In the early morning of April 18, 1906, an earthquake of approximately 7.9 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck right offshore San Francisco on the San Andreas Fault, and caused the shaking to be felt from Los Angeles to Oregon. While the earthquake was a serious event that caused a lot of damage, destroying homes and other buildings, there were other aspects of the earthquake that caused even more damage, such as fires.

Fire damage after earthquakes is a significant concern. There are several reasons for this, including downed power lines and ruptured gas pipes. These can cause fires to start, as in the 1906 earthquakes. In addition, the fires can spread rapidly, and in 1906, destroyed quite a bit of San Francisco. Anyone living in an earthquake-prone area needs to know how to avoid this danger.

The next most famous earthquake in San Francisco was, of course, the 1989 earthquake. This one also had significant fires afterward, mostly in the Marina District. In both instances, people often thought they were safe after the actual shaking of the earth stopped, but that is often when the serious damage begins.

As in the 1906 earthquake, fire damage can wipe out a large part of a city. When gas lines break due to the earth shaking, flammable gas is released and can easily spark or catch on fire from any open flame. In modern times, with gas lines everywhere, this becomes even more of a danger. In areas where flammable or dry vegetation is around, fires can spread extremely quickly.

An important step in safety after earthquakes is to turn off the gas in every home and business. While utility companies are responsible for the gas mains, home owners and renters should learn where their own gas shut-off valve is so that they don’t have fires in their own home. It is very important that this is not turned back on until things are safe – either when the utility company issues an all-clear signal or you call to make sure it is safe. Make sure that any open flames in the home, such as lighters, wood-burning stoves, etc., are not used without an all-clear from the fire department that there are no possible gas leaks or other hazards.

At times, damage to water lines can actually increase fire damage, because firefighters won’t have access to the water they need to put out the fires. If a water main breaks, for example, there may be flooding, but no water in the pipes or hoses for actually fighting fires. Firefighters were kept very busy after both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes and saved many lives while working tirelessly for days and even weeks at a time.

Lack of structural integrity, leaks, and condensation provide the major source of unusual water damage.
To think of uncommon sources of damage, think of the major areas where water touches your house, for example during a prolonged, driving rain.

The first is the roof. Aside from obvious leaking and dripping, water can come in from the roof and run along quite a long distance before wreaking havoc. Damage in the attic can come from poor insulation, inadequate ventilation – blocked up soffit vents or no ridge vents, plugged gutters, no storm and ice shield at the bottom of the roof under the shingles.

Another place to look for water damage is at the foundation level. As your soil erodes and plants grow, the water drainage can change. Be alert to ways that water that had been previously excluded from your basement or crawl space may now be encroaching into your home.

The exterior walls of a home and external structures are meant to be water resistant. If your home is in need of painting or your deck is in need of refinishing, these items need to be attended to before a hard rain drives moisture into unprotected wood.

Other ways that problems might arise involve the transportation and use of water throughout your home.

Appliances themselves can cause water to spill. Clothes washing machines require water to drain, and sometimes this mechanism is not as secure as it needs to be. Front loading washers can leak when the door seal becomes old. Dishwashing machines can have similar issues from standing water in particular.

Refrigerators with ice making capabilities often have a copper tube that brings in water from other sources. This tube can develop a leak and the place where it first attaches can become unsecure.

Knobs and fixtures in the bathroom can develop drips and leaks. In fact this often happens as they age. Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing a washer, but other times the entire fixture should be replaced. The water can slowly leach into the cabinetry surrounding the fixture, again creating an area where mold can grow.

Inadequate waterproofing of the shower can cause water to seep into the grout between the tiles, and into the drywall behind the fixture, particularly in situations where the fixtures were not installed over waterproof material.

Unusual problems can start from the air.
Sometimes windows or units like air conditioners can have condensation that drips internally. Whenever warm, humid air comes into contact with something cold, condensation of the water onto that surface can occur.

On humid days, the air near all crevices is wet. If you have improperly sealed flooring the air can seep into cracks and create a permanently damp environment.

Remember that in the case of water damage, there are three categories of water: Category I is drinkable water. Category II is “gray water,” which is used water from your appliances, but nothing that’s hazardous. Category III is sewage, chemical-laden, and any other water that can affect health. Contacting professionals to remove sources of damage is always advisable.

The truth is that certain types of molds are actually considered mildew. The distinctions between the two are very slight to the untrained eye. When mold begins to establish itself on an organic substance, it then creates a network of thread-like structures of cells called ‘hyphae’. The hyphae of mold grow outwards and look much like a net or a spider’s web. It is in this particular characteristic nature of its growth, when developing on a flat surface, that it is referred to as mildew.

Mildew and mold spores are everywhere in the air. Belonging to the fungi family, these microscopic cellular bodies have a very primitive and hardy cell structure. The hyphae growth feature of mold is what makes it so successful at producing large colonies known as mycelium. Mycelium is a mass of hyphae branches that grow threaded together, manifesting in a web like form, then become the vegetative part of fungus. These masses are also referred to as shiro.

While mentioned previously, mold growing on flat surfaces is commonly referred to as mildew. There is another type of mildew that grows on plant surfaces. A powdery type of mildew, which attacks plants, is known as ‘downy mildew’. Plasmopara viticola, appears on older plant leafs as yellowish and white colored patches. A close examination of the underside of the leaf will display the familiar white and grayish color familiar to mold and mildew. Downy mildew usually appears after big rains during the early spring or later in fall.

Understanding how molds reproduce and spread provide important information that will help you to prevent them from taking root in your home. Spore formation is how mold reproduce and spread. Using air currents, spores travel from place-to-place until they land on an ideal location which provides the right conditions for growth and further reproduction.

Both mold and mildew spores require organic material to grow onto and both need the presence of moisture to begin their reproduction and colonization process. Although they both need organic matter for food, they do not require sunlight to grow, as there is no chlorophyll or photosynthesis occurring to collect nutrition. Instead, they secrete enzymes from the edges of the hyphae to collect nutrition. Hydrolytic enzymes, which are secreted from the tips of the hyphae are very effective at degrading organic substances such as starch, cellose or lignin. These are broken down by the enzymes into simpler forms of organic material, which is then consumed by absorption into the hyphae or the mycelium colony.

As mold and mildew collect nutrition, the process helps to maintain an environmental balance because of the biodegradation they perform. Some molds are actually beneficial to mankind and are used in food production. They are also used in the creation of medical drugs such as penicillin. While they each have good uses, they can both become a health hazard when they are found growing in homes, schools, offices or other public places. Because mold and mildew can grow in almost any environment where moisture is present, and they do not require sunlight, dark places become ideal breading grounds for mold and mildew.

To answer the question “Are mold and mildew the same or not?” in many ways they are, but when it comes to the health hazards they pose to humans, toxic black mold seems to be far more dangerous than any type of mildew. If mold is spotted, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation company to make sure it is removed properly and will not return.

What is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys Chartarum is the scientific term used for black mold. It produces toxins which makes it an extremely toxic and dangerous type of mold. The toxins that are produced are what give this mold its color. Other molds may have a similar appearance. For this reason, it is very important to have any mold found in your home tested and removed by a professional if recommended. Because black mold is toxic, it can have serious health risks for your family.

Black mold, like other molds, needs to have a surrounding that is moist and dark. It is a living organism, so it needs to have food as a surface to grow as well. This can be something as simple as small particles of dust. If it is growing outside, it is typically in climates that are warm and humid. It can then be found growing on soil or fallen debris from plants. If growing inside the home, it needs an area that has excess moisture, such as a bathroom, under a sink, or in a damp basement.

If water remains standing in an area of your home, such as under carpeting, floor tiles, or linoleum, for a long period of time, it is likely that black mold will grow there as well. Any area where water has been leaking is a prime location for black mold to grow.

If black mold is found, it is imperative that it is removed properly and as quickly as possible. A key part of removing mold is to make sure that mold spores are not disrupted. If they are disrupted, they will become airborne and can be breathed in. Since black mold is toxic, there can be health problems that result from this exposure. In order to ensure that it is removed properly, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation company. They have the knowledge and equipment needed to make sure that mold is thoroughly removed and is not disrupted during the process.

What is Brown Hairy Mold?
Brown hairy mold is scientifically known as Stemonitis because of its color and furry appearance. Like black mold and other molds, brown hairy mold needs to have moisture in order to grow. The source of the moisture can be from many different things. It could be from a pipe that is leaking or water that spilled on the floor and was never properly cleaned up.

This type of mold is not typically a toxic mold, but this does not mean that it is safe. There can still be health risks. Those that are typically at the greatest risk are people with respiratory issues, a weak immune system, or allergies. All of these can be aggravated by mold and mold spores in the air.

A common area for this type of mold to grow is within a damp bathroom under tiles that are loose. Water can get under the loose tiles and will not dry quickly. This becomes a breeding ground for mold. Another area that brown hairy mold is often found is under carpeting. Mold will often grow when water gets on carpet and is not allowed to dry thoroughly.

Although brown hairy mold is not considered to be toxic, it is still extremely important to have it removed as quickly as possible. In order to ensure that the mold is removed correctly, without releasing spores into the air, and thoroughly, you should fine an expert in your area who can property remediate the problem. They will have all of the tools and the knowledge to make sure the mold is properly removed.

No matter what the cause of the water is, cleanup and restoration will need to be completed. Restoration can be expensive, but this depends on the amount of water that is in your home or business and the extent of water damage that exists. If for any reason the restoration process is delayed, the amount of damage could increase, which would also increase the cost of restoration.

It is important that the restoration process is completed as quickly as possible after flooding. Besides the continued water damage occurring, there is also the potential for serious threats to anyone that is in the home or building that has flooded. In an effort to ensure that the costs of restoration remain as low as possible and to try and prevent any health issues that may occur, it is important that certain steps are taken immediately afterwards.

* The electricity to the flooded area needs to be turned off. The water in combination with the electricity could cause damage to any electronic devices. There is also the risk of a short circuit or even a fire. Not to mention mixing water with electricity is very dangerous because of shock potential. If you cannot safely get to the electricity leave the premises and get immediate help.

* The gas within your home or business should be turned off as well. Appliances such as hot water heaters and furnaces should not be exposed to the flooding while they are on.

* You will want to take as many pictures as possible to show the amount of water that was in your home or business. This will be helpful for the insurance company to see the level of water and will be the first step in filing your claim with them.

* The walls within your home or business will also need to be examined and dried out. Sheetrock and drywall should not be in any kind of moisture for a lengthy period of time. If they are, mold could begin to grow and make the restoration process even lengthier and more expensive.

It is extremely important after a flood to have the water removed and everything dried out quickly in order to prevent water damage and the growth of mold. Mold needs moisture to grow and once the moisture is removed, the risk of mold growth is removed as well. In order to make sure that everything is properly taken care of after a flood, it is best to have a professional assist in the process. Whether you call our company or another professional restoration company it is important that you understand what needs to be done to restore your property, as a lot of the damage may not be visible without proper equipment and training once the water subsides.

Inspecting all of these areas on a regular basis will help to stop or prevent water damage before it can begin. During inspection, you will want to make sure that you are checking everything thoroughly so there is nothing that is missed that can cause issues before your next inspection.

First, you will want to check under the sink to ensure there are no leaks or signs of gathering water areas. You will want to check the pipes to ensure there are no cracks and make sure there is no water dripping from the pipes. If you see any signs of damage to the pipes or water under the sink, you will want to make sure you have it fixed immediately. If you catch the problem quickly and have it fixed right away, you will save yourself more problems with water damage down the road.

Next, you will want to check the refrigerator to make sure there are no leaks. Check all of the hoses to ensure they are securely attached and check the floor for any signs of leaking, such as standing water or wet spots on the floor. If there are any signs of leaking found, it is important to clean up the water and then contact an appliance technician to have your refrigerator checked out.

Finally, you will want to check your dishwasher. You may want to hire a professional inspector to check the hoses to make sure they are securely attached and not leaking and then check the floor, including behind the unit, for any signs of water. If any issues are found, it is important to have the dishwasher checked out immediately.

Humidity is a key factor in mold growth. Hot weather, especially with rain, is a prime way for mold to grow. Rainy conditions optimize the chances of mold growth. Poor-ventilated houses that trap in humidity for long periods of time can be a cause of mold growth. It is important to have your house well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold. Open windows or use electric fans to circulate the air in a healthy way.

Leaking pipes also can be a cause of mold. Often times, a leak in a pipe goes undetected because the pipe is hidden underground or behind the walls. This usually results in mold growth over a period of time. When undetected, the mold could potentially cause damage to your house and your health. Experts have tools to detect leaking pipes within the walls of your home. It would be in your and your family’s best interest to have experts inspect your house for leaking pipes every so often.

Similar to leaking pipes, leaky roofs often go unnoticed until someone spots water damage on the ceiling. By that time, mold has probably already grown. It is important to have the mold treated, removed, and prevented from growing again in the future. Leaky roofs can also be a cause of mold, and so roofs should be inspected as much as pipes.

As mentioned earlier, poor ventilation could cause mold to grow. This goes hand in hand with humidity within the home. The most important rooms in the home that need to have proper ventilation are the bathroom and kitchen because they are places that have a lot of steam. Also as already mentioned, it is important for air to circulate well with open windows and fans.

Have you ever done your laundry, and forgot to take it out of the dryer or washing machine? When clothes stay wet for a long period of time, they often end up having a musty odor. That musty odor is from mildew. Damp clothes could also result in mold growth. It is important to stay on top of your laundry duties to ensure that your clothes are appropriately dried.

Anyone who lives in a very humid or damp area understands that moisture causes mold in a home. Mold can sprout in an astonishingly quick manner in these conditions, such as if rain has occurred a few days in a row, or humidity is high and a home is not well ventilated. You may be most likely to find mold in the areas of a home that are susceptible to moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.

If a bathroom is not well ventilated, it is likely to have mold in between the tiles, in the cupboards, around the windows, and in many other places. Laundry rooms can have the same problem, especially if you dry clothes on a line or a rack inside. Wet clothes left in the washing machine can also grow mold, so make sure to dry them immediately. It can help to use a fan, open the windows, or otherwise increase ventilation. If this doesn’t work, a dehumidifier might be in order.

Water damage is a major precursor to mold, so watch out for leaky pipes and appliances. A constant leaky pipe may cause mold in a home, even hidden mold. Flooding can also cause significant mold and rot on carpets, in floorboards, and in other areas. After a flood or after discovering any type of water leak, it is a good idea to call in a professional to assess the mold damage in a home.

There are other types of similar looking molds. This is why it is vitally important that you consult with a professional trained in mold identification. Stachybotrys is nothing to take lightly, and understanding the effects it can have on adults, children and pets can really bring the safety concerns to life. What is Black Mold? It is dangerous! Here are some of the serious symptoms that can be experienced when exposed to Black Mold, or otherwise known aptly as ‘Toxic Black Mold’:

o Extreme nausea and tiredness
o Lack of concentration and mental impairment
o Pain from damaged internal organs
o Hemorrhaging
o Inflammation of the Skin and eyes
o Difficulty breathing
o Weakened immune system

This is just a short list of the symptoms that the mycotoxins from this type of mold can cause. As you can see, Toxic Black Mold lives up to its name.

What is Black Mold? How do you remove it?

Black Mold removal should be conducted by trained professionals. Otherwise, the health risks are too great when you disturb it. Once disturbed, the mold will release large amounts of its toxins into the air, negative physical symptoms will begin to be noticeable, such as coughing and eye irritation. If you believe or suspect that your home, workplace, garage or office building may have Toxic Black Mold, then you should let someone know about it. A professional mold removal service is qualified to safely remove any type of mold that may be found on your property or workplace, and they can accomplish this with minimal disturbance.

What is Black Mold? What Causes it and Where is it Found Growing?

It is found mostly in warm climates or in warm moist conditions. Black Mold is commonly found in many countries that have warm climates. Ideal areas where this type of mold can be found growing are many. Outside, it can be found growing on plant debris or on soil, while indoors it can grow on many different types of materials, especially those that contain cellulose and where moisture can be found. Basically, wet or damp areas of a home are a potential breeding ground for this infamous type of mold.

Other areas it can be found growing are under floors boards, carpets, linoleum and any other place where water is found lying for long periods of time. Areas around water leaks are places Black Mold can be found to grow, between walls, ceilings and areas of a roof where leaks occur. When you discover mold growing, and it fits the description of Black Mold, you should call a professional mold removal service to have it safely removed. If your suffering from any symptoms that were mentioned earlier, then you should consult a doctor immediately, and next time you hear someone ask the question, “What is Black Mold?” you can tell them “it’s dangerous!”

First of all, always clean out the lint trap, after every load of laundry.  Besides helping prevent dryer fires, this also has the added benefit of keeping your clothes cleaner.  To most thoroughly clean the lint trap, remove the lint, and then vacuum the mesh with a handheld vacuum cleaner.  Then wash it out, using a mild detergent or dish soap.  If you use dryer sheets fairly often, you may need to scrub the lint trap gently to get rid of the buildup.  Let the lint drip dry completely before you put it back in the dryer.

In addition to cleaning the lint trap, make sure your dryer is actually venting to the outdoors.  Check the vents to make sure that lint has not built up there.  If it does tend to build up, there are many different dryer cleaning kits you can buy to make sure that your vents are free of build-up.  This is essential to prevent dryer fires, which can happen anywhere within the dryer.

Use your dryer on the lowest setting possible to dry your clothes.  Most types of clothing do not need an extremely high setting and the higher the heat, the higher the chance of a fire.  Use lower temperatures whenever possible.

Finally, to prevent dryer fires, make sure you have metal venting, not plastic.  Either rigid or flexible metal venting will work, but plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses can actually increase the chance of dryer fire