Fire Preparedness: How to Protect you Property before Disaster Strikes

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

The best way to stop a fire is to keep it from ever happening.  

Nearly half of fires start in the kitchen, leaving food unattended on the stove. There are several easy tips to keep fires from starting in your kitchen. Never leave cooking food unattended, and never cook when tired. Check back on food that takes long to cook, making sure that water hasn’t boiled away, keep oven mitts, towels, and wooden utensils away from the stove, keep a fire extinguisher nearby but not too close to a cooking source that you would be unable to access it in the event of a fire.  

Home fires can also be caused by faulty wiring or the use of space heaters when sleeping. Fire safety tips for bedrooms, and other rooms in your home include blowing out candles before bed or leaving the house, placing laptops, cell phones, or other charging devices on a solid surface. Electronic devices charging on a bed or carpet, where if overheated, can start a fire.  Check the wiring through the house to make sure it is up to code, never leave electric blankets on overnight, turning them off when ready to sleep. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned each year, only using dry wood, install a chimney cap to prevent animals from nesting, and of course, put out a fire before leaving or going to bed.  

The Impact of Storm Damage on Homes and Businesses

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Storms are a part of life, with snowstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and more, there is plenty of weather to worry about in Northeast Ohio. Storms can take off shingles, cause flooding, and fall trees. Severe storms have been increasing in severity and frequency for the last few years. Storms can cause millions of dollars of damage in one night, causing damage to exteriors and interiors alike.  For businesses damaged merchandise and equipment can make businesses stay closed for days, even weeks on end, leaving the risk that the businesses will close. Data and electronics can be lost. Fallen trees and roof damage can cause secondary water damage.

The experts at SERVPRO are ready and experienced to help restore your home or business to preloss condition and get you back to business as usual faster.

Why choose SERVPRO?

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, selecting the right restoration company can make all the difference in the swift and effective recovery of your property. As a leading restoration service provider, SERVPRO stands out for its unparalleled expertise, commitment to excellence, and exceptional customer care. Here are four reasons why you should choose SERVPRO for your restoration needs:

1. Rapid Response and 24/7 Availability: SERVPRO understands the urgency of disaster situations. With a rapid response team available around the clock, we are always ready to mobilize and address your restoration needs promptly. Our swift action helps minimize further damage and accelerates the restoration process.
2. Industry-Leading Expertise and Technology: Backed by over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO technicians are highly trained and certified in advanced restoration techniques. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools, we employ cutting-edge methods to efficiently restore properties to their preloss condition.
3. Comprehensive Services for All Types of Disasters: Whether it's water damage, fire, and smoke damage, mold remediation, or storm damage, SERVPRO is a one-stop solution for all restoration needs. Our broad range of services ensures that your property receives comprehensive attention, regardless of the extent of damage.
4. Compassionate and Transparent Customer Care: At SERVPRO, we prioritize the well-being of our customers. Our compassionate team understands the emotional toll of disaster, and we treat each client with empathy and respect. We maintain transparent communication throughout the restoration process, keeping you informed at every step.

In times of crisis, SERVPRO's reliability and dedication shine through. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of countless homeowners and businesses. When disaster strikes, choose SERVPRO for exceptional restoration services that bring your property back to life with speed, precision, and care.

The Lingering Danger of Smoke

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Let’s start off with what smoke damage is. Smoke damage is the damage caused by smoke that’s generated by fire but not caused by the fire itself. Smoke damage does destroy items but instead covers them in soot and odors. Smoke damage is complex and is difficult to remove, it can reach other rooms that were otherwise unaffected by the fire, traveling through ducts, pipes and other crevices. While smoke damage doesn’t destroy items like fire, it is still incredibly dangerous to your health. 

 Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of deaths related to fire. The chemical makeup of smoke is determinate of what items were burned, different toxins and heavy metals, along with tar and carbon. Lungs and sinuses can be irritated, making breathing hard, residual smoke and soot in clothing and furnishings can cause skin inflammations that can’t be treated with over-the-counter lotions and ointments. Even if you cannot see smoke damage it is still extremely important to have a fire restoration company come in and thoroughly clean the entire property.  

Many think that fire is the most imminent danger to your health, but lingering smoke and soot can cause severe health effects. Smoke can get trapped in porous materials, from carpets, to furniture. Always call the trusted fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO to help restore your home to a safe environment for you and your family. 

Why SERVPRO: Emergency Ready Plan

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster, and we excel in multiple different kinds of services. From fire and storm damage to mold remediation, we’ve got the expertise and help to make you feel comfortable after a big or small-sized disaster, but why are we trusted for our commercial services?

Emergency Ready Plan

This option gives you a plan so that you and your team can stay a step ahead of unexpected events. This plan makes sure that if anything were to disrupt your daily business that this will only be temporary. So, why use the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan?: 

• A no-cost assessment of your facility
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster 
• Established your local SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations
• An easier insurance claims process

An Emergency Ready Plan is important for the security of your workers and yourself, but it is also vital in giving everyone involved peace of mind knowing that if anything WERE to happen it would be handled and covered. That’s why you should choose SERVPRO. Plus, we’re here when you need us, 24/7.

What to Do When Lightning Strikes

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

When lightning strikes, it is very important to know what to do in these situations, and to make sure that you are taking the precautions that are needed in these specific occurrences. 

Check the Forecast

Staying up to date with the news and keeping it on during storms is your best bet for knowing exactly when the storm will start and when it will end. This also gives you a great gauge on when you will be able to safely go outside. 

Don’t Go Outside

You should never voluntarily go outside when it is lightning. You will never know the severity of the lightning until it’s too late, so, in these instances, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are outside and not home, make sure to find shelter nearby. 

Avoid Water

Bathing, showering, washing dishes, and anything having to do with water are off-limits until the storm has cleared. 

Avoid Anything Plugged into an Outlet

Try not to use electronic devices that are plugged into an outlet. With lightning being able to travel through electrical systems, your best bet is to not use anything plugged into an outlet. 

Stay Away From Windows

Remaining a safe distance from windows is a great way to be cautious during the event of a lightning storm. Certain windows can conduct electricity, meaning that if you are standing very close to them or touching them, they can electrocute you if lighting strikes at the right time. 

There are ways to be cautious during a lightning storm, and make sure you are remembering to always be vigilant and listen to your local news. If lightning strikes and causes a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you 24/7.

How to Prevent a Flood From Happening in Your Home

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants their home to flood. But there may be flooding circumstances that we will have to look out for. There are some great ways to make sure that this never happens, and if there is a flood warning, you, your family, and your house remain untouched. 

Raising Your Home’s Flood Level

Raising your home's flood level is a great exterior change that will have a lasting impact. The best way to achieve this is by installing stilts or piers on the outside of your home is a great way to lift it off of the ground if a flood were to ever occur. 

Mulch and Siding Tip

Space between your mulch and your siding on your home is a great way to prevent any flood damage as well. If the mulch on the outside gets wet, it can rot and deteriorate your home's siding, leading to more issues of flooding and an unstable house. 

Install a Sump Pump or Check It Frequently

If you do not have a sump pump, the time is now. These are great for pumping any excess water out that may escalate into a flooded home. 

Raise Electrical Outlets

This may not be a tip in preventing a flood, but it is a great tip for if a flood ever happens. Making sure that your outlets are raised and are far off the ground or past the flood line is a great way to ensure your and your family’s safety and any electrocution risks. 

Check Valves

Check valves are important to make sure that there is no chance of having a flooded system. This will also help to prevent flooding based on knowing that there is a lessened chance of a flooded system.  

It is important to check your home’s flood-resistant levels and to make sure that you are ahead of a future flood disaster. SERVPRO is here for you and will be here if anything happens, 24/7.

Why It's Important to Be Prepared For Spring Flooding

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

There are many reasons why we should all be prepared when it comes to storms and flooding, especially during the months when thunderstorms, rain, and floods are more susceptible to happen, such as spring and summer. Here are some reasons why it’s important to prepare for spring flooding, 

To Protect Your Valuable Items

The fact that valuable items could get damaged to the point where they are unable to be restored is an important reason to be prepared for spring flooding. With your documents that lie on the ground that are important, making sure that they are up high, on a desk, or above the line in which water could reach is vital to protecting them from any damage. 

To Establish a Staple Emergency Kit

This is a great time to also prepare an emergency kit if you do not have one already. This will be important in making sure that you are prepared for flooding, but also in general for unexpected storms. Having a kit that you have everything you may need during one of these events with flashlights, food, water, and radio is an important step for extreme cases. 

How SERVPRO Can Help

It is important to be prepared for these situations, and while there are great ways to be prepared, there may be situations where you have done all you can and things may not work in your favor. In those certain situations, SERVPRO is here 24/7 for you. We specialize in Water Damage Restoration and have a process that will make sure to help you in certain cases of a disastrous flood. Our customer-focused professionals will assess the residential water damage to your property. Then, we’ll help you understand the severity of the damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Our top-notch people use the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water.

What to Clean Weekly in your Office

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your office weekly is important, especially during these COVID-19 times. Having a clean office is not only safer and healthier for you and your employees, but a clean office allows for employees to feel more comfortable, less stressed, and more productive. 

Here are some things to clean in your office on a weekly basis:

• Take out trash to prevent odor and bugs.
• Clean and dust all surfaces like desks, fan blades, and shelves. 
• Clean computer monitors.
• Sweep or vacuum the floors and mop every two weeks.

Having a clean office will make everyone who works there feel better. Contact SERVPRO today to see their office and commercial cleaning services.

Flood Safety Tips and Best Practices

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flood warnings are not as common as storms such as a thunderstorm, but there is always a possibility of one happening in your area. So, where should you go during one, and what are some tips for evacuation and traveling? 

Do Not Walk Through Water

If you are evacuating during a flood, it is important to not walk through any flowing water if you are able to. This is important because if the water is flowing at a rapid pace, there is a good chance that you or somebody you are evacuating with could drown. 

Don’t Drive Through Roads With Flooding

If you attempt to drive through water, your car is always at a chance of being swept away. If your car is stranded in water, never get out of your car. If the water is rising and you cannot move your car, get out of the car through the window and sit on the roof of your car. 

Staying Inside

If you are advised to stay inside during this warning, make sure to have a radio or television on with the news on. This is the best way to find out what you or your family should be doing. 

It is important to always be as safe as possible during floods, and if you are advised to leave, never drive or walk through flowing water, and make sure that you are being vigilant and watching or listening to updates on your situation via the news or a radio, or your phone if you don’t have access.