Biohazards are any biological contaminants such as those found in sewage, mold, or any viral or bacterial contamination such as MRSA. Biohazards also include toxins found in decaying organisms, as well as bodily fluids.

You can use sand or dirt to put out small fires. Never use water on an oil fire because water will evaporate and carry burning grease particles. Never use water on an electrical fire because water will conduct electricity and deliver a potentially deadly shock. Before attempting to put out an electrical fire, dry your hands and shut off the breaker if it’s not too close to the fire. Baking soda makes an effective extinguishing agent for grease fires. For small grease fires, use a metal pot lid to cover any remaining grease that hasn’t caught fire. Never use glass, glass will explode into dangerous fragments if it gets too hot. Also, never try to move a burning object outside before extinguishing the fire, or you risk spreading the fire.

“Black Mold” refers to stachybotrys chartarum (Stachy). Stachy is somewhat common in warm, humid environments – much less common where it is cooler and/or dryer. Hundreds of different molds (and mildews) are “black.” It is impossible to identify molds by “looking at them.” It takes a laboratory to determine the specific species.

First, contact a water-damage restoration company, such as PuroClean of Antioch, as soon as possible. Don’t wait, as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home. Then, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off, and avoid contaminants.