Cleaning Up Is Hard To Do

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Property owners have to choose between decontaminating or demolishing the property.  Both steps are a must since leaving the site as is can pose a health hazard to the next tenant of the space. Unfortunately, the owners have to shoulder all the costs for decontamination or demolition, though some insurance carriers do shoulder some of the expenses.

Should property owners decide to have the place decontaminated, hiring SERVPRO of Vermilion County is a great way to go.  With 30 years in the restoration business we have highly trained personnel with the proper equipment to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.  Here are some of the recommended steps on decontaminating the site:

1. Air out the entire place for several days. This can help remove the contaminants that may have remained in the air. Ensure good ventilation all throughout the cleanup.
2. Make residual chemicals evaporate. To do this, close everything and crank up the heat on the furnace to about 90 degrees, then leave the property. (This step is not necessary during summertime.) After several days, start cleaning with all windows and doors open, with the heat turned off.
3. Remove visibly contaminated items from the property and dispose of them in a landfill. Don’t leave the items out on the curb and susceptible to dumpster divers trying to retrieve them.
4. Wear personal protective equipment and clothing during the cleanup. These include the following:
   • Gloves
   • Respirators
   • Eye protection, such as goggles
   • Long sleeves and pants
   • Shoe covers
   • Be careful in using bleach during the cleanup, as it may react with the acid remnants in the area.
   • Replace the furnace filters, especially if there was a need to evaporate the chemicals in the property via heating.
   • Dispose of everything—rags, clothing, carpeting, drapes, etc.—that has come into contact with contaminated materials. This includes clothing (hence the need for shoe covers).

As one can see, the entire cleanup process can be long and tedious as well as dangerous.  If you are not properly suited up there is a real possibility of the drug residue entering your body.  We here at SERVPRO of Vermilion County are ready to help!  Call one of our friendly staff today at (217) 443-0077! MM