During times of heavy rain, it isn’t difficult for your home to get overtaken by ground water. It could be the rain that is blown under the basement door or perhaps there is a leak in the foundation that allows that costly water to sneak through.

It may seem like the storm is simply to blame.

But once water enters your home, the insurance question becomes much more complicated. Unless you have the proper coverage, you could be on the hook for the damages.

That’s because many insurance carriers consider damage that occurs during a storm to be “flood damage” and will not cover the costs of clean-up and recover – unless you have flood insurance.

“If you have a crawl space or a basement, I recommend that everyone has flood insurance,” First In Restoration founder David King said. “Even if you are not in a flood zone. Even if your dwelling isn’t close to a river or a creek, there’s a good chance the insurance carrier is going to try to deny your claim – even if it is valid.”

Most flood insurance is tailored to your potential water damage. So if you live in dry place where there’s no apparent threat for flooding, your premium will be lower than your friend who owns that condo at the beach.

It is estimated that 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from areas that aren’t designated high-risk flood areas. These zones may be susceptible to heavy rainfall or poor drainage. Just look at the damage incurred by Hurricane Harvey throughout Texas in 2017 or Hurricane Helene that reached up and ravaged North Carolina in 2024.

“That’s why I say it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to flood insurance,” King said. “A lot of people gamble to save a few bucks, only to find out it would have been worth it to avoid all the hassles and headaches.”

Check your homeowner’s policy. It will probably cover water damage from burst pipes, snapped water lines, an overflowing toilet or rain dripping through your room. But more than likely, if that water enters your home from the ground, it will not be covered.

Save yourself the aggravation and the expense. Check into the cost of a flood policy and save yourself the headaches.

Review your coverage before the next storm. And if water does get into your home or business, First In Restoration is available 24/7 to help with cleanup and restoration. Call 678-483-7284.

First In Restoration recently serviced a large account that had sustained water damage. During the cleanup process we discovered the presence of asbestos.

That’s a game changer.

What steps do you take when asbestos is discovered during a restoration project?

You probably think the property must have been from the early 1900s, but that wasn’t the case at all. Many people assume asbestos is only a concern in very old buildings, but asbestos-containing materials can still turn up in properties and construction products today.

Federal regulations have prohibited or phased out many uses of asbestos in the United States, but that does not mean every material currently found in a building is guaranteed to be asbestos-free. Imported products can also create concerns, particularly from countries where asbestos is still used in manufacturing.

Asbestos exposure can have serious long-term health consequences. When asbestos fibers are airborne and inhaled, they can damage lungs and increase the risk of disease including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These illnesses may not appear until decades after exposure, which is why asbestos should always be taken seriously.

But you probably wonder: “What do I do if I find asbestos?”

If you discover asbestos in your home or business, here are some guidelines to follow. Most importantly, do not try to remove it yourself. Asbestos should be handled by trained and certified professional. Attempting to disturb or remove it on your own could put you, your family, pets, employees or others in the building at risk.

You may ask, “Is asbestos dangerous if left undisturbed?” Stop all work immediately. Pause your renovation, demolition, cleanup and repair. If you disturb the asbestos, you may unwillingly release dangerous, carcinogenic fibers into the air.

Restrict access to the area. Keep your family members, pets, tenants, employees and contractors away from the area until the material is assessed. Don’t touch or move the material.

That means no sweeping, scraping, vacuuming or bagging it. Leave it alone. Let the experts use the proper equipment to remove it.

Get a licensed asbestos inspector involved. They can determine if the material contains asbestos, evaluate its condition and determine a plan of action.

Get the assessment in writing. Make sure the inspector details whether there is asbestos present and what condition it is in, then get the suggested plan of removal and hire a professional to remediate.

If the asbestos was discovered after a covered event, like a fire, storm or water damage, the remediation process may be reimbursable. You’ll need to contact your insurance provider.

Maintain all your records. You’ll want to keep them handy for any future disclosure. Save inspection reports, contractor licenses, abatement documentation, and disposal manifests. These protect you during future sales or tenant turnover.

Hopefully you’ll never have to deal with this problem, but if it occurs, you’ll want to be safe. Asbestos is serious stuff and can’t be ignored. Just deal with it the proper way.

Do you suspect asbestos may be present in your home or business? First In Restoration can help coordinate testing with trusted professionals and connect you with experienced asbestos remediation partners when needed. Once the property is cleared, our team can handle the reconstruction and help get your home or business back to normal.

Call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284 to get started.

LOGANVILLE, Ga. — First In Restoration has been nominated for a 2026 Best of Gwinnett Award in the Restoration Contractors category.

The annual Best of Gwinnett program recognizes businesses and organizations serving Gwinnett County, with winners selected through community voting.

The nomination highlights First In Restoration among restoration contractors serving the Gwinnett community and comes as the company continues to grow its presence throughout Gwinnett County and surrounding areas.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the community,” said owner David King. “Being nominated for Best of Gwinnett means a lot to me and our whole team. We’ve put a lot into growing First In Restoration, and it’s pretty special to see that recognized by the community.”

Voting is open through November 18, and community members can support First In Restoration by voting in the Restoration Contractors category through the Best of Gwinnett voting page.

ABOUT FIRST IN RESTORATION

First In Restoration was founded by owner David King, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Loganville resident. The company serves residential, commercial and large-loss properties throughout Georgia.

First In Restoration is an IICRC-Certified Firm with certifications in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, Odor Control, Health and Safety and Trauma and Crime Scene.

The company is a member of the Restoration Industry Association, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club and Georgia Public Risk Management Association and is NetVendor compliant.

###

For more information, contact First In Restoration at:

First In Restoration
3785 Harrison Road, Suite 100
Loganville, GA 30052
(678) 483-7284, FirstInRestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

When a restoration crew shows up at your home or business, there’s usually already a mess.

There may be water on the floor, wet drywall, damaged ceilings, debris, mold or sewage. In some cases, there may also be electrical or structural concerns that aren’t immediately obvious.

That’s why a restoration job shouldn’t start with someone simply grabbing a shop vac and getting to work.

It starts with figuring out what we’re walking into.

August 10–16 is OSHA Safe & Sound Week, which makes this a good time to talk about something that is important on every restoration job: keeping the people doing the work (and the people who live or work in the building) safe.

First, identify the hazards

No two restoration jobs are exactly alike.

A clean-water leak from a broken supply line is very different from a sewage backup. A small section of wet drywall is different from tearing out materials after a major flood or fire.

Before work begins, the conditions need to be evaluated so the crew knows what hazards may be present and what precautions are appropriate.

That can include looking for contaminated water, electrical hazards, mold, damaged building materials, slippery surfaces and other conditions that could create a problem during cleanup.

Sometimes the safest thing we can do is keep people out of part of the building while the work is being performed. That isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about not creating another problem while trying to fix the first one.

The PPE has a purpose

If you see a restoration technician wearing gloves, eye protection, protective clothing or a respirator, there’s a reason for it.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps protect technicians from the specific hazards they may encounter during a job.

And the equipment can change depending on what we’re dealing with.

Someone working around contaminated water may need different protection than someone handling ordinary water damage. Mold remediation, demolition and fire cleanup can bring their own considerations as well.

The goal isn’t to suit up like we’re going to the moon. It’s to use the right protection for the job.

Training matters just as much as equipment

You can buy safety equipment. Knowing when and how to use it is another story.

Restoration technicians work in environments that can change quickly. Water can travel farther than it appears. Damaged materials may need to be removed. Areas that look relatively harmless can turn out to have contamination or other hazards.

Training helps technicians recognize those situations and respond appropriately instead of guessing.

That matters for our crews, but it also matters for the homeowner, business owner, property manager, employees, tenants and anyone else who may be around the property.

A safe jobsite helps protect everyone

Most customers will never need to know every safety procedure taking place behind the scenes. What they should know is that those procedures matter.

Keeping a work area contained, wearing the appropriate protective equipment, identifying hazards before beginning work and keeping people away from unsafe areas are all part of handling a restoration job responsibly.

When your property has already been damaged, the last thing you need is another problem.

Doing the job right means doing it safely, too.

At First In Restoration, our goal is to help get your property back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.

Need help with water, fire, mold, storm or other property damage? Call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284.

Everyone ignores their water heater – until it is too late. But if you pay attention, you may be able to pick up on some clues that indicate your water heater may be headed toward trouble.

It’s best to catch a simple problem ahead of time, because when a water heater blows, it can cause plenty of water damage that could cost you a lot of money. That is why it’s best to understand how to spot the potential trouble.

The chances of your water heater exploding are remote. Although it has occurred – and can cause tremendous damage – that isn’t likely to happen.

More often than not, damage incurred from water heaters is due to a leak. If you see brown water come out of your faucets, or if your hot water smells like rotten eggs, this may indicate that the tank inside the water heater is corroded. This sign of weakness in the appliance can make it easier to rupture or leak – even explode.

And if you see any leaks around the water heater that have puddled or accumulated on the floor, it is important to call a plumber to investigate the matter. A trained plumber will be able to diagnose the problem with your water heater and offer a solution. It may be as simple as flushing the sediment from the tank or a loose connection. But it may be time to replace your water heater – and it’s better to get ahead of the problem.

However, if you have had damage due to a leak – or flood – caused by your water heater, it is imperative to call a trained water restoration professional. The technicians at “In First Restoration” can clean up the water damage, dry out your space and make sure it’s ready for the new unit.

If you do have water damage, don’t try to clean it up on your own. Water restoration professionals can restore your home and ensure there’s no chance for dangerous mold to grow in hidden areas. 

If you haven’t walked by your water heater lately, take a minute to give it a quick glance. If you see a problem, call your plumber. If you don’t have a plumber, don’t worry – First In Restoration has a partnership with an emergency plumber who is available 24/7, so call us first and we can help connect you with the right professional.

And if it’s become a big problem, call First In Restoration to clean up the mess from your water heater leak: (678) 483-7284

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 joins Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club

First In Restoration, a leader in water, mold and fire remediation, has joined the elite Chairman’s Club of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. “

We are thrilled to welcome First in Restoration to The Chairman’s Club and look forward to connecting their team with valuable relationships while working together to make a positive impact throughout Gwinnett,” said Margaret Phillips, the organization’s Senior Membership Development Manager.

Membership in the Chairman’s Club is by invitation only and is reserved for businesses and individuals who go the extra mile in supporting the chamber and the broader economic development of Gwinnett County.

“We are pleased to accept an invitation to join the Chairman’s Club,” First In Restoration founder David King said. “It is exciting to be part of such a vibrant, influential group that plays an important role in the area’s economic development. We look forward to being actively involved in this important organization.”

First In Restoration was founded in 2024 by King, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who resides in Loganville. First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, mold removal and fire-damage remediation for residential, multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings throughout Georgia, with a focus in Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.

First In Restoration is guided by the Golden Rule: 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. King saw the mistreatment and realized people in distress needed a trustworthy friend to walk alongside them through the process. That has been the guiding principle of First In Restoration.

First In Restoration has helped countless families, businesses, non-profits and churches deal with water damage, mold removal and fire remediation.

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 (RIA), and the Atlanta Apartment Association.

###

Contact information:
David King, First In Restoration, www.firstinrestoration.com
678-483-7284, info@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 Corps 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.

###

Contact information:

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

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

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

Georgia rain can be a serious threat to your property’s foundation, crawlspace air quality. At First In Restoration we know one thing is for sure: prevention is cheaper than repair. Here are some tips so you’re ready for the upcoming Georgia rain to help prevent water damage.

Check Your Gutters Like Your Home Depends on It

Leaves and pine needle debris will block water flow very quickly. When gutters overflow, the water is looking for any place to go. The could end up behind your walls and all the way into your basement. Make gutter cleaning a regular chore (or let the professionals clean them for you), and double-check that the downspouts are pushing water away from your home.

Your Landscaping Might Be The Culprit

Water needs to move away from your home. Mulch too high? Flower beds sloping the wrong way? Maybe your azaleas are too close causing water to pool up. You need to keep rainwater shifted away from your home and away from your foundation. Don’t know where to start? We always recommend calling a landscape company or architect that can help with preventative measures. 

Smelly Basement or Crawlspace? 

If your basement or crawlspace smell musty or feels damp, that means that water is already getting in to your home. Seal any cracks and have your crawlspace encapsulated. You should also consider installing a sump pump which will really help during the next downpour.

Pro Tip: If you see bubbling paint in your home, warping floors, or smell something kind of weird and earthy you may have water damage and hidden mold.

We Respond Fast to Georgia Water Damage

First In Restoration is Georgia’s most trusted name in water damage restoration and mold remediation. We’re IICRC certified, offer 24/7 emergency plumbing and provide full-service restoration including crawlspace encapsulation. We are based in Gwinnett County but serve all of Georgia.

Call First In Restoration: 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com