The non-profit IICRC continues to reach out to consumers, insurance companies, and government agencies to raise awareness of the value of using trained, IICRC-certified firms and technicians to perform restoration and remediation work. For example, in recent flooding in the state of Washington, the IICRC worked with the public health department to educate officials and consumers on how to prevent water-damaged property from developing mold, while at the same time referring many homeowners to certified restoration and remediation specialists. A similar effort was successful in getting trained restoration professionals involved following the recent disastrous wild fires in California. [Note: Ad links featured on this page are not affiliated with IICRC and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by IICRC.]

 

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As a part of the continuing effort to provide help to consumers seeking Certified Firms, the IICRC referral system has been revised and upgraded. The referral search located on the IICRC consumer Web site (www.certifiedcleaners.org) has several new features, such as a consumer opt-in where inquiring customers can leave information for cleaning and restoration contractors to contact them. Another new feature is the option for the consumer to select the search radius they desire, ranging from 5 miles out to 200 miles from the center of their ZIP or postal code. The site also now brings up all Certified Firms within the search area selected, giving the consumer more certified professionals from whom to choose.

The new IICRC Government Affairs Committee continues to monitor state activities involving possible legislation that could directly affect consumers, and certified cleaning and restoration firms. When possible, the committee also seeks to raise consumer awareness of standards, such as the ANSI-approved IICRC S500 Standard for Water Damage Restoration or the IICRC S520 Standard for Mold Remediation. These standards are rapidly gaining increased acceptance by many agencies and legislatures, as well as major insurance companies.

There continues to be rapid progress in developing two new restoration-related certification categories, Applied Sewage Remediation Technician and Commercial Drying Technician. Both categories represent specialized advanced skills and services within the field of restorative drying.

The number of IICRC Certified Technicians and Firms continues to grow, with Water Restoration Technician (WRT) leading the way as the fastest growing certification category. The WRT Certification Exam was recently revised and updated, and all IICRC-approved WRT schools are updating their programs, manuals and materials to be consistent with the revised exam and related standard. All IICRC exams and class outlines are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that students are receiving the most current and up-to-date information available.

 

If you need assistance cleaning up after a flood, fire or other disaster, IICRC can refer you to qualified help. Locate IICRC-Certified Firms at www.certifiedcleaners.org.