Home Fire Evacuation Plan

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

Fires are serious threats to your home and family.

Fires are one of the most dangerous events you can encounter in your home. If a fire breaks out, it is important that you know how to escape and have safety strategies in place.

Escape routes and safety strategies

Escape routes are the paths you should take if a fire occurs. Here are some tips for choosing the best escape route. The safest place to be during a fire is outside, away from your home. If you're inside, stay on the lowest floor possible. Don't use elevators that could become trapped by rising heat and smoke or power outages caused by an electrical fire nearby. If you have children or pets, make sure they know how important it is to follow these rules as well.

Family meeting place

Your family meeting place should be a location where everyone can meet up after the fire and stay together. This is usually a safe location in your neighborhood, away from the fire. The meeting place should also be easily accessible by everyone, especially those with mobility issues.

Your family meeting place should be visible to you at all times and should not change unless you rotate it or make changes to your evacuation plan. It may be helpful to have an additional visual marker (like an object) that's easy for others outside your home to see in case they're not familiar with your community or neighborhood.

Plan and practice your escape route

Once you have a plan in place for your escape route, mark the route with signs and tape, and practice it regularly, especially with children. Keep the route clear of clutter, furniture, appliances and anything else that would obstruct your path to safety. Make sure to change anything as you extend your family or any changes are made to the home.

Make yourself heard

There are many ways to make yourself heard, so you’ll want to select the method that works best for your home. If you don’t have an alarm system or smoke detector, consider having one installed.

If you do have a fire alarm, use it by sounding it loudly with the pull string or button on the unit. The sound of an alarm will alert people who are sleeping and disoriented but may not necessarily be able to hear someone shouting from another part of the house.

If you have a smoke detector installed in your home, follow its instructions. Ensure you keep the smoke detectors tested to ensure they are working in case of a fire.

Have a family meeting place

When a fire breaks out, it's critical that you and your family get to a safe place as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is to have a meeting place outside where everyone can meet up if they are separated. Ideally, the meeting place should be outdoors and not far from the house—but it should also be free of other dangers like downed power lines or trees that could fall on top of you.

If possible, try to pick an area that has good visibility so you can see each other from afar if needed. It's also important that there aren't any obstacles between your house and the meeting place, such as bushes or fences between them (if so, consider clearing some space around those areas). Finally, make sure everyone knows how long it'll take for them to get there in case something happens along their route!

Recovery after a fire

Recovery after a fire is an important part of the process. Have a plan for what to do with your pets, valuables, and personal belongings. Consider storing items that are especially precious or valuable in a safe place outside of your home. If you have access to an off-site storage facility or other secure location that's not connected to the internet (and thus less likely to be compromised), this can help give you peace of mind and reduce anxiety during recovery efforts.

Fires are serious threats to your home and family. They spread quickly and can cause extensive damage, even death if you don't escape in time. The best way to minimize the damage a fire cause is by planning ahead and having an evacuation plan in place. A well-thought-out evacuation plan can help you keep yourself and your family safe, as well as save your home from burning down entirely.

Should I Worry About the Water in my Crawlspace?

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

If your crawl space has water, don’t panic. It is normal for a crawl space to have some moisture in it.

Should I Worry About The Water In My Crawlspace?

If you have water in your crawl space, don’t panic. It could be just a small amount of rainwater that came in from a window or a vent on the roof. It could also be indicative of bigger problems like leaking pipes or plumbing issues. Either way, it’s best to call an experienced professional to assess the situation and provide solutions for fixing it.

Why is there water in my crawl space?

There are several reasons why you might be having a problem with wet crawlspace:

The most common reason is that there is a leak somewhere in your home. If this is the case, you will need to call in an expert to find and fix the leak.

Crawlspaces can become damp because of condensation. This happens when warm air meets cool surfaces like stone walls or concrete floors. If this happens often enough and long enough, it can result in mold growth and rot issues that require professional intervention to correct them properly. While it may seem like no big deal now, something you should keep an eye out for if left alone too long could become quite serious later down the road… so do yourself a favor now by taking care of those problems before they get worse!

Don’t panic.

It's normal to be concerned when you notice a problem with the water in your crawlspace. However, there are plenty of things you can do to find out more about the issue and make sure it's not as serious as it might seem.

First things first: don't start doing anything yourself before calling in a professional. While it's tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, most issues like this require professional help in order to ensure that it’s treated correctly and safely! If possible, call in someone who knows what they're doing so they can help assess where exactly the issue lies before moving forward with any potential repairs or replacements needed.

Call a professional, like SERVPRO!

If you suspect that you have water in your crawl space, don’t panic. You can fix the problem and mold growth won't be an issue if it's handled correctly. Don't try to fix this problem yourself—you need a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any water-related issues in your crawl space. If you do attempt DIY repairs, there is a very high risk of injury or damage to your home's structure and contents, which could end up costing more than hiring a professional.

If your crawl space has water, don’t panic. It is normal for a crawl space to have some moisture in it. But if you notice more than just a little bit after heavy rainfall or snow melt, contact a professional immediately. They can inspect your property and determine the cause of the problem so that you can take proactive measures before any problems arise from it

Why You Need A Fire Escape Plan For Your Business

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

We hope you never need to use your office fire escape plan, but it's always a good idea to be prepared in case of a disaster!

Why Does Your Company Need a Fire Escape Plan?

It's important to know how to escape a burning building. As an employee, manager, or owner of a business, you can help make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. To create an office fire escape plan, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact your local fire department, a professional in fire safety, or the Red Cross for help creating a fire escape plan for your office.

If you don’t have a background in fire safety and don’t know where to turn for help, the best place to start is with your local fire department. They can help you create a plan that will keep everyone safe during an emergency. If you want to go the distance, consider hiring a professional in fire safety or contacting the Red Cross—both organizations offer resources for creating emergency plans tailored specifically to office buildings.

2. Plan multiple ways to get out of every room.

An effective exit plan is one that takes every possibility into account. It should account for multiple ways to get out of every room, as well as a variety of methods to exit the building itself. When creating an office fire escape plan, you can’t assume that everyone will make it out in time simply by following the main exit route. If employees have no idea how to get out of their particular room or area, they won’t be able to do so when time is running short and panic sets in—which means they may not make it at all!

To help ensure that everyone knows how to get out safely, write down a list of all possible routes from each room and post them somewhere visible for easy reference during an emergency situation. Include any alternate exits located near windows or other openings like balcony doors or air vents.

3. Decide on a safe meeting place outside of the office building.

Choosing a safe meeting place outside of your office will give you and your coworkers a meet up spot and help you all feel more secure. If a fire breaks out or there is some other crisis, this will help you make the most of your time following the evacuation procedure. A good meeting place should be:

• A safe distance from your office building
• Easily accessible by everyone.
• Not too crowded.

4. Designate someone to help any employee that may need extra assistance because of a disability or injury.

If you have employees with disabilities or injuries, you should designate several people to help any employee that may need extra assistance. These people should be able to help the employee get out of the building safely and be familiar with navigating around your office building.

5. Make sure all employees know how to call 911 and alert others when they need help.

The final step of an office fire escape plan is to make sure all your employees know how to call 911 and alert others when they need help. This can take the form of hitting a fire alarm or pushing an emergency alert button. It’s also important for employers to train their employees on what other people should do if they see someone struggling in a high-rise building, so that everyone will be prepared for any eventuality.

We hope that you never have to use your office fire escape plan, but it’s important to be prepared in case of a disaster!

How to Create a Fire Escape Plan Like a Pro

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Creating a fire escape plan is the ultimate fire safety precaution you can take.

Here Are The Basic Steps To Creating a Fire Escape Plan

In the unfortunate event of a house fire, you have approximately 3 – 4 minutes to leave the house. That means there is no time to waste or save a prized possession. You can only afford to implement an emergency escape plan before calling the firefighters.

Here are the basic steps to creating a fire escape plan in Academy, TX:

1. Install fire alarms
2. Create the plan
3. Practice it

Install Fire Alarms

The most important part of any fire safety plan is installing smoke detectors in and outside the bedrooms. That should give you a head start when a fire breaks out and provide a rough idea of where the blaze might be. Also, you might want to let the kids know how a fire alarm sounds like, so they can never confuse it for something else.

Create the Plan

Once you have the detectors in place, it’s time to make the actual plan. Draw a map of the house and label every entry point before formulating the escape routes. Make sure every bedroom has two exits (window and door), and ensure they are in good working condition. Finally, agree on a meeting spot that is on the street side of the house.

Practice the Plan

Having a great fire escape plan is one thing, and knowing how to use it is another. To avoid confusion, make sure you practice the program at least twice a year. It should be as realistic as possible; and, don’t forget to assign someone to help people with physical limitations such as kids and the elderly. You might also want to acquire a foldable ladder to help people escape through the first-floor windows.

Creating a fire escape plan is the ultimate fire safety precaution you can take as a homeowner in Academy, TX. It is a proven way of saving lives and property in the event of a house fire.

Tips for a Mold-free Restaurant

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Use plastic wrap or containers to cover any food that is out for prep or serving.

Mold Risk In a Restaurant

Mold spores are abundant in our environment, but problems develop when they get inside your building and find damp places to grow and reproduce. Sometimes you smell mold before you see it, as the release of mycotoxins from the digestive process is what makes that familiar musty smell. The constant cooking and washing in a restaurant increase the opportunity for mold growth, but you can take steps to reduce your risk through inspection, maintenance, and cleanliness. Really, there are two main categories to manage for mold risk in your restaurant: food and building.

Protect Food

Since mold spores are all around the environment, it's important to take additional precautions to protect food from mold growth. Here are a few things you can do to keep the food safe in your restaurant in Temple, TX.

1. Buy quality food and check it for signs of mold
2. Use plastic wrap to cover any food that is out for prep or serving
3. Refrigerate unused foods quickly into clean containers and cover tightly
4. Mold can grow in the refrigerator so use leftovers in 3-4 days before mold has a chance to grow

Maintain the Building

A restaurant presents additional moisture problems because of the kitchen environment. The kitchen space is packed tight with equipment and ventilation is often challenging resulting in high humidity. It's important to check frequently for problems and maintain equipment. Here are some places to pay attention to and to keep clean.

1. Use ventilation systems as well as heating and air conditioning systems to keep humidity levels under 40%
2. Maintain ventilation hoods and ductwork for cleanliness and proper function
3. Keep all rags and sponges clean and dry, if anything smells musty throw it out
4. Regularly clean the refrigerator, including rubber casings, with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per quart of water)
5. Check for leaks and water damage around the plumbing

When you do have mold growth, you can count on professional remediation specialists who clean up mold using special equipment and methods that contain the area and prevent the further spread of spores in your restaurant.

How To Help Your Clients Navigate Storm Services

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

For Storm Restoration call SERVPRO

Ways To Help Your Clients Navigate Storm Services

When a storm occurs in a place like Temple, TX, your office is overwhelmed with calls about storm restoration. In order to satisfy your insurance clients, you have cultivated a list of preferred vendors in their area who you know will work well with their coverage options and provide effective services. But what sets one restoration team apart from another? Here are some ways to help your clients navigate storm services.

1. Choose Local Franchises

Encourage your client to choose a storm restoration company that is local but that has strong backing. After a storm, many local businesses and individuals will be seeking help, so it's important to choose a company that has the backing of a larger corporation to ensure that they will have access to the supplies that are necessary to help your client with their project.

2. Value Communication

Especially when making initial contact, the first impression is important. Only recommend a storm response team that has a proven record of answering customers' calls and communicating with them openly and honestly about the time frame for providing services. It's also necessary that a restoration team keeps good records throughout the entire project and initiates follow-up calls with your client. Your client should never have to wonder about the status of their restoration.

3. Trust the Training

Emphasize companies that have a background of training their staff completely before assigning them to flood damage restoration jobs. Anyone can run a shop vacuum or a pump, but your client is depending on you to help them find restorers who are knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to properly dry out a structure so that business can continue. A franchise that is required to meet corporate standards for each employee's training can more easily guarantee that any staff member they send to a site will represent that company well by providing superior services.

Be thoughtful and thorough when you advise your insurance clients about their options for storm restoration help in their area.

An Explanation of Category 3 Water

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Category 3 water can find its way into residences in a few different ways

Unless it's confined to specific areas of your home such as showers, tubs, and sinks, you don't want to see water in your home. Something as seemingly simple as a leak can turn into a widespread flood, damaging building materials and ruining personal items. The situation is even worse if you discover black water. You need to know what you're up against if this issue shows up in your Academy, TX, house.

What Is This Type of Water?

When it comes to flooding, water comes in three different categories. Black water goes into the third category. It is the most serious because it poses the biggest threat to you and the people in your home. It is so named because it contains raw sewage, including human feces. It can also have other contaminants such as silt. This water can make you severely ill if you come in contact with it. If ingested, it can be fatal.

How Does it Infiltrate Homes?

Category 3 water can find its way into residences in a few different ways. A main sewer line backup or break could send the water in your home. An overflowing toilet can also flood your home with raw sewage. Another way that this category of water could invade your property would be from an overflowing waterway.

Calling the Pros

Residents can take care of small water cleanup tasks. However, black water is a job for the pros only. Professional sewage cleanup companies can provide the following:

• Protective equipment and gear to stay safe in the water
• Experience removing sewage from essential properties
• Proven tools and techniques to effectively clean up the area
  
  

A Thorough Process

Professionals technicians have the skills and training to remove all water and sewage from your home. The pros will also dry and sanitized all affected surfaces. The team can also handle any rebuilding or restoration.

Getting rid of black water isn't a chore you should face alone. Make sure you enlist the expertise of a professional.

How To Fix a Leaking Compression Faucet

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

A minor repair of a leaking faucet is an easy DIY project

How To Fix a Leaking Compression Faucet

A leaking faucet is by far not the worst problem you can run into as a homeowner in Temple, TX, but it definitely needs to be addressed without hesitation. A dripping faucet can be annoying and expensive. A fast-dripping faucet can waste about five gallons of water per day, so a fixed leak can ease the strain on your wallet. If your faucet has a screw handle for hot water and another one for cold, you have a compression faucet. Take these steps to fix it.

1. Prepare the Work Area

Turn off the water to the sink. Close the sink drain to protect dropped parts. Create an area to lay out the parts in order of their removal. As you’re going through the process, it’s helpful to remove mineral deposits from the parts. Distilled white vinegar works well, along with a soft scouring pad.

2. Remove the Handles

Pry off the caps. Then, remove each handle by unscrewing them.

3. Remove the Nut

Remove the nut with a wrench. This will reveal the stem.

4. Remove the Stem

The O-ring rests on top of a rubber seat washer. The stem sits on the O-ring. The seat washer is the most likely cause of the leaking faucet; the rubber tends to wear out. Pull the stem out. You’ll find that the seat washer is thicker, whereas the O-ring is thinner. If the leak seems to be in the handle, the O-ring needs to be replaced. Be sure to take the used O-ring with you to the store to make sure you buy the correct size. Use a non-toxic, heat-proof plumber’s grease to coat the O-ring before installing it.

5. Remove and Replace the Seat Washer

An upside-down screw holds the washer in place. As with the O-ring, sizes vary, so take the used washer to the store for a reference. Then, apply plumber’s grease to the washer before you replace it.

6. Reassemble the Handles
The leak should be repaired. Now you can reassemble the handles.
A minor repair of a leaking faucet is an easy DIY project. If your home sustains damage, call water damage cleanup professionals to help.

3 Tips for Stop Damage Home Restoration

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Wooden floor damage due to storm

Follow These Three Tips In The Wake Of A Storm

A home flood in Temple, TX can range from a mild inconvenience that's easy to clean up to a massive disaster with far-reaching effects. Whatever the scale, though, it's crucial to follow these three tips in the wake of a storm. Otherwise, you risk multiplying the damage with problems such as:

• Mold growth
• Mildew growth
• Wood warping
  
  

Tip #1: Ask for Help
The most important first step in the event of a flood in your home is to call your local storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. Mold can start to grow in wet materials in as few as 24 hours, and the growth will accelerate and spread until it is entirely removed by experts. It's also a good idea to call your insurance company for guidance on what steps to take next.

Tip #2: Get Dry
Because fungi like mold can grow so rapidly and on almost any wet surface, after a home flood it is crucial that you get your floors, walls, furniture, upholstery, curtains, and other absorbent materials as fast as you possibly can. Start out by soaking up the surface water, then go over the affected areas with a wet vacuum if you have access to one. Next, crank up your AC or heat, which helps dry out those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. To go the extra mile, set up a dehumidifier or two to take care of the moisture problem.

Tip #3: Cut Your Losses
Sadly, some furniture and other such household items might not be salvageable, especially if the flooding lasted for an extended period of time.

To prevent mold growth and spread, remove any water-logged furniture, upholstery, carpeting, drapes, and bedding from your home within 24 hours of the flood water receding. Sentimental or important papers and photos should be sealed in a plastic bag and frozen until a professional can thaw and restore them.

To avoid further damage, the important thing is to act quickly and get help as soon as possible in the wake of a home flood.

How To Choose the Best Fire Extinguisher for Your Home

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Always have in your Temple, TX home a fire extinguisher

How to Select the Best Home Fire Extinguisher

Accessible fire extinguishers throughout your home are vital for its safety. However, fire extinguisher access is only helpful when you’ve chosen the right ones for your needs. The good news is that it’s not difficult to find the right choices for your home.

Extinguisher ABC Ratings

Every extinguisher bears an ABC-series code on the label. That code defines the type of fire the extinguisher will address. A and B are typically followed by a number to define how effective the extinguisher is against those materials. The higher the number, the more effective it will be.

• Class A extinguishers are for traditional home fires, including upholstery, cloth, carpet, paper and wood. Keep these options in living areas and around your fireplace or furnace.
• Class B extinguishers are ideal for cooking fires. Keep one in the kitchen and an extra in the garage in case of gasoline fires.
• Class C extinguishers are electrical fire models. This choice should be your go-to for any electrical fire, whether from an appliance or computer equipment.

Combination extinguishers give you the best of all of those needs. If you are looking for an overall fire preparedness solution in Temple, TX, ABC extinguishers will get the job done in all areas of your home.

Fire Extinguisher Weight Ratings

The weight stamped on an extinguisher canister details the amount of fire retardant; it does not include the canister's weight.

Five-pound extinguishers are usually sufficient for a home fire in most areas if the fire is caught quickly enough. A 10-pound extinguisher in the garage or your basement might be a good investment as well. Fires in those areas can grow quickly, sometimes leaving you in need of a fire damage restoration company, so larger extinguishers are often better.

The right combination of fire retardant solution and weight can ensure that your home's fire hazards are quickly addressed. These tips make it easier to choose the right fire extinguisher for each part of your home.

Selecting Shutters

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare for severe winds by learning about the best window protection for your home and environment.

Choosing Shutters

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the wide variety of styles and functions available in modern-day window protection mechanisms. Guard against high winds and other weather conditions in Belton, TX, by learning about different shutter types.

1. Storm Panel

The most inexpensive option for most areas and window types are called storm panel shutters. This model is not attached to the home by default and, under normal conditions, will be stored in a garage or outbuilding. Storm panels are typically made of a single piece of aluminum or steel, and are usually corrugated for extra strength. One panel piece is mounted to brackets on each window before a major storm. Although storm panels are cheap and don’t interfere with the default look of your home, they require more preparation time during emergency conditions.

2. Rolling and Accordion

The roll-down, roll-up, and accordion panel categories are somewhat more costly, but come with the natural advantage that your windows can be covered immediately in the event of high winds. This is because these models are made of strong and flexible steel or polycarbonate materials. This allows the entire panel to fold or roll away into a box or cavity near the window. During dangerous weather, the shutters can be drawn across the window manually, or in some cases, via an electrical motor. They then lock at the opposite side of the window for extra security.

3. Traditional

For the homeowner with additional aesthetic concerns, colonial and Bahama shutter designs provide even more options. These can be constructed from conventional materials like wood while still providing adequate storm protection. Colonial shutter panels are simply left open when not in use and provide a classic look. Bahama storm shutters can be propped open to create an awning during sunny weather.

Be prepared for high winds by understanding the best window safeguards for your home and environment. Sufficient foresight can prevent the need for storm damage cleanup later on.

What You Will Need To Tear Out After a Flood

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage on drywall is also obvious to your customers. It manifests itself as unsightly dark grey or brown spots.

What You'll Need To Remove After A Flood

Noone likes the daunting prospect of considering what to leave and what to tear out after their business floods. It might not be just what the insurance covers or what the contractor recommends. There are a few things that need to be replaced once they go through a storm or flood.

Drywall

Drywall is the first thing that you need to consider. It is a major source of mold and mildew once it has been soaked in water. This can cause:

• Health issues
• Strange smells
• Crumbling
• Black spots

Once it starts to grow inside your business, you will need a mold remediation company in Temple, TX, to help you clean it up.

Water damage on drywall is also very visible to your customers. It appears as unsightly dark grey or brown spots. These spots make your business interior look neglected.

Trim

Another area of concern is your trim. You may have to replace the trim around windows, doors or walls. Even if a small amount of water gets into your business, you should replace your baseboards at least.

This includes having to tear out crown molding or chair rails just in case the water has damaged them. When you replace it, you may want to consider a PVC or plastic molding instead, particularly if you live in an area where flooding is likely to occur.

Cabinets

Depending on what the cabinet is made out of, your cabinets may need to be replaced. If they are made from wood, the storm restoration company might be able to pull them out and reset them after the cabinets dry. If they are pressboard, then there is a good chance the water will warp them beyond recognition.

After a flood, check these areas to make sure that there is no damage. It is often better to tear out a wall, cabinet, or trim piece that might be waterlogged than allow the damaged portion to remain.

How the Professionals Restore Electronics After a Fire

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can result in damage to electronic devices that isn't always obvious to the untrained eye.

How Experts Restore Electronics Following A Fire

Cleaning up after a commercial electrical fire is a challenge. It's possible to repair and restore some smoke-damaged electronic devices, but it requires the specialized knowledge and skills of a professional fire restoration company to ensure every step is done right. These experts will take the following steps to handle computer cleanup in the wake of a fire.

1. Power Down Everything Immediately

First, the restoration professional will make sure all your electronics are disconnected from their power sources before doing anything else. This even includes removing batteries from devices that contain them, such as laptop computers. The professionals will do this only after the fire department declares the area safe.

2. Look for Signs of Smoke Damage

During an electrical fire, soot can be deposited inside electronic devices, where it can act like extra insulation. The device might work normally at first but eventually overheat and malfunction. Smoke deposits can also lead to corrosion over time because some of the elements in smoke are acidic in nature. A restoration professional will carefully inspect your affected devices for smoke and soot buildup on any internal parts and wiring.

3. Use the Right Cleaning Tools and Techniques

Restoration experts know that ordinary household products are not ideal for cleaning electronics after any kind of fire. Even a little bit of moisture can destroy electronics or at least degrade them. Instead, the exterior surfaces are often easily restored with a soft rag, while a can of compressed air is useful for cleaning internal components.

4. Repair or Replace Components and Devices

Fortunately, many of the components in electronic devices are replaceable when cleaning isn’t enough. In some cases, it's better and more economical to just replace the entire device. Restoration experts in Belton, TX, can advise you which is the better solution for each of your devices.

An electrical fire can result in damage to electronic devices that isn't always obvious to the untrained eye. Inspection and cleaning by a qualified professional are necessary to get all your devices safely back in working order.

What Is Hidden Damage After a Fire?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

While dealing with a fire at work is stressful enough, other factors can also cause problems. Water and smoke damage can be caused by a fire.

What Is Hidden Damage Following A Fire?

While experiencing a fire at your Temple, TX, business is hard enough, other factors can also cause you headaches. A fire can cause hidden damage such as water and smoke damage.

What Is Hidden Damage From a Fire?

The most obvious cause of damage from a fire is the flames. They can destroy part of all of your property. However, a fire that does not entirely devastate your business can cause what is known as partial damage. Areas of your building may be affected without the entire property succumbing to fire. Fire can leave hidden damage from:

• Water from fire hoses
  
• Soot damage on electronics and other items
• A smoke odor that lingers on porous surfaces

These types of damage may not be evident immediately after a fire. You may discover, for example, that your electronics are covered in a sticky, corrosive substance left behind by smoke. You may notice a lingering odor in your carpets or furniture that won't go away without the help of a professional restoration company.

What Can Be Done About Smoke Damage?

Fortunately, damage from smoke is a covered loss in most insurance policies. You can also receive compensation if the fire took place in a neighboring business but also caused damage to your property.

After a fire, it's a good idea to check with your insurance agent to find out what is covered and get started with the cleanup process right away.
A restoration company can help you with smoke cleaning. Technicians may use methods such as:

• Wet cleaning for moderate or heavy surface damage
• Dry cleaning for pre-treatment or light damage
• Abrasive cleaning on heavily covered surfaces
• Foam cleaning for delicate fabrics
• Immersion cleaning for coated surfaces that can be dipped in cleaner

Whether your property or one nearby suffered a fire, you can get help with hidden smoke damage and get back to business as soon as possible.

Oh No, Toilet Overflow! Here's How To Be Prepared When Sewer Damage Strikes

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Whatever the nature of the problem, SERVPRO's experts can identify the cause and remedy the sewer damage situation quickly and safely.

Oh My, There's A Toilet Overflow! When Sewer Damage Occurs, Here's How To Be Prepared

Commercial buildings aren't immune to flooded toilet issues. Sewer damage can occur anywhere, considering a sanitary sewer system connects all sources of wastewater. This includes residential, industrial, and commercial. If something goes awry with the sanitary sewer, you may see an excess amount of water coming out of your toilet — and in a variety of colors. Here's why it's important for you as a business owner to be knowledgeable and prepared when damage to the sewer system is suspected.

Possible Reasons Behind a Toilet Overflow

Sanitary sewer overflows occur when raw sewage is released back into the system. Sometimes, it even backs up into commercial buildings. There are a variety of reasons for SSOs, including:

• Clogged pipes
• Tree root invasion of the sewer system
• Pipe collapse
• Improper design of sewer
• Breaks in the line
• Power outages
• Defects in the system
• Defacing of public property

The EPA states that anywhere between 23,000 and 25,000 SSOs occur yearly in the United States. Sewer damage is common, but it's slightly less common to see this manifest into a flooded toilet in your place of business. In this case, you need to know what to do to mitigate the issue before it becomes costly.

How To Be Prepared

If you notice any sort of toilet overflow, it's best to contact your local sewage cleanup experts in Marlin, TX. Each insurance company has a preferred vendor, so it's best to pick a trusted remediation expert such as SERVPRO that has corporate ties and the right resources available.

The worst-case scenario is contacting your sewage company, getting a quote from a company that your insurance doesn't cover, and having to pay out of pocket.

Once you've decided on the professionals preferred by your insurance provider, they can come in and do an inspection. There are three categories of contaminated water: clean, gray, and contaminated.

Depending on the source of the overflow, you could be dealing with clean water. However, if not taken care of swiftly, this can quickly degrade into the gray or contaminated category.

Whatever the nature of the problem, SERVPRO's experts can identify the cause and remedy the sewer damage situation quickly and safely.

How To Be a Good Landlord

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Your tenants trust you to be honest with them. If you say that a plumbing issue will be fixed within a day, you need to keep your word.

What Makes A Good Landlord?

Being a landlord in Marlin, TX, can be a rewarding career. However, it is also a lot of work. You need to maintain the plumbing system and keep your property in good condition. You also must make sure your tenants are happy. Here are some ways to improve your job performance.

1. Emphasize Safety

Your tenants and future renters need to feel protected on your property. You also do not want vandals damaging the premises. You should thus take necessary steps to deter criminal activity. Consider hiring security guards or installing cameras. At the very least, you should trim your landscape and add exterior lighting.

2. Train Your Staff

One bad employee can lead to many complaints and potentially sink your business. Make sure each worker is right for your company before hiring him or her. The employees should also be fully trained and receive an orientation booklet. This way, they will know exactly what you expect of them.

3. Be Present

Do not wait for your tenants to complain about plumbing problems or other concerns. Stay on your property as much as possible and check it regularly. This will help you be proactive. For instance, if you notice a small leak in one of the pipes, you can have commercial plumbing professionals fix the issue immediately.

4. Write Everything Down

Your word is not sufficient, and neither is your tenant's. Any important agreements, including leases and repair invoices, should be kept in writing.

5. Keep Promises

Your tenants trust you to be honest with them. If you say that a plumbing issue will be fixed within a day, you need to keep your word. The above landlord tips should keep tenants satisfied for the duration of their lease.

Your positive reputation will spread, leading more renters to seek out your building in the future. This should help you continue to grow your property management business.

The Top 3 Care Tips for Wet Items

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

f a water damage event is not properly taken care of and dried, it can result in a mold infestation. Call SERVPRO for help.

The 3 Most Important Wet-Items Care Tips

In the aftermath of water damage in Belton, TX, a homeowner may not be sure how to handle wet contents. The composition of each item determines the best approach to handling contents exposed to water in home. These three content care tips may be helpful for the earliest stages of water damage mitigation. Content restoration professionals can follow up with the best methods for restoring any materials.

1. Disinfect or Dispose of Contaminated Items

Disinfection is necessary for items contaminated with Category Two or Category Three water. Category Two Gray water may contain chemicals or microbes, and Category Three contaminated water contains solid waste. If damaged items are delicate, a homeowner should contact a content restoration service.

2. Consider Content Restoration for Delicate Items

Delicate items such as upholstery exposed to water in home may benefit from dry cleaning or other specialized processes. For instance, non-porous materials may benefit from immersion in cleaning solution and the application of ultrasonic waves. Wet books or papers can be freeze dried. These cleaning methods are done at a specialized off-site facility and items are stored until restoration of a residence is complete.

3. Try To Dry Out Items As Soon As Possible

Most items that stay wet or damp for days will sustain progressive damage and become more at risk for developing mold. For this reason, air drying is recommended for most contents, particularly items exposed to clean water from a broken pipe. Exercise caution exposing items such as furniture to heat or direct sunlight, which may bleach colors or cause wood to warp.

If you are not sure whether items can be recovered, consult with restoration specialists as soon as possible after water damage occurs at a residence in Belton, TX. Trained experts can recommend the best way to get out water in home or treat delicate contents at an offsite facility.

Protect Your Home After a Fire

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

After A Fire, Make Sure Your Home Is Safe.

After your home in Belton, TX, experiences a fire, the process of returning to normal may seem like a long journey. While a fire damage and restoration specialist will repair, replace and restore it back to its former glory, you still need to protect your home before help arrives. In many cases, windows and other damage happens while extinguishing the flames leave your home exposed. To avoid secondary damage, it is recommended to board up any high-risk areas.

Minimize Risk

While your focus may be on the losses incurred from fire and smoke damage, that isn’t the end of potential risks. An emergency board up helps in more ways than one.

Insurance Coverage Validity: After experiencing a loss, you want to get the most out of your insurance coverage. The longer you wait to cover existing damage, the higher the chance that additional damage will occur. In many cases, that added damage won’t be covered.

Keep Nature at Bay: Any exposed areas are an instant source of further problems. From wind to water to critters, existing issues may easily become much bigger.

Prevent Property Loss: While the fire may have destroyed or damaged many of your belongings, there is still valuable property inside the home. A boarded-up home helps prevent vandals or thieves from entering and looting.

Reduce Liability: The fire may have created structural damage. If people enter it and get it injured, you will be liable for the injuries.

Services Available

Since every situation is different, so is the type of solution that may be needed. If windows or doors are broken or cracked, a simple board up will prevent trespassers from entering. If there is roof damage, installing a tarp over the affected area will prevent Mother Nature from wreaking unwanted havoc. In many cases, using both is the best option to get the most coverage possible.

The sooner you board up exposed areas, the better chances you have at getting your home back to “Like it never even happened.”

What Is a Flood Cut?

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Indoor flooding can cause multiple potentially serious issues. Begin drying immediately to minimize as much damage as possible.

What Exactly Is A Flood Cut?

When your Chilton, TX, building floods, whether a result of heavy rainfall, a burst pipe or another type of disaster, flood cleanup must begin immediately. Flooding can lead to numerous problems (e.g., contamination, mold growth) to various materials and surfaces, even drywall. Drywall will probably require you or storm damage cleanup professionals to perform a flood cut because water can soak in and through it, making it impossible to dry. This can shortly lead to mold growth.

Here's how to complete a flood cut:

1. Remove Excess Water First, you'll need to stop the water flow and extract all of the standing water. Drywall soaks up water, so the water will wick up and through the wall. This means you'll also need to remove water-soaked carpet and padding and clear the affected area as much as possible to reduce humidity.
2. Shut Off Electricity Turn off electricity at the breaker box and remove electrical outlets that were not affected by moisture. Any outlets that have been exposed to water should be removed and disposed of.
3. Measure Then, you'll need to determine how much drywall to remove. If the water level was less than two-and-a-half feet, you need to cut out the drywall to a height of four feet. A higher water level than two-and-a-half feet requires a tear out at the height of eight feet.
4. Cut and Remove Drywall Using chalk, mark a straight line where you're going to cut above the line of the flooding. With a utility knife, cut about half-way through the drywall's thickness. Carefully loosen and remove this piece. Then, remove all of the insulation behind it.
5. Dry the Area When all of the affected material is removed, you can use fans, blowers and dehumidifiers to dry the area.

Indoor flooding can cause multiple potentially serious issues. Begin drying immediately to minimize as much damage as possible.

Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Ask your lender about their flood insurance requirements and check out your flood maps. A little advance knowledge can save a fortune in the long run.

Is Flood Insurance Required for My Business?

Commercial insurance isn’t just about protecting property, it’s also important for peace of mind. Knowing your business is protected allows you to focus on what you do best: growing an enterprise.

In some cases, it’ll be required, particularly if you have a lender or investors. However, most insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. To get coverage in Academy, TX, you’ll have to purchase a flood insurance policy.

What Is a Flood Policy?

Flood coverage is designed to pick up where other policies leave off. When a flood strikes your business, it covers most of the indoor damage, including:

• Appliances
• Electrical and plumbing
• Structural damage
• Carpet and cabinetry
• Foundation repair

Specifically exempted from coverage is outside improvements such as landscaping. Also, if a sewer backup happens and it isn’t caused by a flood, the flood policy won’t cover it. The flood policy is meant to be in addition to a standard commercial insurance policy, not a replacement for it.

What Businesses Require It?

Generally, there are no laws mandating coverage. if your lender or investors want you to have it, that’s when it’s required. Most lenders won’t expect you to have flood coverage unless you’re in a high-risk flood zone. You can also ask your local restoration experts about flood-prone areas.
Any building in a floodplain or the 100-year flood zone is going to be considered high-risk. You can look at FEMA’s flood maps online or consult with local authorities to determine what areas are at risk.

Do You Need It if It’s Not Required?

If you’re in a flood zone, you almost certainly should get a flood policy. Flood insurance is subsidized by the government, and because of the subsidies, most experts say it makes financial sense in flood-prone areas.

If you’re not in a flood zone, it’s a tough call.

Most buildings not in a high-risk zone are statistically unlikely to need coverage. However, a flash flood can happen anywhere, so the peace of mind might be worth it.

Ask your lender about their flood insurance requirements and check out your flood maps. A little advance knowledge can save a fortune in the long run.

Why You Need Document Restoration Professionals After a Disaster

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to document restoration, time is of the essence. Water damage can occur in any size disaster, from a large flood to a small pipe leak.

Why Do You Need Document Restoration Experts After a Disaster?

When it comes to document restoration, time is of the essence. Water damage can occur in any size disaster, from a large flood to a small pipe leak. Your commercial business needs to know what to do in order to be prepared. This will lessen the chances of irreversible damage that can happen in as little as 48 hours.

Types of Documents That May Be Damaged

If you sit back and think of all the paper goods and documents in your commercial business, the list ends up long. Here are some examples of paper to itemize when preparing for document restoration:

• Paper contracts
• Books, magazines, etc.
• Manuscripts
• Photographs
• X-Rays
• Blueprints
• Mapz
• Marketing materials
• Artifacts

When dealing with historic artifacts, in particular, document drying methods should be approved by the National Archives and Records Administration and the General Services Administration. Luckily, SERVPRO methods are already approved, keeping the costs lower for commercial companies in Temple, TX.

Steps To Salvage Documents

There is no need to outsource document drying if the local storm response team brought in is well-versed in the process. This is important for not only artifacts, but all paper goods that may be damaged. Here are the steps that should be taken by professionals:

• HIPPA Master-certification
• 24/7 surveillance
• Vacuum freeze-drying
• Gamma irradiation sterilization
• Re-jacketing
• Deodorization
• Digitization

Why You Need Professionals

Attempting document restoration on your own can not only be time-consuming, but it can damage the integrity of the documents or even ruin them completely. It can also be harmful if the necessary precautions aren't taken. Depending on the level of water contamination, the documents may harbor hazardous chemicals, viruses, and bacteria. This can be caused by sewage leaks, floods, or stagnant water.

SERVPRO sterilizes the documents to ensure safety. Not to mention, the SERVPRO process makes your documents digital! This way, you won't have to worry about a future disaster impacting your access to important information.

What’s In Flood Water?

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged by any water damage, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call.

What Do Flood Waters Contain?

Water damage is classified into three categories. Category One water is clean. Category Two water, or gray water, is contaminated, but does not contain solid waste. Category Three water, is severely contaminated. This water originates from a flood or sewer backup. Find out more about why it is necessary to disinfect any building materials and contents exposed to flooding.

Contaminants

Category Three water may contain a variety of contaminants. When flooding occurs, surface water may carry any of the following contents:

• Bacteria
  
• Chemicals
  
• Hazardous waste
  
• Heavy metals
  
• Sewage

When a body of surface water overflows or heavy rain accumulates, this water may mingle with overflow from sewer mains. Water accumulates more contaminants as it flows. For this reason, it is important to extract standing water before cleaning and disinfecting any parts of a commercial structure exposed to this type of water damage.

Protective Equipment

Building occupants should take measures to limit exposure to contaminated water. It may be helpful to keep the following personal protective items on site:

• Goggles or safety glasses
  
• Heavy work gloves
  
• Hip waders
  
• Watertight boots with electrical insulation

All of these pieces of equipment can be useful if a building occupant needs to move through flood water for any reason. Individuals should factor in the depth and speed of the water when deciding whether to cross.

Cleanup Procedures

There are several stages to cleaning up flooding. A commercial restoration company will extract category three water with a pump or other specialized equipment. It may be necessary to tear out damaged building materials. Afterwards, the area should be cleaned, disinfected and dried. Once the area is totally dry, restoration can proceed.

It is important to exercise caution during flooding in Temple, TX. The owner of a commercial building should contact mitigation and restoration professionals as soon as possible to start the water damage cleanup process.

What To Expect During SERVPRO’s Fire Restoration Process

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

If your home suffers soot and smoke damage after a house fire, give SERVPRO a call. Our team of fire damage experts will restore it efficiently.

What To Expect During A SERVPRO Fire Restoration

When a client has experienced a fire in his or her Temple, TX home, the claims and restoration process can be a lengthy one. In order to save time and energy, working with one company through each step, from inspection to mitigation, can make everything go more quickly and easily. Here is what you can expect from SERVPRO when you use them for fire restoration.

1. Beginning the Process

Once you have contacted the damage restoration specialists about the emergency, you will receive a response within an hour. They are available 24 hours a day, so you won’t have to wait. After you’ve provided the necessary information, they will send a team to inspect the damage.

2. Inspection and Assessment

Before they can begin the fire rebuild work, an inspection will need to be done to assess the damage. This will allow the professionals to determine the best way to begin work. They will provide a briefing for you and your client so that you know what to expect during the course of restoration.

3. Mitigating the Home

Mitigation is an important part of fire restoration and will be done before any repair work can be started. During this stage, they will take steps to prevent further damage to the home. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can include boarding up doors and windows as well as placing tarps on missing roof areas.

4. Cleanup and Sanitization

Any items that can be restored will be cleaned and sanitized. This might include furniture, children’s toys and stuffed animals and paper documents. They will also remove any lingering smoke odors from the home.

5. Restoring the Home

The final step in the process is restoring the structure of the home. If the damage is extensive, they will reconstruct any highly-damaged areas. They will also do any minor repairs like installing new carpet and painting walls.

Because SERVPRO is there for every step of the fire restoration process, they are a great choice for rebuilding services. Both you and your client can feel confident that everything will go smoothly and quickly.

3 Reasons a Water Heater May Make Noise

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

As water moves around the tank it can cause vibrations in the element which can lead to a possible humming sound.

Three Reasons A Water Heater Might Make A Loud Noise

Most Temple, TX, homes have a water heater. One common occurrence that seems to happen with these units are a variety of unusual sounds. Fortunately, in most cases these sounds can be easily explained. Many professional restoration services agree that the following could cause sounds from a heater, and suggest looking for potential problems before you experience a break resulting in water damage.

1. Sediment Inside the Unit

In many cases, especially with heaters that have been in use for a while, settlement can get into the unit and settle. As this material is stirred, or in some cases as water is pushed through deposits, noises make can occur. A professional can perform a water heater flush to help correct this problem.

2. A Loose Heating Element

Another source of sound from your water heater could be the fact that the heating element isn't fully secured. As water moves around the tank it can cause vibrations in the element which can lead to a possible humming sound. Calling a professional to properly tighten the heating element may help to correct the problem.

3. Improperly Opened Valve

One noise common to water heaters is a high-pitched whistling type sound. In many cases this is caused when water is forced through a partially open valve, much the way steam tries to escape through the tiny opening in a teapot. In many cases you can look at your heater to ensure that all the valves are properly open in order to correct the sound.

When inspecting your water heater for the source of any unusual noises, try looking to see if there is an improperly open valve, a loose heating element, or any sediment inside the unit. The professional can perform a flush of your heating unit in order to clean out any of the elements, as well as replace or repair any damage parts.

How To Keep Mold From Growing Back

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold infestation discovered in a home in Rosebud, TX.

How to Prevent Mold Re-Growth

Mold spores are everywhere. They are in the air you breathe and can be found on various surfaces. Therefore, if you buy a device at the hardware store to detect black mold, the detector is likely to register the presence of fungus. It is impossible to remove all mold from an area. Visible mold growth, however, can be remedied. Mitigation by certified professionals decreases the likelihood of the mold returning.

Mold Growth

Mold needs three things to grow:

• Moisture
• Food (such as dirt or other organic matter)
• A place to land
  
  

Mold cleanup will likely be needed if your home in Rosebud, TX, floods and you don't have the water damage fixed right away. It only takes a day or two for black mold to start clinging to surfaces and growing. If you attempt to clean up the fungus without addressing the moisture problem, the mold will probably return. After you take care of the excess water and make sure your home's humidity level is below 45 percent, technicians can tackle the mold.

Mold Mitigation

Mold remediation starts with assessment and ends with the restoration of the areas and surfaces affected. Mold mitigation experts begin the process by testing to see where the mold problem is. They can then contain the area, cutting off airflow so the issue doesn't spread. Some surfaces can be cleaned, but if the mold has been embedded into the materials, they will have to be replaced. Any belongings that show signs of mold must also be cleaned. After the growth is removed, technicians restore the room so that it looks "Like it never even happened."

While it's not possible to completely rid your home of mold spores, you can take measures to eliminate black mold growth. Hire certified specialists for remediation, and the problem is unlikely to return.

3 Important Facts About Residential Water Damage

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

If a water damage event is not properly taken care of and dried, it can result in a mold infestation.

Protect Your Home During a Water Disaster

Whether a water pipe burst in cold weather or heavy rains caused a neighborhood flood, being prepared to protect your Marlin, TX, home during a water disaster can help you better understand what you can do to minimize damage and recover faster. Here are three quick facts to help you navigate a flooding emergency.

1. Small Floods Can Cause Significant Damage

Not all floods have to be large to cause damage. Some types of flooding, such as those that occur from a malfunctioning dishwasher or overflowing toilet, can affect your home’s walls and flooring. If a flood occurs in an area that includes carpeting or porous flooring, moisture may remain trapped underneath padding or tile, which can cause unpleasant smells and mold growth.

2. Not All Water Damage Is Instantly Visible

Sometimes water damage can occur out of sight, where it can affect the immediate surroundings for weeks or even months. For example, if a water line in your refrigerator’s automatic ice maker breaks and the water seeps into the wall behind the fridge instead of leaking onto the floor, you may not notice the problem until the moisture buildup starts to rot the drywall. It is a good idea to check plumbing lines regularly to prevent hidden leaks from causing more extensive damage.

3. Professional Restoration Can Prevent Future Problems

Whether a pipe burst and caused a flood or torrential rains were to blame, calling in a flood damage and restoration service to help with cleanup efforts can prevent future problems, such as trapped moisture under carpeting or damaged insulation behind drywall. Flood cuts and tear-out services may reveal these issues, and professional restoration can make damaged areas like new again.

Water damage can have a negative impact on your Marlin, TX, home. However, from outdoor flooding to a pipe burst caused by cold weather, knowing how to react to these events may help you reduce the risk of long-term moisture problems.

Rental Fires: Know Your Responsibilities

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Belton, TX.

Three Important Things About Damage Coverage After a Fire  

Covering the damages of a devastating fire can be hard enough, but when a rental property is involved, the complexities can quickly multiply. Who pays for what? These are some of the questions that you may face, and if you don’t know the answers in advance, it can cost you big time. Here are three important things to know about damage coverage after a Belton, TX, rental property, or apartment fire.

In general, there are two possibilities for who is responsible for fire damage from a rental or apartment fire. Those are:

1. The landlord
   
2. The renter
   
   

Each of those stakeholders has a specific set of requirements to ensure full coverage. Knowing them well in advance can make everything go more smoothly.

Landlord Responsibilities

Any time an owner lives off-site from renters, they will need to have insurance for the rental property. Property owner's insurance typically covers damages to the structure, electrical system, plumbing and major appliances. It’s important to note that not all policies cover the latter, so when shopping for insurance, find a policy with the most comprehensive coverage. It may cost a bit more, but it’s worth it in the end when you don’t have to come out of pocket.

Tenant Responsibilities

While property owners’ insurance covers the structure of a building, it’s up to the renter to cover the contents. This is the case for a residential property as well as a commercial property. The renter must file a claim to be reimbursed for things like personal property, furniture, or even important equipment. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding such insurance: Property owners are under no legal requirement to cover the contents lost in the fire.

Don’t make the aftermath of a rental or apartment fire harder than it has to be. Familiarize yourself with your responsibilities when it comes to fire repair to minimize stress.