FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Colin Ogg joins First In Restoration at Director of Operations

Experienced project manager Colin F. Ogg has joined First In Restoration as Director of Operation.
Ogg has a well-earned reputation for careful execution, working to people and an instinct for getting complicated projects across the finish line. In May 2026 he was chosen for inclusion in the prestigious “Marquis Who’s Who.”

“We are very pleased to have Colin bring his experience to the team at First In Restoration,” said First In Restoration founder David King. “He is a great addition to the tremendous team we continue to build.”

Ogg most recently served as director of operations at a Stone Mountain firm, where he handled restoration, resurfacing and renewal across the Atlanta area. He stepped into the operations role after leading sales and marketing for the company.

Before joining the restoration world, he served in senior roles at Sabra Property Management, the Heartland Food Products Group, Royal Cup, the Kennedy Building Group, DMS Technology, the PEM Real Estate Group, Abbey Residential and the Mayo Group.

Ogg grew up in California and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Cal State East Bay and a master’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He also holds a paralegal certification from the University of Washington.

He is an active member of the Atlanta Apartment Association, the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators, and the International Facilities Management Association.

A gifted musician who plays piano, flute, violin and harp, he is founder of BellaNota Strings, an ensemble group that specializes in live music entertainment for events. He currently serves as director of music and congregational worship at Lawrenceville First Baptist Church.

ABOUT FIRST IN RESTORATION
First In Restoration was founded in 2024 by David King, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran. First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, mold removal and fire-damage remediation for residential, multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings throughout Georgia.

First In Restoration is an Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified firm and holds certification in water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association, and the Atlanta Apartment Association.

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For more information contact First In Restoration at (678) 483-7284, info@firstinrestoration.com, www.firstinrestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

After the fire is extinguished and emergency responders have left, the priorities are safety, preventing further damage, documenting losses, and beginning the recovery process.

Here’s a checklist to walk you through the process:

Wait until the property is safe to enter. You should only re-enter your home or office building when the professionals have done their job and tell you it’s safe. If they say it isn’t safe, believe them! They may be aware of structural damages or unstable ceilings issues you can’t see, not to mention electrical hazards or gas leaks or contaminated air that are invisible to you.

Contact First In Restoration to assess the problem. A trained professional can help you take the steps that will help you get through the insurance process faster and more efficiently. You’ll want the voice of experience that First In Restoration offers to walk alongside you.

Avoid touching soot or damaged material. Be careful where you step and what you touch. Soot and smoke residue can spread easily and could stain surfaces. It is important to avoid handling affected items – even precious keepsakes – until the damage can be assessed.

Document all damage. Use your smartphone to document the damage. Shoot video of each room that has been affected, slowly panning through the scene as you walk along. Take as many cellphone photos as you need to show every item that has been damaged. You’ll want to conduct a room-by-room inventory of the damage and photo and video evidence will help in your case to get them replaced.

Notify your insurance company. When things have settled down, report the loss as soon as possible. This is where First In Restoration can be very helpful. The professional technicians can help partner with your insurance company to ensure that you get the most settlement that is possible.

Arrange professional restoration and cleanup. First In Restoration can test for hazardous chemicals (asbestos, lead, chemicals) that may have been unleashed or revealed during the fire. You will want fire damage restoration professionals to assess and clean the property and set up a plan to get you back into your home or business.

Grab all your important belongings. When the area is safe and you get the proper approval, retrieve your important documents, medications, valuables and electronics. If needed, you might want to rent a storage unit and keep them in a clean, dry location.

Don’t forget to document your expenses. Life goes on, but you’ll need to keep receipts so you can be reimbursed. Keep a file of all communications, invoices, estimates, receipts, and claim-related documents throughout the restoration process.

Water damage can wreck your life. But there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and keep your world from spinning completely out of control.

The first thing to do is to act quickly. If you spot a water problem – a broken pipe, a broken line, a busted water heater, an overflowing toilet or sink – speed is essential. Wasted time means additional damage, which could mean a higher cost and longer return to normal.

Here is a checklist to follow you should take if you walk in and discover you’ve got puddles of water in places it’s not supposed to be.

Stop the source of the water. Shut off the valve that leads to the problem area or turn it off at the street. This will only take a minute and will stop the source of the water, giving you time to think clearly and move forward.

If necessary, turn off the electricity. If the water is near an electrical outlet, it makes sense to go to your breaker panel and shut off the power to the area that is affected. If your breaker isn’t marked, go ahead and kill the power to entire house. You don’t want to play around with electricity!

Call your First In Restoration professional. The trained professional can arrive quickly and help you understand how the cleanup and restoration process works. The technician can help keep you safe and guide you through the process of getting your problem solved, including walking alongside you with the insurance company.

Document the damage. Use you smartphone and take photos and videos of the damage. Don’t miss anything. Document everything in the rooms that have been affected, including the furniture, carpet or flooring, walls, ceilings and your personal items. Do this before you start cleaning up. The more documentation you provide, the more you will help your claim with the insurance company.

Contact your insurance provider. You need to report the damage as soon as possible. (Our First In Restoration team can help you with this process and show you how to avoid some of the traps an insurance company may set that could possibly cost you money.) Follow their instructions; they’ll explain any documents they’ll need or how to work through the process of emergency repairs.

Remove standing water and begin the drying process. After documenting the damage (that’s a key point), you’ll want to get rid of all the visible water. You can remove a lot of it by using a wet vac or an old-fashioned mop. Use cloth towels and paper towels to get up the smaller spots.

Remove wet materials that can’t be salvaged. That water-soaked carpet and padding has to go. Ditch that soaked insulation. Remove the damaged drywall or other porous materials that can’t be dried promptly. Cleaning and disinfecting affected surfaces also helps reduce mold and bacteria.

Dry out the area. First In Restoration has larger, powerful fans and heaters that can be used to properly dry out your property. In the meantime, run whatever fans you have, open the windows (if weather permits), and fire up the dehumidifiers. That will help slow the process until First In Restoration can bring in the powerful equipment that will be needed.

Make the cleanup a priority. Time is of the essence because mold can begin growing within 24-28 hours of the disaster. A hasty cleanup will reduce the chance that mold will get a foothold and cause even more damage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First In Restoration co-sponsors America 250 Celebration

First In Restoration, a leader in water, mold and fire remediation, is proud to be a co-sponsor of the America 250 Celebration at Acworth Beach at Cauble Park, July 5. 

“As a military veteran, I’m proud to be involved with the America 250 Celebration,” First In Restoration founder David King said. “It’s going to be a great day where everyone can come together, enjoy some music, eat some great food, and celebrate our country’s 250^th birthday. It’s going to be quite a day.”

The American 250 Celebration will start at 10 a.m. and run until 8 p.m. 

The host for the day will be WSB Radio’s  Shelley Wynter, whose program airs weekdays from 7-9 p.m.  on WSB Radio (95.5 FM, 750 AM) and blends pop culture, politics and the Atlanta scene into a ride of voices and opinion. He brings humor, insight and unique viewpoints to the stories on your mind.

First In Restoration’s Colin Ogg is a member of the host committee and will be performing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” on the violin.

“It is going to be a wonderful opportunity for families to get together and enjoy a patriotic day at Acworth Beach,” King said. “This is a great way to make memories and I’m so pleased that First In Restoration is able to be a co-sponsor of such a great event.”

ABOUT FIRST IN RESTORATION

First In Restoration was founded in 2024 by David King, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran. First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, mold removal and fire-damage remediation for residential, multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings throughout Georgia. 

First In Restoration is a certified firm by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association, and the Atlanta Apartment Association. 

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David King, First In Restoration: 678.483.7284, info@firstinrestoration.com,
www.firstinrestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First In Restoration joins Atlanta Apartment Association

First In Restoration has joined the Atlanta Apartment Association, one of largest organizations of its kind in the United States.

“We have always admired and respected the values for which the Atlanta Apartment Association has stood,” First In Restoration owner David King said. “The organization represents 1.9 million Georgians, and we are proud to be a part of their effort to provide fast, quality response to those in need.”

The Atlanta Apartment Association represents more than 350 companies and manages more than 500,000 apartment homes.

King is U.S. Marine Corp veteran who resides in Loganville, Ga. King’s company, First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, fire restoration and mold removal and remediation for multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings and residential properties throughout Georgia, with a focus in Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.

First In Restoration is guided by the principle by which many of us were raised: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

This lesson really hit home when an elderly friend had a dishonest company take advantage of their family during an emergency. David saw the mistreatment and realized people in distress need a trustworthy friend to walk alongside them through the process.

“Our model of high quality and fast response matches the needs of Atlanta’s apartment owners. I see First In Restoration as a perfect partner for the Atlanta Apartment Association.”

First In Restoration is an IICRC certified firm and holds certification in water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association.

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Contact information:

David King, First In Restoration, www.firstinrestoration.com

(678) 483-7284, info@firstinrestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

Plumbing emergencies can strike any day at any time, and when they do, you must act very quickly to prevent extensive and costly damage. Knowing the warning signs can help prepare you so you can avoid major issues like water damage, flooding and mold growth. 

Here are some of the top signs that you need to immediately call First In Restoration (470.748.0225) for our 24/7 on-call licensed emergency plumber.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can cause massive water damage in a matter of minutes. Whether it’s due to freezing temperatures, corrosion of an old pipe, or high water pressure, a ruptured pipe requires immediate professional attention. First In Restoration will stop the flooding in your home, repair the issue and restore your water.

2. No Water Supply

If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, then it could be due to a major plumbing issue, such as a broken water main, a hidden leak or an issue with your water supplier. First In Restoration’s licensed emergency plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and resolve the problem to return water to your home or business.

3. Overflowing Toilet

Most of us have had an embarrassing episode with an overflowing toilet. However, toilet overflow is more than a minor inconvenience—it can quickly lead to severe water damage and potential health hazards due to sewage exposure in Category 3 water. Immediately shut the water off on your toilet and start plunging. If plunging doesn’t fix the issue, and the water keeps pouring out, it’s time to call First In Restoration’s. We will send our emergency plumber and help prevent further damage to your home.

4. Sewage Backup

Don’t wait until sewage from your main drain starts backing in to your kitchen sink or laundry drain – things will get ugly fast from there. Watch out for these lead up signs before disaster strikes: If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains or if your sinks are slow to drain then it’s time to call a plumber for an inspection. If left and ignored then visible sewage including feces may back in to your sinks or bathtubs which is a clear signs of a sewage backup. This can pose serious health risks and needs immediate professional intervention.

5. Water Heater Failure

If your water heater stops working, or if you notice it’s leaking, or making strange noises, then you could be dealing with a major malfunction. Whether it’s a broken thermostat, sediment buildup, or a potential gas leak, our emergency plumber can diagnose the issue and fix your problem quickly. Don’t wait for major damage to set in to call.

6. Flooding or Major Leaks

Stepped into a puddle in the kitchen? Not sure if it’s a stray ice cube or something serious? Any unexpected pooling of water in your home—whether from an old pipe, faulty appliance, or leaky roof—should be addressed immediately. Standing water can cause structural damage and mold growth if not dealt with in a timely manner. Avoid serious water damage and call First In Restoration now: 470.748.0225.

7. Frozen Pipes

During the winter months if temperatures drop below freezing, especially for multiple days you may experience frozen pipes which can lead to pipe bursts and significant damage. If you notice a lack of (or no) water flow, visible frost and icicles on pipes, or bulging pipes, call us so we can send our emergency plumber before your pipes burst. If you hear a loud rushing sound or see water gushing from the inside or outside of your home or business, you need to call First In Restoration immediately for water extraction and mitigation cleanup.

8. Unusual Water Pressure Drops

If you are washing your hands or taking a shower and notice an abrupt and severe drop in water pressure then you should be alarmed, as this can indicate a serious leak, a blocked pipe, or even a serious issue with your water main. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can pinpoint the cause of your water issue and restore your water pressure.

9. Gurgling Sounds from Drains

Drains and toilets shouldn’t make gurgling noises, if yours do then it may indicate a blockage or a problem with your sewer line. Do not ignore these signs because they can lead to sewage backups and costly repairs.

10. Persistent or Uncontrollable Leaks

A small leak may not seem like a big deal, or time sensitive, but if the leak worsens or can’t be controlled with temporary fixes, it can lead to disastrous and extensive water damage. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can address the issue before it escalates. No matter the size of the leak, we can help.

Call First In Restoration for Emergency Plumbing Services

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait! Contact First In Restoration for fast, reliable emergency licensed plumbing services in Georgia, specializing service in Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Walton County. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to handle any plumbing crisis and prevent further damage to your home.

Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major disaster—call us today! 470.748.0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Once a winter storm passes, many homeowners are left wondering what to check and what to do next. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, storm related damage is not always obvious right away. This is the time to slow down, look carefully, and address small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Start with a quick safety check

Before walking through your home, make sure it is safe. Watch for standing water, sagging ceilings, fallen branches, or damaged areas. If the storm caused a power outage, be cautious around outlets and appliances once power is restored. If anything feels unsafe, trust that instinct and avoid the area.

Check for water where it should not be

After a winter storm, water damage often shows up as melting ice and frozen pipes begin to thaw. Look for water around baseboards, ceilings, walls, and under sinks. Pay attention to damp smells, stains, bubbling paint, or warped flooring. These can be early signs of water intrusion.

Inspect pipes and plumbing

Even if pipes did not burst during the storm, cracks can form while they are frozen. Once temperatures rise, leaks may begin slowly. Run water carefully and listen for unusual sounds. Low water pressure or dripping where there was none before can indicate a problem.

Look outside for winter storm damage

Ice and wind can cause tree limbs to break and impact roofs, siding, or windows. Even small openings can allow water to enter your home.

If you see missing shingles, dents, or damaged areas, protecting the opening quickly can help prevent additional damage.

When to call for help

If you notice water damage, leaks, or storm related impacts, it is best to act sooner rather than later. Winter storm water spreads fast and can become more severe the longer it sits.

First In Restoration responds to post storm water damage, frozen and burst pipes, and storm related impacts. We also provide emergency tarping and branch removal to help protect your home if damage is found.

If you are unsure what to do after a winter storm or you notice water where it should not be, call First In Restoration at 470.748.0225. We are available 24/7 and here to help.

During winter storms, ice does not just create slick roads. It can also build up on trees and that weight can become a serious threat to your home. When ice coats tree branches, it adds hundreds of extra pounds. Branches can snap or entire trees can come down. If a tree or large limb hits your roof, siding, or windows, it can open your home to the elements in seconds. Once water enters through storm related damage, the situation can escalate quickly.

Why this type of water damage is more severe

Water that enters a home after a tree impact or roof damage is always classified as Category 3 water damage. This means the water has traveled through exterior materials like roofing insulation and structural components before entering the home.

Because of that, cleanup is more extensive and time sensitive. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause to ceilings walls floors and personal belongings.

What to do if a tree damages your home

If a tree or limb hits your house during a winter storm, act quickly.

If it is safe to do so, avoid the affected area and shut off power or water if needed. Covering the damaged area is critical to prevent additional water from entering.

First In Restoration provides emergency tarping services and branch removal to help protect your home after storm damage. We respond quickly to secure exposed areas and minimize further damage.

Help is available around the clock

Winter storms can be unpredictable. If ice related tree damage leads to water intrusion or flooding, First In Restoration is available 24/7 for emergency response.

Call First In Restoration at 470 748 0225.

Short answer yes. Losing power during freezing temperatures can put your home at real risk for frozen and busted pipes. When the power goes out, your heat usually goes with it. That means the temperature inside your home can drop fast, especially overnight. Pipes that normally stay warm suddenly are not protected anymore. This is most common in garages, crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls.

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst. The tricky part is that many pipes break while they are still frozen. You might not see a problem until the power comes back on and the ice melts. That is often when water damage shows up.

What you should do if the power goes out during a freeze

If you can safely do it, shut off your main water supply. Open a few faucets to relieve pressure in the lines and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air circulate. Once power is restored, walk through your home and check for leaks, water stains, or damp areas.

Signs you may have a frozen or busted pipes

No water or very low water pressure

Frost on exposed pipes

Water stains or pooling water

Sounds of running water when nothing is on

If you lose power and notice water damage or busted pipes, call First In Restoration right away at 470.748.0225. We are available 24 7 for emergency response.

Plumbing backups never happen at a good time. One minute everything seems normal. The next minute you’re dealing with slow drains, gurgling toilets, or water coming up where it shouldn’t. One of the most common causes of sudden plumbing emergencies is soft tissue block. Soft tissue block sounds minor, but it can turn into a major water damage event fast. Here’s what homeowners need to know and when to call a certified restoration team like First In Restoration.

What Is Soft Tissue Block?

Soft tissue block is a plumbing term for accumulated paper products and hygiene items that get lodged inside the plumbing line. Over time this buildup restricts the flow of water until the pipe can no longer push waste through. Common causes include:

• Excess toilet paper
• “Flushable” wipes
• Paper towels and feminine products
• Grease and cooking oils attaching to debris
• Tree root intrusion catching the soft materials

This type of clog is extremely common in older homes across Georgia.

Why Soft Tissue Block Becomes an Emergency

Most homeowners treat clogs as annoyances, but soft tissue block is different. When the pipe pressure builds behind the blockage, you can end up with overflowing toilets, multiple drains backing up at once, sewage coming through tubs and showers and contaminated water spreading into flooring and walls.

Once water breaches the plumbing line, the situation moves from plumbing issue to water damage emergency. That’s when timing matters.

The Hidden Danger: Category 3 Water

Soft tissue block often leads to Category 3 water contamination, which contains harmful bacteria. This type of water requires professional extraction, sanitation and drying with commercial-grade equipment.

What To Do When You Have a Sudden Backup

If you suspect soft tissue block:

1. Stop using all water immediately
2. Turn off the water supply if the backup is active
3. Do not attempt to clean sewage water yourself
4. Call First In Restoration and we will bring our emergency plumber and our restoration team at the same time

Our plumber clears the blockage and out mitigation team handles the water damage, sanitation and structural drying.

How First In Restoration Responds

We are based in Loganville but serve homeowners and businesses across Walton County and all of northeast Georgia. When you deal with a plumbing-related water loss, our team provides rapid response, Category 3 cleanup, moisture mapping and direct insurance billing.

We extract contaminated water, remove affected materials, sanitize and begin structural drying. We work with all major carriers and document everything for your claim.

How To Prevent Soft Tissue Block

While not every plumbing problem is avoidable, you can reduce the risk by avoiding all “flushable wipes,” not flushing paper towels or feminine products, installing mesh drain screens, having older homes sewer-scoped every few years, and avoiding grease down the drain.

For multi-family properties and commercial buildings, routine plumbing maintenance is essential to prevent large-scale backups.

Call First In Restoration: (470) 748-0225

Soft tissue block may start small, but it can lead to serious water damage fast. If you’re dealing with a backup, overflow, or suspected plumbing blockage call First In Restoration right away. We are available 24-7 to restore your home, protect your health, and get everything back to normal.