Restoring Success: Hurricane Harvey – Our Industry’s Time to Shine

As we see and experience the widespread devastation in Texas, we also see an outpouring of support and help. In the face of the tragedies, we also get to see the best in others. Regardless of how many miles separate us, there is a desire to help from all over the country, and even all over the world.

As restoration professionals, some of us have deployed, some of us live and work in the affected regions, and some of us feel compelled to help in some way. It is intrinsic to our nature to respond and help people recover.

As our industry will be instrumental to the recovery and restoration of the areas that Hurricane Harvey destroyed and as we help the victims, the buildings, belongings, businesses, lives, and livelihoods, it is our moment to shine as an industry.

The following is a list of things to consider as the restoration industry responds and shines:

Standards of Care: Appropriate standards of care should be followed in executing our work. Appropriate levels of knowledge and supervision of the execution of the work should be considered. The following are only two of many standards that may come into play during the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
1. ANSI/IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration http://www.iicrc.org/standards/iicrc-s500/
2. ANSI/IICRC S520 Mold Remediation http://www.iicrc.org/standards/iicrc-s520/
3. The following IICRC White Paper is a great reference guide for the general public and a great review for restorers. http://www.iicrc.org/registrants/industry-perspective/
Offer Assistance: Many affected will not have any resources or very limited resources. Be prepared to offer guidance and technical advice.
1. Offer a variety of helpful website links like the white paper reference above.
2. Have pre-made tip sheets that may be helpful to victims.
3. The Restoration Technical Institute will be offering two free webinars for victims, volunteers, and restorers – More information can be found and shared through the following link: Free Help Webinars
  1. Clean-up of Category 3 Flood Water
  2. Flood Insurance
Local laws and ordinances: Be certain to familiarize yourself with local laws and abide by them. Be aware that contract law may differ from your state. https://texas.gov/
Insurance: Familiarize yourself with the variety of policies that will be encountered and prepare yourself to guide (not adjust a claim) the victims.
1. Flood Policy: https://www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim
2. Wind Policy: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/cpmtwiaclaims.html
3. There will be a variety of homeowner and business policies that will also come into play during recovery and restoration.
Altruistic: We can give support of our time, talents and resources in many ways. I encourage everyone to donate and volunteer through a properly vetted charitable organization, and encourage those around you to do the same. The following link provides lists and although not all inclusive, provides guidance: https://www.nationalservice.gov/focus-areas/disaster-services/hurricane-harvey
Restorers helping Restorers: Some of us will deploy and some will not. Let’s help each other with giving each other guidance, sharing resources, and partnering. Let’s keep those working in the areas in our thoughts for a safe and effective deployment.

Click here to read letters from restorers in the heart of the devastation.

Lisa Lavender holds a BS in accounting from Penn State and is an IICRC Master Fire, Water and Textile Restorer. As chief operating officer and co-owner of both Restoration Technical Institute and Berks ∙ Fire ∙ Water Restorations, Inc., Lavender has over 20 years of experience in the restoration and reconstruction industry, and has been involved in the training other restoration professionals since 2012. In 2018, has expanded her passion for serving other restorers by partnering and becoming VP of operations design for iRestore software. In addition to contributing to the running of the operations of her organizations, she authors a monthly column for R&R, Restoring Success, writes, instructs and develops courses and materials in the pursuit of her passion to give knowledge, passion, and inspiration to others for success in the industry. You can reach her at lisa@RTILearning.com.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Discover the essence of 'Standard of Care' in water damage documentation. In this webinar, we’ll delve into the necessity and rationale behind it, and uncover how purposeful documentation is crucial, saving both valuable time and energy.