3. Regardless of the water category, if References: the incident is left unattended, micro- (available for viewing upon request) organisms will amplify with the passage of time (i.e., category 1 water incidents IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide Safety, Insurance & can turn into category 2 & 3 water for Professional Water Damage Restoration, incidents with time). Drying should 2nd Ed., Institute of Inspection Cleaning occur within 24 - 48 hours. and Restoration Certification, 1999. With Regard to: Restorative Drying – The New and Complete Insurance Issues: Guide to Water Damage Restoration, Dri-Eaz Products, Inc., 1999. Floods, Roof 1. Sometimes the structure and contents cannot be returned to pre-loss condition Leaks, (e.g., porous materials wet with category Backflows, Utility 2 or 3 water). In these cases, the respon- Pipe Failures, sible party must complete a UA etc. (i.e., water Loss Report Form, gather documentation infiltration into and arrange for repair or replacement of damaged or lost property. If criminal buildings) activity is involved (i.e., ), a Police Report must be filed with UAPD. Here are some things 2. All claims for loss involving U of A to know should property must be forwarded to RM&S for processing. RM&S reviews claim they occur documentation for completeness, and forwards the claim to State Risk Manage- ment for adjusting. Adjusters review the loss and make a recommendation for either payment or denial of the claim. If approved, claim payments are received centrally by the Bursar’s Office and then distributed by RM&S to the department where the loss originated via journal The University of Arizona entry. Copies of these forms are available Department of Risk Management at the RM&S URL (see end of flier). & Safety P.O. Box 210460 Tucson, AZ 85721-0460 (520) 621-1790 (tel) (520) 621-3706 (fax) [email protected] (e-mail) October 2001 http://w3fp.arizona.edu/riskmgmt/ Things To Know When Floods, Roof Leaks, Sewage Backflows, Utility Pipe Failures, Etc., Happen

Proper building design and maintenance Occupant Safety Concerns: 3. Category 2 water (grey water) contains can prevent most water infiltration into a significant level of contamination and buildings. Unfortunately, sometimes it 1. Be extremely careful of wet, slippery has the potential to cause discomfort or occurs. Appropriate response to these floors, which are the greatest cause of sickness if consumed by humans (ex. incidents can mean the difference be- accidents after water damage. dishwasher and washing machine dis- tween a minor inconvenience and irre- charge, overflows from toilets with some 2. In the case of sewage backflows, please versible and long-lasting damage, thus urine (no feces), broken aquariums). don’t enter the affected area or significantly raising the restoration cost any cleaning or removal of affected and the potential for subsequent serious 4. Category 3 water (black water) contains materials until after decontamination. indoor air quality problems. pathogenic agents and is grossly un- sanitary (ex. sewage, toilet backflows 3. Be mindful of potential electrical When water infiltration events happen, that originate beyond the trap regardless hazards. Water and electricity are not follow these common sense guidelines to of visible content or color, ground compatible. When in doubt, request an contain costs, minimize the potential for surface water). electrician to inspect for electrical safety. subsequent indoor air quality problems and above all, for safety: 4. Be aware that the structure may be in a Response Actions: weakened condition after water damage Prompt Reporting Is Essential: and may collapse (e.g., falling ceilings). 1. The response which should be taken by the facilities management department or 1. Promptly report water infiltration events 5. Within the limits of the above advice, restoration contractor are based on the to your facilities management depart- take necessary steps to prevent further category of water. A different procedure ment, when discovered. If possible, damage or loss. exists for category 1 water and category include information on the source and 2 & 3 water. Consult the IICRC Guide- approximate quantity of water, the af- Water Source Identification: lines (see “References” section at the end fected area and materials, and whether of flier) or Risk Management & Safety or not the source has been controlled. 1. The category of source water determines for response specifics. to a great extent the response by the fa- 2. Water migrates in all directions – cilities management department or out- 2. Both procedures involve drying (excess horizontally from the source, through side restoration contractor. There are 3 water removal, evaporation, dehumid- holes, cracks and crevices in the floors categories of water – 1) clean water, 2) ification and temperature control), struc- and between walls to lower levels. Water grey water and 3) black water. tural and content restoration, monitoring wicks vertically up walls, framing and (moisture content) and final inspection insulation. The damage grows until the 2. Category I water (clean water) originates (to confirm that structure and contents water is stopped, extracted, and drying from a source that does not pose sub- are returned to pre-loss condition). Dis- procedures are implemented. Time in- stantial harm to humans (ex. broken infection may also be necessary for creases the potential for primary struc- water supply lines, tub or sink over- category 2 & 3 water. tural damage, secondary humidity dam- flows, falling rainwater, broken age, microbial growth, and possible toilet tanks). subsequent indoor air quality problems.