In the state of Florida, emergency mitigation services and water mitigation services are two distinct types of services that serve different purposes. Although both services aim to address damages caused by water, they differ in several ways.
Emergency mitigation services are services that are provided in response to an emergency situation. They are aimed at preventing further damage to property and preserving what remains. The goal is to mitigate the damage caused by a natural disaster or human-made event, such as a fire or flood, as quickly as possible.
Florida state law defines emergency mitigation services as services “performed to stabilize the situation immediately following an emergency situation or catastrophic event.” Emergency mitigation services typically include tasks such as removing debris, boarding up windows, and stabilizing the affected area.
On the other hand, water mitigation services are services that focus on addressing the cause of the damage and restoring the affected property to its pre-loss condition. Water mitigation services refer to specific measures taken to prevent further damage and restore the property to its original condition.
According to Florida state law, water mitigation services are “measures performed to permanently address or remediate the cause of water damage to a structure or contents.” Water mitigation services involve repairing the cause of the damage, such as leaks or burst pipes, drying out the affected area, and removing the damaged materials.
One key difference between emergency mitigation services and water mitigation services is their timing. Emergency mitigation services are provided immediately following an emergency or catastrophic event. Water mitigation services, on the other hand, are provided once the cause of the damage has been addressed.
Another significant difference is the scope of the services provided. Emergency mitigation services focus on stabilizing the situation in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event. Water mitigation services are more comprehensive and involve a more detailed process to fully address the damage caused by water.
While both emergency mitigation services and water mitigation services play essential roles in addressing water damage, emergency mitigation services are focused on addressing the immediate aftermath of an event. Water mitigation services are focused on addressing the cause of the problem and restoring the affected property to its pre-loss condition.
Both emergency mitigation services and water mitigation services are heavily regulated by Florida state law. The law makes it clear that both types of services are necessary to address water damage effectively. The state law also mandates that all service providers operating in the state of Florida have the proper licenses and insurance to provide these services.
For example, according to Florida state law, water mitigation services are required to be provided by a licensed professional. The law specifically states that “a professional water damage restoration contractor must be employed for any water damage restoration services.”
Similarly, emergency mitigation services must also be provided by licensed professionals to ensure that the work is completed correctly and to the highest of standards. The law defines emergency mitigation services as “actions taken to address life safety issues, secure property, and prevent further damage.”
Moreover, Florida state law mandates that all contractors providing water mitigation services should obtain specific certifications, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This certification provides assurance to homeowners that the contractor has the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide quality water mitigation services.
In conclusion, emergency mitigation services and water mitigation services are two distinct types of services that play essential roles in addressing water damage in Florida. Emergency mitigation services focus on stabilizing the situation immediately following an emergency or catastrophic event, whereas water mitigation services focus on addressing the cause of the damage and restoring the property to its pre-loss state.
Both types of services are heavily regulated by Florida state law, which mandates that they be provided by licensed professionals with the proper certifications and insurance. Homeowners should consult with professionals to determine which type of service is appropriate for their specific needs. By working with a licensed and certified professional, homeowners can ensure that their property is restored and protected properly.