Winter Fire Safety for Commercial Properties

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe, warm, and call us for any of your restoration needs!

As temperatures drop and the winter season unfolds, commercial property owners face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and security of their premises. With heating systems running at full capacity and holiday decorations adorning the surroundings, the risk of fire becomes a significant concern. To safeguard your commercial property and its occupants during the winter months, here are three essential strategies to implement:

1. Regular Maintenance of Heating Systems: The heart of any commercial property during winter is its heating systems. Regular maintenance and inspection of boilers, furnaces, and HVAC units are paramount to prevent potential fire hazards. Schedule professional inspections to ensure that heating equipment is operating efficiently and without defects. Clear any debris or flammable materials from around heating units and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of combustible gases. By prioritizing the maintenance of heating systems, you can mitigate the risk of fires caused by faulty equipment or improper operation.

2. Implement Stringent Electrical Safety Measures: Electrical malfunctions are a common cause of commercial fires, especially during the winter when electrical usage spikes. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property's electrical infrastructure to identify and address any potential hazards. Inspect wiring, outlets, and electrical appliances for signs of wear, damage, or overloading. Implement overload protection devices and surge suppressors to safeguard against power surges and prevent electrical fires. Educate employees about safe electrical practices, such as avoiding the use of space heaters with extension cords and unplugging non-essential devices when not in use. By prioritizing electrical safety, you can reduce the risk of fire and ensure uninterrupted business operations.

3. Establish Clear Fire Safety Protocols: Effective fire safety protocols are essential for commercial properties to minimize the impact of potential fires and ensure the swift and orderly evacuation of occupants. Develop and communicate clear emergency evacuation procedures, including designated exit routes, assembly points, and emergency contact information. Install and regularly test fire detection and alarm systems to provide early warning of potential fire incidents. Equip your property with appropriate fire suppression equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting, and ensure that employees are trained in their proper use. Conduct regular fire drills to familiarize occupants with evacuation procedures and reinforce the importance of fire safety awareness. By establishing robust fire safety protocols, you can enhance the preparedness and resilience of your commercial property against the threat of winter fires.

In conclusion, proactive measures are crucial for keeping commercial properties safe from fires during the winter season. By prioritizing the maintenance of heating systems, implementing stringent electrical safety measures, and establishing clear fire safety protocols, property owners can mitigate risks and protect their assets, occupants, and livelihoods. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and prioritize fire safety to ensure a secure and productive winter season for your commercial property.

Is Your Carpet Salvageable After a Pipe Break?

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage to carpet in Georgetown, TX.

A pipe break could require significant restoration efforts when water spreads across your home's floors in Georgetown, Texas. When water soaks your carpet, you may wonder if you should try to salvage or replace it. Your decision may depend on the following factors.

Insufficient Drying Measures

Homeowners attempting to dry their water-soaked floor coverings may find the following efforts are insufficient and may even spread contaminants:

• Blotting with towels
• Sprinkling baking soda over wet areas
• Applying heat with a hairdryer
• Running fans without opening windows
  
  

Opening windows and running dehumidifiers can help, but a flood restoration company's services are critical. Professionals can quickly and efficiently apply water extraction and sanitization methods, using powerful tools to prevent mold growth.

Exposure Time
The longer a carpet remains wet after a pipe break, the higher the probability that it will not be salvageable. Even the cleanest water can become unsanitary as it remains in the fibers. Quickly lowering the overall humidity level of a room can prevent mold spores from penetrating the air and compromising the furnishings within it. Still, it is prudent to contact a professional drying service immediately following a flood to prevent further damage.

Underlying Floor Condition
Floors and paddings that remain wet can lead to the growth of mold spores that can quickly penetrate the fibers of coverings sitting over them. Removing and replacing flooring before returning carpeting may be necessary depending upon its materials and how readily they absorb moisture.

Choosing To Replace
Replacing a water-soaked carpet can be the best decision, especially if mitigation efforts were delayed. Sometimes the fastest efforts to dry can't prevent or entirely remove bacteria, mold and other contaminants, so removal and replacement is the only option.
If you need help deciding if your rugs and other belongings are salvageable after a flood from a pipe break at your home, a professional disaster recovery service can assist and advise.

Business Survival After a Fire

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial fire and water damage in Andice, TX.

Business Survival Following a Fire

The fire department has left. The fire is out, but fire, water and smoke damage remain. Now it is time to resurrect the business from the ashes. This is where traditional fire insurance comes into play. It will help with the cost of fire restoration and, in time, the company can resume normal operations. Until then, however, there are still bills to pay. This is where interruption insurance enters the picture.

Financial Impact: Direct

A business that is partially shut down has less revenue. A business completely shut down has none. A shutdown impacts customers and stockholders, but at least they won’t be looking for payments from the business. For the landlord, utility companies and government, it’s a different story. Regardless of the situation, business owners still have to pay the following:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Taxes

In addition, other vendors may also come to collect. An interruption insurance policy can help the business deal with these problems and minimize the financial impact of the fire.

Financial Impact: Indirect

A business interruption can result in several other one-time expenses that don't directly impact revenue but affect profitability. Insurance can help with this as well. For example, if the operation can be temporarily moved to another location, the cost of relocating both ways could be covered. If employees need to be retrained to use new equipment, that could be covered. Even lost profits or some portion of lost revenue could be covered. A good interruption insurance policy can be the difference between a successful recovery and a dismal failure.

The Real Job

With the insurer handling the financial aspects of the fire, the business can focus on fire restoration. It is in everyone’s best interest that this gets done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, the business needs a qualified and capable restoration expert from Andice, TX, on the job. Soon, the business will be up and running again, better than ever.

What You Should Know About Water Damage After Fires

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in a building in Georgetown, TX.

Protect Your Business From Fire

As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to protect your business. After a business in Georgetown, TX, sustains fire damage, it is not uncommon for water damage to occur after the fire. There are various reasons floods often occur after fires.

1. Environmental Devastation Can Make Flooding Likely

When fires are not contained within a building, plant life can be destroyed. In addition to providing curb appeal to your business, trees, shrubs and other plants around your building can help to absorb rainwater. However, if a fire destroys the majority of plant life in an area, excess water will not be absorbed, and floods are more likely to occur quickly.

2. Structural Issues Can Result in Flooding

Fire damage can often affect the structure of a building, which can in turn cause pipes to crack or burst. If a pipe bursts or cracks as a result of a fire, different areas of a building may be impacted by water. Though it is not always possible to avoid pipes breaking during fires, regular maintenance can help to spot cracks that may otherwise remain unnoticed until after a building has been damaged.

3. Hoses Can Cause Flooding

The process of putting out a fire can also be a cause of flooding. When a fire is being extinguished, the combination of a fire hose and a sprinkler system can cause a business to become flooded. Since sprinklers and hoses can result in destruction in various areas in the home, including higher locations that may not be impacted by flooding that occurs naturally, it’s often wise to protect important documents by placing them in water-proof, fire-proof containers.

Knowing that flooding often happens after fire damage can help you to prepare your business for disaster. If your business has been impacted by fires and floods, you may consider it helpful to work with fire and flood damage restoration professionals to help restore your business.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Stock up on emergency supplies.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

When a flood warning sounds, it's too late to begin protecting your business from flooding. You need to prepare long before storms and heavy rains move your way. Use the following tips to keep your Georgetown, TX, business, employees, and clients safe.

Reach Out to Local and National Resources

If your business is situated in an area prone to floods, it's a good idea to talk to your insurance company about coverage for this eventuality. You'll feel much better about your outlook when storms do hit. The insurance company may provide advice about the best strategies to protect your property and belongings. Other resources could include:

• The federal government website on floods and prevention
• Local flood remediation companies
• Professional surveyors and architects in Georgetown, TX
  
  

Create a Flood Safety Plan

This plan should include an evacuation route, a protocol for protecting business equipment and inventory, and a communication plan that goes into place as soon as flooding becomes a concern. After working out the details of the plan, train your staff on how to respond and run annual evacuation drills. Don't forget to address the dangers of black water and power outages.

Identify Specific Areas of Danger

You may have a lot of equipment in your building that runs on electricity. As the water rises, those machines could pose an increased risk of danger as well as costing a pretty penny to replace. If there's time to turn off your copiers, computers, and other electronics; and carry those items up to higher levels of the building. When outlets go under the water, there could be an electricity risk. If you have gas heating, that system could also pose a safety risk.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Businesses in communities that are often affected by flooding may want to have plenty of sandbags on hand. Other supplies, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios, should also be kept in a central position that can be accessed easily when warnings are given.

Five Things To Do To Prevent a Gas Fire From a Leak

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Make sure the stove is off.

Whether it is after a storm or even on a normal day, smelling gas in your home is an unsettling feeling. A gas fire is a common type of house fire, but the good news is you can easily prevent fires caused by natural gas leaks. By following these simple steps, you can protect your home and family.

What To Do When You Smell Gas

1. Remain Calm. You have a better chance of preventing a gas fire when you can think clearly.

2. Ventilate the House. When you open windows, it allows the gas to escape, lessening the chance of a gas explosion.

3. Avoid Making Sparks or Using a Flame. A spark can trigger a gas explosion. Light switches can create sparks, so you don’t want to turn any lights on or off. You also don’t want to use candles or lighters for this same reason. Use a flashlight instead.

4. Make Sure the Stove Is Off. In most instances, the natural gas is coming from the stove. Check to see that all the dials have been shut off properly. You can hear a hiss coming from the burner in this case.

5. Move the Family Outside and Shut Off the Gas. Being outside is the safest place for your family. Once you are outside, go to the meter and shut off the gas. Every meter has an emergency shut-off valve. Find it and turn it to the off position. Then, call the appropriate authorities from a neighbor’s home or your cellphone.

Following these steps can help you when you smell natural gas. Know where your meter and shut-off valve are located, so you can easily find them in an emergency. If you have had the unfortunate event of a gas fire in Serenada, TX, you can find the help you need by calling a restoration professional to help you get your home back to normal.

A Basic Guide To Treating Burns at the Office

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Know how to respond if someone gets burned.

How To React If Someone In Your Office Experiences A Burn

When an uncontrolled blaze breaks out, the fire damage that results is a minor concern in comparison with someone being injured. The structural impact of fires in Serenada, TX, may be able to be mended by a team of commercial restoration professionals, whereas a co-worker's life is irreplaceable. 

Major Versus Minor Burns
First, you must determine the severity of the injury to administer the appropriate level of burn first aid. Minor burns are characterized by:

• Blisters
• Redness
• Sizes no larger than 3 inches in diameter
  
  

Major burns feature:

• Dryness
• Leathery qualities
• Brown, black or white discoloration
• Sizes larger than 3 inches in diameter
  
  

Move the patient away from any fire damage to avoid the risk of further injury before making your assessment.

Minor Burn Treatment
Follow these first aid procedures if you determine the burn to be superficial. Remove jewelry before swelling occurs. Run cool water over the affected area or apply a wet compress. After the pain has subsided, apply a burn cream and then wrap the harmed surface with sterile gauze. Do so loosely, making sure there is no tightness and air can flow underneath. Administer an OTC pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil.

Major Burn Treatment
Prepare major burn victims before professional assistance arrives. Check that the individual is still breathing. If not, administer CPR immediately. As with minor burns, accessories should be quickly taken off. Place a clean cloth or a moist bandage over the burned flesh. Elevate the burn zone above heart level and watch for signs of shock. Make note of and write down your observations. Inform those providing medical treatment of everything you've seen.
Fire damage extends beyond charred walls and seared office equipment. In worst-case scenarios, blazes threaten the lives of employees. Know how to respond if someone working by your side ever gets burned.

There Is a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Leaking Kitchen Sink

If the water in your home stays where it belongs, it may be a homeowner’s best friend. When it is set free by a burst pipe or comes flooding in from the outdoors, it can be one of the homeowner’s worst enemies. Even the damage caused by a simple leak could be extensive, costly, and a major inconvenience.

Check the Sink Enclosure
The pipes in the cabinet enclosure beneath a kitchen sink are a perfect example of a plumbing failure waiting to happen. In that cabinet, you will often find some combination of:

• Hot and cold water supply pipes for the faucet
• A hot water supply pipe for the dishwasher
• A hose for the sprayer
• A water supply pipe for a hot water dispenser
• Water supply for a filtered water dispenser
• Drains

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks. At that time, the damage could look like it was caused by significant flooding. Even if the leak is small, don’t be fooled into thinking that it can wait.

Prevent Additional Damage
The simplest way to prevent more damage is to shut off the water supply using the valves under the sink. If you are looking at a long wait for the plumber to arrive, you might be able to find other ways to capture the leaking water and reduce the inconvenience.

Call Your Insurance Company
If your insurance policy covers water damage, an adjuster may open a claim and evaluate the damage caused by the leak. By notifying the company of the leak, you can begin the process.

Proceed With Restoration
Whether your sink area has been damaged by significant flooding or a simple leak, your kitchen repair often requires the attention of water remediation specialists who can restore the area quickly and completely. You may find such specialists in Serenada, TX, who are prepared to quickly come in and deal with your problem.

What To Do After a Sewage Backup Floods Your Home

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet.

What to Do If Your House Is Flooded by Sewage

The thought of rainwater flooding your home in Georgetown, TX, overwhelms you. The thought of a sewer backup flooding your home disgusts you. When a city’s sewage system cannot manage the amount of rainfall it can come into your home through your pipes, drains, toilets and sinks. It is hard to visualize something more foul and unsanitary than cleaning the mess. As a homeowner, what do you do next?

Safety First

The presence of any water in your home poses safety hazards, but sewer water requires additional precautions:

• For any flood, the risk of electrical shock is present when there is water in your home. Stay out of flooded areas where electricity is present. Also be alert for the smell of gas, as rain water may extinguish pilot lights.

• When a sewer backup occurs, the flooding introduces black water into your home. This means that there is a high level of contamination present, such as from fecal matter. This type of water contains bacteria, viruses, mold and threatens a myriad of severe health concerns with exposure. Do not come into direct contact with this water.

Next Steps

After your safety is secured, immediately arrange for a water damage specialist to intervene. Due to the involvement of black water, experts consider this an emergency situation, arrive promptly and take the following measures:

• Survey the damage, identify the contaminated water and perform safety procedures.
• Remove excess water with professional-grade equipment.
• Extract remaining moisture with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Remove odors and sanitize impacted areas using antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments.
• Restore your home and belongings.

When a storm causes a sewer backup at your home in Georgetown, TX, take immediate action. Blackwater is hazardous to your health, so do not come into direct contact with it. Rather, have a water restoration specialist assess the situation and take the necessary steps to restore your home.

Category 3: Levels of Contamination

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Andice, TX.

Water Categories

Many people have fond memories of splashing barefoot in puddles after a storm when they were children. Lingering flood water is actually pretty contaminated, though. When it seeps into your home in Andice, TX, it can cause water damage that only water remediation experts can resolve. Water from flooding is considered Category 3 water, meaning it is not safe to ingest on account of its high germ level. All Category 3 water, however, is not the same.

Level 1

Water can be very contaminated without causing a huge problem. Some factors make black water easy to clean up:

• Originates in house
• Does not come into contact with porous items
• Affects small, limited area
• Has quick cleanup time
  
  

Black water from an overflowing toilet that was caught before it could become a huge problem is a level 1 contaminant. It is still not safe to ingest but can be cleaned up fairly easily.

Level 2

Category 3 water that originates in the house but causes more significant water damage is the next level of contamination. It may affect both porous and nonporous materials. Technicians who remediate this damage often have to cut out walls and replace them. Carpet, carpet pads and furniture upholstery that has been in contact with this water must be thrown away if they cannot be cleaned.

Level 3

Flood water from a storm falls into the third level of Category 3 black water. If your home is flooded by a storm, you must engage professional help for cleanup. Certified technicians use industrial cleaners to make sure that every bit of contamination is gone. They also ensure that all damage is fixed and that your home is returned to its previous livable state.

No matter what level Category 3 water you have in your home, it can cause significant water damage. It not only has to be dried to prevent mold and other problems but also cleaned so that the environment of your home is safe again.

How to Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved.

Between tossing everything that has become damaged and hiring a fire restoration service to handle the most difficult aspects of the task, any fire cleanup job is deeply stressful. Often getting lost during the process is the recovery of precious electronics. Never trash them until you have confirmed they are impossible to repair.

Smoke Damage and Electronics
When smoke infects our digital gadgets, it impacts them in three ways:
1. Magnetization, leading to short-circuiting.
2. Corrosion, dramatically shortening their lifespans.
3. Overheating, caused by a thick layer of soot.
Any items displaying evidence of the above conditions should be disposed of, but those that do not may be rehabilitated. Should a fire strike your home in Serenada, TX, remember that inspecting your beloved digital toys should automatically be included as part of the fire cleanup.

Cleansing Electronics of Smoke Damage
First, disconnect the device you wish to salvage and remove the batteries or any other existing power source. With a soft, dry towel, wipe your gizmo’s exterior of any residue, then use an air compressor or blow dryer to clear out any outlets or vents. Once this has been done, you can test your device by switching it on. Never do this, however, until the cleaning stage has been completed.

Sadly, your beloved item will likely never operate the way it once did, as ash is virtually guaranteed to compromise proper functioning. Should you detect unusual behavior from your device, have it inspected by a product specialist. You may have taken out warranties on your most prized pieces, but also note that many home insurance policies cover electronics-related losses, so check your provisions.

It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved. Never let the hectic nature of a fire cleanup undertaking prevent you from granting your favorite gadgets one last shot at life.

Responding to Mold in a Crisis

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

When you find a mold infestation, it’s nothing to ignore; mold should be treated as an emergency situation and removed from your home immediately. If your Georgetown, TX, home has black mold, you shouldn’t try to clean it yourself. You need help, but there are steps you can take to resolve the crisis and contain the situation in an emergency.

How To Stop the Mold From Spreading

Your first step in emergency response should be emergency containment. That means:

1. Shutting off the HVAC system. This should be your first priority. You have mold spores in the air around you at all times. Airflow causes those black mold spores to spread, and you can’t afford to let them drift to other parts of the home and establish another mold colony.

2. Shutting off the water. If you have a mold problem, it came from a moisture problem. Shut off the water to the affected area, or to the entire house if necessary, until the mold problem is resolved.

3. Sealing off the area. If possible, seal off the area. Close all vents, doors, and windows. Tape the door and window frames, or use weather stripping to seal them off. Make the infested area as airtight as possible to prevent further particulate dispersal.

4. Disposing of anything contaminated. You may want to wait on a full tear-out until an assessment by a professional, but if loose items, such as pillows, clothing, food, or books, are contaminated you should throw them out immediately.

5. Contacting a mold remediation company about mold cleanup. Mold remediation companies usually have more accurate methods for detecting the extent of black mold contamination, and can provide more effective solutions for remediation, removal, and future prevention. For safety and a more complete mold cleanup, trust certified professionals with years of experience removing mold from residential homes.

3 Common Attractions for Mold in a Restaurant

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Cover any perishable foods in a clean plastic container to prevent mold growth in the refrigerator.

3 Common Attractions for Mold in a Restaurant

Mold spores are microscopic airborne particles that develop into colonies if they are given the proper conditions. It is impossible to keep mold spores out of a building in Florence, TX. Their role in nature is to decompose rotting objects, and they can cause major damage to the natural construction materials of buildings. Fungus thrives when given the conditions of:

• Warmth
• Humidity
• Nutrients

In a restaurant, mold growth can lead to an unnecessary amount of waste, making foods inedible. Here are three attractions for mold in a restaurant:

1. Dishwashing Stations
   The dishwashing station can be a major contributor to mold, especially if the pipes or water supply lines leak. Should a leak occur and cause water damage to a wooden cabinet, moldspores will attach themselves and develop into colonies. Areas with constant water usage will also create high humidity levels. To prevent any fungus from thriving in these areas, install a central ventilation system.
2. The Refrigerator
   Though the refrigerator has lower levels of humidity, it will not stop mold from growing. Cover any perishable foods in a clean plastic container to prevent mold growth in the refrigerator. If you have found mold, clean it thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar. Inspect any foods that were close to the area of growth for additional fungus.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
   Perishable foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are a common source of nutrients for fungus. Inspect any fruits and vegetables for mold before you purchase them to prevent it from spreading to your restaurant. You can salvage some of these if they have sprouted moldcolonies by cutting off the parts that have begun to rot. To prevent food waste, purchase only the amount of fresh foods that you will use throughout the week.
   If you have found mold growth in your restaurant, contact a mold remediation service to thoroughly clean the area. Though airborne microbial particles cannot be avoided, you can keep their growth under control with routine cleaning and maintenance.

Check List for Storm Recovery

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in a disaster situation, remember that FEMA can help.

FEMA

Sometimes, the weather gets the better of us, and we are left dealing with the repercussions. Thankfully, there are many programs that help people recover after heavy storm damage such as FEMA. Whether you live in Hutto Tx, or somewhere different altogether, the same basics can be helpful for coping with a stressful time. The location should only matter in paperwork.

1. Submit for Help

After the damage has occurred, whether from a flood or otherwise, you can submit an appeal to FEMA for assistance. Consider these first:

• You must have a United States citizen in the household.
• Your property is in an area that has been
• Presidentially declared a disaster.
• Your insurance does not cover necessities that the disaster has brought about.
  
  

If you do not submit to the organization, you may find yourself in a bad position. There should be no shame in asking for help when needed. Flooding, and other disasters, are a time when we can pull together. Other organizations can be contacted to help once you are safe and everything is accounted for to repair.

2. Inspect Your Home

A scheduled home inspector can come and see your property within 10 days of the submittal. You can expect the inspection to run on average for 30 minutes, and the inspector may photograph your property. This will include both your home and the items inside. You may be asked to present documentation on whether you own or rent.

3. Accept the Assistance

Afterward, assistance may be released to you. This can come in the form of lodging reimbursement or renting assistance to keep you housed. It can also extend further through financial assistance with replacing household items, childcare, funeral expenses, or healthcare. Finally, you may be assisted with storage.

If you find yourself in a disaster situation, remember that FEMA has been set up to help for these purposes. Make sure to submit the right paperwork and prepare for a home inspection.

Ways to Prepare Your Family for a House Fire

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

If a fire breaks out in your home, it's important that you know what to do and how to handle the situation.

The best way to prepare your family for a house fire is to prevent one from occurring. However, if a fire does happen in your home, it's important that you know what to do and how to handle the situation. Here are some tips on how you can be prepared:

Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the most important safety device in your home, and they're required by law in every state. They offer vital protection because they can alert you to a fire's presence before it can do any damage or harm anyone inside your home. To maximize their effectiveness, it's best to install them in bedrooms and hallways (including stairwells) as well as sleeping areas outside of bedrooms. It's also advisable to ensure that there are smoke alarms on each level of your home, including the basement and attic spaces. Additionally, you should place an extra one within 15 feet of any kitchen appliances—such as ovens or ranges—and another near any fireplace where burning wood may be present at night; this includes those located within living rooms as well as dens or family rooms.

Test Alarms and Change Batteries

You should test your alarms every month to make sure they’re working. You can do this by pushing the button on top of your smoke detector, or by shaking it (gently!) in case the battery is loose. Check and replace your batteries at least twice a year – even more often if you get frequent false alarms.

Talk about Fire Safety

If a fire breaks out in your home, you should know the best way to make sure everyone gets out safely. It's important to discuss what steps each member of your family should take and how they will do so. For example, if a fire breaks out in the kitchen and you are able to safely get out of that part of the house, but not reach them through another exit because the smoke has blocked it off completely or is blocking it from view (i.e., when there are no windows or doors). Teach each person about how to call 911. In addition, teach children how to use a fire extinguisher so they can put out small fires themselves before help arrives.

Store and Use a Fire Extinguisher

The type of fire extinguisher you use will depend on what kind of fire you're dealing with. If you believe it's a grease or electrical fire, call 911 and wait for the professionals to arrive before using a fire extinguisher. Dispose of the used fire extinguisher in accordance with your local regulations. If possible, take it outside and let it cool down before disposing of it so that no one can be injured at that moment.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to prepare your family for a house fire. We know that it’s scary, but don’t worry. Just remember to follow these steps and be prepared before fire erupts. If you do have a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City is here to help. We will get your Broken Arrow home back to normal as soon as possible.

Shopping for a House? 5 Things to Look Out for to Avoid Buying a Moldy Home

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your home, give SERVPRO of Georgetown/Florence/Sun City a call!

5 Things to Look Out for to Avoid Buying a Moldy Home

Purchasing a house is a big step that takes time, care, and research. In this article, we'll take you through the things to look out for when buying your new home so that you can avoid purchasing a house that has been previously damaged by water or mold.

Important Things to Consider When Buying a Home

There are a few things you should consider when you are buying a home: 

Location, size, and amenities: These are the base factors that will influence your decision. If you're looking for a place close to public transit or schools, you might want to think about those before anything else. The same goes for things like the nearby quality of neighborhood parks and other recreational facilities.

Price, mortgage payment and insurance: When buying a home it's important to look at all three factors together so that they balance out financially. This way, if one cost increases or decreases dramatically over time due to inflation or unexpected developments in policy or technology (like electric cars), then your budget will still work out as planned.

Safety/security: It's also worth considering how safe your new neighborhood is before making an offer on any given property -- especially if there are strangers around who could pose threats such as animal attacks (which are rare). Most real estate agents can provide helpful information about these things during pre-inspections if asked nicely!

History of the home: It's always wise when buying any kind of property - especially one without previous owners - first ask yourself why someone would leave behind something beautiful like this place. What happened here? How often does it happen? What caused these problems last time around which could lead us down similar paths with future residents coming after us?”

Research the Area and the Home

The first thing you should do is get to know the area your house is located in. The quality of the neighborhood can make or break whether or not you will be happy with your purchase. If there are bad schools nearby, or if it’s known for flooding often—there are many factors to consider when choosing where to buy a home.

Also, make sure that you know what kind of conditions exist within the home itself before purchasing it! Do not buy into any myths regarding mold or mildew; buying an older house does not mean that it has been completely cleaned out and no longer contains any potential health hazards such as mold spores.

Watch for Signs of Mold

Beyond the above suggestions, you should watch for signs of mold in each home you are considering. Mold can be a huge problem, and a potentially very expensive problem to solve. 

As you look at homes, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for these five common signs of water damage:

• Mold in the home
• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• Leaking pipes, roofs, and gutters
• Pests like mice and ants. If there are signs of pests in a house that you're considering buying, it's likely there's some sort of moisture problem in the walls or floors nearby (and from there it can spread)
• Structural damage caused by leaks or flooding in your home (sometimes seen as cracks in the foundation)

Working with a Property Inspector

As a home buyer, you should always work with a property inspector who understands and is experienced in mold inspection. A professional will be able to tell you if there are signs of mold in your prospective home, as well as identify what type of mold it is, how to deal with it, and how to prevent future outbreaks.

The best thing to do when purchasing a home is to take your time and look at everything carefully. That way, you will be able to avoid the pitfalls of buying a moldy house in the first place.

If you do find mold in your Florence, TX home, give SERVPRO of Georgetown/Florence/Sun City a call to remediate the mold and get it back to its preloss condition!

How To Prevent Water Damage on Vacation

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Turn off the water supply at the main shut-off valve

Preventing Damage Back Home When You Are On Vacation

Vacation is a time when you want to relax and enjoy yourself. But if you're like most homeowners, there's probably underlying anxiety about whether your house will be safe while you're away. Even though it's unlikely that anything will happen while you're away, it's still worth taking some precautions to prevent damage from occurring while you're on vacation.

Turn Off the Water

It isn’t a bad idea to turn off some things when you leave for a few days:

• main water shutoff valve
• water meter
• backflow prevention device
• well pump

Turn Off the Thermostat

Depending on the time of the year, it might be a good idea to turn off your thermostat. Turning off your thermostat will save you money because it won’t be running when no one is there.

Additionally, make sure that any space heaters are unplugged or turned off completely before leaving town. If possible, have someone check in on your home while you're away so they can make sure everything is turned off properly.

Be Prepared With Tools

It’s a good idea to have some simple tools and materials on hand in case you need to shut off the water or electricity. For example, you can purchase inexpensive shutoff valve adapters that will fit over any plumbing fixture for easy access. If you have an electrical panel in your home, it’s helpful to have a multi-tool with wire cutters so that you can safely disconnect any exposed wires from the circuit breaker.

If possible, locate all of these items ahead of time and place them somewhere accessible in case they are needed during your trip away from home.

Check Your Insurance Policy

One of the most important things to be sure of before you leave is whether or not your current insurance policy will cover your home while it's empty. Many homeowners' policies do not cover damage caused by a pipe break or flood. If you don't have insurance, then this may be an opportunity to consider adding it.

Another thing to verify before leaving on vacation is how much coverage you have in case of theft, vandalism, or burglary. Is there enough? Do you need to increase it?

If you do have an adequate amount of coverage and decide to leave town anyway, then be sure and take pictures of everything that's left behind so that if anything does happen while your house is unattended, there will be photographic evidence for the insurance company.

Remember, every home is different and it’s important to know what your insurance policy covers. You can also protect yourself by turning off the water supply at the main shut-off valve, which will save time if you have a leak and need to call a plumber quickly.

In the event of a water damage event or fire damage event while you are away from your Florence home on vacation, give SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City a call!

Smoke Damage In Your Building

10/8/2022 (Permalink)

After fire damage

Smoke Damage To Your Building

If you are a property owner in Georgetown who has experienced a fire, you are likely aware that there is more than one type of damage that can result. While it's no secret that fires cause extensive physical damage to your building and its contents, they can also cause less visible but equally destructive smoke damage. This article will explain how smoke damage occurs, why it happens, and how to spot if it has happened on your property.

Smoke Causes Damage

Smoke damage can be a serious issue that you may not be aware of until after the fire has been extinguished. The smoke from a fire can cause damage to your property that isn't apparent until the smoke starts clearing and you begin cleaning up. However, even if there is no visible evidence of fire-related damage, your insurance policy may cover repairs for smoke damage.

In short: Smoke damage doesn't necessarily mean fire-related physical property damages; it could also mean exposure within areas affected by soot accumulation due to excessive heat/smoke levels caused by fires burning nearby which leads us nicely into our next point about what kind

Smoke Damage and Your Insurance

Smoke can cause serious problems for your property, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement of items. In some cases, even if there was no physical damage to an item—for example, if it wasn't charred or melted—it could still have been affected by smoke-related chemicals that would necessitate replacing it anyway.

If a fire breaks out in your building and you have smoke damage as a result, it is important to know that the damage is covered by the same policy that covers fire damage. That's because even though smoke damage may not be visible, the materials are still being damaged.

This type of coverage is referred to as "secondary coverage" because it covers any damages sustained by your home or business that are not directly related to the original cause (the main event) of loss on your claim. As an example of secondary coverage, if someone driving down the street runs into a tree stump and smashes their car's right front fender, they would have collision coverage under their auto policy; however, if they hit a tree stump while backing out of their driveway without hitting anything else along with their car's front bumper falling off from impact with said tree stump—that would fall under secondary coverage since it wasn't caused by another vehicle but rather just something unfortunate happening in their own driveway!

Your Beeping Fire Alarm Needs Attention

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

A fire alarm is one of the easiest ways to prevent a devastating fire emergency.

Attention Required: Your Beeping Fire Alarm

It is easy to forget about the fire alarm in your home or office in Serenada, TX. As innocuous as it is, it serves an extremely important function. Pay attention to maintenance signals, such as beeping, to keep your alarm in working order and everyone in the building safe from a fire.

Stop the Beeping
When your alarm emits a loud chirping noise, it is communicating to you that there is an issue that needs to be resolved. Most often, the issue is that the batteries are low, and you need to replace them. Follow the steps below:

• Remove the cover and old batteries; take note of the battery type.
• Put in fresh batteries.
• Replace the cover and perform a test.
  
  

If your alarm is hardwired, you may need to reset it. You can reset it by shutting the power off and on in your breaker box.

Practice Routine Fire Alarm Maintenance
Rather than waiting for your alarm to alert you to an issue, the best practice is to perform routine maintenance. Batteries should be replaced twice per year. You should perform tests about once a month. In tandem, keep your fire plan updated and make sure everyone in the building is aware of it. Have a list of fire damage services and protocols ready to go.

Invest in a Better Alarm
Although almost any alarm will get the job done, some are built better than others. Long-life alarms have a sealed lithium battery and will not chirp or need to be reset for 10 years. There is an end-of-life warning that will let you know when to replace the alarm. Some states now require this type of alarm due to its increased reliability.
A fire alarm is one of the easiest ways to prevent a devastating fire emergency. Alarm maintenance typically does not require a lot of effort or time. Make it a habit to check on your alarm and avoid smoke damage from a fire.

Flood Features To Look For When for Buying a Commercial Property

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Construction on a retaining wall.

Flood Prevention Measure

A lot goes into planning for flood prevention. Whether you are purchasing a building or having one built, it is important to take a close look at what can help keep the water back in the event of a flood.

Areas of Concern

Flooding can be a major issue for any business in Andice, TX. When building or purchasing a property, you want to look for:

• Low lying areas
• Bodies of water within a mile
• Swampy areas
• Areas that have flooded previously
  
  

Although this is not to say that other areas don't flood, it is important to be prepared no matter where your business is located. Otherwise, you might need the services of a flood cleaning company.

Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are usually built around levees, lakes, retention ponds and other smaller bodies of water. They are higher than the water at a normal level and allow the body of water to fill when it floods.

Flood Plain Planning
If your business is on or near a flood plain, it is a good idea to check to see what the city plan is for the area. They should have a plan in place or already instituted. Also, make sure they have flood prevention in mind when they issue building permits that might block natural water drainage.

Coastal Defense Walls
If you are near the ocean or other large body of water, you should look for coastal defense walls. This could be concrete blocks or sandbags placed in strategic areas to help prevent tidal flooding. This is particularly important because saltwater flood cleaning is much more difficult than freshwater.

Sand Dunes and Vegetation
Some places have natural or artificial dunes that help protect property from tidal flooding. Natural barriers often work best for preventing tidal surges, waves and incursion.
No matter where you are, flood prevention should be a factor in building or purchasing a commercial property. Checking for or implementing these measures can save you both time and money later on.

How to Deodorize After a Fire

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone generators can remove smoke odor from your home.

How Do You Get Rid Of The Smell After a Fire

Smoke particles do not just disappear after a fire. Instead, they can infiltrate everything you own. Your carpet, furniture, clothing and even walls may smell like smoke for months after the fire. Without a professional restoration firm, it may be difficult to fully remove the noxious odor of smoke from your home. Keep in mind that deodorizers, incense and the like are only temporary fixes.

Clean the Air

Primarily, your restoration professional may use the following equipment to clean the air:

• Air filters
• Thermal foggers
• Ozone machines
  
  

This equipment will not only fight the odor but remove the source of the odor as well. They can rid your home of the smoke particles responsible for the smell. In addition, these machines will usually help your property receive optimal airflow during and after restoration.

Clean the Source

If you do not get rid of the source of the problem, you will not get rid of the odor. The first thing you should do during a smoke cleaning is to see which of your belongings are scorched. The best course of action is to remove anything that is unsalvageable. As long as there is visible fire damage in the home, you may not be able to get rid of the smell entirely.

Clean the Surface

Next, it is time to look at all the exposed surfaces in your home. A thorough smoke cleaning involves cleaning walls, ceilings, floors, countertops and any appliances left in the home. This will help restorers take care of all the remaining smoke damage. Keep in mind that it does not matter if a room was untouched by fire, smoke and other particles can still stick to surfaces.

If you want to get rid of smoke odor, you do not have to do it alone. Professional services that specialize in smoke cleaning in Florence, TX can remedy the damage caused by fire and smoke.

The Basics of Commercial Property Insurance Coverage

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Talk with your insurance agent if you have questions about your commercial insurance policy

Every business owner knows the importance of property insurance to protect their property against damage from fire and other disasters. Frequently, a commercial insurance package will include protection for various scenarios in addition to property protection, such as general liability insurance and employee practices liability.

Property Insurance Considerations

Your insurance agent considers a number of factors when determining the best property insurance coverage for your business in Georgetown, TX.

Geographic location - If you live in an area with ample fire hydrants and a nearby Fire Department, your cost will usually be lower than if your home is situated in a rural location with limited resources.
Type of business - A restaurant or mechanical shop will typically have higher rates than an office building. Even if your business has a low fire risk, if you share a space with one that has a greater risk, your premiums tend to be higher as well.
Construction type - The type of materials used to construct your building affects your premiums. If your building is made with fire-resistant components, your commercial insurance rates will usually be lower than in buildings made from combustible materials. Your insurance agent looks at internal structures, such as stairways and floors, as well as the construction of the exterior of the building when determining your coverage.

Examples of Property Insurance Protection
The most common commercial property insurance claims involve some sort of damage caused by a fire or natural disaster. However, the typical policy also protects your business from theft and vandalism.
If you need help renovating your business after a devastating fire, don't wait to contact a fire damage repair service. Further damage can occur if you wait too long for help. Professionals are trained to assess the damage and develop a plan to get your business back to normal as soon as possible.
Talk with your insurance agent if you have questions about your commercial insurance policy.

What To Do If You Have Leaking Light Fixtures in Your Home

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Do not attempt to address water in light fixtures on your own

Take the Following Steps If You Find Yourself In This Hazardous Situation

Water damage in your home can come from a variety of sources. A storm in Serenada, TX, a broken appliance and damaged plumbing may all cause quite a bit of trouble. If flooding occurs on an upper floor, this can sometimes result in water in light fixtures.

1. Turn Off the Electricity
The first thing you need to do if you notice water in the lights in your house is to turn the electricity off. Do not attempt to switch off individual devices since this can be dangerous. Instead, use the breaker to shut off electricity in the whole building.

2. Turn Off the Water
Depending on the source of the flooding, you may also need to shut off the water in your home. This is likely if the dripping water in light fixtures is coming from a damaged pipe or appliance. Plumbing problems, such as an overflowing toilet or bathtub, may require the same treatment.

3. File an Insurance Claim
If you have insurance that covers the type of damage that has occurred, you should file a claim right away. Depending on the terms of the policy, waiting too long could result in denial of your claim. The process can be lengthy, so starting immediately will also save you some time.

4. Hire a Professional
Because water and electricity are a dangerous combination, you should not attempt to address water in light fixtures on your own. These may need to be completely replaced and should be tested by a professional before you use them.
If you have ceiling damage or need repairs after a leak or flooding, a water damage remediation company can take care of this for you. They will inspect your home to assess the damage, perform mitigation and make repairs. If you have belongings that have been affected, these can often be salvaged as well.

5 Steps To Solve a Bathtub Sewage Backup Problem

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Bathtub backup in Andice, TX

Take These Five Steps as Sewage Starts Backing up Into a Bathtub

When contaminated water or solid waste backs up into a bathtub, homeowners need to resolve underlying plumbing problems before cleaning and restoring damage caused by a sewer backup.

1. Plug the Bathtub Drain
A drain plug can be helpful for keeping backups under control. Plugging the drain limits the amount of contaminated water that can flow back into a bathtub or overflows into a bathroom.

2. Clear the Sewer Line Blockage
Water will follow the path of least resistance and most tub fixtures are lower than bathroom sinks and toilets. Clearing blocked primary or secondary drains may resolve an issue. Depending on the severity of a clog and the availability of plumbing tools, a homeowner may need to call a professional.

3. Limit the Scope of Damage
Any measures a homeowner can take to contain contaminated water and solid waste can minimize sewer backup damage. Bathtubs are easy to disinfect, but porous materials and contents may need to be torn out, disposed of, and replaced.

4. Dispose of Contaminated Materials
It is important to get rid of absorbent materials that cannot be disinfected. Any materials contaminated by flooding that remain intact raise risks of mold damage and exposure.

5. Disinfect Nonporous Surfaces
A bathtub and most nonporous surfaces in a bathroom can safely be disinfected. Depending on the extent of sewer damage, a homeowner may clean up a backup into a bathtub or need to call professionals for a more comprehensive cleanup and restoration.
It is important to limit the spread of contaminated water and waste during a bathtub backup at a residence in Andice, TX. While most tubs are made of hard, non-porous materials, absorbent grout or drywall surrounding a bath may be difficult to completely clean and continue to pose re-contamination risks after a sewer backup.

4 Steps of Timely Mitigation

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling water damage after a storm in Florence, TX.

Four Steps of Timely Mitigation

A leak in your attic after a storm in Florence, TX, is a clear sign that you need roof repair. To prevent additional damage, you need to call storm mitigation experts as soon as possible. The sooner they can get started, the sooner they can work through the four steps needed to resolve the problem.

1. Assessment

The first thing the specialists do is analyze the roof damage to see what needs to be fixed. If there are no signs of leaks or damp insulation in your attic, you probably don’t need to replace the roof altogether. If, however, water has already made its way into your home, they know that the process is going to be a little more complicated than replacing a few shingles.

2. Drying

Mold can start to grow in damp places within as little as 24 hours after the storm has torn up your roof. Getting the wet areas dry as soon as possible, therefore, should be a priority. Saturated materials should be torn out and replaced. Tarps should be placed on the roof over the open areas so that no further damage can occur.

3. Removal

Roof repair also includes removing damaged materials before contractors can start to rebuild. Damaged shingles, chipped flashing, damaged vents and other broken parts must be taken away so that they can be repaired or replaced.

4. Restoration

If your attic flooded as the result of heavy rains or wind damage, the waterproof layer will likely need to be replaced. After that is down, the roofers can rebuild the other components of your roof. Once repairs are complete, it is a good idea to set up an appointment for the next inspection to protect against future damage.

Roof repair is not something you want to delay. Timely mitigation is vital to repairing the problems that exist and preventing secondary issues from occurring.

4 Reasons To Board Up Your Home After a Disaster

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

Board up your house after a fire or other catastrophe.

Four Reasons To Board Up Your Home

After a fire, storm or other disaster strikes your Georgetown, TX  home, your instinct may be to flee to a hotel or a friend's house immediately. Before you go, consider protecting your ailing home. It may seem like yet another thing to add to your already-crowded "to-do" list, but it could save you from further drama. Here are four reasons to board up your home until your fire and storm damage restoration company finishes undoing the damage.

1. To Stop Secondary Storm or Fire Damage
The potential for damage doesn't stop once the flames are extinguished or the wind subsides. Gaps, cracks and holes in your home can create more problems by letting in wind, water, debris and pests. These unwanted guests are problematic enough on their own, but they can also worsen damage originating from the initial event.

2. To Prevent Theft and Vandalism
Insects and animals aren't the only home invaders you need to worry about if you leave your home vulnerable. Missing windows and broken doors allow would-be criminals of all shapes and sizes access to your home.
There's likely more inside to steal than you realize, too. More and more, thieves are less interested in your big-screen TV than they are in nabbing personal information, appliances and even building materials.

3. To Keep Your Insurance Coverage
Your insurer may require that you board up your home after a fire or weather event in order to maintain your coverage. This is rooted in the same reasons listed above: the sooner you board things up, the smaller the window for additional damage or theft.

4. To Protect Yourself From Lawsuits
Did you know that if somebody enters your fire-ravaged kitchen and injures himself or herself, you could be forced to pay damages? Stop that possibility in its tracks when you halt unwanted visitors with an emergency board-up.
Board up your house after a fire or other catastrophe, and you can remove a variety of stressors from your family's agenda. That's time better spent looking forward to your restored home and taking a well-deserved break.

Qualifications Need for Preferred Vendor Status

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Ready to help in Serenada, TX.

Preferred Vendor Status Requires the Following Qualifications

A close relationship with your insurance agent might not always seem like a critical benefit, but this could change in a matter of moments after a fire or extreme storm damages your facility in Serenada, TX. Then you will find that years of paying insurance premiums and thinking about the best coverages will pay off. Another part of the equation during this time is selecting the right damage mitigation company to lead you out of trouble.
You want a company that is well versed in all the methods of cleaning and restoration, but you also should look for a company that is a preferred vendor for your insurance company. A SERVPRO franchise meets all of these requirements.

The Merits of the Preferred Vendor Program
It is easy to make claims for your business, but backing them up takes knowledge, training and preparation. In the cleaning, inspection and restoration field this credibility depends upon multiple factors:

• Transparent guidelines for measuring success
  
• Validation from independent sources such as the IICRC
  
• Established metrics to measure customer satisfaction
  
• Ongoing training and education programs
  
  

Your insurance agent will also appreciate working with a company that embodies professionalism in everything that it does. This will lead to faster and more efficient cleanups, reduced damages and a streamlined process for settling claims.

The Benefits of a Professional Response
In the initial moments of dealing with a disaster, there are many moving parts. All of these need to work together to result in a truly successful recovery. It begins with trained and motivated workers arriving on-site within hours to begin the restoration process. Then it moves on to following a plan to restore your building to its original condition. Finally, it involves wrapping up important financial details. Your insurance agent will appreciate an orderly and professional process from start to finish.

Mold Cleanup Standards in Your Area

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup in Andice, TX.

How Can You Tell That a Mold Problem Has Been Appropriately Addressed?

The good news is that in Andice, TX, mold clean-up and recovery professionals are held to specific mold standards. These standards have been established by several agencies:

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, focuses on how mold may affect the environment in your building and on the environment. It also offers insights into who should handle the cleanup efforts.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the go-to source of training, standards, and certification. In addition to establishing high standards for professionals in the industry, the IICRC also oversees the quality of mold removal and cleanup within the industry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, also provides a lot of helpful information about upholding the standards established by the EPA. It also provides official recommendations pertinent to specific mold growth situations.
OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is another source of cleanup standards. This agency covers details about how to cleanup specific types of mold, such as black mold and gives specific information about business and property owner responsibilities.

The IICRC Mold Remediation Standard
It's important that you understand the mold standards that affect your business property. Familiarity with these standards can help you ensure that you have a clean, safe place for people to live or work. Technicians in your area may uphold the IICRC S520 Standard which protects the health of the workers and the people using the building, outlines the use of equipment, governs removal of contaminated materials, and dictates how the original moisture problem is addressed.

Standards and Your Confidence
When professionals adhere to mold standards established by the government and industry leaders, you can be confident that remediation has been carried out appropriately and thoroughly. You can also feel confident in the well-being of your building.

The Benefits of Using the Same Company for Mitigation and Restoration

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

This gym had smoke damage very high up on the walls and ceiling.

The Benefits of Using the Same Company for Mitigation and Restoration

If a fire ravages your commercial building in Florence, TX, you want to make sure that the areas with fire damage are repaired and rebuilt in a timely manner. There are several benefits of using the same team of fire restoration specialists to do all the work.

Saves Time
Hiring one company can save you a significant amount of time in the long run. Any time you have repairs done on your building, there are some steps that are typically a part of the process:

• Contact
  
• Consultation
  
• Assessment
  
• Debriefing
  
  

When one team handles both fire mitigation and restoration, you only have to go through each of these steps one time. This one-stop-shop approach streamlines the overall process, which gets your building back in order more quickly.

Improves Communication About Fire Damage
It's good to have everyone on the same page. No matter how many people are working on the cleanup, they need to know what others have done. It is especially important for them to know any problems other team members have encountered when mitigating damage.
Restoration is easier when it's handled by the same company that completed the mitigation portion of the process. The ones who tear out ruined materials and remove soot and smoke damage from the remaining surfaces report on their work. Then those who are rebuilding your structure can check their own company's records to verify what still needs to happen before they proceed.

Helps Claims Process
Your insurance adjuster needs a lot of information for the evaluation of your claim. After the walkthrough, you can provide pictures and video of the damage as well as confirmation of how much it will cost to replace the items that have been destroyed. Being able to submit one list of expenses from the beginning of cleanup to the final touches of restoration helps to verify your claim.
Both mitigation and restoration are necessary to get rid of fire damage. It makes good sense to hire the same company to do both.

What To Know Before Making a Water Damage Claim

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Finding bursting pipes in your Georgetown, TX, home is a stressful experience.

Finding bursting pipes or a flood of water in your Georgetown, TX, home is a stressful experience. You have to get the mess cleaned and try to salvage your belongings. You also have to worry about whether your insurance will cover water emergency restoration services. Here are some tips for filing a successful insurance claim.

Types of Water Damage Covered by Insurance

First, you need to understand when a water emergency is and is not included in your insurance policy. Typically, there will be at least some coverage for the following incidents:

• Flood
  
• Overflow
  
• Storm damage
  
• Sewer backup
  
• Sudden discharge of water
  
  

Gradual Damage
Insurance policies usually do not include coverage for gradual damage. Gradual damage includes harm caused by:

• Damaged wires
  
• Leaking pipes
  
• Improper repairs
  
• Basement or roof cracks
  
  

Still, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, your policy may not cover the cost to fix broken pipe issues that leaked over time, but insurance may pay to repair or replace items in your home that were damaged by water from this pipe.

Successful Claims
If you think your home's bursting pipes or another water emergency is covered by your policy, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Once everyone is safe, you can return to the premises to take photos or videos of the damage.
There are several things you can do now to reduce your chances of an insurance claim being denied in the future. Start by doing regular maintenance of your home every six months. This will prevent small issues from causing gradual damage that insurance will not cover.
Be sure to also keep detailed records of any repairs you do or any professionals you hire to work on the home. In addition, you should review your insurance policy and decide if you need to purchase any endorsements for additional coverage.
Homeowners' insurance can cover a variety of water-related disasters, from bursting pipes to a toilet overflow. The above information should help you make a successful claim.

Special Techniques That Aid Recovery After a Storm

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts are employed for repairing drywall and wall insulation.

After a Storm, There Are Several Special Techniques That Can Help With Recovery

While your commercial building in Serenada, TX, might seem indestructible, in reality, it is at risk of powerful storms. Thunderstorms unleash lightning and high winds, while tornadoes produce winds of more than 100 miles per hour. As recent events have shown, hail storms can be truly destructive. Hurricanes often generate torrential rains that lead to flooding.
All of these weather events put your facility at risk of damage. Fortunately, an experienced storm remediation company has the equipment and the knowledge to bring your company back from disaster. They often use specialized techniques during the restoration phase.

The Execution of a Tear Out
When water inundates your building, many materials become saturated with moisture. In some cases, normal drying is not sufficient, and a technique known as a flood cut is employed for repairing drywall and wall insulation. In the aftermath of flooding, technicians will perform the following actions:

• Remove all standing water
  
• Cut the drywall 12 inches above the flood line
  
• Remove all damaged wall insulation
  
• Completely dry out the area with fans
  
• Replace new insulation and drywall
  
  

This must be done to remove any contamination caused by floodwaters. It ensures the drywall and insulation will not later produce unpleasant odors or result in mold growth.

The Utilization of Professional Cleaning Methods
A professional restoration company will also use many different methods of cleaning and sanitizing areas of a building as well as the contents of a building. While some items such as clothes might need dry cleaning techniques, other items such as non-porous items can benefit from abrasive cleaning or foam cleaning. The technicians will determine the best method of cleaning for each item, and they will use a restore versus replace mentality when possible.
The recovery of your facility from flooding is a complicated process. Trained professionals can restore your building quickly and efficiently with industry-leading techniques and advanced equipment.

4 Things To Do To Protect a Company From Mold

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Andice, TX.

How To Protect Your Property From Mold

If you are a business owner or property manager, it is important that you understand how to protect your property in Andice, TX, from harmful mold. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent mold from growing in your building, just as there are ways to streamline any mold insurance claims you might have to file. Here are some tips to help you navigate this tricky situation.

1. Keep Your Property Clean and Dry. Although mold loves moisture, it is unlikely to grow out of control unless your building is extra humid or has experienced a water problem such as a flood or a leaky pipe. A rapid response by professionals to any leaks in your facility is key to preventing mold growth.

2. Talk to Your Insurance Agent. It can be difficult to ascertain what aspects of mold growth an insurance company will cover and how much it will payout for a mold claim. Talk to your agent at least once a year to get an idea of your coverage, and to see what policy options are available. A good understanding of your policy might put your company in a better position to handle a mold outbreak.

3. Talk to Legal Counsel. If you rent or lease properties to tenants, it is a good idea to know about liability issues related to mold. 

4. Take Fast Action With Mold Remediation. A mold mitigation franchise can do several important things for your company. A team of trained technicians can discover the presence of mold as well as its cause. They will work fast to remove the mold, limiting any property damage as well as restoring the air quality in the building.
With the right steps, mold insurance claims can be handled successfully by your company. This is true whether you are dealing with property damage or liability concerns.

5 Tips for Preparing Your Business for Any Disaster

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan.

Disaster Preparedness

When you're planning all of the logistics for getting your business up and running, it's important to add "prepare for disasters" to your to-do list. Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses don't open again after a disaster. Here are five things you can do to be prepared to face anything that comes your way.

1. Prepare to Prevent

Some disasters can be avoided. Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of your property and address any issues quickly. Other disasters, such as natural floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, can't be avoided despite your best plans. Know the risks in Florence, TX, and prepare for those as best you can.

2. Protect Records

Don't leave records in a pile on your desk to deal with "someday." Use a physical safe that is water- and fire-proof or an online storage system that allows you to easily retrieve data from anywhere.

3. Keep Current Coverage

Check-in with your insurance company annually to ensure that your business preparedness plan is covered by the proper insurance policies. As your company grows, re-evaluate your needs and adjust coverage as appropriate.

4. Communicate Evacuation Plan

A disaster preparedness plan is only effective if it is widely known by your staff. Share your plan, practice it, and review it regularly. Ensure that it is a part of new staff orientation. Keep a current list of emergency contact numbers for each staff member in a safe place, as well as a second copy off-site or digitally.

5. Stay Up to Date

If it's been a few years since you last assessed your business preparedness plan, it's time for a refresher. Ensure that your plans are still relevant and up to date with the latest guidance. It's also a good idea to have the number of an emergency restoration company handy to get help as soon as possible in the event of a disaster.
Anything can happen to your business, but you can take measures to avoid lasting consequences. Disaster preparedness can help to solidify long-term success.

3 Ways to Mitigate Damage Caused by a Water Heater Leak

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a leaking water heater, then you need to take immediate action.

Water Heater Leak

To enjoy hot showers in the morning, you need a working water heater in your home. If you locate a leaking water heater, then you need to take immediate action to prevent it from causing even more problems. Homeowners in Georgetown, TX can easily curtail extensive water damage by remaining proactive and contacting professionals as soon as they notice something out of the ordinary.

1. Regularly Inspect the Heater

In many cases, a broken water heater will not result in a flood of liquids rushing from the system. More often than not, the leak will be minimal. A little bit of water will flow out at a time, which means it can take days or even weeks to realize something is wrong. Your chances of having a failed water heater increase if the appliance is more than a decade old. Check on your heater once in a while. If your heater is more than 10 years old, then you may want to consider replacing it before an actual problem develops.

2. Move the Water Heater

You can lessen the impact of a leaking water heater by moving it to an area of the house that does not contain a lot of valuables. The garage is a great location because it does not have carpet and most items are kept higher up on shelves. If you are planning on some major renovations around your house in Georgetown, TX, then consider moving the heater during that time.

3. Pay Attention to Faulty Water Heater Symptoms

You may need a new water heater sooner than you were expecting if you notice things out of the ordinary around your house. It’s likely you need a new heater if water does not get as hot as it normally does, water has a metallic taste to it or popping sounds come from the heater. These symptoms will likely be accompanied by a leaking water heater.

How Professionals Clean Damage from Sewer Damage

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Serenada, TX.

How Sewer Damage Is Repaired by Professionals

If your business has a flooded toilet, sewer backup, or requires sewer cleanup for any other reason, you may wonder how anyone could return your business to its former glory. While it’s not magic, it’s pretty amazing what professional restoration companies in Serenada, TX can do. First, the crew may send out technicians that specialize in each of these areas:

• Water Damage Restoration
  
• Applied Structural Drying
  
• Odor Control
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning
  
  

Each of these trained professionals can tackle a different aspect of cleaning up after a sewage backup.

Water Damage Restoration

Whether you need help with a broken pipe, rain flooding, or sewer backup, water damage restoration should be part of the method. This process helps prevent secondary damage, such as black mold. The sooner you call a cleanup crew, the more effective water damage restoration can be.

Applied Structural Drying

Mold isn’t the only problem that water can cause. Too much water can make the structures in your building vulnerable. That’s why sewage cleanup should always include applied structural drying. This process precisely dries the walls, floors, and other structures that the water damaged. If done quickly, this can keep you from needing more construction work.

Odor Control

Of course, sewer cleanup must include some way to make the foul odor disappear. A skilled Odor Control Technician can make this happen. These professionals tackle the smell from many different angles to ensure it disappears. Not only can they get rid of the sewage smell, but they can also prevent mold and mildew smells.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning

In some unfortunate situations, the sewage can damage upholstered furniture and other fabrics. If that happens in your office, a professional restoration company in Serenada, TX can send a specialist to tackle this problem. This technician may work with the Odor Control Technician to keep the smells at bay. While they may not be able to save everything, you may be amazed at the skills this member of the sewer cleanup crew has.

Today’s technology and years of experience enable many restoration crews to quickly and efficiently restore your property after a flood. Don’t hesitate to find the company that will work best for your needs.

Why Should Insurance Agents Use a Claims Inventory System

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water cleanup in Andice, TX.

Four Reasons Agents and Adjusters Rely On Inventory Systems

Insurers prefer to work with helpful and reliable mitigation and restoration services. SERVPRO provides access to estimates and data through a Claims Information Center and is a leading company in many vendor networks. Here are four reasons agents and adjusters rely on inventory systems when processing an insurance claim related to damage at a residence in Andice, TX.

1. Tracking Estimates

An inventory system makes it possible to view an estimate as soon as it has been uploaded by a franchise. This system can also be useful for monitoring the progress of a job. This is particularly the case if adjustments are necessary once cleanup or restoration is underway.

2. Accessing Data

These systems also make it easier for an insurance agent to determine whether an estimate is in line with regional and national averages. The Claims Information Center allows users to compare causes of loss, job file costs, types of claims and company and franchise performance. All of this information may facilitate the settlement of an insurance claim.

3. Communicating Efficiently

A claims inventory system also makes it easy for insurers to see information uploaded by a mitigation and restoration franchise. Estimates and other relevant files are submitted to an internal system and made available on the Information Center for authorized access at any time.

4. Streamlining Claims

The availability of information on individual claims and aggregated data can make it easier to settle a claim. The Information Center offers all of this information, and SERVPRO also maintains a franchise Participation Agreement to increase the likelihood of coverage.

An agent or adjuster can use an inventory system to track and research claims. A service such as the Claims Information Center makes it easy to compare types of damage and restoration jobs. Insurers can access an individual insurance claim and data on national, regional, area or local damage in Andice, TX.

4 Tips on How To Eliminate the Smell of Cigarettes From Your Home

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone machines are extremely effective at home deodorization.

4 Tips for Getting Rid of the Cigarette Smell in Your Home

While candles and air fresheners can help mask the smell of cigarettes for a short while, this especially potent type of odor often requires extensive home deodorization to eliminate the smell completely. While an odor removal specialist might be necessary if your home in Florence, TX, has been exposed to cigarette smoke for a long period of time, here are a few tips on how you can try to rid of the smell on your own.

1. Clean Hard Surfaces Using Vinegar

While it may appear that smoke floats around the room until it dissolves, it actually settles on the first surface it comes into contact with. Often, this surface is your ceiling or the top of your walls. However, furniture, floors and other surfaces will likely be hit over time. Take time to thoroughly clean every hard surface in your home using a half vinegar and half water solution.

2. Create Airflow

Use ceiling fans, floor fans and open windows to let out foul smelling odors that are in the air of your home. While this action alone won’t help much for intense, lingering smoke, it is important to not trap the smoke smell in your house while you work on a total home deodorization.

3. Deep Clean Fabrics

Fabrics like your clothes, the carpet, linens and upholstered furniture will absorb the cigarette smell until you take the time to deep clean them. Machine wash all clothing and fabrics that can be washed and add a cup of vinegar to the load. Use a steam cleaner to wash carpet and other fabrics.

4. Ozone Machine

Ozone machines are extremely effective at home deodorization. This is the tool of choice of many restoration companies. These machines use the process of oxidation to change the structure of odors in your home chemically.

No one likes the smell of cigarette smoke in their home. Try out these four tips or call in the professionals for a fresh smelling, smoke-free home!

What You Need To Know About Document Restoration With SERVPRO

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

If valuable documents have gotten wet professionals can restore them for you.

Document Restoration Process

If a client has suffered damage to his or her Georgetown, TX, home, it can require quite a bit of restoration. Not only will the structure of the house need work, but the property inside will need to be repaired or replaced as well. Paper items are often considered lost once they’ve been damaged, but this is not always the case. Here are a few things you should know about the restoration process.

1. When Do You Need Document Restoration?

Clients will most likely need this service when there has been some kind of water damage. In the case of a burst pipe, flood or a fire that involved using a hose, there will be quite a bit of water in the home. If important or sentimentally valuable documents have gotten wet, your client will likely want to have them restored if it is possible.

2. How Is Restoration Done?

Because paper documents are very porous, they absorb water quickly. SERVPRO uses a freeze-drying process during document restoration that removes the water and returns the document to its previous state. Because water can carry contaminants such as pesticides, harmful chemicals, bacteria and viruses, it is important to have your items sterilized as well. During restoration, a gamma irradiation process will be used to clean and disinfect any documents that have been in contact with potentially contaminated water.

3. What Related Services Are Offered?

The experience of nearly losing their important documents can be upsetting to your clients. During the document restoration process, SERVPRO offers a digitizing service that can bring them peace of mind. Creating digital copies of their documents is a great way to prevent any potential losses in the future. It can also be convenient for them to have access to all of their important items in one place.
Document drying can be an incredibly useful service to those who need water damage restoration. It can save important documents and keep your client’s from going through the stressful process of replacing them.

Cleaning Up Sewage Backup

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup should be cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Tips To Restore Flooded Areas

No one enjoys cleaning up after a flooded toilet, but the process must be done quickly and thoroughly to reduce the risk of your family becoming seriously ill due to sewage backup. The flooded area, whether confined to a small bathroom or spread out over an entire floor of your home, needs to be scrubbed thoroughly and disinfected to remove all traces of bacteria. When you begin the time-consuming process of sewer cleanup, use these tips to restore flooded areas.

Cleaning

Before you can begin disinfecting the area as part of the sewer cleanup process, you must remove every bit of remaining water. Depending on how much dirty water remains in the flooded area, you can use any of the following items to remove it:

• Old towels
  
• Buckets
  
• Sump pump
  
• Trash pump
  
• Wet vac
  
  

Once the water has been removed, use wet rags and household cleaners to wipe down every surface that touched the sewage to remove every trace of dirt, debris, and filth from the area. Any porous items that may have absorbed water should either be thoroughly washed and dry cleaned or discarded.

Disinfecting

Once the area has been cleaned and all filth has been removed, you can begin the process of disinfecting. Mixing household disinfectant sprays with bleach and warm water makes the best solution to kill any remaining bacteria. Apply the solution to every surface that may have been contaminated and let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing with a clean rag. After the solution has been removed, rinse every surface with clean, warm water.

Dealing with a flooded toilet in Serenada, TX is never fun. Sewage backup presents a health hazard, so it should be cleaned up as quickly and thoroughly as possible. For small areas, you may choose the complete the sewer cleanup by yourself, but larger areas may require the help of a qualified restoration company. In either case, use these tips on cleaning and disinfecting to make the cleanup process easier.

How To Deal With Business Interruption After a Fire

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Andice, TX.

How to Handle Business Disruption Following a Fire

Fires can leave destruction in their wake and often devastate businesses of all sizes and shapes. Whether your Andice, TX, business operates as a corporation with many investors or it is a mom-and-pop shop in a quiet corner, the business interruption that takes place in the days following a business fire can lead to heavy financial losses.

Remediation Professionals Care for Your Property

The key to surviving often begins with how you handle the situation. Even if your structures remain unharmed, you may have to contend with smoke or water damage. As quickly as possible, contact fire cleaning and repair professionals. They can offer a variety of crucial services.

• Roof tarping
  
• Restoration for carpets, woodwork, and electronics
  
• Decontamination for HVAC and ductwork systems
• Cleaning and repair of fixtures, furniture, and documents
  
• Building reconstruction
  
• Safety inspections and education
  
  

For the best results, get in touch with these professionals right away to prevent further damage or losses.

Continue To Focus on Day-to-Day Operations

While fire and smoke remediation technicians are taking care of your property, you can focus on the operation of your company. You may have the choice of operating out of a temporary location, or you may have to put things on hold until you can move back into your building. Either way, you're likely to see less revenue during this time. Business interruption coverage can help alleviate your concerns.

Insurance Coverage Keeps Things Moving Forward

This type of insurance coverage often provides a way for you to continue paying rent and making payroll. It may also give you the financial means to move to a temporary location. In many cases, the policies cover your costs throughout the entire restoration period. Discuss these details with your insurance representative.

Fires and other emergencies tend to strike when you least expect them. Whether your Andice, TX, business is large or small, whether you own the building or not, it's best to have business interruption insurance in place. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with adequate insurance coverage.

What To Do If a Toilet Floods

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

What to do if a toilet overflows?

If a Toilet Overflows, What Should You Do?

A flooded toilet in a commercial property can cause serious sewer damage. As soon as this situation is brought to your attention, a business or property owner should take the following steps to address the problem. If a toilet floods more than one floor, more extensive cleaning and restoration work may be necessary.

1. Contact a plumber or sewage company. It is important to have a skilled plumber fix the source of the leak as soon as possible. A company that provides sewage cleanup and restoration may not be able to fix the cause of the flooding.

2. Hire a service to clean up sewer damage. A commercial damage restoration or sewage service can ensure that the area affected by a sewage leak is cleaned and sanitized in a timely manner to prevent mold or bacteria from proliferating.

3. Obtain a restoration plan. Make sure that the cleanup and restoration service you contact is aware of the extent of the leak. Building materials such as carpet, drywall, or insulation may need to be replaced in order to eliminate all contamination, odors, and staining.

4. Make sure that the work gets finished. You should only restore or replace contents in the part of a commercial property that has been affected by a flooded toilet or sewage leak after the area has been cleaned, sanitized, and dried.

If your commercial property in Florence, TX has sustained sewer damage, you can contact a sewage company that exclusively specializes in this type of damage or a full-service commercial restoration company certified to clean up sewage and restore your property to a functional and safe condition as soon as possible. You may find that the best way to make sure that all of the necessary cleanup and restoration work is performed in a timely manner is to hire the same company for cleanup and restoration.

Mold Is Always on the Move

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Georgetown, TX.

Mold is Always Moving

You can’t see, smell or feel them, but spores are everywhere in your home. Spreading mold is their job. These tiny seed-like particles travel through the air looking for:

• Wood or another food source
  
• Moisture
  
• Room-temperature conditions
  

Active Mold Colonies Often Go Unnoticed
You can’t assume that mold colonies take root only in visible areas. They establish themselves anywhere that moisture is present. Sink cabinets, basements and crawlspaces are ideal locations for mold to set up shop.
You also can’t assume that mold you see is the only colony present. Having a new colony in a hidden location increases the density of new spores in your home. Heaters, air conditioners and fans move the spore-rich air, spreading mold everywhere.

Mold Cleanup Is Not as Simple as It Looks
Removal of mold requires more than scrubbing it with soapy water. Unlike dirt that washes off, scrubbing will only release more spores into the air. Spores that get wet remain viable and become airborne when they dry. Mold remediation requires special skills, tools and materials not available to most homeowners.

Mold Requires Immediate Attention
Understand that it won’t go away on its own. It won’t get better with time. Mold infestation requires immediate attention, especially if the problem is black mold. Homeowner’s insurance generally covers the expense of repairing mold damage. A delay in reporting it may increase the cost of mold removal. In that situation, your insurance company may not cover the entire expense.

Mold and Water Problems Go Together
You can’t solve one without also addressing the other. Fix that leak under your sink. Repair the roof. Put a dehumidifier in the basement. Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
Eliminate spreading mold. Your best option is to bring in mold remediation specialists from the Georgetown, TX, area. They have the equipment and expertise to find and remove the mold from your home. They work well with insurance companies and have a long list of satisfied customers.

Homeowners Guide To Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover an ice dam in your home it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage.

Whether you have lived in a cold climate all of your life or recently moved to Serenada, TX, a winter storm is a force to be reckoned with. One aspect many homeowners do not know a lot about is the ice dam. What is it? Can it be prevented?

Tips To Identify an Ice Dam

Just as dams are constructed to hold water back, the same concept occurs on the exterior of your home. Snow melts into water which then freezes. The block of ice prevents further water from draining, creating a dam effect. This may be happening to your home if you notice the following:

• The most common place that dams occur is on the roof. Inspect the roof throughout the season, especially after a winter storm cycle where the weather fluctuates.
• Pay close attention to the icicles. If there is water backed up behind them with no place to go, you may have a problem.
• When dams are present, the water likely finds a way into your house. Examine the attic, ceiling and walls for evidence of dampness.

Steps for Ice Dam Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent ice dams both before and during the winter storm season:

• Before there is a chill in the air, take actions to keep your attic cool. Heat rising from the house to the roof melts snow faster causing problems later on. Consider increasing insulation, sealing openings and improving ventilation.
• During the freezing weather remove rooftop snow after storms, keep gutters clear and remove identified dams as needed.

Sometimes ice dam prevention methods are not sufficient. If you discover an ice dam at your house in Serenada, TX, it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact a storm restoration professional and check with your homeowners’ insurance agent to see if the damage is covered under your individual policy.

5 Criteria for Carpet Restoration

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Andice, TX.

5 Criteria for Carpet Restoration

A flooded house in Andice, TX, is a hassle. A major worry you might have when water strikes is if your carpet will need to be replaced. If the flood is clean water from a pipe break or supply line to a household appliance, the damage can be undone. In addition to a clean source, successful recovery depends on these five criteria.

1. Water Remains Clean

Contaminants that change the water lurk around every home. Water is categorized in increasing severity depending on how contaminated it is. With time, a Category 1 flood can become Category 2 or 3. As it increases in classification, recovery of the flooring become less likely.

2. Timely Intervention

Time is not an ally in treating water damage. Even if it’s clean water from a pipe break, mold and deteriorating water are inevitable if the problem remains untreated. On top of the microbial threat, the flooring’s structure worsens and can split into unrepairable layers.

3. Age and Condition

Cheap or tattered carpet is typically not worth the cost of restoration. It’s sometimes more economical to replace the flooring. If you do not know the value, an insurance adjuster or other professional can assist in determining which is the better option.

4. Usage After Becoming Wet

Heavy foot traffic risks breaking apart the flooring in its wet and vulnerable state. Delamination, the process of layers coming apart, is more likely if the floor is used when not dry. The affected area should remain undisturbed or, at worst, lightly used if no alternate routes exist.

5. Proper Procedure

An incomplete job can leave carpet irreparably damaged or still in danger of growing microorganisms. Any company specializing in flooring restoration has access to industry-grade machines and established procedures to ensure water is adequately removed.

If you experience a water leak or pipe break, examine these five criteria so you can make informed decisions on which actions to take. After fixing it, the floor will be new or like new.

How To Remove Mold From Air Ducts

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Remove mold from your air ducts.

Removing Mold From Air Ducts

Mold colonies seem to favor HVAC systems. The heating and cooling system in your building, in Serenada, TX, is no different. What is the reason mold growth is such a problem in air ducts? How can you prevent mold from taking root in your AC system? Here are some of the reasons why mold is such a problem in commercial heating and air systems:

• Mold, such as black mold, makes airborne spores that enter the ductwork via the intake system.
  
• Particles get trapped in ducts due to buildup of dust and dirt in the system.
• Particles thrive and become colonies due to the moisture and availability of an organic-based food supply.
  
  

If you smell mold but you haven’t found the source, start checking out the vents. Do you see any specks of discoloration around your vents? Do you smell musty air when you are near vents or when the system is running? If the answer is yes, you may have a mold issue in your ducts.

Clean Your Ventilation System

Cleaning should be done frequently, with some recommendations suggesting every 3-5 years, but may be needed more frequently depending on the situation. For example, if you have had any construction or remodeling, you should have your ducts cleaned. When your system is cleaned, professionals remove dust and debris that serves as food for black mold and other mold colonies. There are two basic steps a professional will take to make sure you have clean ducts:

1. Loosen contaminants. Agitators such as brushes, air tools, and vacuums may be used.

2. Contain contaminants. Negative air pressure is utilized to collect contaminants as well as to prevent them from spreading into your building.

A professional will be thorough, cleaning the entire system, including coils, ducts, motor, drip pans, vents, blower, and more.

Conclusion

Cleaning your air ducts and HVAC system periodically will help prevent the growth of black mold, improve the quality of your indoor air and keep your HVAC system running more efficiently. Rely on professional mold remediators to help ensure proper cleaning and containment of mold for your organization.

What You Should Know About Water Damage After Fires

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in a building in Georgetown, TX.

Protect Your Business From Fire

As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to protect your business. After a business in Georgetown, TX, sustains fire damage, it is not uncommon for water damage to occur after the fire. There are various reasons floods often occur after fires.

1. Environmental Devastation Can Make Flooding Likely

When fires are not contained within a building, plant life can be destroyed. In addition to providing curb appeal to your business, trees, shrubs and other plants around your building can help to absorb rainwater. However, if a fire destroys the majority of plant life in an area, excess water will not be absorbed, and floods are more likely to occur quickly.

2. Structural Issues Can Result in Flooding

Fire damage can often affect the structure of a building, which can in turn cause pipes to crack or burst. If a pipe bursts or cracks as a result of a fire, different areas of a building may be impacted by water. Though it is not always possible to avoid pipes breaking during fires, regular maintenance can help to spot cracks that may otherwise remain unnoticed until after a building has been damaged.

3. Hoses Can Cause Flooding

The process of putting out a fire can also be a cause of flooding. When a fire is being extinguished, the combination of a fire hose and a sprinkler system can cause a business to become flooded. Since sprinklers and hoses can result in destruction in various areas in the home, including higher locations that may not be impacted by flooding that occurs naturally, it’s often wise to protect important documents by placing them in water-proof, fire-proof containers.

Knowing that flooding often happens after fire damage can help you to prepare your business for disaster. If your business has been impacted by fires and floods, you may consider it helpful to work with fire and flood damage restoration professionals to help restore your business.

How To Avoid Space Heater Fires

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you are not using your space heater, make sure to turn it off and unplug it.

How To Avoid Space Heater Fires

As a homeowner in Florence, TX, the last thing you want to worry about during chilly seasons is a burned space heater. It can be hard to remember to carefully operate and maintain such a device when you are just focused on staying warm. Here are three safety tips that can help you be better prepared to keep the unit and your home free from fires.

1. Avoid Overheating

Do not plug multiple devices or an extension cord into the same outlet where the heater is plugged in. This could cause the devices, cords or outlet to overheat, creating a fire risk. It is a good idea to plug the unit into an otherwise empty power outlet to avoid a burned space heater.

2. Turn It Off

If you are not using your space heater, make sure to turn it off and unplug it. Consider doing this anytime you leave the room or go to sleep for the night. Pull the plug straight out of the socket and check it for any damage. If damage is found, dispose of the unit and purchase a new one.

3. Leave Ample Space

Leave a space of three or more feet around the heater to account for pets, children and combustible materials found in the room. It is also important to never use a space heater in a child’s room. Often, kids may not understand the fire danger involved and may not be able to properly inspect a unit for damage or other issues. This could potentially lead to a fire in your Florence, TX, home.

Take these three safety tips seriously and try to remember them to have a greater chance of avoiding a burned space heater and the smoke cleanup that could result from it. Then you can focus on staying warm and cozy through the cold fall and winter months.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

11/20/2021 (Permalink)

Stock up on emergency supplies.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

When a flood warning sounds, it's too late to begin protecting your business from flooding. You need to prepare long before storms and heavy rains move your way. Use the following tips to keep your Georgetown, TX, business, employees, and clients safe.

Reach Out to Local and National Resources

If your business is situated in an area prone to floods, it's a good idea to talk to your insurance company about coverage for this eventuality. You'll feel much better about your outlook when storms do hit. The insurance company may provide advice about the best strategies to protect your property and belongings. Other resources could include:

• The federal government website on floods and prevention
  
• Local flood remediation companies
  
• Professional surveyors and architects in Georgetown, TX
  
  

Create a Flood Safety Plan

This plan should include an evacuation route, a protocol for protecting business equipment and inventory, and a communication plan that goes into place as soon as flooding becomes a concern. After working out the details of the plan, train your staff on how to respond and run annual evacuation drills. Don't forget to address the dangers of black water and power outages.

Identify Specific Areas of Danger

You may have a lot of equipment in your building that runs on electricity. As the water rises, those machines could pose an increased risk of danger as well as costing a pretty penny to replace. If there's time to turn off your copiers, computers, and other electronics; and carry those items up to higher levels of the building. When outlets go under the water, there could be an electricity risk. If you have gas heating, that system could also pose a safety risk.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Businesses in communities that are often affected by flooding may want to have plenty of sandbags on hand. Other supplies, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios, should also be kept in a central position that can be accessed easily when warnings are given.

There Is a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Leaking Kitchen Sink

If the water in your home stays where it belongs, it may be a homeowner’s best friend. When it is set free by a burst pipe or comes flooding in from the outdoors, it can be one of the homeowner’s worst enemies. Even the damage caused by a simple leak could be extensive, costly, and a major inconvenience.

Check the Sink Enclosure
The pipes in the cabinet enclosure beneath a kitchen sink are a perfect example of a plumbing failure waiting to happen. In that cabinet, you will often find some combination of:

• Hot and cold water supply pipes for the faucet
  
• A hot water supply pipe for the dishwasher
  
• A hose for the sprayer
  
• A water supply pipe for a hot water dispenser
  
• Water supply for a filtered water dispenser
  
• Drains
  

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks. At that time, the damage could look like it was caused by significant flooding. Even if the leak is small, don’t be fooled into thinking that it can wait.

Prevent Additional Damage
The simplest way to prevent more damage is to shut off the water supply using the valves under the sink. If you are looking at a long wait for the plumber to arrive, you might be able to find other ways to capture the leaking water and reduce the inconvenience.

Call Your Insurance Company
If your insurance policy covers water damage, an adjuster may open a claim and evaluate the damage caused by the leak. By notifying the company of the leak, you can begin the process.

Proceed With Restoration
Whether your sink area has been damaged by significant flooding or a simple leak, your kitchen repair often requires the attention of water remediation specialists who can restore the area quickly and completely. You may find such specialists in Serenada, TX, who are prepared to quickly come in and deal with your problem.

Business Survival After a Fire

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire and water damage in Andice, TX.

Business Survival Following a Fire

The fire department has left. The fire is out, but fire, water and smoke damage remain. Now it is time to resurrect the business from the ashes. This is where traditional fire insurance comes into play. It will help with the cost of fire restoration and, in time, the company can resume normal operations. Until then, however, there are still bills to pay. This is where interruption insurance enters the picture.

Financial Impact: Direct

A business that is partially shut down has less revenue. A business completely shut down has none. A shutdown impacts customers and stockholders, but at least they won’t be looking for payments from the business. For the landlord, utility companies and government, it’s a different story. Regardless of the situation, business owners still have to pay the following:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Taxes

In addition, other vendors may also come to collect. An interruption insurance policy can help the business deal with these problems and minimize the financial impact of the fire.

Financial Impact: Indirect

A business interruption can result in several other one-time expenses that don't directly impact revenue but affect profitability. Insurance can help with this as well. For example, if the operation can be temporarily moved to another location, the cost of relocating both ways could be covered. If employees need to be retrained to use new equipment, that could be covered. Even lost profits or some portion of lost revenue could be covered. A good interruption insurance policy can be the difference between a successful recovery and a dismal failure.

The Real Job

With the insurer handling the financial aspects of the fire, the business can focus on fire restoration. It is in everyone’s best interest that this gets done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, the business needs a qualified and capable restoration expert from Andice, TX, on the job. Soon, the business will be up and running again, better than ever.

Five Things To Do To Prevent a Gas Fire From a Leak

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure the stove is off.

Whether it is after a storm or even on a normal day, smelling gas in your home is an unsettling feeling. A gas fire is a common type of house fire, but the good news is you can easily prevent fires caused by natural gas leaks. By following these simple steps, you can protect your home and family.

What To Do When You Smell Gas

1. Remain Calm. You have a better chance of preventing a gas fire when you can think clearly.

2. Ventilate the House. When you open windows, it allows the gas to escape, lessening the chance of a gas explosion.

3. Avoid Making Sparks or Using a Flame. A spark can trigger a gas explosion. Light switches can create sparks, so you don’t want to turn any lights on or off. You also don’t want to use candles or lighters for this same reason. Use a flashlight instead.

4. Make Sure the Stove Is Off. In most instances, the natural gas is coming from the stove. Check to see that all the dials have been shut off properly. You can hear a hiss coming from the burner in this case.

5. Move the Family Outside and Shut Off the Gas. Being outside is the safest place for your family. Once you are outside, go to the meter and shut off the gas. Every meter has an emergency shut-off valve. Find it and turn it to the off position. Then, call the appropriate authorities from a neighbor’s home or your cellphone.

Following these steps can help you when you smell natural gas. Know where your meter and shut-off valve are located, so you can easily find them in an emergency. If you have had the unfortunate event of a gas fire in Serenada, TX, you can find the help you need by calling a restoration professional to help you get your home back to normal.

Responding to Mold in a Crisis

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in a Georgetown, TX kitchen.

When you find a mold infestation, it’s nothing to ignore; mold should be treated as an emergency situation and removed from your home immediately. If your Georgetown, TX, home has black mold, you shouldn’t try to clean it yourself. You need help, but there are steps you can take to resolve the crisis and contain the situation in an emergency.

How To Stop the Mold From Spreading

Your first step in emergency response should be emergency containment. That means:

1. Shutting off the HVAC system. This should be your first priority. You have mold spores in the air around you at all times. Airflow causes those black mold spores to spread, and you can’t afford to let them drift to other parts of the home and establish another mold colony.

2. Shutting off the water. If you have a mold problem, it came from a moisture problem. Shut off the water to the affected area, or to the entire house if necessary, until the mold problem is resolved.

3. Sealing off the area. If possible, seal off the area. Close all vents, doors, and windows. Tape the door and window frames, or use weather stripping to seal them off. Make the infested area as airtight as possible to prevent further particulate dispersal.

4. Disposing of anything contaminated. You may want to wait on a full tear-out until an assessment by a professional, but if loose items, such as pillows, clothing, food, or books, are contaminated you should throw them out immediately.

5. Contacting a mold remediation company about mold cleanup. Mold remediation companies usually have more accurate methods for detecting the extent of black mold contamination, and can provide more effective solutions for remediation, removal, and future prevention. For safety and a more complete mold cleanup, trust certified professionals with years of experience removing mold from residential homes.

Water Damage – A Fluid Ounce of Prevention

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean.

Mold Prevention Measures

It only takes a brief period of above-average moisture to activate mold spores that are ever-present in the environment. With increasing frequency, residents of Florence, TX, are experiencing water events that far exceed what could be called “above-average.” Enacting some common sense mold prevention measures can both prevent distress and save dollars.

Don’t Let the Water In

One of the first steps to prevent mold from growing is to keep your home dry. Here are a few tips for keeping water out:

• Check all internal and external pipes and fixtures for leaks.
  
• Make sure that there is proper drainage around the house and that grates and drains are free of clogs.
  
• Determine that gutters and drainpipes are intact and are adequately diverting water away from the structure.
  
• Be sure that the slope of the land on which your house sits is not encouraging water to collect around the foundation.
  
• Control the general humidity and moisture levels inside the house to prevent mold growth.
  
  

Following these steps can make a big difference in the amount of water that gets into your home.

What To Do if Water Does Get In

If you do experience a water event in Florence, TX, the very first thing to do is to call a professional service to inspect and assess any possible damage. Some types of water damage are highly visible, while others can be hidden inside walls, ceilings, roofs, furniture and other items. Knowing the extent and specific nature of the damage will determine the course of action employed for mitigation and mold prevention.

How To Prepare for Water Removal

The full-scale removal of moisture and/or water should not be attempted by a homeowner. However, there are measures that can be taken in advance of the arrival of water removal specialists. Remove electrical appliances and mop or blot excess water from floors and wood furniture. Remove any wet upholstery, cushions and area rugs. Place a barrier, such as aluminum foil or wood blocks, between wet carpeting and furniture legs. Remove art objects and loose items.

Take measures to prevent water incursion. However, if it does occur, a quick reaction in its aftermath can be a great help with mold prevention.

Category 3: Levels of Contamination

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Andice, TX.

Water Categories

Many people have fond memories of splashing barefoot in puddles after a storm when they were children. Lingering flood water is actually pretty contaminated, though. When it seeps into your home in Andice, TX, it can cause water damage that only water remediation experts can resolve. Water from flooding is considered Category 3 water, meaning it is not safe to ingest on account of its high germ level. All Category 3 water, however, is not the same.

Level 1

Water can be very contaminated without causing a huge problem. Some factors make black water easy to clean up:

• Originates in house
  
• Does not come into contact with porous items
  
• Affects small, limited area
  
• Has quick cleanup time
  
  

Black water from an overflowing toilet that was caught before it could become a huge problem is a level 1 contaminant. It is still not safe to ingest but can be cleaned up fairly easily.

Level 2

Category 3 water that originates in the house but causes more significant water damage is the next level of contamination. It may affect both porous and nonporous materials. Technicians who remediate this damage often have to cut out walls and replace them. Carpet, carpet pads and furniture upholstery that has been in contact with this water must be thrown away if they cannot be cleaned.

Level 3

Flood water from a storm falls into the third level of Category 3 black water. If your home is flooded by a storm, you must engage professional help for cleanup. Certified technicians use industrial cleaners to make sure that every bit of contamination is gone. They also ensure that all damage is fixed and that your home is returned to its previous livable state.

No matter what level Category 3 water you have in your home, it can cause significant water damage. It not only has to be dried to prevent mold and other problems but also cleaned so that the environment of your home is safe again.

How To Identify Sprinkler System Problems

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Irrigation problems can lead to flooding that only a water restoration specialist can combat.

How to Spot Sprinkler System Issues

The landscaping on your commercial property is one of the first things that clients and visitors see, so it's important for your irrigation system to function properly so that it looks nice. A faulty system not only ruins the look of your landscaping but also can flood and cause damage to your building. It's necessary, therefore, to pinpoint the issue at the first sign of irrigation problems to get it fixed quickly. When you call irrigation specialists in Serenada, TX, about a problem, here are some ways you can help them identify issues with your sprinkler system.

Electrical

It is possible that your problem is electrical. If your system or even part of it isn't getting power, it's obviously not going to work well. There are several electrical problems to troubleshoot:

• Timer not sending full 24 volts to valves
  
• Solenoid detached from wire and not getting power
  
• Valve not getting power
  
• Wires cut or corroded
  
  

The whole electrical system has to be connected and working to power your irrigation system. Check first to see if the source of the power is hot. Then spot check every step of the way.

Hydraulic

Often, the system will lose pressure in one or more zones. This could be caused by something as simple as debris that clogs the solenoid, valve or even a pipe. Pipes could get broken by a wayward tree root, which could result in both a leak and possible clogging of the rest of the pipe. If the mechanics of any individual sprinkler are malfunctioning, it could create problems for the whole system.

Irrigation problems can lead to flooding that only a water restoration specialist can combat. Early detection of the issue can help you avoid damage to your landscaping and to your building. If you notice that your irrigation system is not performing correctly, try to troubleshoot as well as you can, and don't hesitate to call for repairs.

What To Do After a Sewage Backup Floods Your Home

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet.

What to Do If Your House Is Flooded by Sewage

The thought of rainwater flooding your home in Georgetown, TX, overwhelms you. The thought of a sewer backup flooding your home disgusts you. When a city’s sewage system cannot manage the amount of rainfall it can come into your home through your pipes, drains, toilets and sinks. It is hard to visualize something more foul and unsanitary than cleaning the mess. As a homeowner, what do you do next?

Safety First

The presence of any water in your home poses safety hazards, but sewer water requires additional precautions:

• For any flood, the risk of electrical shock is present when there is water in your home. Stay out of flooded areas where electricity is present. Also be alert for the smell of gas, as rain water may extinguish pilot lights.

• When a sewer backup occurs, the flooding introduces black water into your home. This means that there is a high level of contamination present, such as from fecal matter. This type of water contains bacteria, viruses, mold and threatens a myriad of severe health concerns with exposure. Do not come into direct contact with this water.

Next Steps

After your safety is secured, immediately arrange for a water damage specialist to intervene. Due to the involvement of black water, experts consider this an emergency situation, arrive promptly and take the following measures:

• Survey the damage, identify the contaminated water and perform safety procedures.
• Remove excess water with professional-grade equipment.
• Extract remaining moisture with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Remove odors and sanitize impacted areas using antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments.
• Restore your home and belongings.

When a storm causes a sewer backup at your home in Georgetown, TX, take immediate action. Blackwater is hazardous to your health, so do not come into direct contact with it. Rather, have a water restoration specialist assess the situation and take the necessary steps to restore your home.

Effective Ways To Get Smoke Odor out of Your House

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Ozone machines are one of the best smoke cleaning tools.

Ways To Get Rid Of Smoke Odors In Your Home

Of all the disasters that could occur in your home, fire is among the worst. The worst fires can completely destroy your home and everything inside. Even minor blazes can damage valuables. Another effect fires leave behind is the smell of smoke that remains. You may find yourself doing some smoke cleaning weeks or even months after the event. Fortunately, there are some effective methods of removing the awful stench of smoke and the damage it can cause.

Do it Quickly

Even the slightest amount of smoke in your home can causes problems. You don’t want to waste any time before you work on eliminating the smoke odor. The longer the smoke sits in your Andice, TX home, the greater chance it has of seeping into walls, carpet, furniture and other parts of your home. It’s important to immediately open windows and ventilate the house. Then, you should get right to work.

What Materials Are Best?

Luckily, it’s not hard to get your hands on the right equipment and supplies to combat smoke damage. Some of the best smoke cleaning tools are the following:

• Air filtration devices
• Ozone machines
• Thermal foggers

Why Choose Professional-Grade Supplies

Air filtration, ozone machines and thermal foggers are designed especially for some of the worst smoke odors and damages from smoke. Professional restoration companies use these devices to help ensure a home is as close to its original state as possible.

Take Caution

If you decide to use this equipment and these materials yourself, take proper precautions before cleaning. Make sure you wear gloves, eye protection and a mask on your face. This will keep harmful particles from getting into your lungs and off your skin.

Smoke cleaning isn’t something you want to do, but you’re grateful there are solutions to overcome these terrible effects. Consult an expert today on how to use this equipment and which will work best in your situation.

Mold Can Suddenly Appear After a Flood on Your Commercial Property

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold infestation in Serenada, TX.

Floodwaters from hurricanes, tropical storms, and too much rain are not the only source of water a property owner may fear in Serenada, TX. Broken pipes can also result in a torrential amount of water flowing through the building and causing a great deal of damage. No matter where the liquid comes from, extensive water damage can bring contaminated floodwater into your building and perhaps even close the property while restorations efforts are underway. With that in mind, it is important to realize that mold is almost always a serious consideration after any flood.

Why Should You Worry About Mold After a Flood?

When flooding water begins soaking into carpeting, walls, and furniture, mold can immediately begin its reproductive cycle. The minuscule mold spores that are scattered around the inside of nearly every building can quickly grow into a mold colony once water is introduced. As a matter of fact, mold growth can occur so quickly that:

• Within 24 hours, mold spores can begin taking root in the wet organic matter.
• Within 48 hours, a colony of thousands of individual mold units can develop.
• Within 72 hours, the mold colonies can be large enough to be seen by the naked eye and may contain hundreds of thousands of mold particles.
  
  

If water-soaked items are allowed to sit for more than 48 hours, it is almost certain the objects will begin to give off the tell-tale yeasty smell associated with mold. Within three or four days, irreparable mold contamination can typically occur in the water damage.

How Can You Best Fight Mold After a Flood?

When a flood occurs in a commercial building, the water damage is often very large and involves more than one room. For that reason, consider contacting a professional water restoration and removal team that can quickly get rid of the contaminated liquid before mold can begin growing. The team can also sanitize the area to begin mold prevention.

What To Do After a Toilet Overflow

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet in an Andice, TX home.

Protect Your Family and Home From Sewer Damage

An overflowing toilet is a frustrating problem, no matter what the circumstances involved. However, when the overflow involves a sewage backup, the problem becomes much more serious. Sewer damage could contain viruses, bacteria, and other illness-carrying microbes. The possible risks associated with contamination could affect your Andice, TX, home and your family for many years.

• Toilet Overflow: Blockage in the plumbing system causes the toilet to overflow. In this case, the flooding water hasn't passed through the sewer system. Water damage may occur, but you won't have to involve the sewage company.

• Plumbing System Overflow: Water from the sewage system backs up through residential lateral pipes and into homes. This water is often filled with serious contaminants, such as raw sewage.

If you can't tell whether you have an overflowing toilet or a sewage situation, contact a professional immediately. If you have a flooded toilet, you may be able to handle the problem yourself.

Step 1: Stop Flushing

Much of the time when homeowners see something they don't like in the toilet, they flush. Unfortunately, this will only make a flooded toilet situation worse. Each flush contains more than a gallon of water that you'll have to clean up off the floor.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water

There should be a water shut-off valve located near the floor behind the toilet. Once the water has been shut off, you won't have to worry about more water making the situation worse.

Step 3: Clean Up Spilled Water

If the toilet was only flushed once or twice, you can probably mop it up pretty quickly. If there were more flushes and the resulting four to five gallons of water, you may want to contact a professional to prevent water damage.

Step 4: Address the Clog

Hopefully, you'll be able to dislodge whatever was stuck in the pipes and return to your normal daily activities. Otherwise, you may need to contact a professional.

Remember to protect your home and family from sewer damage. Learn how to recognize the type of trouble you have and take the right steps for correction.

How To Prepare for a Storm

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Collect an emergency kit.

Use The Following Tips To Get Started

As a business owner in Georgetown, TX, you know you can't prepare for every eventuality. There are too many problems that can crop up with your commercial building. However, you can prepare for some worst-case scenarios. With the help of a commercial storm damage repair crew, you can create a storm preparedness plan to help you be ready for the aftermath of bad weather. 

1. Collect an Emergency Kit

Having a first-aid kit on hand during bad weather can give you and your employees peace of mind. Your kit should be full of bandages, blankets and nonperishable foods. Make this kit available even when you're not there to help keep everyone who uses your building safe.

2. Institute an Evacuation Plan

How should people leave the building during a storm? Create an evacuation plan for every situation that may affect your area. During flooding, for example, you may want people to go to higher ground. During a tornado, however, your employees may be better served by finding a structurally sound place inside of the building to hunker down.

3. Write Up a Contact List

You may not always be there when a storm strikes. Your employees need to know who to call if a storm damages your building. Part of good property management is creating a contact list. This can include emergency service numbers, and you may also want to include phone numbers for plumbers, storm damage remediation teams and the like.

4. Make a Backup Plan

Think about what you would do if your building can no longer be occupied. In this part of a storm preparedness plan, you may want to come up with a business continuity plan. This can include having interruption insurance or setting up a temporary office space.

You may never know how a storm is going to affect your building until it is over. You can create a storm preparedness plan to help yourself get ready for the worst-case scenario.

How To Deal With Category 3 Water Damage

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Backed up toilet.

An event such as a flood or sewage problem can cause water damage issues to your commercial building in Georgetown, TX. It's important to be prepared for water damage to your building and to know what steps to take to keep yourself, your employees and your building safe. The first thing to do if you have water damage is to understand what category it is. Depending on whether it is category 1, category 2 or category 3, restoration and mitigation processes will be different. If you have category 3 or black water, here are some tips to mitigate damages as quickly as possible.

What Is Category 3 Water?

Category 3, also known as black water, has the highest level of contamination. It may be contaminated with bacteria and microorganisms, and therefore requires the highest level of care when dealing with it. Your building may have category 3 water damage if it has:

• Sewage issues, such as a backed-up toilet or sinks
  
• Standing water from a natural disaster, such as a flood
  
• Pipe malfunctions, such as a pipe burst
  
  

What To Do If Your Building Has Black Water
No matter which type of water damage you have, it's always important to call in a professional water restoration company to help the restoration process, but it's especially important if you have category 3 water damage. Only professionals should deal with removing contaminated water and mitigating damages from this type of water damage. A restoration company will come with the proper personal protective equipment and thorough safety procedures to ensure that everyone is safe while helping mitigated damages.

How To Restore Your Building
After a restoration company has mitigated damages, you may begin the restoration process. The restoration process can include sanitization and removal of any items affected by the water damage.
After your commercial building has completed the restoration process, you can bring building residents back in and resume normal operations.

Tips for Ridding Your Home of Mold Odors

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Florence, TX.

Mold Removal

You walk into your house in Florence, TX, and immediately a musty smell hits you. You may not know exactly where the mold growth is, but that telltale mycotoxin odor means you know it's lurking somewhere in your home. There are several steps you must take to get rid of the fungus and the stench it leaves behind.

Locate Source
The first step in eliminating musty odor is finding the mold that's causing it. If you can't see it on any exposed surfaces, there are other places you can look:

• Inside cabinets
  
• Under sinks
  
• Behind toilets
  
• In bathroom grout
  
• On food
  
  

Even after a detailed search, you may still not be able to find the mold growth in your home. If you cannot see where the odor is coming from, a mold test conducted by a certified environmental hygienist can reveal not only the affected area but the type of mold and extent of the concentration.

Clean Thoroughly
Throwing out moldy items can alleviate some of the mycotoxin smell. If you want to salvage the things that have mold or mildew on them, though, you must have them cleaned well. Thorough mold cleanup involves more than just wiping down the surfaces where you see the growth. Mold remediation experts ensure that they not only take care of the mold you can see but also mitigate the damage underneath. If there is a lingering smell, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove the remaining odor from the air.

Prevent Future Growth
After you have gotten rid of the mold, you don't want it to return. Use a dehumidifier to lower the amount of moisture in the air. Ceiling fans or other air circulation methods can also help maintain a drier home that is less conducive to mold growth. Once you solve the problem, you can prevent it from recurring.
If you notice a mycotoxin odor in your home, you must get rid of the mold growth that's causing it before it will dispel. Through proper cleanup and air filtration, your home can go back to smelling like it's supposed to smell.

A Basic Guide To Treating Burns at the Office

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to respond if someone gets burned.

How To React If Someone In Your Office Experiences A Burn

When an uncontrolled blaze breaks out, the fire damage that results is a minor concern in comparison with someone being injured. The structural impact of fires in Serenada, TX, may be able to be mended by a team of commercial restoration professionals, whereas a co-worker's life is irreplaceable. 

Major Versus Minor Burns
First, you must determine the severity of the injury to administer the appropriate level of burn first aid. Minor burns are characterized by:

• Blisters
  
• Redness
  
• Sizes no larger than 3 inches in diameter
  
  

Major burns feature:

• Dryness
  
• Leathery qualities
  
• Brown, black or white discoloration
  
• Sizes larger than 3 inches in diameter
  
  

Move the patient away from any fire damage to avoid the risk of further injury before making your assessment.

Minor Burn Treatment
Follow these first aid procedures if you determine the burn to be superficial. Remove jewelry before swelling occurs. Run cool water over the affected area or apply a wet compress. After the pain has subsided, apply a burn cream and then wrap the harmed surface with sterile gauze. Do so loosely, making sure there is no tightness and air can flow underneath. Administer an OTC pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil.

Major Burn Treatment
Prepare major burn victims before professional assistance arrives. Check that the individual is still breathing. If not, administer CPR immediately. As with minor burns, accessories should be quickly taken off. Place a clean cloth or a moist bandage over the burned flesh. Elevate the burn zone above heart level and watch for signs of shock. Make note of and write down your observations. Inform those providing medical treatment of everything you've seen.
Fire damage extends beyond charred walls and seared office equipment. In worst-case scenarios, blazes threaten the lives of employees. Know how to respond if someone working by your side ever gets burned.

Special Techniques To Protect Your Home From Fire

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in a Florence, TX.

Common Causes Of House Fires

Fires happen in homes for many reasons. The six most common causes of house fires are as follows:

• Cooking
  
• Heating appliances
  
• Electrical
  
• Smoking
  
• Candles
  
• Chemicals
  
  

If your home in Florence, TX, has a washer and dryer, you could experience a lint fire. Because lint is an easily combustible material and because your dryer generates heat, this is a combination that should be monitored. Lint can buildup in several places. The first spot is the lint trap, which should be cleaned out after each use. You should also occasionally rinse down this sheet of plastic as well as vacuum out the vent.

More Advanced Cleaning of the Dryer
A second spot to clean is the hose at the back of the dryer. This area should be looked at regularly to reduce the chances of a dryer fire. In many new models, a sensor will indicate if there is too much lint present; this sensor might not even allow you to operate your machine in these conditions. Every now and then, you will want to undertake complete cleaning of your appliance to protect against a lint fire. This involves removing the back panel of the appliance. For safety, you should unplug the dryer from the power source. Once the back panel is removed, look for the accumulation of lint and remove it manually or with a vacuum.

Other Methods of Preventing Fire Damage
It is important to install working fire alarms throughout your home. Regular monitoring of any space heaters in use is always important. The use of candles in the home should be limited to adults, and candles should never be left to burn unsupervised. If you do experience a fire, a quality fire restoration company can minimize damages to your home through quick and efficient actions. Avoiding a lint fire and other dangers can be accomplished through a combination of common sense and preventative maintenance.

Is Your Carpet Salvageable After a Pipe Break?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to carpet in Georgetown, TX.

A pipe break could require significant restoration efforts when water spreads across your home's floors in Georgetown, TX. When water soaks your carpet, you may wonder if you should try to salvage or replace it. Your decision may depend on the following factors.

Insufficient Drying Measures

Homeowners attempting to dry their water-soaked floor coverings may find the following efforts are insufficient and may even spread contaminants:

• Blotting with towels
  
• Sprinkling baking soda over wet areas
  
• Applying heat with a hairdryer
  
• Running fans without opening windows
  
  

Opening windows and running dehumidifiers can help, but a flood restoration company's services are critical. Professionals can quickly and efficiently apply water extraction and sanitization methods, using powerful tools to prevent mold formation.

Exposure Time
The longer a carpet remains wet after a pipe break, the higher the probability that it will not be salvageable. Even the cleanest water can become unsanitary as it remains in the fibers. Quickly lowering the overall humidity level of a room can prevent mold spores from penetrating the air and compromising the furnishings within it. Still, it is prudent to contact a professional drying service immediately following a flood to prevent further damage.

Underlying Floor Condition
Floors and paddings that remain wet can lead to the growth of mold spores that can quickly penetrate the fibers of coverings sitting over them. Removing and replacing flooring before returning carpeting may be necessary depending upon its materials and how readily they absorb moisture.

Choosing To Replace
Replacing a water-soaked carpet can be the best decision, especially if mitigation efforts were delayed. Sometimes the fastest efforts to dry can't prevent or entirely remove bacteria, mold and other contaminants, so removal and replacement is the only option.
If you need help deciding if your rugs and other belongings are salvageable after a flood from a pipe break at your home, a professional disaster recovery service can assist and advise.

Here to Help After The Winter Storm

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster.

The chain of events that began the week before Valentine’s Day has been a never-before-seen national disaster. The ice and snow that quickly piled up, the subzero temperatures that marched in with it, as well as the 50-60 mph winds across many states paralyzed daily life. All in all, 150 million people in 25 states, in a 2000 mile stretch from southern Texas to northern Maine were affected. Over 5 million people were without power, along with hundreds of thousands without water, sewer and natural gas including many of our own teammates.

At SERVPRO Team Jones, we are no strangers of disaster and over the last 15 years our Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team has traveled coast to coast helping those in need. This time around, it was OUR backyard and OUR neighbors who needed the help. With over 30,000 calls in the last two weeks for disaster cleanup, SERVPRO has hundreds of crews from across the country that are leaving their home states to help. Many of these men and women spent months away from their families and friends recently helping our friends on the Gulf Coast.

While the heavy snow and ice did delay many of these crews from being able to hit the road, as well as most trucking services ceasing operations, reinforcements are still coming in daily to help. As neighbors, we’d like to ask for your patience and understanding as our disaster recovery crews are working 7 days a week to put our community back together one building and one family at a time. Many of these crews are working 14-16 hours a day but their relentless servant hearts won’t let them give up on you.

We’re human- we’re going to make mistakes, we’re going to drop the ball sometimes and in a disaster this widespread we won’t be able to make it to every single loss as quickly as we want to. We will keep trying, we will keep working, we will keep drying, disinfecting, cleaning and restoring. It is what we do – it’s how we’re made – it’s what makes us tick.

If you happen to see one of those bright green SERVPRO trucks from here or from out of town– give them a wave. These real-life heroes are trying their best for you. A little smile or a wave is great encouragement to all those that left their friends and families behind to answer your calls for help. Thank you for understanding, thank you for trusting in us and thank you for believing in us.

Vendor Standards Ensure Quality, Professionalism

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our technicians undergo extensive restoration training and certification through an IICRC-approved school.

As an insurance agent, you want to deliver the best service possible for clients. When extensive damage in a commercial property in Serenada, TX, means needing the help of a fire, water and mold restoration company, you and your client deserve high-quality professionalism. When a company has an established vendor program, it provides peace of mind that the claims and restoration process will be done right.

High Standards

As a provider with more than 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada, SERVPRO is dedicated to only having professionals that are thoroughly trained and certified. Every franchise employee completes certification courses, including:

• Crew training
  
• Fire restoration
  
• Water restoration
  
• Cleaning upholstery and carpet
  
  

To become a new franchisee, the owner must complete a 15-day program at corporate. It is designed to cover all types of restoration, as well as mold mitigation. Ongoing training includes e-courses and IICRC-specific training. There are also opportunities for insurance professionals to partake in credit or noncredit courses related to the restoration industry.
Franchises that wish to become part of the national accounts must adhere to 21 guidelines and complete annual compliance checks. These guidelines include a background check on every technician and all insurance requirements are up to date. For an insurance agent, that means confidence that all the people doing the work can be trusted and all industry standards will be met.

Easing the Claim Process
Along with high standards for the job being done, all the work behind the scenes is imperative to a smooth claim. An online claims center provides up-to-date information vital for success. It includes a complete job file, estimate details, associated paperwork, pending and completed jobs, performance data, and much more.
The role of an insurance agent requires delicately balancing the client’s needs and minimizing costs. Counting on a professional who adheres to the highest standards helps make every step of the process easier.

What You Need To Know About Fire Sprinklers Accidentally Discharging

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler accidentally discharge.

One of the most common concerns among business owners is that their fire sprinklers will accidentally discharge. While this really does happen, the chance of it occurring in your business is low. However, it is still important to know why this happens and what to do if you suddenly find your building flooding because of a malfunction.

Why Do They Accidentally Discharge?

There are quite a few causes of accidental discharge and flooding that would cause you to need water remediation professionals in Andice, TX. These commonly include:

• Overheating
  
• Freezing
  
• Mechanical damage
  
• Corrosion
  
• Sabotage
  
  

What Should You Do if This Happens?

After the flooding has been taken care of and you can reenter the building, you need to gather your system's remaining components. This is crucial because these components will be used in your insurance company's investigation to determine the cause of your accidental discharge. Once you have the pieces, contact your insurance company and alert them to the situation so that they can send an investigator to your business. Tell this person the complete history of your fire suppression system. You will need to tell them information about how it was shipped here, stored before use, and installed if you have a newer building. If you have an older system, they will want to know information about your building's conditions, maintenance routines, and any information you know about the installation of your sprinklers.
After providing the information, give the inspectors room to work. While they are conducting their investigation, it is a good idea to call a restoration company. They can help clean up the damage and restore your building to its pre-disaster condition.
Accidental discharges are rare, but they can cause a lot of water damage when they do occur. The best thing you can do is understand why they malfunction and what you need to do after this happens to seamlessly remedy the situation.

3 Common Attractions for Mold in a Restaurant

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Cover any perishable foods in a clean plastic container to prevent mold growth in the refrigerator

3 Common Attractions for Mold in a Restaurant

Mold spores are microscopic airborne particles that develop into colonies if they are given the proper conditions. It is impossible to keep mold spores out of a building in Florence, TX. Their role in nature is to decompose rotting objects, and they can cause major damage to the natural construction materials of buildings. Fungus thrives when given the conditions of:

• Warmth
  
• Humidity
  
• Nutrients
  
  

In a restaurant, mold growth can lead to an unnecessary amount of waste, making foods inedible. Here are three attractions for mold in a restaurant:

1. Dishwashing Stations
The dishwashing station can be a major contributor to mold, especially if the pipes or water supply lines leak. Should a leak occur and cause water damage to a wooden cabinet, mold spores will attach themselves and develop into colonies. Areas with constant water usage will also create high humidity levels. To prevent any fungus from thriving in these areas, install a central ventilation system.

2. The Refrigerator
Though the refrigerator has lower levels of humidity, it will not stop mold from growing. Cover any perishable foods in a clean plastic container to prevent mold growth in the refrigerator. If you have found mold, clean it thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar. Inspect any foods that were close to the area of growth for additional fungus.

3. Fruits and Vegetables
Perishable foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are a common source of nutrients for fungus. Inspect any fruits and vegetables for mold before you purchase them to prevent it from spreading to your restaurant. You can salvage some of these if they have sprouted mold colonies by cutting off the parts that have begun to rot. To prevent food waste, purchase only the amount of fresh foods that you will use throughout the week.
If you have found mold growth in your restaurant, contact a mold remediation service to thoroughly clean the area. Though airborne microbial particles cannot be avoided, you can keep their growth under control with routine cleaning and maintenance.

How To Salvage Mold-Damaged Belongings: 3 Steps

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can grow quickly and affect your personal belongings

Mold Cleaning Steps You Can Take

When your Serenada, TX, home is damaged by flooding, you may have more to deal with than standing water. The formation of mold can begin quickly after flooding and in some cases takes only 24 hours. Furniture, clothing, books and other belongings can all be affected by fungi, but there are a few mold cleaning steps you can take until your cleaning crew arrives.

1. Salvage What You Can
Setting aside affected items can help your cleaning crew gauge which can be saved and which items must be discarded. Wear gloves during the salvage process and put damaged items in airtight bags to prevent the spread of spores. Documents, books and some toys may be salvageable depending on the extent of mold damage present. If there is a great deal of visible mold in the area, it is wise to wait for your professional cleanup crew to arrive so you avoid stirring up and spreading mold spores.

2. Work With Your Mold Technicians
Your remediation and cleanup crew can help you decide which items are worth restoring and which are not. Many porous items may have absorbed mold toxins and may have to be thrown away. To help you make faster choices, consider the overall value of the item and whether it has sentimental value. Some mold cleaning techniques can even restore fragile items, so working closely with your restoration team may help you salvage them.

3. Accept Losses
While your mold remediation team can help you salvage many items affected by mold, you may experience the loss of some personal belongings. This can be difficult to accept; however, when your restoration team advises you about items that are too badly damaged to restore, the technicians will likely do so to protect you and your family as they work to remove mold from your home.
When water damage strikes your Serenada, TX, home, mold can grow quickly and affect your personal belongings. Working with a restoration and mold cleaning team can help you recover your most beloved possessions and what processes might be used during their cleaning and restoration.