Climate Change: How It Drives Inland Flooding

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With climate change comes a greater risk of flooding. This includes areas that may be far away from bodies of water. According to the National Climate Assessment, the amount of rainfall in the US has tremendously increased since 1956, particularly in the country’s eastern half. When you add in the increase in population, the potential for flood damage has never been higher. 

What Causes Climate Change

The theory of climate change is that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels increase the temperature in the atmosphere. It acts like a blanket that traps more heat which in turn means more water vapor is present. The result is when it rains, there is more water present which leads to a greater chance of flooding. 

This is not only directly through rainfall, but mostly indirectly as creeks, streams, and other small bodies of water become flooded and overflow into neighborhoods and commercial properties. The asphalt and concrete surfaces in urban areas are not permeable, which causes water to quickly build and overflow. 

When a great amount of rain falls in a short time, it can cause flash flooding which can also be dangerous. This type of flooding has the ability to move homes off their foundations, fill underground subways, and even destroy roads. 

Climate Change Warning & Protection 

Technology has provided some warning of imminent flash flooding. The National Weather Service and local news stations can report the potential for damaging rainfall which is known as Flash Flood Watches. When the potential for an area is realized, the watch changes to a Flash Flood Warning which is sent out over television, radio, and the internet. 

Protection from flash flooding starts with channels and overflow areas that direct the water away from residential and commercial buildings. Forests, wetlands, and retention ponds can absorb a considerable amount of water if they were dry before the rain starts. 

Increasing the size and circumference of underground sewers and pipes can also pull away much of the water to help prevent flooding. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

If your property has experienced flooding, call the experts at Brickley Environmental. We offer the best in mold remediation services that identify and remove mold that might be growing in your residence, building, or facility. In addition, we offer the following services: 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Hazardous Waste Removal
  • Demolition & More 

At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help. Please call and talk to our friendly, courteous staff about the services we provide. We will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help restore your property back to its original condition. 

For more information about flooding, click here to visit the EPA website.

Methods of Demolition

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The demolition of a home, building, or structure takes proper planning that accounts for everything that needs to be accomplished in the removal of unwanted material. It begins with surveying the structure, identifying any areas of hazardous materials that will need to be removed first, and finally choosing the method of demolition. 

There are two basic methods used to demolish a structure, non-explosive, and explosive. Choosing the proper method will depend on certain factors, but it is safe to say that the non-explosive process is the most popular. 

Non-Explosive Demolition

This is demolishing a structure by hand or machine that does not employ explosives. There are different tools and machinery that can be used with this method. 

  • Sledgehammer: This is arguably the most popular of all hand-held tools used to destroy walls and structures on a property. 
  • Wrecking Ball: A large, heavy ball that swings on the end of cables attached to a crane, the wrecking ball is quite efficient at knocking down structures that otherwise stand up to bulldozers or excavators. It’s also safer to use as well since this does not put the driver in harm’s way. 
    • The only downside is that once the ball starts its swing, its trajectory cannot be precisely controlled. So, it is possible that the wall or structure comes down in an area that was not intended. However, wrecking balls are not used for demolition where such precision is needed. 
  • Bulldozers & Excavators: These large machines are often seen at demolition sites. The bulldozer is used to push down walls and other large materials. The excavator may be even more prominent as it can pull down larger structures and scoop up the material for disposal. 

Explosive Demolition

This method is used when non-explosive methods simply will not work. In other words, structures that are so tall and heavy that only a series of explosions can bring them down. The technique is rather simple. The explosives are used to destroy the support structures of the building all at the same time. Once gone, the weight of the building collapses on itself. 

The building or structure will fall in two basic ways. Like a tree that tips over and crashes into the open ground. Or it can fall into itself which is called an implosion. The latter is generally preferred when there are other structures nearby. By collapsing into itself, it limits the clean-up area to a size smaller than if the building was tipped over. 

Why Choose Brickley Environmental?

At Brickley Environmental, we are experts in the field of demolition. If your home or property needs demolition services, we are the ones to call. 

In addition to demolition, Brickley Environmental offers the following services. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation
  • Hazardous Waste Removal 

Call today to speak with one of our experts. We will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you make the best-informed decision about which course of action to take. At Brickley Environmental, we place your needs first when it comes to demolition and the many other services we offer. 

For more information on demolition, click here to visit the OSHA website.

Cleaning Up the Mold in Your Home

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In your home, you may notice distinctive signs of mold infestation. The bad news is that what you see may only be the tip of the iceberg. This is because mold itself is everywhere, but it only becomes a danger to your home when it is combined with humidity. The presence of water causes the mold to replicate quickly and consume the organic materials in your home. 

Suppose your home has experienced any flooding, whether, from natural sources or interior ones such as a leaky pipe or water heater, there is a good probability that mold may be present and growing. You will need to conduct an inspection to see if there is any that may require hiring a professional if the area is difficult to reach or may be quite extensive in nature. 

Proven Steps to Clean Up Mold

The first step is to stop the source of the water leak or infiltration. That means fixing the pipe or waiting until the flooding stops before you take the next step. 

  • Dry Everything Out: By opening windows and turning on fans you can dry out the area rather quickly. This will slow down growth considerably and make it much easier to clean away. Dry out the area first before you clean. 
  • Scrub Thoroughly: Once the area is dry, you can use a simple detergent or bleach mixed with water to kill and remove it from the surface. Bleach is quite effective but can also damage the materials you scrub. 
  • Dry & Inspect: Once you have thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned any away, be sure to re-dry the area using fans. Once complete, inspect the area again to catch any mold that might have remained and is prone to growing again. 

Additional Tips for Cleaning Up Mold

Keep in mind that some materials may be so infested with mold that they will need to be removed, such as carpet or ceilings tiles. Porous materials may be next to impossible to clean, so tossing them out properly is the only answer. 

Do not paint or otherwise try to cover up surfaces with mold still present. Paint will likely just peel away, leaving you with an even bigger mess to clean. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

If you suspect that your home is infested with mold, call the experts at Brickley Environmental. Our staff will take your call, listen to your needs, and answer your questions so you can make the best-informed decision. 

Brickley Environmental, we have years of experience cleaning out homes just like yours. We also offer a wide range of other services that include asbestos abatement, removal of lead-based paint along with hazardous waste, and even providing demolition services. When you need mold removed from your home, call the professionals at Brickley Environmental today. 

For more information about mold, click here to visit the CDC website.

Safety Tips for Attending School During COVID-19

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As we ease into a new school year, it is important to keep in mind that there are still risks of exposure to COVID-19. In order to limit the risk, here are some common tips to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Safety Benefits of Wearing Face Masks

There are various school policies currently in place for face masks. Whether it is a requirement or not, students can voluntarily wear a mask if they would prefer to. 

Face masks are most effective for those who have caught COVID and wish to limit its spread. It is recommended that teachers and children who have been exposed to COVID wear a face mask for at least 10 days. 

When planning for your child to wear a face mask to school, it’s important to ensure that it properly fits and is comfortable to wear. Be sure their mask is clean and they have a backup mask in case it gets misplaced or dirty throughout the day. Another tip we suggest is to label your child’s mask to ensure it doesn’t get traded or used by another child.

Safety Benefits of Washing Hands

Frequently washing your hands is still an effective measure against spreading germs and bacteria. This means using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. When combined with keeping hands away from the face, this also helps to slow the spread of the virus. 

Safety Benefits of Staying Home When Sick

If your child tests positive for COVID, they should stay at home. The symptoms of COVID can mimic symptoms of a common cold or flu depending on its severity so it is important to get tested as soon as your child feels sick. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

Whether you are running a business, school, organization, or household, Brickley Environmental offers the waste disposal and hazardous material removal that benefits you. We provide the following services: 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Removal 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal
  • Demolition & More 

At Brickley Environmental, we offer the services you need to free your property of unwanted materials. Call today and talk to our experts who will explain our services, answer your questions, and provide the right guidance so you can make the best-informed decision.  

For more information about COVID-19, click here to visit the CDC website.

Household Hazardous Waste

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While most household waste can be safely stored and disposed of by simply taking out the garbage, hazardous waste must be treated differently. Certain products cannot simply be poured down the drain, into sewer systems, or on the ground. Proper disposal not only protects the environment, but it also protects you, your family, and anyone coming into contact with this waste. 

How to Handle Household Hazardous Waste Properly

The first essential tip starts with following the instructions on the product label. By meeting the requirements listed, you can help prevent any accidents from occurring. This includes reading the instructions as to the disposal of the product itself. 

Many chemicals that are improperly handled may become dangerous when mixed with other chemicals, exposed to the skin, or inhaled into the lungs. Chemicals that are flammable not only may catch on fire but explode and cause considerable damage and injury. The product label should inform you what to do with hazardous materials once you no longer have need of them. 

It is recommended that you store chemicals in their original containers whenever possible. If the container is corroding, then you may want to call the local fire department or hazardous materials official in your area. You also never want to mix hazardous waste with other chemicals. If you have leftover chemicals, it may be tempting to mix them with other unwanted chemicals or products so they can be disposed of together. However, the mixture may cause additional issues such as explosions, fire, or other serious problems. 

Most communities have designated sites for the proper disposal of household hazardous waste. Check to see where your local designated site is located and what materials they accept. 

Reducing Household Hazardous Waste in Your Home

Instead of purchasing potentially dangerous products, you can instead use alternatives where available. Here’s a short list of alternatives that are safe to use, store, and dispose of when no longer needed: 

  • Drain Cleaner: Plumber’s snake or plunger 
  • Furniture Polish: Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with one pint of vegetable oil 
  • Glass Cleaner: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one quart of water
  • Mothballs: Cedar chips, rosemary, or white peppercorns
  • Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda and vacuum after 15 minutes

Why Choose Brickley Environmental? 

If you have questions about the proper use, storage, and disposal of household hazardous waste, call the experts at Brickley Environmental. Your call will be answered by friendly, courteous staff who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the proper guidance so you can make the best-informed decision.

At Brickley Environmental, we work with people who have the same issues that you are facing with hazardous household waste including its proper disposal. We also provide expert services in asbestos abatement, lead-based paint removal, mold remediation, demolition, and more. Call today and find out more about how Brickley Environmental can help you. 

For more information about properly disposing of hazardous waste, click here to visit the EPA website.