Understanding Disaster Restoration Terminology: A Homeowner’s Guide from ServiceMaster By Simons
When a fire, flood, or mold outbreak strikes your property, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology. Yet in the disaster restoration industry, we use very specific language — technical terms that help us communicate efficiently and act swiftly during emergency cleanups. If you live in the Chicago metropolitan area and need services from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, understanding these key phrases will help you better navigate the recovery process.
Below is a glossary of the most commonly used disaster restoration terms, redefined in clear, simple language — along with tips, tools, and expert insights to empower you when disaster strikes.
🔧 12 Essential Disaster Restoration Terms (and What They Really Mean)
1. Assessment
This is the first and most critical step in a restoration project. A certified technician from ServiceMaster By Simons will:
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Inspect the site for hazards
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Determine equipment and labor needs
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Create a scope of work document
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Estimate timelines and costs
🔗 Learn more: Water Damage Restoration in Chicago
2. Air Mover
An industrial fan that rapidly moves air across wet surfaces to speed up evaporation. These are essential for water mitigation following pipe bursts, appliance leaks, or flooding events.
According to the IICRC, air movement is one of the three pillars of structural drying, along with temperature and humidity control.
📖 Source: IICRC.org
3. Air Scrubber
A HEPA-filtered device that traps:
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Mold spores
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Dust particles
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Smoke odor
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Pet dander
Air scrubbers are especially helpful in fire damage restoration and mold remediation, improving indoor air quality during the cleanup.
🔗 Related: Smoke Odor Removal Services
4. Dehumidifier
Commercial dehumidifiers pull excess water vapor from the air. These machines reduce the chance of mold growth and help protect walls, wood flooring, and personal belongings from long-term damage.
High humidity indoors can lead to dangerous mold levels in as little as 24–48 hours.
📖 CDC on Mold
5. Water Extraction
Before drying begins, our teams must remove standing water. This is done using:
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Wet vacuums
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Submersible pumps
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Truck-mounted extractors
Physical water removal is 70% more effective than evaporation alone.
🔗 Explore: Emergency Water Cleanup
6. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
IAQ refers to how clean and breathable your indoor air is — especially after a fire, flood, or sewage backup. It’s impacted by moisture, dust, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and allergens.
Poor IAQ contributes to asthma, fatigue, and sinus issues.
📖 EPA on IAQ
7. Demolition
Selective demolition is sometimes necessary to remove:
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Wet drywall
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Charred structural elements
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Contaminated flooring
We aim for restoration over replacement whenever possible, minimizing costs and time.
🔗 Learn about Structural Drying
8. Containment Area
In mold or biohazard scenarios, we set up containment zones using:
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Poly sheeting
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Negative air machines
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Zip walls
This isolates the affected area and prevents cross-contamination to other parts of your home or business.
🔗 Learn more: Mold Remediation in Chicago
9. Pre- and Post-Testing
Before and after mold or hazardous material removal, we collect samples and send them to labs to ensure:
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No dangerous spores or contaminants remain
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The affected area is safe for re-occupancy
Certified environmental labs use AIHA-accredited methods to confirm clearance.
📖 AIHA Lab Accreditation
10. Biohazard
Biohazard scenes include:
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Sewage backups
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Crime scenes
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Hoarding sites
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Bloodborne pathogens
These situations require trained, certified cleanup professionals using proper PPE, disinfectants, and disposal procedures.
🔗 See: Hoarding Cleanup Services
11. Pack-Out
This involves cataloging, boxing, and moving your contents to an off-site facility for:
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Safe storage
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Deep cleaning
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Deodorization
This also makes room for demolition, drying, or rebuilding to proceed safely on-site.
🔗 Need storage solutions? Content Cleaning Services
12. Remediation
The process of identifying and correcting environmental hazards such as:
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Mold
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Lead
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Asbestos
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Water contamination
This can include removal, encapsulation, or neutralization depending on the risk.
🔗 Learn about Environmental Cleanup
💡 Why Knowing These Terms Matters
Understanding this vocabulary:
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Speeds up your insurance claim process
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Helps you ask better questions
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Reduces stress during emergency response
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Protects your health and property
Most importantly, it makes you an informed partner in your home’s recovery.
🛡️ Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
We’ve helped thousands of Chicago-area homeowners and businesses recover from water, fire, mold, and trauma disasters. As a multi-award-winning, MBE/WBE-certified firm with 30+ years of expertise, we bring:
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IICRC-certified crews
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24/7 emergency response
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Transparent communication with your insurance carrier
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Safe, code-compliant procedures
📞 Call us today at 773-376-1110
📍 Or contact us online to schedule an assessment.
📘 About the Author
Sam Simon is the owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a Chicago-based disaster restoration firm serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties. With over 30 years in the industry and certifications as an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, Sam specializes in residential and commercial recovery following fire, water, and mold damage. He is the co-author of “RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home,” and a recognized expert in both restoration and digital strategy.