Health and Safety Resources for Building Owners and Managers Following Hurricane Helene

Some reports have already put estimates of the total economic losses from Hurricane Helene to be well over $100 billion. Helene made landfall in Florida last week as a Category 4 hurricane before leaving a path of destruction through Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and other areas. The devastating storm caused dozens of deaths and knocked out power to millions with torrential rain, flooding, powerful wind gusts, and storm surge.

This week, building owners and facility managers are tasked with assessing the damage and beginning repair efforts at countless residential, commercial, and institutional properties. As cleanup and rebuilding gets underway, it’s imperative that people understand the potential hazards they may encounter. Many of the exposure risks relate to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), some of which could cause serious health and safety issues if the proper safety precautions are not taken.

“While the number of properties that have suffered damage is not yet known, the figures are expected to be staggering,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “As time progresses, it’s important that people recognize that mold will have begun to grow in less than 48 hours on most water damaged building materials and furnishings that remained wet. Other exposure concerns include bacteria, sewage, and chemical hazards that entered properties with the storm surge or floodwaters. Asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints also need to be handled properly or they can become aerosolized and pose a hazard to anyone in the area.”

To help in these efforts, CTSI’s Tampa office is available to assist building owners and managers across Florida and the region. Their building science and industrial hygiene professionals can assess the damage and exposure risks, and help to ensure demolition, repair, and rebuilding activities are done safely. These services protect workers and future building occupants from exposure risks to mold, bacteria, chemicals, asbestos, lead, and more, while also helping companies and institutions comply with health and safety regulations.

To learn more about this or other property damage, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail