LVI Services, National Environmental Restoration Firm, Says Florida Business and Commercial Property Owners Should Consider Pre-Negotiating for Emergency Response; Company Suggests “Pre-Event Contracts” to Address Insurance, Pricing, Labor and Response Issues for any Hurricane Recovery

TAMPA, Fla. June 8, 2005

LVI Services, one of the nation's largest environmental services and restoration firms with 25 offices across the country including two in Florida, recommends that business and commercial property owners establish a relationship with a disaster response provider long before a disaster or emergency occurs.

Negotiating a "pre-event contract" gives both the contractor and property owner time to address issues such as insurance, pricing, labor, response and equipment rates before the services are actually needed. Based on LVI's experience with hurricane recovery in Florida last year and other emergency response situations, a pre-event contract enables the parties to become familiar with each other, and establishes important base lines and ground rules -- giving property owners peace of mind even if a disaster or emergency unfolds.

"Long before there is any forecast of a hurricane or other disaster strikes, property owners should identify a cleanup restoration provider in which they have professional confidence," said Jeff Haas, president of LVI Environmental Services Inc. Florida Operations, which has offices in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, and a satellite location in Jacksonville. "Ironing out rates and labor and insurance issues is something that can be done ahead of time. Then, when something does happen, an agreement is in place that everyone is happy with. In Florida last year, contractors and property owners who developed pre-event contracts before a hurricane hit had significant advantages over everyone else who was scrambling amid the confusion."

LVI offers its customers a First Alert Contract, which is a no-cost, no- risk agreement that ensures rapid response in times of unscheduled need, such as natural disasters and fires. Customers pre-negotiate rates for labor and materials, and can activate the contract after a disaster strikes, allowing cleanup and recovery to begin immediately. The pre-event contract enables LVI and its customers to work together sooner and smarter than other entities that may be searching for, and negotiating with, each other after a disaster.

"We have found that customers, particularly those who have been through a disaster situation, want to be assured that they are only one phone call away from getting the help they need," said Haas. "With a First Alert Contract in place, we can work with them quickly to assess the situation, implement a game plan and spring into action. Customers know they have an emergency response provider that can be reached 24/7 and will give them priority response."

As demonstrated in Florida last year, emergency response and disaster restoration providers have expertise in prioritizing activities after a hurricane strikes, which can be vital in minimizing water damage and problems resulting from mold growth. Mold should be an immediate consideration because it can develop in as little as 48 to 72 hours.

Haas also offers the following tips on how to select a contractor:

• Examine a firm's proof of insurance and be sure to inquire about its work practices, scheduling, equipment, and worker training and certification.
• Evaluate a firm's knowledge and expertise in disaster restoration, drying and mold remediation. Ask for and call references.
• Look to various groups for advice, including Better Business Bureau, industry associations and local government agencies.
• Do some independent research through the Internet to learn what others are saying about industry trends and contractors.

Public- and private-sector organizations that need help with large-scale cleanup and recovery from emergencies or disasters, or for more information about the First Alert Contract, can call LVI's 24-hour response line at 1-800-283-2933.

About LVI Services

LVI Services Inc. is the United States' leading provider of a wide array of integrated facility services, including environmental remediation, demolition and related services for commercial, industrial, multi-family residential and governmental facilities. LVI focuses on projects involving asbestos, lead paint, mold, infection control, hazardous materials, fire and water restoration, and demolition. Founded in 1986, LVI has more than 25 offices across the United States, is licensed in every state, and is experienced in responding to natural and manmade disasters around the world. The company's annual revenues exceed $260 million. For more information, visit http://www.lviservices.com/.

CONTACT:

Amy McGahan of Dix & Eaton for LVI Services
216-241-3027
[email protected]

or

Jeff Haas of LVI Services
813-740-1100
[email protected]
Web site: http://www.lviservices.com/