extraction must begin as soon as possible and include proper removal of severely contaminated items. Mold and mildew can begin growing on organic materials including drywall, upholstery or other items in as little as 24-48 hours without proper treatment. Unfortunately, once mold takes hold, it can be difficult to eliminate. Mold creates spores which can travel throughout the household including air ducts, carpet or even behind walls.

Mold damage may result in increased insurance rates or decreased marketability of a properly long after the initial flood waters; in fact, mold is one of the major reasons for rising insurance costs or failure to insure. It is important to work with a company that knows and understands proper water damage remediation as indicated by becoming certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. Reputable providers also tend to offer a complete guarantee on all water damage and mold remediation work performed; take your time to ask in advance whether or not you are covered. Not only will it reduce the health risk to your family but may also be one of the best investments you can make by preserving the full value of your home.

Homeowners throughout Georgia are already bracing for negative CLUE reports and higher insurance rates due to flood damages but by taking proper precautions and hiring a Marietta’s professional water damage and flood recovery company can reduce the risk of lower market prices on real estate sales for years into the future.

1. Determine whether or not you live in a flood prone area. Flood insurance is mandatory for those that live in “high risk” areas likely to be impacted by floods or rising rivers but for all others, it is an optional insurance that few people actually carry. Unfortunately, recent flood damage hasn’t been limited to typical flood prone areas leaving many people without insurance.
2. Take appropriate safety precautions. People and pets are always the first priority when it comes to staying prepared. Check on elderly residents before, during and after the flood as well as individuals with disabilities or which may require special assistance. Never leave pets to fend for their selves; instead, take appropriate steps to secure their safety including food, shelter and fresh water.
3. Know where to go in advance. Sandy Springs and surrounding areas have evacuation plans in place including the option of closing schools and opening shelters. Put together a family emergency plan that includes specifics regarding who will pick up the children or pets, where everyone will meet and which shelter is appropriate for your family. Be sure to designate a route and plan for contingencies or special needs such as pets or family members with a disability.

Don’t delay. If your home or property is impacted by water damage, it is critical to obtain professional help as soon as possible. Water extraction service, clean-up, mold remediation and much more should be contracted with a single provider whenever possible.  Flood damage may require extensive remediation including drywall repair, mold remediation, air duct cleaning, upholstery and carpet cleaning plus much more. To protect the value of your property, it is a good idea to make sure the water damage remediation provider is Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration; not only does it provide peace of mind in knowing the job was done right but helps assure future buyers all work meets the highest industry standards.  Whatever your water damage needs, Kiwi’s Sandy Springs water damage and flood recovery services is here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy – Police, fire, utilities and emergency services are essential but don’t stop there; insurance agents, water damage extraction services and other physician numbers are just as important in the days after a flood.

Take Photographs in Advance – It is always a good idea to plan in advance by taking photographs of your home and personal property before damage has occurred. Unfortunately, as thousands of residents throughout Georgia are discovering, water damage can make it difficult to identify the condition of items prior to the flood.

Plan for Outages – Rising flood waters can impact more than just property in low lying areas; traffic lights, electric utilities and even water supply is often disrupted or unreliable. Whenever possible, keep travel to a minimum and restrict it to necessary outings only. It is also a good idea to keep basic emergency equipment on hand including lights, fresh water supply and alternative sources of energy in case of utility outages. In the event your property is impacted by flood damage, immediately shut-down electricity to the affected area to avoid the risk of electrocution or shock.

When in Doubt Toss it Out – Carpeting, furniture and even drywall can begin to grow mold and mildew in as little as 24-48 hours after being immersed in water so it is essential to begin cleaning as soon as possible. Contact a professional water damage and flood recovery provider with 24/7 support. To save time and money, be prepared by creating a checklist of all work that will be required at your home including water extraction, content drying or temporary storage, carpet cleaning, wood floor correction due to water damage, air duct cleaning to remove mold spores, upholstery cleaning for water damaged furniture and removal of contaminated waste.

Keep it Simple – Trying to coordinate repairs, cleaning, trash removal and more can make a bad situation worse. Instead, keep it simple by working with a company like Kiwi Services’ Douglasville water damage and flood damage services that is Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration with a history of successfully dealing with insurance billings. Not only does it save time and money but helps restore a sense of order by allowing your family to return home as soon as possible.