All aspects of damage restoration
February 27th 2008

The National Flood School is a training centre developed to teach technicians the most effective methods of emergency property restoration. Originating 20 years ago as a demonstration and training centre for new products, the School has outgrown its sales-based roots to become a central resource for the restoration industry. Not limited to flood damage, the NFS has courses covering every aspect of cleaning and restoration from spot removal to trauma clean up.

The NFS is dedicated to teaching the theory,science and practice of restoration in real-life circumstances. It uses its purpose-built house that is flooded with 1500 gallons of water to simulate a flood damage property. This enables attendees to better understand the nature of damage therefore tackling its restoration more efficiently and effectively. The NFS uses this facility to develop new techniques through the use of the latest technologies and products so the restorer, insurer and policyholder can be assured they will always receive the most effective solutions and advice.

Last year’s severe weather brought flood prevention and restoration to the forefront of public interest and with the threat of these events being repeated in 2008, the importance of flood restoration remains high. For the National Flood School, flood restoration has always been a core focus, but with the recent national interest and increasing demand for better, more efficient results throughout the industry we have felt the need to review how we help the industry for 2008.

For the NFS, training the technicians that deal with floods on a daily basis has been key. We have always taught technicians to fully understand the challenges they face in restoring a property, but with courses limited to 2 or 3 days and based on American standards it is difficult to pack in the information needed and for course attendees to take-in everything they are taught.

We are working hard to raise the standards of the industry in this country and have developed a new Diploma programme that enables a more vocational learning style by encouraging technicians to learn in smaller chunks alongside their everyday work.

We have also introduced a Water Damage Awareness Day for insurance claims handlers to give us the opportunity to familiarise those who would not normally see water damage first hand with a flooded building. By visiting our purpose built Flood House and experiencing some of the drying techniques used every day by technicians, we have been able to help office based staff to clearly understand the process of flood restoration which has been hugely beneficial in bridging the gap between insurance company and restorer.

Much of the training at the NFS is based on the BSi PAS (Publicly Available Standard) 64 that was developed last year by a consortium of industry leaders and technically authored by our instructors. This new industry standard has given a much needed benchmark to the industry and will assist those working in any area of flooding in 2008. The NFS is now working to develop a similar Standard for Fire Damage Restoration.

So much change is very exciting for the NFS and we are very proud to be working at the centre of the restoration industry. We look forward to seeing technicians and claims-handlers alike throughout 2008 and continuing to improve and develop for 2009.

You can find information on the PAS 64, all courses and essential reading at www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk or call 01252 821185 for assistance.