With fourteen remediation industry certifications, IRS’s Fuquan White is no ordinary water restoration and disaster mitigation specialist. He is one of few – if not only – in the tri-state area to have earned both the Restoration Industry Association’s Water Loss Specialist (WLS) and IICRC’s Master Water Restorer designations. For over fifteen years with Insurance Restoration Specialists, Fuquan has brought that expertise to tackle some of the most challenging water, environmental and biohazard disaster mitigation projects.

WLS certification is the RIA’s highest level of recognition awarded to professionals in the water loss restoration industry. It requires completion of a rigorous series of coursework, examinations, and intensive week-long certification program. Insurance companies, facility managers, building owners and municipal managers recognize Fuquan’s advanced achievement as true expertise in the water mitigation industry.

Fuquan has been pursuing professional excellence for the duration of his career. To earn the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)’s “Master Water Restorer”, he completed a rigorous series of six certifications in related areas, including drying, cleaning, restoration, and microbial remediation.

Mitigation Manager at IRS’ Restoration Division

Fuquan’s primary responsibility at IRS is site mitigation manager for its water damage projects. He is also able to leverage his broad expertise in other company service areas, including environmental and biohazard cleanups.

When asked about jobs that stood out to him, Fuquan recalled a devastating sewage spill in a residence. “The elderly woman who owned the house used an oxygen tank, and she cared for four grandchildren. In the rarely-used basement, an external pipe backup left six inches of raw sewage throughout the space. It had been solidifying there for months, actually dissolving furniture and other contents it covered. It was a highly toxic environment for her and the children. Within three days we’d completely cleaned, dried and disinfected the space and gave them a safe place to live.”

Advice from an Expert Water Loss Specialist

Floods from storm activity aren’t the most common cause of water damage. Mechanical and structural failures – like burst pipes or failing pumps – are typical culprits. How can facility managers and homeowners avoid these scenarios, and what mistakes are common after damage occurs? “It can be difficult, especially in commercial structures, with pipes hidden in walls and ceilings,” says Fuquan. “Be sure that the space is kept at an adequate temperature to avoid freezing. Make sure no areas are closed off and inaccessible to circulating air. If a building or home is going to be vacant for a period of time, turn off the water at the main.”
“If you do experience water damage, what’s the very worst thing you can do? In a word – nothing. Any water event should be treated as an emergency. The faster you get the cleaning and drying process underway, the more successful the efforts will be,” he says.

Water Damage and Environmental Remediation Services

As a Site Mitigation Manager in IRS’ Restoration division, Fuquan oversees projects at commercial, industrial and residential sites. He utilizes his expertise to assist clients find the most efficient, cost-effective methods for water damage and hazardous materials mitigation.

“We are extremely proud and fortunate to have Fuquan at IRS,” says Tom Peter, IRS Vice President. “He is truly an expert in his field, and his project management skills can’t be matched. Our clients love working with him, and he has an outstanding reputation with the adjustors and agents we deal with on their behalf.”

Insurance Restoration Specialists, Inc. (IRS) is a premier provider of disaster recovery mitigation, environmental remediation, biohazard emergency response and HVAC inspection and cleaning in the New Jersey-Philadelphia-New York City area. IRS is certified by NADCA and have Certified Air Systems Cleaning Technicians and a Certified Ventilation System Inspector on staff. For businesses and property managers, an IRS Emergency Response Plan ensures having a pre-qualified contractor with a master services agreement, pricing and insurance in place before a disaster occurs.