The Great Masks Debate

Shawn Folks • July 20, 2020

Since early April, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that individuals wear a face covering or mask to prevent COVID-19 spread. Like many aspects of the virus, masks have been subject to controversy and debate. However, over the several past months, there has been many studies that have shown scientific evidence that they do in fact, work. Although they do not guarantee prevention, it is overwhelmingly clear they reduce the risk of spread. Below, we will first share some conclusive thoughts from a couple American universities.


University of North Texas
Recently, researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center released the results of their on-going studies. Dr. Rajesh Nandy explained that early mask mandates have helped slow the spread. States that required masks early were protected against the June surge of cases. Once mask mandates were implemented in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the number of daily new cases, ER visits and hospital stays went down.


Brigham Young University
Moreover, a group of researchers at Brigham Young University reviewed more than 115 scientific papers about the costs, benefits and disadvantages of mask-wearing. Their research concluded that, “all masks, including something as simple as a cloth face covering, have been shown to slow the spread of viruses like COVID-19…by as much as 90%.” Researcher Ben Abbott also stated that when infection occurs in areas with frequent mask usage, mortality rates are relatively low. Despite on-going, national debates, their study also showed that there is no evidence that masks cause low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels.


Masks Reduce Your Risk, Too
Not only does wearing a mask reduce the spread of COVID-19, but recent findings revealed they protect individuals wearing the mask also. As the pandemic continues, there has been growing evidence of this fact. Dr. Monica Gandhi of the University of California at San Francisco explained that the lower dose of the virus that you get in, the less sick you are likely to be. In turn, even if you do get exposed, you are more likely to be asymptomatic or have a very mild infection if you wear a mask.


Which Type of Masks Should You Wear?
In short, you should wear a mask in public and when you are around people who do not live in your household if possible. There has also been evidence that some facial coverings are more effective than others. Here is how the Journal of Hospital Infection ranked them in efficiency in reducing risk:

Additionally, there was a study released by Florida Atlantic University. They utilized laser light, water, and glycerin to conduct an experiment. Their study concluded that without a mask, droplets traveled more than 8 feet. Conversely, the droplets traveled these distances with a mask:


Material
1) Quilted Cotton – 2.5 inches
2) Professional-grade mask – 8 inches
3) Handkerchief – 1 foot, 3 inches
4) Bandana – 3 feet, 7 inches


Adapting as Necessary
In conclusion, mask wearing is crucial in preventing coronavirus spread. Guarantee Restoration Services has pivoted its business practices by requiring masks anytime our employees are in contact with others outside of their closed offices. We have also adopted virtual meeting practices to ensure the safety of not only our team, but our partners and community.


Available 24/7 for COVID-19 Disinfection
As always, our team of dedicated professionals is available 24/7, for mold, water, fire or wind property damage that needs immediate attention. We are your dedicated partner along the Gulf Coast, there when you need us most. If your business or home has experienced COVID-19 exposure, contact us at 1-800-349-HELP (4357) or email info@guaranteerestoration.net for more information on our disinfection services.

The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage in Commercial Properties

By Adrianne Hungerford • June 3, 2026
Hidden moisture can damage commercial buildings long before it's visible. Learn the risks, warning signs, and importance of professional mitigation.

Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!

How to Respond to Property Damage in the First 24 Hours

By Shawn Folks • May 20, 2026
When a disaster strikes and a loss happens, the clock starts immediately. The first 24 hours after a storm event or a fire loss are the most critical for any property. It is at this time that major decisions need to be made, the damage is either controlled or spreads, and the path to recovery is determined. These decisions are often rushed, unclear, and reactive without a plan in place. This is where having a pre-loss plan makes a measurable and meaningful difference. A pre-loss plan creates a clear starting point for you and your team instead of scrambling to figure out who to call, what steps to take, or how to protect the property. It removes reactive hesitation and replaces it with action to recover. Everyone involved knows their role and understands the process, allowing them to move quickly without second guessing. Speed matters in restoration. Water continues to spread; materials continue to deteriorate, and secondary damage, like mold, can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The faster a response is initiated, the more damage can be contained. Pre-loss planning allows that response to begin immediately, not hours or days later. Other than fast action, it also brings clarity during a very chaotic and challenging moment. Property managers, facility teams, and business owners are not left out in the dark trying to make high-pressure decisions on the spot. Instead, they are following a plan that has already been thoroughly thought through, discussed, and tailored to their specific property’s needs. Communication can become fragmented without a plan. Another advantage to pre-loss planning is coordination. There are several moving parts including emergency services, restoration teams, and insurance carriers. Having a plan streamlines communication ensuring that everyone involved is aligned from the start. At Guarantee Restoration Services, pre-loss planning is designed to support the exact moment the dust settles. It’s not just about preparing documents to sign ahead of time; it’s about setting up our partners and clients to respond with confidence when it matters the most. From established points of contact to documented site conditions and response protocols, everything is built to protect time, reduce damage, and maintain control.  Many people think preparation is about preventing the worst from happening. Rather, it is about being ready when it happens. Because when those first 24 hours hit, you do not want to be figuring things out. You want to be executing a well-formulated, personalized plan for recovery. Call us today...where 24/7 isn’t just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE!
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