No matter where you live, a natural or man-made disaster is just waiting to strike. Whether it’s a severe storm, a power outage, or a raging flood, there are all kinds of ways that you can be put into danger. However, if you want to increase your chances of survival, you have to change the way you think and be quick on your feet. Most notably, you want to know what to avoid in a disaster if you hope to make it through unscathed. To put this into perspective, let’s break down the common mistakes that people make.
Don’t Freeze or Panic
We’ve all heard of the fight or flight response, but the fact is that most of us tend to stay in place when something happens. The adrenaline overpowers our brains and tells us to freeze, even if it’s not really in our best interest. Instead, take a deep breath, try to calm down, and figure out your next move.
Whether it’s evacuating a building or heading to higher ground, focus your attention on doing that one specific task, as it will help prevent you from getting overwhelmed.
Don’t Be Afraid to Cut Your Losses
You’d be surprised what people will try and save during a disaster, even if it means putting their life on the line. You are the most valuable thing that you have, so make sure that you are a top priority. Don’t go back for personal belongings as that could put you in unnecessary danger. Most things can be replaced, but not your life.
Don’t Ignore Safety Warnings
In most disasters, the government will issue notices as to what you should do next. However, many people will instead go to the grocery store or gas station, or simply clog the roads trying to go somewhere else. This can make the situation far worse than if everyone followed the advice and did what they were supposed to do.
Don’t Forget to Make a Plan
Trying to figure things out on the fly is what causes the most problems in the first place, so it’s much better to have a plan in place before the disaster so that you know exactly what to do and where to go. Again, break it down into simple, achievable goals so that you don’t get overwhelmed or panic.
Don’t Forget to Let People Know Where You Are
In many cases, the reason that people aren’t rescued in time is that they don’t let people know their location, which means that rescuers can’t find them. If you need immediate assistance, calling your family members in another state won’t help, but calling 911 will, along with giving them a description of your exact location.
In the end, when it comes to staying safe in a disaster, try to ignore your instincts and think about things more critically. Remember that your safety is most important, and focus your attention and energy on preserving your life, not your stuff.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is entrusted with certifying restoration professionals. In this article, we’ll tell you about what the IICRC is and how a business becomes IICRC certified. You’ll also learn why you should look for the IICRC seal of approval when you need a carpet cleaning company.
What is the IICRC?
The IICRC - originally named the International Institute of Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (IICUC) - was founded by Ed York in 1972.
York was a manufacturer of carpet cleaning equipment and chemicals. His business was one of the first to sell “steam cleaning” carpet systems.
Cleaning professionals wanted to work with this new equipment, but they had no experience. York trained them on how to properly use the new technology to clean carpets.
The training process naturally evolved into a school for training carpet cleaning professionals - the Fiber Cleaning Schools of America (FCSA). Now, that York had trained an entire workforce on this technology, he wanted to a way to officially and legally recognize the process.
So, York brought together other owners and operators in carpet and upholstery industry. Collectively, they formed a third party entity that could impartially certify the credentials of York’s students. And as such, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification was formed.
How Do Restoration and Cleaning Companies Get Certified?
For a business to get IICRC certification, they need to complete training classes that meet the “industry standard.” There are networks of IICRC approved carpet-cleaning institutes all across the USA. After getting their certificate, the recipient must continue their education to stay certified.
The cost to apply for IICRC certification is a $25 processing fee and an annual $199 membership fee. The process is straightforward, affordable, and ensures professional standards in carpet cleaning.
Why is the IICRC Important?
Here are just a few reasons why you want an IICRC certified carpet cleaner:
- Professional Education. Firms certified by the IICRC have a deep knowledge of their industry. Because of the materials they’ve studied and tests they’ve been required to pass, these companies are on the cutting-edge of information in their field.
- Quality Work.While any carpet cleaner can apply for an IICRC certificate, not everyone will be approved. It takes dedication to study as well as completion of coursework. When a company or an individual goes the distance to get their certification, it shows they are serious about the work they do.
- Proven Reputation. The IICRC is a well-networked group of professionals. They have meet-ups, exchange information, and keep in touch through continuing education. Only IICRC-certified professionals are featured in the IICRC referral database. Becoming a member of the IICRC significantly bolsters the reputation of a cleaning company.
Here at Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc, we’re fully certified by the IIRC. Whether it’s carpet cleaning, mold removal, or emergency clean-up, we guarantee the quality of our work. Speak to us today and find out how we can restore order to your residence or commercial property.
