Thornton, CO (Grassroots Newswire) 10 July 2009 — In response to growing health and safety concerns in communities nationwide regarding the spread of the H1N1 Flu, PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts is reaching out to help educate the public regarding measures that can help prevent further contamination.

PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts franchise owner Mark Wilson is part of the nation’s leading franchise specializing in emergency cleaning/restoration services for properties following water, fire, mold, biohazard, and other situations that can trigger an unhealthy environment. PuroClean offers a unique program called RapidDefense™ that utilizes proven processes and disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, that eliminate the deadly H1N1 Flu virus in facilities that have been contaminated.

The H1N1 Flu is a highly contagious virus that has caused a recent outbreak of the disease across the United States and in other countries. The H1N1 Flu is spread in the same way as ’seasonal flu’: through sneezes and coughs, and, when someone touches items with the virus and then touches their mouth or nose, they can be infected. H1N1 Flu contamination requires thorough cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, paying special attention to common-use areas and surfaces where cross-contamination is most likely to occur.

Wilson suggests the following tips to prevent the spread of the H1N1 Flu:

· Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with antibacterial soap and water throughout the day.
· Consider carrying a small container of an antimicrobial hand sanitizer for use when you cannot wash.
· Avoid contact with persons who may be infected, as much as possible.
· Contact professional service companies such as PuroClean to thoroughly sanitize public areas (bathrooms, locker rooms and gyms in schools, childcare centers, fitness facilities, etc.) with a powerful, proven disinfectant that kills the H1N1 Flu virus on contact.

Known nationwide as “The Paramedics of Property Damage™,” PuroClean serves a role as a rescuer in the Colorado’s Front Range community - built on reliability, responsiveness, and compassion. In addition to responding to major disasters such as fires and floods, PuroClean helps local residents cope with common, everyday property losses, such as burst pipes, oven fires, and washing machine overflows.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage mitigation and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals, and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 160 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. For more information on PuroClean, please contact Mark Wilson at 303-566-9600 or visit www.PuroCleanDisasterRecovery.com.

By Will Southcomb

The Risk: Recent news stories have contained many references to a very serious outbreak of H1N1 Flu in many states and in other countries. As of this writing there are nearly 100 confirmed cases across the US. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that some cases of H1N1 Flu will be potentially life-threatening. “I fully expect that we will see deaths from this infection,” said Richard Besser, MD, acting director of the CDC. “Even ordinary seasonal flu causes about 36,000 deaths each year in the United States” said Dr. Besser. In this special edition of the PuroClean® 411, we provide useful information regarding H1N1 Flu, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection.

How is H1N1 Flu Spread? The CDC states that H1N1 Flu is commonly spread through the coughing or sneezing of infected people projecting virus-infused droplets. Transmission occurs when someone comes in contact with something with the virus on it and then touches their own nose or mouth. H1N1 Flu cannot be spread by eating pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.

What are the Symptoms? The CDC reports that the symptoms of H1N1 Flu transmitted from human to human are much like that of seasonal flu. Common symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, while runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. H1N1 Flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should see a doctor to be tested.

How can H1N1 Flu Be Prevented?:
•    Wash your hands frequently – and keep your hands away from your face – a surprisingly effective way to prevent all sorts of diseases, including ordinary influenza and the H1N1 Flu virus.
•    Use antimicrobial hand gels to reduce the spread of viruses, as well as covering your nose and mouth when you cough (with an arm or elbow, not your hand).
•    Avoid other people who might be infected, and avoid unnecessary public places.

•    Stay home when you are sick.

Are Face Masks Effective? Face masks are generally loose fitting and protect the wearer’s mouth and nose from splashes or “sprays.” They also help people avoid touching their nose or mouth. They are not created to protect the wearer from breathing in very small particles. Respirators are snug or tight-fitting and help block breathing in small particles. If used correctly, masks and – more likely – respirators may indeed reduce the risk of getting influenza, according to information released from the CDC. But for people who live in areas with confirmed cases, there is no single action that will provide complete protection. It simply isn’t practical to wear a mask all the time, and they are not 100% foolproof. Face masks and respirators are most useful for people who are in crowded settings, such as classrooms or airplanes, where they will protect the mouth and nose from germs and reduce the likelihood of coughing or sneezing on other people. Wearing a mask might make you feel a little foolish at first, but others will catch on.

Call the Professionals: If H1N1 Flu is confirmed at a location, or if you want to reduce the likelihood of occurrence, it is important to call a professional Emergency Service Company like PuroClean®. Through PuroClean Rapid Defense®, trained professionals from PuroClean will assess the situation and will outline the best approach for each location. They will then clean and sanitize all surfaces and materials using EPA-registered disinfectants with residual benefits for up to three months! If H1N1 Flu has been identified or if you want to be sure the facility is as safe as it can be, then call PuroClean. They will be glad to provide a free evaluation