MILLERSVILLE, MD, September 6, 2005 — Members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) have mobilized equipment and manpower to respond to the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Utilizing their experience with other disasters such as the four hurricanes that hit Florida last year, many restoration professionals around the country began preparations well before Katrina made landfall.

"The CAT (catastrophic response) teams are well-equipped and trained to respond to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina," said Brian Spiegel, CR, vice president of education for RIA. "Our members are professionals who understand the issues involved with disasters of this type. Their goal is to assist property owners in restoring and rebuilding their lives as quickly as possible."

Within the coming weeks, RIA members from restoration firms around the country and some from as far away as Canada, are expected to participate in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Like the thousands of residents who have evacuated, they are awaiting approval to enter these areas to begin assessing the damage that has occurred, develop restoration and reconstruction plans, and begin the rebuilding process. Unlike past hurricanes, it is anticipated that the rebuilding process in Louisiana will take years to complete.

The RIA Foundation has established a fund raising drive to assist in these efforts and donations from members will be sent directly to the American Red Cross and America's Second Harvest to support their efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

For more information or to locate a restoration professional, visit the RIA website at RIA.omnisg.com or phone (800) 272-7012.

The Restoration Industry Association , located in Millersville, Maryland, is the only international trade association in the cleaning and restoration industry. It has more than 1,300 national and international member firms specializing in cleaning, treating, and repairing damaged buildings and their contents. Three Institutes comprise RIA: the Environmental Institute, the Restoration Institute, and the Textile and Furnishings Institute. More information is available on the RIA website: RIA.omnisg.com.