Key takeaways
- Make people safe first. Then call the right specialist for the situation.
- Water damage, sewage and biohazard cleanup are specialized services, not routine janitorial work.
- Ask about response time, certifications, insurance and documentation for insurance claims.
Emergencies are not the time to start vendor research. A short plan ahead of time makes the response faster.
Situations that call for emergency cleaning
- Burst pipe, roof leak or flood
- Sewage backup
- Mold discovered after water intrusion, common in humid South Florida
- Fire or smoke damage
- Blood or other biohazard spills beyond a small cleanup
- Post-storm debris and water
- Vandalism or a major spill
What to do first
- Protect people. Keep them away from hazards. Call 911 for injuries or immediate danger.
- Stop the source. Shut off water or power if it is safe and you know how.
- Document. Take photos and notes for insurance.
- Call your property manager or insurer if the situation may involve a claim.
- Call the right specialist.
Who does what
| Situation | Typically handled by |
|---|---|
| Water extraction and drying | Water damage restoration firm |
| Sewage or contaminated water | Restoration firm trained for contaminated water |
| Mold | Qualified mold assessor and remediation contractor |
| Biohazard or large blood cleanup | Trained biohazard cleanup contractor |
| Smoke and fire damage | Fire restoration firm |
| Post-event general cleanup | Commercial cleaning company |
Routine janitorial crews are not generally trained or equipped for contaminated water, mold remediation or large biohazards. Ask any vendor whether they are qualified and insured for the specific situation.
Questions for an emergency vendor
- How fast can you be on site?
- What certifications and training do your crews have?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- Will you document the work for my insurer?
- What is the pricing structure, hourly or by project?
Prepare now
- Keep a list of trusted emergency contacts
- Know where the water and power shutoffs are
- Keep your insurance policy and agent's number handy
- Choose a regular cleaning vendor who can help with the cleanup phase afterward
Humidity matters here: In South Florida, wet materials can grow mold quickly. Fast drying is important. See humidity and mold in South Florida.