Restoration Roundup is a regular feature here on www.randrmagonline.com meant to help keep you abreast of headlines and news affected the restoration and remediation industry. You won't find it in your print or digital issue, so keep a close eye on our web-exclusive content!

People in Australian Village near Canberra Told to Seek Shelter as Bushfire Approaches
An out-of-control bushfire burning in the Australian Capital Territory’s high country is threatening the small village of Tharwa and is expected to start spot fires close to Canberra’s southernmost suburb this evening, authorities have warned. Chief minister Andrew Barr has described the conditions in the ACT as the worst experienced since 2003, when a bushfire tore through Canberra, destroying almost 500 homes and killing four.

Smoke from Aussie Bushfires Can Be Smelled Thousands of Miles Away
Residents in Canterbury, New Zealand, are reporting smelling strong whiffs of smoke from the Australian bush fires burning thousands of kilometers away. Numerous people in Christchurch posted on social media about smelling smoke in early January. It comes after a day of haze over the South Island from the devastating Australian bush fires, which have claimed seven lives.

Measure Establishing Rules for Mold Removal in Schools and Apartments Advances
Senator Robert Singer sponsors legislation to establish statewide standards for mold remediation work that has been passed by the Senate. Singer’s bill (S2897) would build on industry standards and guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency to create consistent procedures for mold work – from inspection to identification to abatement – in schools and apartment buildings.

Teachers Refusing to Enter Philadelphia Elementary School Due to Asbestos Fears
Teachers and staff at an elementary school in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood refused to enter their school building Monday amid fear that damaged asbestos has not been properly contained. Dozens of them stood outside Lewis Elkin Elementary School, bundled up in jackets and hats against the cold, holding signs and occasionally chanting. They said they would remain outside until Philadelphia School District officials presented evidence that the building was safe.

NOAA Releases First Spring Flood Outlook
Discussions about the spring flood threat throughout the Red River Basin have long been underway at the National Weather Service ever since the historic flooding many areas saw in the Fall. On January 23rd, they released the first 2020 Spring Flood Outlook, and it looks like (as it stands now) the spring flood will be a doozy, possibly even historic.