Why SERVPRO in case of fire damages

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

A house damaged by fire

After a fire damages your home, Team SERVPRO works for you.

While asking family or friends for assistance may be less expensive, an untrained eye can result in extra damages that cause serious issues. In an effort to save you a few dollars, they may overlook or disregard issue areas, leading to exorbitant damages later on.

When dealing with fire damage on your Coconut Grove property, fully qualified specialists with access to industrial-grade equipment give you the greatest results. A reputable restoration business uses their years of knowledge to your advantage, replacing damaged materials, sanitising areas that may be repaired, and quickly and effectively restoring your property to good shape.

With the help of their skilled teams, SERVPRO professionals can rid your property of the smoke and ash that lingers long after the flames have died down but still damages your contents and structural elements. Professionals in restoration have the skills and resources to spot problem areas, control losses, and stop further damage.

The SERVPRO staff makes every effort to safeguard your property, restore power, and eliminate potential risks. Only the services you require that are appropriate for your circumstances are available thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of our offerings. We never charge you for services that are not necessary and make every effort to restore your property to its excellent pre-damage condition.

Using board-up procedures, SERVPRO seals openings like broken windows or open doors that could allow burglars to take advantage of your current situation. This protects exposed sections of your property from the elements. Additionally, we safeguard your house from corrosion by removing smoke stains from painted or plastic surfaces, furniture, fibreglass, and worktops.

Along with protecting window frames, faucets, door hardware, and lighting fixtures, we can also assist with protecting metal trim. A pre-cleaning chemical is applied to any surface at risk of future corrosion. This stops deterioration in its tracks and enables your restoration method to do its magic.

Regular Maintenance could save you money on the long run

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Regular Maintainance to Save You Money

Over time, the expense of maintaining your residences might build up to a sizable sum. Any structural system or appliance can benefit from lower maintenance costs if problems are resolved quickly and potential difficulties are foreseen. As long as homeowners schedule routine maintenance, the majority of home systems, such the HVAC or plumbing, may be maintained for years without experiencing a serious problem. Here are the top three strategies for minimising maintenance costs and extending the life of each system in your house.

1) Attend to minor repairs.

When it comes to maintenance, it's a good idea to begin small. When problems that initially appear to be minor are addressed, it can assist to avoid more serious problems later on. In terms of components, labour, and incidentals, regular or preventative maintenance is typically less expensive than emergency repairs.

2) Carry out routine maintenance

Homeowners should plan routine inspections of the building's structural systems, appliances, and other components. Inspections could reveal problems that need maintenance. The cost of maintenance is typically lower when components are cleaned and the parts required to avoid future issues are purchased than when damaged parts are repaired and potential damage is repaired.

3) Complete The Task Correctly-

Installing, maintaining, and repairing household systems and appliances like the HVAC and plumbing should always be done by skilled professionals. Although it might cost a little more every task to maintain excellent management standards, there is a substantially lower chance of developing serious issues that turn out to be highly expensive. Professionals who are bonded and insured frequently offer warranties for their work.

The longer an issue persists, the more likely it is that it will worsen and cost more to maintain. Regular inspections, upkeep, preventative measures, and prompt repairs for a Manhattan home's structural systems and appliances can assist homeowners in avoiding expensive emergency remedies for significant issues that could result in significant damage.

Water Damages and what to do?

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

What actually occurred?

The plastic water line behind the refrigerator frequently cracks, starting a sluggish trickle that accumulates water behind the refrigerator unseen. Excessive condensation buildup is another typical cause that has the same result. Numerous issues can arise in your house as a result of water damage from your refrigerator, especially given how long the issue may go unnoticed before it is discovered and how much damage has already been done to your floors and the surrounding surroundings. Mold can grow and your floors can deteriorate in the ideal conditions of moisture, heat, and darkness. These mould spores can be problematic in places like apartments or enclosed spaces, and a condition like this should not be disregarded. Since SERVPRO specialises in mould remediation, we will gladly get rid of the problem and stop any future aggravation for you.

Next, what?

Any visible water must first be cleaned up to prevent further damage and the possibility of mould growth. After doing this, check your refrigerator to see if there are any obvious leaks or places where excessive condensation may be accumulating. If feasible, it's critical to replace any damaged connections in order to immediately halt the leak. Examine the damage to the area under and around the refrigerator if you are able to. The majority of the time, damage to the floors will be obvious, but the underlying issues may be hidden beneath.

what happens to water?

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

What Happens to the Water Now?

When a leak develops, it can be frustrating to try to determine where the water goes. It's important to know the right procedures to take when a leak is discovered coming from an appliance or an open entryway (window, door, hole).

It's considerably more challenging to manage in the case of multi-unit buildings, such as co-ops or apartment complexes. To choose an appropriate water restoration solution, it is vital to determine the path of the water. Since each apartment is normally plumbed separately yet shares walls, ceilings, and floors with other living spaces, multi-unit housing is a natural place for such detective work. When it is quite likely that the water from the leak eventually spreads throughout the building where you cannot even see it and other tenants have not yet noticed, it is insufficient for a landlord to just respond to the complaint of one tenant.

Is It Simple to Track Water's Movement from Space to Space?

Water is frequently said to follow the route of least resistance. This fact does not always stand up to inspection because there are many additional considerations. For instance, if condensation forms on a cold water supply pipe running parallel to the floor in a warm, damp basement, some water will drop in a line down the pipe's length and fall to the ground. There would be numerous damp places traced on the floor throughout the length of the pipe, as opposed to simply one wet spot. The condensation will, however, have a tendency to run down the pipe and collect in a circle at the bottom if the cold pipe is parallel to the floor. Additional cases may yield even more contrasting solutions.

Now Tell Me How Trained Technicians Follow the Water

Since water doesn't go along the same paths that people might assume from mythology, SERVPRO needs to come up with more dependable methods of figuring out where water travels and hides. During the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training, our specialists learn the fundamental techniques for detecting moisture. We employ moisture detectors with and without prongs to find the presence of moisture, which aids us in tracing the path of an intrusion by water. We also use specialised moisture metres to measure the amounts of water absorbed by porous materials for further data. After we remove any standing water, the moisture levels serve as baselines for our Applied Structural Drying (ASD) professionals as they decide what drying goals to set.

Why Is It Important? Shouldn't the Water Inside the Building Just Dry Up?

One of the worrying possibilities to think about is the potential for mould development if all water is not removed from every area of an apartment complex. Only a minimal amount of moisture is required for mould spores to "germinate" and start growing. Molds only require oxygen, water, and an organic surface on which to grow. Mold colonies can grow without light in any building cavity, above ceilings, and between walls. Landlords are required to locate the leak and make plans to remove all water as soon as one occurs due to the risk of mould damage when wood framing, drywall, ceiling tiles, and other building materials are even slightly wet.

How Do Experts Remove Water From Tight Spaces?

Even in a large apartment complex, portable extractors can be moved quite a distance inside the flats. Compared to the larger, more powerful truck-mounted models, the mobile units are significantly more adaptable in their usage and can fit in confined locations much more readily. Up to 12 litres of water can be extracted using the equipment before it needs to be drained and a new attempt made to remove as much water as is possible. The apparatus can be carried like a backpack. We must take into consideration various controlled removal procedures, such as drilling access holes into the walls, if the extractor cannot reach moisture even with extenders.

Dealing with Water Floods

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water Flood

How to Stay Safe During a Flood

Water can enter your home during a storm and cause flooding, which can seriously harm your property. However, ensuring the protection of your immediate family, pets, and other loved ones should always come first. When the weather is safe, return to inspect the damage and start the cleanup once the storm has passed. When visiting the floodplain, avoid doing the following things:

Keep Your Hands Off the Water.

Numerous forms of contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and debris, can be found in floodwater. Wearing rubber boots, gloves, and avoiding getting your hands or face wet will help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the water. If, in spite of your best efforts, contact happens, wash right away with soap and fresh water.

Never step into standing water.

Homes, yards, roadways, and other locations may have standing water after a flood. It is not unusual to see downed powerlines following a storm because strong winds frequently accompany intense storms. You can't always discern what's underneath the surface because floodwater is typically murky. If you enter a flooded home, you can get an electric shock if the water has been electrically charged. The risk of electrocution will be reduced with the use of rubber boots.

Don't let the water stand still.

Bacteria have more time to grow the longer water sits. The structural integrity of objects might start to deteriorate if they are submerged in water over extended periods of time. As quickly as possible, the water should be carefully evacuated. You can limit any water damage to your home by clearing the water more quickly. As soon as the water has been removed from the area, you should start the drying process because mould can start to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

By following a few precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of floodwater.

Dealing with summer storm and safety

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is approaching, and with it comes the risk of catastrophic storms. When you're outside, there are a few things you can do to lessen your risk of being struck by lightning.

Offices, schools, and houses are all well-protected structures. Once inside, keep your distance from windows and doors. Keep an eye out for anything that conducts electricity.

If you don't have access to a safe shelter, take the following steps to lessen your risk:

• Never take refuge under a lone tree or utility pole; these places are more likely to be hit.
• Get off the ridges, peaks, and hills.
• Get away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
• Objects that conduct electricity should be avoided.
• Do not lie completely flat on the ground.
• When thunderstorms are predicted, keep an eye on the weather and postpone or cancel outdoor activities. Even if your building is damaged, make sure you are protected at all times.

We're here to assist you with the damage that storm damage might create.

Advice on what to do after facing water flood

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Floods in your building can be terrible; we understand how stressful and frustrating this can be. However, there are certain things you can do in the first 24 hours after a flood if you follow our advice.

• Take photos of the damage before removing any water. This will help your insurer understand the extent of the damage.
• Protect Your Health: Sewage or home chemicals could contaminate the water. Wear rubber gloves if you plan on lingering near the water.
• Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the flood. Keep the phone numbers of your insurance company and local agent in your phone for emergencies.
• Remove Water: Once your insurer has given you permission to do so, utilise a sump pump and contact a restoration business.
• Mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Make sure to rapidly remove any moist contents, such as carpets and bedding.

Flooding at your home or company necessitates the assistance of an expert. To get it repaired as soon as possible, contact your local restoration firm.

Advice on how to be safe from fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

With the arrival of warmer weather, there will be an increase in the number of outdoor fires, such as bonfires. While these can be entertaining for some, they can also be harmful and result in a larger fire.

Before you light the first match, make sure you follow these safety precautions.

• On a windy night, never start a campfire.
• If the fire starts to spread, have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
• Keep a tight eye on the campfire and everyone who is around it.
• Aerosols, canisters, and anything containing foam or paint should not be burned.
• Make sure the wood you're burning is dry and seasoned before you start.
• The pile should be no more than 5' x 5' in size.

After the bonfire is out, flip the materials over using metal shovels and irrigate the area. You avoid starting a fire, make sure to observe all fire and safety precautions.

Get ready to a Storm kit

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms may wreak havoc on your house or company. When tragedies like these hit, you must act quickly to prevent more damage to your property. SERVPRO is always willing to assist, and we'd like to offer some advice on how to put together a basic emergency kit in case the unexpected occurs.

One thing that 2021 has taught us is to always be prepared in a year full of surprises. Here are a few essentials to include in your Emergency Storm Kit.

The following items should be included in a basic emergency supplies kit:

-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food  (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
-A battery-operated or hand-crank radio, as well as a NOAA weather radio - Weather Tone alarm on the radio
-Flashlight
-Kit for first aid
-Extra batteries are available.
-A whistle (to signal for help)
-Mask to protect against dust (to help filter contaminated air)
-Duct tape and plastic sheeting (to shelter in place)
-Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
-pliers or a wrench (to turn off utilities)
-Can opener (manual) (for food)
-Maps of the area
-Chargers and a backup battery are included with the phone.

what to do when your home is damaged due to a fire?

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

There aren't many things for which we have to wait any longer. We've really gotten to the heart of a lot of scenarios that necessitate a sit-and-wait approach at this point, short of teleportation. That's a fantastic thing!

As much as some may wear "I had to wait for it in my day" as a badge of honour, having rapid access to so much of what we need is certainly a blessing.

Take, for example, SERVPRO's support. (Did you think we wrote all of this only to talk about something else?) Waiting for assistance isn't an option when you have an overnight problem at home—not only as a matter of convenience, but also as a matter of urgency. 

Because there's more at stake than just the initial damage, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to handle your emergency cleanup and recovery.

Following a fire.

The first wave of a blazing fire causes visible harm, usually by leaving proof in the form of things you can no longer see. However, unfinished combustion leaves a permanent artefact in the form of thick, black soot, which coats your carpet and plasters your interior with ebony goo minutes after a fire.

Soon after, it becomes irreversible, leaving your home with soot stains and a lingering smoky odour that can't be easily removed, necessitating the complete replacement of your walls and carpets to restore that clean, fresh sensation. This catastrophe can be avoided as much as possible if quick action is taken.

Following water damage.

Once the containment barrier is breached, the race begins: You just have 48 hours to rid your property of intruding water and the excess moisture that results, or you'll have a mould problem on top of your water problem. You now run the risk of developing health problems as well as causing structural damage to your walls and other structures. It's already too late if you have to wait until the weekend to seek help for your home.

In addition to these possibilities, your home may be damaged by storms, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that necessitate rapid attention. SERVPRO is always available—right now, we're on the other side of this screen, waiting for your call or click. We'll be on our way as soon as we get the alert, regardless of the day or hour.

Any Size in Less Time Disaster isn't just a slogan for us; it's a way of life.

When you need help after a disaster at your home or business, you need it immediately, and SERVPRO is the fastest and most equipped company around. Take advantage of our 24-hour emergency assistance by calling us at any moment.

Water Damages and it's consequences

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

With the temperatures rapidly rising and the hot summer season rapidly approaching, our natural impulse is to crank up the air conditioning indoors!

Even throughout the summer, though, the potential of water damage remains a concern.

If air conditioning units are not properly maintained, they might cause drainage problems. Make sure you change your air filter on a regular basis to avoid this. Regular inspections and cleanings are also necessary to avoid any problems in your unit from becoming worse. The drainage pan is one thing to keep an eye on. Make sure there isn't any water seeping and gathering in the pan. Mold, mildew, and fungus may quickly grow and spread, especially in hotter conditions.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of pipes bursting. Although burst pipes are more common in the winter, they can still cause a nightmare for a house or property owner in the summer. Whenever your water pressure changes, it's a good idea to pay attention. While it could simply be an annoyance, it could also be a sign that something more serious is about to happen. This could be the result of corrosion, which causes leaks and, eventually, water to enter your house or office.

The possibility of pipes bursting does not end there. If you observe cracks emerging on the walls, especially around the corners, it's reasonable to presume your foundation has changed. However, watering the soil on a regular basis and even planting plants around the foundation perimeter is a simple remedy. Plants can help to regulate soil temperature and can also keep the ground together with their roots.

Water damage is the last thing any homeowner or business owner wants to deal with, regardless of the weather!

what to do in case of a house fire damage?

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

Please contact fire damage restoration pros if your home has been harmed by a fire. This will assist to limit structural damage, prevent mould, and return your home to normal as soon as possible. SERVPRO is the company you call when you need fire damage repair services.

1. Emergency Preparedness. We will promptly react to your service request once we receive it. We'll ask the questions we need to make sure we can handle the problem you're having, and then we'll send the people and equipment you'll need to complete the job.

3. The removal of water If the fire was put out with water, we'll use specialist equipment including extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove the water as rapidly as possible. This process reduces the chance of further structural damage and mould growth.

5. Clean-up of soot and smoke Using sophisticated equipment and techniques, our employees are experts at removing soot and smoke.

6. Deodorizing and cleaning All objects that can be repaired will be cleaned and deodorised. Air scrubbers and foggers are commonly used to deodorise a space.

2. Inspection and Evaluation We'll inspect the damaged areas upon arrival to establish the extent of the damage and devise a strategy for adequately cleaning the fire and smoke damage from your property.

Why SERVPRO in case of smoke alarm?

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are critical in saving lives, and when put properly, they can cut the risk of fire injury in half.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the house, according to the National Fire Protection Association. To guarantee that specific building fire rules and smoke detector standards are satisfied, business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall.

Smoke alarms are most effective when used in conjunction with a fire escape plan. In the event of an emergency, a plan helps your family, staff, or clients to flee quickly and safely.

Review the following installation and maintenance tips for smoke detectors. Contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals for more information on emergency preparedness.

-Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the house, including the basement.

-To avoid false alarms, smoke alarms should be located away from the kitchen. They should be at least 10 feet away from the cooking appliance.

-Use the test button on smoke alarms at least once a month.

-All smoke alarm batteries should be replaced at least once a year. If the alarm "chirps," the battery is low and has to be replaced immediately.

-When your smoke alarms reach the age of ten years, you should replace them all.

Dealing with water Damage. Calling nearest SERVPRO!

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

What to Expect When Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

We will send a team of courteous, knowledgeable service technicians and leaders to your home when you contact us to analyse the nature of your problem. We'll do a thorough inspection and assessment of your property, taking careful note of all damage and possible trouble locations. If the source of the water intrusion is not evident, we locate it and repair it. To employ a proper and safe extraction procedure, we must first analyse the water to see if it is contaminated (such as Black Water from a sewage backup or groundwater incursion). We offer you with a thorough estimate of the cost once we have performed this initial diagnosis. We'll even assist you with filing an insurance claim.

How Do We Handle Water Damage?

Once water damage has occurred, begin the process of finding a solution as soon as feasible. This entails enlisting the help of a professional cleanup and restoration company to remove all of the undesirable water from the structure. To quickly distribute water, we have truck-mounted pumps and portable extractors. With the help of air movers and dehumidifiers, both desiccant and refrigerant, our Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ASD) can dry out your home. Our IICRC-certified WRT-Water Damage Restoration Technicians follow IICRC cleaning guidelines. We make sure the impacted regions are dry by using moisture metres, infrared cameras, and hygrometers.

SERVPRO is near you more than anytime before

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage are unavoidable, but are you ready in the event of a disaster? Fire and water losses are never intentional, but they do happen, from a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex.

SERVPRO's Expert Pros can tackle the situation.

What are the advantages of SERVPRO?

We've been in the cleanup and restoration business for almost 40 years.
There are more than 1,500 franchises in 48 states.
Detailed communication keeps you informed and in control throughout the cleaning and restoration process.
Experience and training in damage mitigation for single-family homes, skyscrapers, and even the Pentagon. 

Service Response Guidelines 1-4-8

-A SERVPRO employee will contact you within one hour of receiving notification of the loss to schedule service.

-A SERVPRO representative will arrive on-site within four hours of receiving notified of the loss to begin mitigation services.

-A verbal briefing of the scope will be delivered to the appropriate person within eight working hours of on-site arrival.

It is critical to respond quickly. It could assist property owners prevent revenue loss while also reducing tenant discomfort. Restoration services can also assist in promptly resuming normal corporate operations while avoiding costly construction delays.

What can Lighting and fire Cause?

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to lightning and house fires, there are three things to keep in mind.
Lightning strikes rapidly and can completely destroy your home. However, there are numerous misconceptions about these types of fires, and learning more about them might make you feel better equipped to respond in the event of a fire.

1. Property damage is more likely than personal injury.

When lightning strikes, it frequently causes a house fire; it is quite rare for a person to be struck. Strikes in the United States have wounded fewer than 60 persons in the last four years. 

However, fires that happened as a result of a strike caused severe damage to homes during that time period. Unplugging equipment in your home can assist to lessen the chances of being struck by lightning.

2. The Season and the Environment Play a Role

A lightning strike is more likely to occur during the summer, when storms are more common. Furthermore, certain areas are particularly vulnerable to lightning-caused fires. Drought-stricken areas are more likely to witness these types of fires, as dry grasses and bushes can easily ignite and spread, causing considerable damage to the area.

3. Education and preparation can be beneficial

If you're outside when a storm starts, there are several precautions you may take to keep yourself safe. Avoiding water and staying a safe distance from towering trees and powerlines can help you avoid being struck. If you're inside during a storm, staying away from windows is also a good idea. Knowing how to react in the event of a fire in your home can also help to keep you and others safe.

Make sure that your restaurant stands out with a small checklist.

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

In order to keep your restaurant in top form and ready for the next business day, you must strictly adhere to the nightly checklist. Every object in the kitchen, including the flooring, stovetops and ovens, cutlery, pots, and coffee makers, must be fully cleansed and shining clean on a daily basis.... Then there's the front of house, which includes the toilets, host stand, and bar area, which includes all of your glassware. Every day, however, you and your crew have everything under control.

It can also be difficult to find suitable flooring in a crowded restaurant. Many restaurants choose for hardwood flooring, which must be treated on a regular basis to prevent damage from high heels, spills, and scratches caused by table and chair movement.

Your establishment, on the other hand, might have carpeting. A nightly vacuum and spot cleaning will go a long way toward preventing mould growth and other issues that can produce odours, but your carpeting will still require a full cleaning on a regular basis to maintain your floors looking their best. Spills on carpet don't come up as readily or fully as they do on hardwood flooring, and a carpet in need of deep cleaning might appear dull and worn, with colours that are no longer as vibrant and fresh; this can have a negative impact on your guests' experience. Make sure to include a deep cleaning in your cleaning schedule!

Getting your business ready for a heavy storm!

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Company for a Major Storm
At any time, a big rainfall can strike. When the building is packed of people, lightning and thunder may strike outside. Thunderstorms are very hazardous. Winds of 58 miles per hour or 1-inch hail are common in this type of storm. It can result in a range of problems, including:

Outages of electricity
Flooding in a flash
The lightning strikes.

As a result, it is critical to prepare your property prior to the arrival of severe weather. This will ensure the safety of your personnel and reduce the demand for storm cleanup services. Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for the heavy rain, lightning, and high winds that are expected.

Keep yourself up to date

An emergency alert system should be in place in your community. Make sure you have permission to use this system. You should also be aware of the meanings of the various notifications. When severe weather is expected in a certain area, a severe thunderstorm watch is issued. Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning means that radar or storm spotters have detected dangerous conditions in the area.

Protect Your Assets

Any important equipment you put outside your building can be blown away by the wind that often comes with a big downpour. Before the terrible weather approaches, make sure you bring these items inside.
Shrubs and tree limbs can also be blown to the ground or into windows by the wind. Trim the plants regularly and remove any damaged portions to keep them vigorous and healthy.

Take precautions.

Your employees may be locked inside during the worst stages of the storm if severe weather strikes during office hours. As a result, you should keep an emergency kit on the premises. The kit should include materials that personnel can utilise if they are trapped inside the facility for several hours or days. A first-aid kit should also be readily available on site.

A heavy downpour can inflict significant wind and flood damage to your home. You can keep your staff safe and reduce the damage to your property by being proactive.

Winter Storms Can cause Damage to Commercial Properties; Be Prepared and get ready with A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Businesses can register their properties with the local SERVPRO project manager for free using SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile. This profile contains information on the property(ies) that your local SERVPRO manager manages so that we can be prepared in the event of an emergency. This profile can save you hundreds of dollars in storm or other severe weather-related damages.

During the winter, large snowstorms can destroy electricity lines, resulting in power outages and a reduction in heat supply for homes and businesses across the region. When this occurs, many commercial premises may be left vacant. Equipment can be damaged and water supply lines can rupture due to the freezing temperatures. In order to switch off the water supply, a firm with a current SERVPRO ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) will know exactly where to find water, electricity, and other important locations.

To learn more about our free preparation service, give us a call. Before the next winter storm, the project manager will organise a walk-through of your property.

Average Time for Fire Damage Repair

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has been damaged by fire, you may be wondering how long it would take to repair it. While small damage can be repaired in a few days, serious damage can take weeks or months to fix. However, no fire damage restoration can commence until the fire service has cleared the area. Depending on the jurisdiction, this process can take many days or weeks. Here's all you need to know about repairing fire damage.

First and foremost, the property must be secured. This includes enclosing the area with fencing and cleaning up any debris left behind. To prevent cross-contamination, you should also seal off roofs and tarp them. After the initial cleanup, you should hire an expert to help you.

Fire damage restoration typically entails rebuilding the home's structural parts as well as repairing or replacing destroyed items. Painting and drywall installation are examples of additional services. Some fire damage restoration businesses provide complete reconstruction services, while others merely perform certain repairs. If you have a lot of drywall damage, you might want to hire a business that specialises in removing and storing smoke and soot stains. Jenkins Restoration can help you restore your house or apartment to its original condition, regardless of the type of fire damage restoration you require.

Mold and Water Damage

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can be caused by a variety of factors. Leaky pipes that aren't visible, damaged appliances, and even rain and flooding are all possibilities. What's crucial to know is that if you have water damage or suspect mould, you should contact SERVPRO. There are a few things to remember until assistance arrives.

If visible mould is present, do not disturb it. Inadvertently spreading the mould infestation across your home is a possibility. When mould is disturbed, microscopic mould spores are released into the air and can spread throughout your home.

What You Should Do:

Stay away from the impacted areas.

Turn off the air conditioning and fans.

What to Avoid:

Do not disturb or touch the mold.

Blowing air across any surfaces with evident or suspected mould development is not a good idea.

Don't try to dry the area on your own.

Spraying bleach or other disinfectants on the mold is not a good idea.

Dealing with Cold Weather

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Many business owners are concerned about the cold weather, particularly those that operate out of warehouse facilities with exposed pipes.

Freezing occurs as a result of cold weather, putting a business at risk of a burst pipe or water line. There are a few things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing.

1. Keep the doors shut.

While it may seem self-evident, keeping doors, particularly warehouse garage doors, closed during work hours is one of the most straightforward ways to avoid a frozen pipe. Water lines in warehouses are frequently exposed, and if they are not adequately insulated, they might freeze and possibly burst, causing substantial damage and expenditure.

2. Open a Small Amount of Faucets

When conditions are expected to be cold or below freezing, simply turning on the cold water supply on taps closest to the exterior water lines can reduce the chance of a frozen or burst pipe. Standing water freezes more easily than moving water.

3. Maintain a Consistent Temperature

Maintaining a constant temperature, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, is most likely the greatest strategy to keep your company's pipes from freezing. While decreasing the temperature of your business after hours or over the holidays may appear to be a cost-cutting measure, you may be placing your business at risk of water damage, which might result in considerable downtime.

4. Create a strategy.

Finally, if the worst happens despite your precautions, having an emergency plan in place is a good idea. While you can and should construct an emergency action plan and checklist in-house, you may also wish to call a restoration business, as many of them provide emergency planning services.

An initial examination of your property and the customisation of an action plan in the case of an emergency or disaster are often included in these services.

A burst pipe can be disastrous for a business, not just because of the damage but also because of the disruption in operations. It's as simple as keeping doors closed and opening a faucet when necessary to avoid a pipe rupture due to freezing and maintaining a steady temperature throughout your facility. 

Get Your Home renovated with SERVPRO

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

When your property is unexpectedly destroyed, there are numerous considerations to consider. However, there is only one simple decision to make: contact your local SERVPRO.

A project manager will present you with a variety of solutions to choose from based on your requirements. For example, if your property is irreparably damaged (i.e. Broken windows, doors, roof or structure damage from storms, fire, storm, etc.) We provide board-up and tarping services to safeguard your property from further damage or outside influence. Once we've determined the extent of the damage, we can provide additional services like as debris removal and cleanup.

We can provide water removal or dehumidification equipment to substantially reduce humidity and prevent mould growth if there has been damage for some time and moisture has been able to permeate the inside.

You will have a working knowledge of your property and any construction services required to complete it once we have done restoration services. We'll provide you with construction estimates that are supported by SERVPRO's Guarantee of Quality Workmanship. The best part is that SERVPRO franchisees are locally owned and operated, allowing us to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SPACE HEATER DANGERS

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

During the cold months, space heaters are a great way to warm a room in the absence of central heating. Portable heaters, however, can pose certain threats to your home. If left unattended, a space heater can easily cause a house fire or electrical overload. Remain safe and warm by remembering the following safety tips.

• Leave three feet of space around your heater to avoid igniting flammable material. Keep pets and children from disturbing the heater to avoid burns and injuries. Make sure to also remove any objects blocking air flow or covering cables or components.
• Avoid leaving a heater running throughout the day, especially unmonitored. It may overload a circuit, causing power failure or a fire. Any unusual sounds or malfunctions should be fixed right away.
• Don't use extension cords or power strips with a space heater. Plugging them directly into an outlet will help avoid a power overload.
• Avoid using a space heater in a humid environment such as a bathroom. Water in the air may cause complications with the machine, causing it to malfunction.

As you shop for a portable heater, look fora safety certification label from an independent testing organization and the following safety features to keep your homesafe from fire damage.

• Shut-off features: A smart sensor will automatically shut off the machine when it overheats, and a tip-over switch does the same if the heater is knocked over.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug: This plug helps prevent electric shock. If your heater does not come equipped with one, avoid using it around moist areas.
• Sturdy cord: Many heaters come with a cord around 6 feet long. Make sure it has a sturdy design and reaches the desired areas. Remember, extension cords or power strips can cause electrical issues.

Educating yourself about the safety hazards that come with the improper use of portable heaters will help you achieve better peace of mind as you keep your home warm and comfortable during this winter season.

CAN YOU GUESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HOUSE FIRES?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment is the number one cause for house fires. Pots and pans can quickly overheat when left unattended or mishandled. Be sure to turn handles towards the middle of the stove to avoid children from accidentally grabbing it from the burner. When leaving the house, remember to turn off stove-top burners and ovens.

Moreover, smoking in bedrooms should be avoided at all costs. A cigarette butt can stay lit for hours and cause a flame after coming into contact with clothes or furniture. Open flames such as candles also pose a danger for many residents. While they may have an attractive look and smell, candles should always be blown out before you leave a room.

Furthermore, older lampshades and light fittings may build up heat, and weak bases could pose a tipping hazard. Electrical equipment such as these should be checked for faulty cords, and the power point must not be overloaded with double adapter plugs. Also be mindful of flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits around the house. These should be kept away from heat sources and stored properly according to their label.

If you experience a fire, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Examine you and your family for injuries and seek medical help
• If you can’t find a place to stay, your local Red Cross can help provide food and provisions
• Notify your insurance company about the fire
• Do not re-enter your home until instructed to do so. Talk to firefighters about what can be salvaged instead
• Once you are cleared to enter the building, check for important documents and keepsakes
• Make a list of your possessions and note damaged goods
• Keep track of receipts for expenses as a result of the fire

Nobody wants to come home to an irreparable damage. By knowing these common causes of house fires, you and your neighborhood can live a little bit safer. When accidents happen, SERVPRO is here to clean fire damage and restore your home quickly and professionally.

Commercial Water Loss

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Some tips to use should you experience a water loss at your commercial property.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is able to respond to any size disaster. We remediate damage to both residential and commercial properties.

In the event that your business experiences a water loss, call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Ask the technician if there are any steps you can take while waiting for them to arrive.

It's best to get a professional's guidance since every situation varies, but here are some tips to potentially help minimize damage to your property:

• Find where the water shut off valve is. Shut off the water, or contact the person in charge of shutting off the water.
• Turn off circuit breakers in any areas of the building that are wet.
• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. 
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• If it's safe to do so, place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• If it is safe to move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place, do that to prevent further damage.

Ultimately, SERVPRO of East San Antonio has highly trained technicians who are able to properly mitigate your water loss. Call us and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Loss

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Some tips to use should you experience a water loss at your commercial property.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is able to respond to any size disaster. We remediate damage to both residential and commercial properties.

In the event that your business experiences a water loss, call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Ask the technician if there are any steps you can take while waiting for them to arrive.

It's best to get a professional's guidance since every situation varies, but here are some tips to potentially help minimize damage to your property:

• Find where the water shut off valve is. Shut off the water, or contact the person in charge of shutting off the water.
• Turn off circuit breakers in any areas of the building that are wet.
• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. 
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• If it's safe to do so, place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• If it is safe to move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place, do that to prevent further damage.

Ultimately, SERVPRO of East San Antonio has highly trained technicians who are able to properly mitigate your water loss. Call us and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

Let SERVPRO of East San Antonio Help Your Business Be Prepared!

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of East San Antonio help you protect your commercial property. Call to set up an ERP today!

While you can't predict when an emergency will occur, it's likely that you won't expect it when it does. However, you can be prepared for it, if it happens. SERVPRO of East San Antonio can help you and your business be ready in the event of an emergency by helping you create an ERP.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure that you are “Ready for whatever happens.” It helps to minimize business interruptions by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Included within the ERP is important information like emergency contacts, the location of shut off valves, contact information for utility companies, insurance information, as well as priority areas, and other pertinent information.

Having all of this information compiled in advance saves time in the event of an emergency, and allows for mitigation to begin sooner, which can help reduce additional damage from occurring; saving time, money, and reducing productivity disruption.

Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio today to establish your FREE Emergency READY Profile! It can be set up in as little as fifteen minutes, and can be accessed by you afterward from your smartphone in an app!

5 Secondary Damage Risks Following Commercial Water Damage in San Antonio

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

MOLD: Secondary damage to San Antonio commercial building can and will cause mold

A leak in a commercial structure can cause water damage as well as several types of additional damage, including the growth of black mold. Here are five major risks that may result from water damage in a commercial property if water damage clean up and restoration are not handled promptly and properly.

1. Warped or distorted building materials or contents: This type of damage falls between primary and secondary damage. If items are not necessarily ruined by the water itself but by the conditions caused by the leak, the damage can be said to be secondary.

2. Ruined electronics that may be dangerous to operate: Water can corrode and damage electronics in a commercial property. Once again, water damage is the primary cause, but other consequences can result from device malfunction or shorting.

3. The development of mold: Mold is one of the major secondary risks that can result from water damage. Black mold has a reputation as one of the most potentially dangerous consequences of water damage that is not thoroughly dried.

4. Bacterial contamination: Depending on the type of water involved in a leak and whether this water was contaminated, a secondary risk of bacterial contamination may arise. Cleanup experts can eliminate this risk by disinfecting areas and items affected by a leak that involves gray or black water.

5. Insect infestations: Leaks that are not addressed in a thorough and timely manner can also lead to infestations of silverfish, termites, or other insects that cause additional damage to a structure.

If your commercial property in San Antonio, TX has experienced water damage, you should hire a service that specializes in cleaning up and providing water damage restoration. These experts should be able to minimize or prevent all types of damage which may result from the presence of excessive moisture or high humidity levels within a structure, including black mold.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275

Drills Right Every Time

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Inform your employees about evacuation procedures in your San Antonio company

Whether you have a small business or own a large corporation, you probably know effective fire drills are part of your workplace-safety plan.

When employees are hard at work, it can be tough to get them to pay attention to an emergency drill. Still, the best way to ensure workers evacuate efficiently during a fire is to ask them to practice regularly. Here are some tips for conducting a meaningful fire drill.

1. Inform Employees

To get the most out of your company fire drill, you must notify employees that it is going to happen. Be sure to provide them with information about how to effectively evacuate. Also, tell all employees that participation is mandatory. If you have customers or guests on site during the drill, don’t forget to alert them as well.

2. Monitor the Drill
   You only know if your drill is effective if you pay attention to how it goes down. When you are planning your drill, designate a couple employees to act as observes. These representatives should take notes during the drill. They should also compile a post-drill report. If the observers recommend improvements, work to coach employees about new evacuation procedures
3. Ask for Help
   Many fire departments have outreach officials who will collaborate with you to conduct your preparedness drill. Some even send fire trucks and other vehicles to mimic real-world conditions. When you are scheduling your drill, reach out to local responders to ask for assistance. Also, consider asking these professionals to advise your employees on evacuation and first-aid techniques during the drill.

Fires in San Antonio can devastate businesses. If your organization has sustained damage during a fire, working with a qualified restoration service is likely your best bet to fully recover. You don’t have to get to that point, however. By working to pull off an effective fire drill, you boost the chances that both your business and employees are safe during a fire.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275

Reopen Your Business’ Doors After a Disaster By Planning Ahead | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is your go-to in case a disaster occurs. Get in touch with us to learn more

For those who own their own business, there are few things more satisfying than seeing your operations succeed through hard work—but if you have not thought about disaster preparations, there is no way to guarantee that this will not be derailed. Disasters can ruin unprepared businesses due to the difficulties associated with recovery, so it is important to do what you can to mitigate your risks.

Keeping yourself and your employees safe is the primary concern for emergency and disaster scenarios, but once you plan for that, it is smart to begin planning for the aftermath. Recovering quickly is one of the best things you can do to ensure the longevity of your business, as reducing your downtime can reduce the overall impact of the disaster.

Plan Ahead to Recover From Disasters at Your Business

Check up on your insurance coverage options and begin restoration. Every commercial insurance policy will vary, but often, damage due to disasters can be covered by your policy. Contact your insurance quickly to make sure you can quickly set the claims process in motion, then reach out to your restoration provider to start the physical recovery. To make things more simple, your restoration company can often handle your dealings with the insurance company as well.

Use social media to get in touch with your customers. For those who have known and loved your business, communication is key so they know what is going on after a disaster. Communicate with your customers about closures or changes to operating hours, and be sure to let them know how they can show their support in the meantime. Offering gift cards or other pre-paid options is a popular choice, as customers can give you sales when you need it the most and redeem their purchases at a later date.

Make use of disaster assistance programs that are offered. After a disaster impacts an area, there are many resources designed to help businesses recover, such as the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program. These loans can be used to pay off damage repair costs and cover lost income due to the disaster as well, and they are often offered at extremely low interest rates, too.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

Residents Rely Upon SERVPRO for Fast Water Damage Restoration Services

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

A Leaking Sink Could Cause Water Damage to Your Condo

Inside your home, small leaks cause many instances of water damage and can go unnoticed for lengthy periods. For example, a leaking water supply line under your kitchen sink could cause damage before you even know it. For this reason, it is essential to call for help as soon as you find a leak.

Allowing the water to continue dripping in your condo is never a good idea, potential water damage! Keeping with the example mentioned above, should you decide to place a bowl or bucket to catch the drips, instead of addressing the problem, you could make it worse. Microbial growth thrives on excess moisture. While you may be preventing further harm resulting from the leak, choosing this road does nothing to address the damage the leak has done thus far.

Should the water-damaged materials be ignored, you may find that a pungent malodor clings to your kitchen as a mold colony forms. You could see that the base of the cabinet is splitting, cracking, swelling, or bubbling due to the excess moisture it has absorbed. Furthermore, it could become discolored. Whenever your home suffers a water loss, the best thing you can do is reach out for professional restoration experts, like SERVPRO.

Where Can I Get Fire Damage Remediation Services?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help You Remediate the Fire and Smoke Damage in Your Home! 

The state of the world has been different for more than one year now and, with more people at home, fire damage accidents are more likely to occur. Many locals are staying at home and trying to save money, which means more cooking. Should a cooking accident lead to fire and smoke damage in your home, never worry. SERVPRO is nearby!

If your home suffers fire damage, our highly trained technicians are the experts you need. From the first day of the job, their training starts and does not end, which is what sets our people ahead of the curve. We are IICRC-certified and use advanced technology created for water and fire damage restorations. If you need help with the following, call us today: 

• Fire Restoration
• House Fire Clean Up
• Smoke Damage 

We use industry-grade devices, such as hydroxyl generators and thermal foggers, to neutralize malodors caused by fires. We can handle and restore every aspect of fire and smoke damage from firefighting efforts, soot, debris, and smoke. No matter what the problem is, here at SERVPRO, we can help you! Call us for: 

• Smoke remediation
• Fire damaged homes
• Fire damage restoration

WATER DAMAGE: THE SCIENCE OF DRYING Water

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

When faced with water damage, we might instinctively reach for towels to dry the wet. We might add fans to aid the process. However, there is actually a science to the drying process. The knowledge of psychrometrics, the dynamics of moist air, is critical to lower the chances of secondary damages. Your IICRC certified and trained technicians at SERVPRO of East San Antonio know the steps to take when your business or residence experiences water damage:

• First, we’ll conduct an inspection to detect what material(s) are wet
• Next, we’ll measure how much moisture is in those wet components and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Additionally, we’ll "speed up" the process by using professional drying equipment.  While a wet building can often dry naturally, it might do so unevenly, inadequately, or might take too long…all allowing for secondary damages to occur. 

 SERVPRO of East San Antonio has the knowledge, advanced equipment, and the technology, DryBook (a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation, updates on the drying process, and confirms industry drying requirements are met) to ensure that your water damage is mitigated. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage can be unexpected

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of East San Antonio has specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it is the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call us, we will ask questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring. This includes how many trained SERVPRO professionals we may need.

Our SERVPRO of East San Antonio Representative will ask questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

We're faster to any Water disaster

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio provides 24/7/365 fire and water damage restoration service.

We do not wait for regular business hours. SERVPRO of East San Antonio provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage are invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, plus more. SERVPRO of East San Antonio arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin too tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants can pose risks to occupants.

ULTRASONIC- THE WONDER MACHINE

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire or Water damage affects more than just physical property. When disaster strikes,  treasured possessions or important contents can also suffer from the effects of smoke, fire, mold, or black water.

Did you know that SERVPRO of East San Antonio and our Ultrasonic Machine, with its heavy-duty cleaning capability, can restore your object back to near new condition?! From electronics to jewelry, from home décor to antiques, items both fragile and durable may be saved by this technological wonder machine! Simply put, the process involves pressure waves, utilizing an implosion of bubbles occurring millions of times per second and producing tremendous vacuum energy. This breaks up the dirt and gently lifts the build-up away, reaching every nook and cranny that has been damaged.

Don’t despair that your prized possessions can’t be saved. Look to SERVPRO of East San Antonio and our Ultrasonic technology to help make the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Ways To Limit Mold Development and Exposure in Commercial Facilities

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

There are several commercial facilities prone to mold growth, including restaurants and laundromats. Limiting mold development and exposure in these buildings is paramount to financial security, especially with the potential business interruption caused by black mold. To avoid costly interruptions and repairs, consider contacting US, or perform routine maintenance in several crucial areas.

Assess structural integrity
Inspect plumbing
Address humidity issues

Assess Structural Integrity
To avoid a costly mold cleanup, assess the structural integrity of the building. Look for cracks, sealant failure, and other foundational, roofing, and drainage issues. You are looking for signs of water intrusion or areas that may allow water access. If you find anything, be sure to not only resolve the existing problem but also test the area for mold growth.

Inspect Plumbing
If the exterior of your facility is clear of any visible damage, inspect your plumbing systems. A mild leak can cause black mold and spawning significant business interruption. Aim to have professional plumbing inspection at least twice per year, once before winter and the other after the spring thaw.

Address Humidity Issues
Restaurants, dry cleaners, laundromats, and other commercial facilities can have areas of high humidity, which is conducive to aggressive mold growth. If the business has areas of high air-moisture content, it is vital to install proper ventilation systems, ceiling fans, and dehumidifiers. If the building routinely reaches humidity levels of over 50%, contact a professional to assess the facility and pinpoint specific problem areas for correction. A persistent moisture problem is one of the leading causes of mold development.

Because of the high-use and heavy foot traffic of commercial facilities, it is necessary to perform routine inspections to ensure the health and safety of workers and clients. While black mold is not inevitable, many commercial properties have a higher risk of exposure. If you are concerned about mold in your building, then contact SERVPRO of East San Antonio to test and assess the space.

What Safety Issues Do Flood Emergencies Cause and How Do Professionals Control Them?

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if you experience any storm damage.

Trust the SERVPRO to Evaluate Carefully for Safety Concerns and Put Proper Controls in Place During Flood Damage Cleanup.

What Kinds of Safety Issues Can Summer and Fall Seasonal Storms Create?

The storms contributing to the flood damage homes experience create a long list of significant safety issues that must be discovered, documented, and controlled during the overall restoration project. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the safety concerns we anticipate could be present in your home post-flood damage:

• Water on Surfaces Issues

Slip, trip, and fall

Electric shock or electrocution risks

• Structural Wind and Water Issues

Damage to roofs, windows, siding, and more

Migration from exterior damage, causing caches of water to collect in building cavities, threatening the collapse of structures and injury to occupants and workers

• Overland Flooding and Seepage Issues

Water contaminated with a broad range of dirt, chemicals, and infectious agents, creating a risk of illness or worse to occupants and workers. Contaminants can include:

Industrial yard, roadway, and landscaping chemicals, including pesticides

Dirt, oils, gravel, mud, muck, and organic materials, including dead animals and insects

Sewage from overwhelmed curbside drainage systems or a backup of your own waste line

• Biohazard Exposure

Previously contained materials such as asbestos and lead and newly discovered mold damage all have significant health effects attached if the substances are breathed in, absorbed through skin contact, or ingested

If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.

What to Do After Storm Damage Hits Your Home?

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our teams are always available.

SERVPRO can give your Westerly home's hardwood flooring the attention it needs to avoid loss from floodwater damage 

Flooding happens unexpectedly, fast, and most often, the flooring gets the brunt of it. The key to any water spill in a home is removing the water as quickly as possible, which may involve actions such as mopping, blotting. If there is any inkling water seeped under the floorboards or behind baseboards, you need professional assistance to extract the water and dry the boards. 

What Does Water Damage Do to Engineered Hardwood Flooring? 

Several factors affect the outcome of water damage in your homes to engineered hardwood boards. First, the construction of this type of flooring differs from a conventional hardwood floorboard and tends to with water loss better. Second, the length of the exposure the boards had with the water.

If your engineered boards meet the following criteria, there is the potential for restoration through rapid action for extraction and drying:  

• Your floorboards have hardwood or plywood materials
• The top layer veneer is not thin
• The sealant on each board is intact
• Your floorboards do not have fiberboard centers 

Necessary Actions to Save Different Types of Wood Flooring from Water Loss 

Hardwood floorboards are absorbent, and, to some extent that assists in saving the boards in a water loss event even though they may cup and buckle; most boards return to their original shape with little to no sanding necessary. However, the longer the high moisture conditions exist, the less chance of full restoration as the sealant and top veneer layer can only hold up so long against water. Avoid contact with the water, mainly if it is groundwater, and put down towels or rags as needed. Additionally, if it is safe to do so, move furnishings and small items out of any room experiencing flooding as a precautionary measure. If the water has a foul odor or has known chemicals in it, avoid all contact and await the arrival of the SERVPRO technicians.  

you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

Flood water Damage

2/13/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of your geographic location, or your proximity to bodies of water, storms can help water find you. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, tropical depressions...any number of these, or other types of weather, can bring water damage to your property.

Should you experience water loss caused by a storm, whether it be from rising floodwaters or persistent rain that leaked in through your roof and ceiling onto the floor below, that’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Our professionally trained team ensures that the situation is analyzed, water extracted, damaged materials removed, moisture levels are returned to normal, remaining surfaces are treated against additional damage, and reconstruction returns your home or business to pre-damage condition.

If you find yourself facing damage from a storm, don’t panic. Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call…and make your loss "Like it never even happened."

Your First 3 Steps After a Home Fire

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire can be an unsettling experience for you and your family. Once the fire has been extinguished, the inspection and fire restoration processes begin. It’s important to stay focused on getting the help you need and moving forward. Before you can survey your damage, an official will want to clear your home for safe entry.

Initial Safety Assessment

After the fire is extinguished, crews will assess the dwelling for safety. They will carefully inspect three aspects of the damage to determine whether you and cleanup teams can enter.

• Structural Integrity – The walls, stairwells, floors, and ceilings will be inspected for stability, and dangerous areas will likely be cordoned off.
• Electrical System – If the electrical is still live, it will likely be disconnected from power until water is removed from the building.
• Unstable Hazards – It may take a day or two for fire teams to identify hazards and remove them from the structure.
  
  

This phase of the process confirms your home is stable enough for you and cleanup crews to enter.

Damage Survey

With your home cleared for entry, you will likely go in for the first time with a crew chief or fire supervisor. The official will help you understand the extent of the fire and smoke damage and give you an overview of the fire restoration process. This important step can prepare you for initial conversations with your insurance agent and remediation professionals.

Professional Assistance

As soon as you have an overview of the damage, you can notify your insurance company and find out about your coverage. The fire specialist who toured the damage with you can recommend a damage cleaning service for your situation. Professionals will work quickly and safely to clean, dry, and restore your belongings and structure.

A fire in your home can cause you and your family significant stress. The emergency responders, your insurance agent, and your fire restoration crews are all trained to help guide you through the process. Step by step, they will work to restore your home and your belongings—and ultimately, your peace of mind.

Top 3 Causes of Home Fires and How To Prevent Them!

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire

Here Are The Top Residential Fires

Most people believe that house fires are rare catastrophes that could never happen to them. Unfortunately, the reality is that a simple mistake or oversight could cause a fire to break out in your home. The good news is that the most common causes of a home fire can be easily prevented through proper care and attention. Here are the top residential fire causes and what you can do to keep them from happening in your own home.

1. Cooking Fires
   As you might expect, cooking-related fires are one of the leading causes of house Fires. Fires that start in the kitchen are typically a result of the following:

• Frying with oil
• Using faulty appliances
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Placing flammable items near an open flame
• Using an excessively high cooking temperature
• Leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven
  

To stop these emergencies from taking place, make sure to always keep an eye on your food and use your stove and oven appropriately.

2. Electrical Fires
   Another major cause of a home fire is a faulty electrical system. Defective outlets, appliances, light fixtures, and wiring often lead to electrical fires in residential settings. To keep your home safe from an electrical fire, make sure your wiring is up to date, and be sure to use extension cords and space heaters responsibly. Never place a cord, or an appliance, too close to a flammable object or combustible surface.
3. Washing Machines and Dryers
   Washing machines and dryers prompt many homeowners to call for fire cleaning. By remembering to clean your dryer’s lint trap on a regular basis, you can dramatically reduce the risk of having a dryer fire in your home. Additionally, check that your washing machine has no faulty wiring or poor cable insulation.
   You can help prevent fires in your home by following a few simple precautions.

3 Types of Home Damage to Look for After a Hail Storm

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Hail storm

3 Areas to Inspect After a Hail Storm

Severe weather can happen in any season, and without warning, you may find yourself in the middle of a violent hail storm. Once the storm is over, you will want to give your home a thorough inspection for hail damage. Some damage may simply be cosmetic, but there could be heavier damage that will lead to greater concerns. These are the three areas you should inspect after a hail storm:

1. Windows and Doors

Large pieces of hail can reach speeds of up to 100 mph, and broken windows can easily happen. Be sure to inspect glass doors for cracks or holes. Depending on the severity of the rain, water seepage could have occurred, causing greater damage to the interior of the house. Carefully check for any water damage to the window frames or drywall.

2. Siding and Exterior

Hail can dent aluminum siding and even cause shredding and splitting. It is important to look for dents, holes, or chipping on the exterior of the house. Hail can also peel away paint, exposing the wood underneath to the elements.

3. Roofing and Structure Covering

Roof damage is the No. 1 type of damage from a hail storm. A metal roof may appear to only have dents and dings, but it could also have damage to the seams, which will cause leaking. Shingled roofs should be thoroughly inspected because their damage is not easily seen. Keep an eye out for “bruising,” or dark spots on an asphalt shingle where it is missing its granule finish. Wood shingles may have split. Shingles that have sustained significant damage and all missing shingles should be replaced.

Once you've identified roof damage or other destruction from a storm, or if you want assistance in doing so, Call SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

We can help. Our professionals can give you added advice and help you maintain your peace of mind after Mother Nature makes a house call.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dryer Lint Free

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Remove the lint screen and clean it

You might not be too surprised to experience a small grease fire on your stovetop or other minor, manageable blaze. One of the most unfortunate and avoidable home disasters, however, is a lint fire in your clothes dryer. You can avert this fire damage at your home, by performing routine maintenance on your dryer.

5 Steps to a Safer Dryer

Once you realize how important it is to clean and maintain your dryer filters on a regular basis, you need to learn how to go about it. Here are the five most important steps for keeping your dryer safe from a lint fire.

Remove the lint screen. Tap the screen over a garbage bin or gently pull the lint off. If the lint sticks to the screen, rinse it with a sprayer. Dry thoroughly before reinserting it in the dryer.
Vacuum the upper vent. Use a narrow-tipped nozzle to vacuum out the vent where the lint filter is inserted. Periodically remove the residual lint trapped inside this vent.
Clean the dryer exhaust. Unplug the dryer and remove the clamp that holds the expandable exhaust hose to the dryer. Use a cleaning rod to reach deep into the hose and remove lint buildup. Finish the cleanup by using the wand on your vacuum.
Check the exterior vent. Go outside and remove the cover from the exterior dryer vent. Clean off any lint buildup and replace the cover.
Tend to the back of the dryer. Make sure the dryer is unplugged and remove the panel from the back. Using a shop vacuum, clean out all of the vents and any other areas where you find lint. Replace the back panel before plugging the dryer back in.

If a blaze does break out. you may need assistance with fire damage cleanup. Call SERVPRO® of East San Antonio, to help with fire cleanup and smoke odor removal caused by the lint fire. Better yet, keep your filters clean and reduce your risk of a dryer fire.

How to Create a Fire Escape Plan For Your Office?

1/23/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure that you have a fire escape plan and practice it often

In the event of a fire, it is important that everyone in your building is able to make it out safely. Creating a fire escape plan is one way to help ensure this. The following steps can help.

1. Locate All Exits
   You should find any possible locations for getting out of the building. This will include the main entrances as well as fire escapes. On lower floors, windows may also be a safe option.
   2. Create Multiple Alternate Routes
   Depending on where the fire is located, you may not be able to get to an exit using the path you would usually take. Make sure that you know at least two ways to get to each exit.
   3. Posts Maps in Each Room
   During an emergency, you may find it difficult to determine the best way to get where you need to go. Posting maps of the building in each room and hallway can help. This can also be helpful for guests who do not know the layout of the building.
   4. Designate a Meetup Spot
   Even if everyone follows the fire escape plan perfectly, you may not end up in the same place once you’re outside. Pick an area where everyone will go once they have exited the building. This will make it easier to determine who may still be inside.
   5. Practice Regularly
   The best way to make sure that everyone will know what to do if a fire occurs is to practice your emergency escape plan regularly. This should be done at least every six months and should be as realistic as possible.
   It is important to have a good fire escape plan and to make sure everyone is safe during a fire. Afterward, however, you may need to focus on the state of your building. If there is a fire or smoke damage, you should hire a fire damage remediation company to take care of it. They can perform cleanup and repairs to both the structure of the building and the objects inside. If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

How To Prepare Your Business for a Storm?

1/23/2021 (Permalink)

Get emergency supplies

Tips for Creating and Enacting This Plan

Business owners know the importance of preparing for the unexpected. That includes storms and other weather emergencies. To ensure that your company and building are ready for a flood, tornado, or hurricane, you need to develop a disaster preparedness plan. Below are some tips for creating and enacting this plan.

1. Get Emergency Supplies
   During a disaster, you first must think about the safety of your employees. They all need clean air, fresh water, warmth, and food to survive. Some workers may have essential medications, as well.
   Ideally, your company's emergency kit should include both a weather radio and a battery-powered commercial radio. Be sure to include extra batteries for the radios along with a flashlight and a First Aid kit. Other essentials include pliers or wrenches, garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation, and a whistle that workers can use to signal for help. Encourage your employees to also keep their own portable kits with any personal items they might need.
2. Plan for Potential Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place
   Your disaster preparedness strategy should plan for a possible evacuation. Create a map of the property that marks the emergency route and building exits. You should also designate an employee meeting place outside the facility.
   If a tornado or hurricane is coming, your employees might need to take shelter within your building. You should determine a safe area where they can gather. Ideally, this should be on the lowest floor of the property and away from any doors, outside walls, or windows.
3. Protect Your Assets
   Any business preparedness plan should also consider how a storm could affect property and equipment. Secure any necessary assets to the walls and take any electric items off the floor. Update your insurance coverage and store contact information for your local emergency restoration company.
   

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

3 Cleaning Tactics That Prevent Mold Spore Buildup

1/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning air ducts

How Specific Strategies Can Stop Mold Problems in Your Business

Mold spores are everywhere, and if your commercial facility provides the right conditions, they can build up, grow and develop into full-blown mold contamination. However, frequent and thorough procedures such as carpet cleaning can stop the creation of these habitats and prevent mold inside the location in the first place. Continue reading and learn more about how specific strategies can stop mold problems in your business.

Installing Doormats

Even though mold can grow anywhere and needs the bare minimum to do so, elements outside your property can accelerate the process. Incoming customers and employees can bring all sorts of contaminants inside.

• Water
• Dirt and rocks
• Mud
• Grass
• More spores
  

These components can provide either the nutrients or water necessary for mold to develop inside the building. By placing doormats near every single entrance, you can severely reduce the amount of these intruding materials, also decreasing the probability of mold inside the property.

Cleaning Carpets

Carpet can be an elegant flooring solution, but its porous properties cause it to trap both mold spores and the organic materials they thrive on. The best way to remove these materials is through frequent carpet cleaning and maintenance. Equip your custodians with the latest cleaning technology, including vacuums that utilize HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, which can trap most kinds of particles, including mold.

Cleaning Air Ducts

One of the fastest ways mold can spread throughout a location is via air. The building's air ducts can provide a dark, secluded location where mold can easily grow. They can also transport the spores throughout the area, creating mass contamination. The most effective method in preventing mold situations like these involves hiring professionals to regularly clean the system and prevent buildup.
While commercial remediation specialists can help you in many mold cases, some of them can be prevented by simple duct or carpet cleaning. Conduct preventative cleaning to keep the business clean and safe for your employees and customers.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

Businesses In San Antonio With Mold Can Count on SERVPRO

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of San Antonio can provide Mold Removal.

When a business ends up with a mold problem. This means a loss of revenue for the business in the short term and potential loss of customers in the long run. SERVPRO can provide mold removal to businesses that are efficient and fast. We do everything we can, including working with your insurance and schedule, to prevent your company from staying closed longer than necessary. Our technicians are experts at:

• Mold containment
• Mold removal
• Addressing the source of the moisture
• Restoring impacted structural elements
• Cleaning content
• Proper disposal of material not salvageable
• Sanitizing and the use of antimicrobials
• Following federal and local protocols
• Deodorizing if needed

We can trace the source of the problem, locate hidden mold or moisture, and clean your facility. Our training includes:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

If your business needs commercial mold damage assistance, contact SERVPRO of San Antonio. 

FAQ: I AM A RENTER-WHO WILL PAY FOR THIS WATER DAMAGE REPAIR?

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of East San Antonio, we have the opportunity to work on many water damage properties where multiple parties are involved.  We often have renters, homeowners, property managers, and HOAs on a single water damage repair.  Each project is unique when it comes to water restoration for condos or homes.  Renters are responsible for their belongings, except in rare cases where the landlord's policy covers rental belonging.  If a renter has a rental insurance policy, the policy may cover damaged contents (furniture, clothing, personal items), temporary housing if needed, or cleaning your belongings.  The homeowner is responsible for the structure of the property.  HOAs may be responsible for some of the structural repairs, depending on how the association bylaws are written.   

Part of our job at SERVPRO of East San Antonio is to guide you through this process.  We do water damage repairs every day, 24/7, so it is our pleasure to help you recover after a water emergency.  Our team is trained to help you file a claim and communicate with your landlord and property manager.  Please call SERVPRO of East San Antonio at (210) 757-0275 and we will help you with the water damage repair at your condo, home, or business. 

WATER DAMAGE: THE SCIENCE OF DRYING

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

The Science of Drying

When faced with water damage, we might instinctively reach for towels to dry the wet. We might add fans to aid the process. However, there is actually a science to the drying process. The knowledge of psychometrics, the dynamics of moist air, is critical to lower the chances of secondary damages. Your IICRC certified and trained technicians at SERVPRO of East San Antonio know the steps to take when your business or residence experiences water damage:

• First, we’ll conduct an inspection to detect what material(s) are wet
• Next, we’ll measure how much moisture is in those wet components and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Additionally, we’ll "speed up" the process by using professional drying equipment.  While a wet building can often dry naturally, it might do so unevenly, inadequately or might take too long…all allowing for secondary damages to occur.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio has the knowledge, advanced equipment, and the technology, DryBook (a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation, updates on the drying process, and confirms industry drying requirements are met) to ensure that your water damage is mitigated.

We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Do Your Own Water Damage Inspection | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your commercial property? Contact SERVPRO of East San Antonio, we are your local water restoration experts.

While water damage is common after flooding or heavy rains, it can also work its way into your home over time and virtually sneak up on you if you are not sure what to look for. While this is a concern from a visual standpoint, water damage is so dangerous because of structural damages it can lead to over time.

If you suspect water damage in your commercial building, it is important to do an inspection and determine where it is present. Catching it early can mitigate the damages and prevent costly insurance payouts, too. If you do spot water damage, it is wise to get a professional in as soon as possible to address the issue.

Reopen Your Business’ Doors After a Disaster By Planning Ahead | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is your go-to in case a disaster occurs. Get in touch with us to learn more

For those who own their own business, there are few things more satisfying than seeing your operations succeed through hard work—but if you have not thought about disaster preparations, there is no way to guarantee that this will not be derailed. Disasters can ruin unprepared businesses due to the difficulties associated with recovery, so it is important to do what you can to mitigate your risks.

Keeping yourself and your employees safe is the primary concern for emergency and disaster scenarios, but once you plan for that, it is smart to begin planning for the aftermath. Recovering quickly is one of the best things you can do to ensure the longevity of your business, as reducing your downtime can reduce the overall impact of the disaster.

Plan Ahead to Recover From Disasters at Your Business

Check up on your insurance coverage options and begin restoration. Every commercial insurance policy will vary, but often, damage due to disasters can be covered by your policy. Contact your insurance quickly to make sure you can quickly set the claims process in motion, then reach out to your restoration provider to start the physical recovery. To make things more simple, your restoration company can often handle your dealings with the insurance company as well.

Use social media to get in touch with your customers. For those who have known and loved your business, communication is key so they know what is going on after a disaster. Communicate with your customers about closures or changes to operating hours, and be sure to let them know how they can show their support in the meantime. Offering gift cards or other pre-paid options is a popular choice, as customers can give you sales when you need it the most and redeem their purchases at a later date.

Make use of disaster assistance programs that are offered. After a disaster impacts an area, there are many resources designed to help businesses recover, such as the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program. These loans can be used to pay off damage repair costs and cover lost income due to the disaster as well, and they are often offered at extremely low interest rates, too.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is the fire restoration experts. To learn more give us a call or contact us online

Gathering your family together for a meal you grilled yourself is one of the most enjoyable things about summertime, but it is important that you do not accidentally cause an emergency in the process. Though many of us grill every week, it is important to remember that they are still open flames, and thus present the potential for a fire to start.

The reports from the U.S. Fire Administration show just what a problem this can be—nearly 6,000 fires annually are due to grills, which can total millions in damage for those impacted. Practicing fire safety every time you light up the grill can dramatically lower the likelihood that you will ever be part of this statistic.

What Should I Look for in a Storm Restoration Company? | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms and other severe weather incidents are alarming, to say the least—and if your property is damaged in the chaos, they can be downright overwhelming to experience. Studies have shown that destructive storms are becoming more common and causing more damage to areas that are impacted.

In case your home or business is damaged in a storm, knowing how to have your damage restored is key.

Picking the right restoration company to handle your damages is one of the best things you can do for yourself. While there will often be many pop-up companies that come through the area after severe weather hits, choosing a restoration provider that is reputable and professional will be much more helpful in the long run.

Getting Started: Steps Toward Severe Weather Protection | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if you experience any storm damage.

Whenever an area is susceptible to storms, there is no telling when one will cause damage to an area and when one will pass by without incident. Though they can be unpredictable, a little preparedness goes a long way when it comes to storm safety. By being certain that you are doing all that you can to protect your home and household, you can make sure that you have peace of mind and are being as safe as possible.

Implementing Fire Safety Tips in Your Home | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of East San Antonio to learn more.

There is never going to be a convenient time for a house fire to occur, and even small ones can cause large and long-term issues for your household. When a flame starts, it can spread in as little as 30 seconds and can turn absolutely devastating in the blink of an eye.

Fortunately, there are many ways to mitigate your fire risk. Practicing good habits and planning for the worst-case scenario can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe from any fire scenarios.

Have a Plan in Place for Workplace Fire Drills | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of East San Antonio specializes in commercial fire restoration.

When you own a business, you want to do everything you can to protect it and plan ahead for potential worries—but are you planning for the event of a fire? Commercial fires happen more frequently than many people realize, but by making sure you and your staff know what to do, you can reduce your liability and keep everyone much safer.

Planning out your evacuation routes and communicating them with staff is a great way to be sure you are all as prepared as possible for the event of a fire starting. From there, you should host regular fire drills to make sure the knowledge is solidified and everyone is ready.

A Guide to Hosting Regular Fire Drills for Your Business

Consult with your local fire officials. Fire officials are an amazing resource when it comes to planning out your fire safety efforts, so definitely get in touch with them and gain their insight into your fire drill strategy. They can often come by and help you identify evacuation routes and other special considerations that might impact your fire drills.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once the evacuation routes have been decided upon, make sure to put up signs that identify them clearly. Let your staff know about the pathways, and prepare them in advance for the first fire drill so they can familiarize themselves with the routes.

Have fire drills frequently. Most companies host fire drills once a quarter to make sure everyone is familiar with the ideal procedures. This will give everyone a chance to rehearse in a low-stress scenario, and then you can have a roundup to discuss any concerns or successes that arose as part of the process to refine the drill for next time.

Run different fire scenarios. While some places like the office kitchen are statistically where a fire might start, it is important to remember that they can begin anywhere. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your fire drills—run through different scenarios that involve various exits being blocked so that no matter what the reality of a situation is, your staff is prepared.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.

Stay Safe From Summer Storms Anywhere You Go | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of East San Antonio is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.

When the weather turns hot and humid, you can be certain that thunderstorms and pop-up showers are not far behind. While some of these are run-of-the-mill events, any time there is thunder involved, there is a potential for things to progress and become severe.

It is important to never ignore thunderstorms and keep these safety tips for warm-weather storms in mind.

Safety Tips for Warm-Weather Storms

Know your options for shelter. When you are aware that a storm is a possibility, you should stay home and seek shelter if at all possible in case things turn severe. When you are out and about when a sudden storm pops up, however, you may not have that luxury. Sheltering in your car is a viable option if a storm is in the area—just be sure to park safely, cut the engine and avoid touching metals in the car.

Practice electrical safety. As lightning strikes a building, it routes itself down the path of least resistance in order to reach the balancing charge of the ground—which often means it runs through a home’s electrical wiring system to do so. This can cause a power surge, which is when the charge overwhelms the system and runs through the outlets to anything plugged in. Running everything through your home and office through surge protectors is a great first step, but if you know a storm is coming, you can also unplug everything to be extra safe.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete is a solid construction material, but it can also transfer electrical charges quite efficiently depending on its construction. Most concrete structures will be reinforced with metal as they are poured, meaning that when lightning strikes, the metal can absorb the lightning’s energy and disperse it through the concrete. Avoid leaning against a concrete wall or sitting on a concrete floor when lightning is in the area.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If a quick storm has put your plans on hold, clear skies may signal that it is time to resume your activities. However, lightning has been known to strike across 25 miles, so even if the storm is in the distance, the lightning can still be a hazard. For safety, wait at least 30 minutes after a thunder clap before heading back outside.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.

Recovering From a Flood With a Safety-Focused Approach | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If your experiences any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is available 24/7 to assist you with any repairs.

Finding out that your home has been impacted in a flood can be a devastating experience, and many homeowners will want to rush to recover from the damage and restore their lives to normal.

Taking quick action after a flood is the general recommendation as it can lessen the severity of the overall damage, but as you work to recover, it is necessary to keep safety in mind as well. Taking a safety-first approach to recovery is always advised to mitigate injury or further damages.

Remembering Safety and Recovering From a Flood

Avoid further safety hazards. Being adamant about returning home quickly is common following a flood, but you should also wait until you are authorized to do so by your local officials. There are many hidden hazards that can be a risk during the aftermath of a flood—electrical hazards and contamination are all things that officials will need to inspect before it is safe to return to your property.

Air out the home. Mold growth begins extremely quickly after water damage is introduced, which can make the air in your home dangerous to breathe. While airing out the home will not prevent mold from growing, it can lessen the hazardous health impact it can have. Open windows and doors as soon as possible after entering the home, and consider letting the house air out for a bit before beginning recovery work to increase the fresh air available.

Document the damages. It is a common reaction to immediately begin removing damaged items after a flood, but having photographs of the damages will help you with your insurance claims and categorizing the overall losses from the flood. If you have not purchased flood insurance, your coverage may be limited, but you may still be eligible to file a claim and recuperate some of the damages.

Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. Alerting your insurance company and restoration company regarding the damages right away can help you start the restoration process in earnest. Your insurance provider will be able to advise you on next steps, and your restoration company can begin removing moisture from the air and assessing the damage to create a long-term plan of action. Considering that water damage worsens the longer it sits, making these calls quickly is key to start mitigating damage effectively.

If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion

Our 6-Step Process for Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

When dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Contact SERVPRO of East San Antonio for prompt & dependable service

There is never a good time to sustain water damage, but it is important to quickly take actions for restoration even though it is an overwhelming scenario.

To help you deal with the aftermath, we are here at any hour to set our six-step process for water damage restoration in motion.

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
Because disasters never stick to a schedule, you can call us at any hour to set the water damage restoration process in motion. We will discuss the damage with you over the phone to set a response plan in motion and dispatch our technicians to you as quickly as we can.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Once we arrive on the scene of the damage, we will first make sure the area is safe and turn off any water flow that might be contributing to the damages. From there, a complete inspection will be completed and a restoration plan will be drafted and reviewed with you.

3. Moisture Extraction
We always move to extract moisture as quickly as possible, as this is the best method for preventing excessive damages. We have equipment that can pump out hundreds of gallons of water at a time, so there is no job that is too large for us to handle.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
After the majority of standing water has been removed, we can bring in our dehumidifiers and dryers to further speed the process along. These will help remove moisture absorbed by your home’s porous surfaces and stop mold from causing even more damage to your belongings and home.

5. Cleaning Belongings
It is important to thoroughly clean items that have come into contact with excess moisture to keep them in good (and safe) condition. We will thoroughly clean all impacted items and surfaces in your home which will prevent deterioration and the development of odors.

6. Restoration and Repair
We want you to have a home or office that is restored fully to the condition it was in before the water damage occurred, which is why we also handle repair work as part of our restoration. From installing new carpets to painting over drywall patches, we make sure that you are fully set up with a complete restoration before we leave.

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call us ²⁴⁄₇ to get the process started.

Heavy Rainfall Can Lead to Household Water Damage | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rains can cause serious water damage. SERVPRO of East San Antonio has the trained technicians to fully restore your home.

The rushes of floodwater or sprays from burst pipes are generally what comes to mind when water damage is mentioned, but less dramatic events such as steady, heavy rain showers are common culprits of damage as well.

When your home’s defenses are not strong against the weather, heavy rain can easily work its way in—here are some of the common places we see this happen:

Where We Often See Leaks Caused by Heavy Rainfall

Backup of clogged gutters. The debris that builds up in gutters is more than just an inconvenience—it can cause water damage as well. When heavy rains come through and the water cannot drain via the gutters, pools of water can begin to seep into the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors. Small openings between doors and windows and the exterior walls of the home might not be visible to the naked eye, but water can quickly find its way in. Weather-stripping is a great addition around exterior openings to prevent this.

Poor drainage around the foundation. If heavy rain leads to water building up around your foundation, it is wise to install landscaping or other drainage systems that can help to move this water away. Standing water can seep into the home’s foundation and cause serious damages otherwise.

Leaks in and around the roof. Roof leaks have a way of sneaking up on homeowners, so doing work to prevent them is better than waiting until they become evident. Look out for peeling sealants or missing shingles, as heavy rain can quickly exploit these small issues and create a big leak.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system. Sump pumps are great for maintaining moisture levels in damp spaces, but without proper maintenance, they can malfunction and cause their own issues in the area they were installed to protect.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights. Homes that have features that intersect with the roof, such as skylights and chimneys, are more vulnerable to leaks from heavy rains. The seals around these features can deteriorate over time, so inspect them regularly for weaknesses.

If you’ve experienced water damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us ²⁴⁄₇ to have our trained technicians respond quickly and begin your restoration.

Tips to Maintaining Your Safety When Severe Weather Is in the Forecast | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, SERVPRO of East San Antonio will respond quickly to assist in any repairs.

If thunderstorms are a possibility in the weather forecast, knowing that you have taken measures toward your safety is a great tool to prevent worry. Because of how often storms occur, it is common to not respect their severity—but unfortunately, every thunderstorm has the potential to cause damage.

Being aware of the meaning behind common weather alerts, making sure you have an emergency kit and designated shelter spot and ensuring you are equipped with multiple methods to receive emergency broadcasts is a great way to start your storm preparedness journey.

The Meaning Behind Common Weather Alerts

Being aware of the meaning behind common weather alerts can help you know exactly how to respond and react when certain things are issued. For example, a thunderstorm watch means that one is possible due to the current weather conditions, but has not started yet. The proper reaction is to stay tuned to weather alerts and be aware. For a thunderstorm warning, however, a thunderstorm has been spotted or is indicated on the radar, so you should seek shelter right away.

Have an Emergency Kit in Your Home

If a thunderstorm warning is issued, you should generally stay put and hunker down until the severe weather passes. For this reason, you should make sure your home is equipped with an adequate emergency kit. Include enough food and water for everyone in your family for a few days, and make sure you have flashlights and backup batteries. It is also wise to have a designated spot to hunker down during the severe part of the storm. A hallway or closet is a common choice, but anywhere away from windows and on a ground floor will do.

Have Multiple Methods of Receiving Emergency Broadcasts

We all depend on our smartphones to stay connected in normal circumstances, but in the event of a storm, cell phones are not always reliable. Storms can knock out cell reception and prolonged power outages can lead to dead batteries, so having a secondary method of receiving alerts is always recommended. Getting a source that is not dependent on electricity, such as a weather radio, will make sure you can stay connected no matter what.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to get a quick response to your home’s damages.

Helpful Tips for the Aftermath of a Fire | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Dealing with a house fire is a devastating event. Not only is experiencing and escaping from it a frightening experience, but the recovery process is also a daunting one that can be difficult to navigate.

However, you can rest assured that we are here to help you through a house fire every step of the way—that’s why we have assembled some guidance for house fire recovery for your reference to help make the process go more smoothly.

Guidance for House Fire Recovery

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Seeing damage to your home and belongings will always be a difficult and emotional experience, but preparing yourself can help lessen the emotional impact it has. The fire that damage causes can be widespread, so prepare to see damage due to smoke, soot and moisture even in areas that were not directly impacted.

Wait to enter your home. Though it is normal to want to get the damage discovery process over with, it is important to listen to the guidance of officials before reentering your home. Fires can cause many hidden hazards and damage the structural integrity of a building, so even if things look safe, it is important to consult with the experts before you head inside.

Contact your insurance company. Every insurance handles fire damage claims in different ways, so it is important to check with yours regarding how to proceed as soon as you can. They can provide you with guidance on what you can do right away and what you should wait for in order to maximize your claim.

Document the damages. While documenting your damages is a disheartening process, it is a great way to ensure that nothing gets forgotten or overlooked. A detailed inventory list and thorough photographs will also come in handy when filing your insurance claim, so it is best to take note of everything in your home that has been impacted.

Contact your restoration company. Experiencing a house fire is a traumatic event for the whole family, which is why recovery is so important. Having a restoration company that you can count on is an important aspect of this—the company you work with should help you simplify the process instead of making it more complicated.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

7/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Certified cleaned information for San Antonio, Bexar county and surrounding areas.

Ushering in a new standard of clean

As America gets back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations*. At SERVPRO of East San ANtonio, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of East San Antonio Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.

• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or are you a consumer who wants to learn more?

Call us today! 210-757-0275

A Disaster Preparedness Evaluation for Businesses | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Taking measures to reduce the time that your business is closed after a disaster is crucial for any company. Let SERVPRO of East San Antonio be your

Understanding how to lessen your business’ risks is an important part of business ownership, and it is important to remember how natural disasters and emergencies can be an integral part of that. Evaluating how prepared your business is for a disaster may seem intimidating, but it can provide extremely helpful metrics on where you are doing well and where to improve.

Taking into account some key aspects of your business can provide important information about where your disaster preparedness efforts stand. Making sure you have adequately stocked supplies, purchased insurance coverage and planned ahead will go a long way in protecting your investment.

Your Commercial Insurance Coverage

Following a disaster, many businesses find out the hard way that their commercial insurance policy does not cover as much as they assumed it would. To be fully covered against severe weather or other emergencies, add-ons such as umbrella coverage, interruption insurance and flood policies are often necessary. It is wise to have a sound understanding of your policy so you can determine if there are coverage gaps you may need to fill in.

Your Emergency Plan and Supply Kit

In a natural disaster or other emergency scenario, tensions are high and there is often not much time to react. That is why planning ahead is so important to keep you and your employees safe. Make sure you have a plan in place that encompasses a variety of scenarios—there may be orders for a sudden evacuation, or you may be required to remain in the office until help can arrive. Make sure you are ready for either of these scenarios with a plan and adequate emergency supplies.

Your Plan for Restoration and Recovery

If your business sustains damage during a disaster, the restoration process will often halt operations for a time—but thankfully, you can do your part to reduce this interruption. Be sure to know the facts about the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan assistance offerings so you can apply for those as quickly as possible. Additionally, knowing in advance what restoration company you will work with will allow you to call them immediately after the danger passes.

If your business has been impacted by a disaster, you can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for guidance on how to begin the commercial restoration process.

We are San Antonio's Cleaning Experts

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Tips and Suggestions from SERVPRO on how to help limit spreading viruses

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –SERVPRO of East San Antonio, 210-757-0275

Increasing Your Home’s Weather Resistance With Weatherproofing | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you have any storm damage, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to help. We are available 24/7 and ready to assist you when you need it most.

It is normal to be concerned when you discover that severe weather is in the forecast, especially considering that around half of all the insurance claims made by homeowners involve weather damage. Though there is no way to guarantee that weather damage can be prevented, there are precautions that homeowners can take to make their homes more weather-resistant.

By implementing weatherproofing measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the chances that severe weather will cause damage to their homes—and considering that implementing weatherproofing is not an expensive or time-consuming task, it is certainly worth doing.

Weatherproofing for Household Resistance

Keep Your Shingles in Shape
Newly constructed homes are not the most common site of roof leaks, but it is a very real possibility nonetheless. Regardless of your home’s age, keep an eye out for any damaged or missing shingles, as these are often the first sign that a roof leak is present.

Beat the Weather With Weatherstripping
Installing weatherstripping around your home’s doors and windows seals up minute cracks and keeps the weather outside where it belongs. Not only does this benefit you by preventing heavy rains from saturating into these microscopic cracks, but it is also a money-saving measure for your electric bills and is recommended by the Department of Energy.

Gut Debris From Your Gutters
When heavy rains roll in, clogged gutters can lead to standing water that causes water damage to seep into your home. Twice-yearly cleanings are the best way to prevent this, but it is also wise to keep an eye on your gutters throughout the year—look for cracks, standing water or downspouts that should be draining but appear dry.

Pick the Right Paint
Exterior paints are often about more than just a color thanks to recent technological advancements. Many paints now have extra waterproofing and UV-protection measures built-in, so the next time you decide it is time for a new coat, consider choosing a color that includes some of these features.

If you have issues with storm damage to your home, we are always here to help. Contact us 24 hours a day for a rapid response.

Preparing Your Business for the Risk of a Fire | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We provide a full service from mitigation to restoration.

Business owners are wise to complete an honest assessment of their risk levels to protect themselves and their investment in the business.

While this does have to do with industry and market trends, it is also wise to understand the risks you face from disasters such as fires as well. A business can be rendered inoperable by a fire in a moment, and only the most prepared business owners find themselves able to reopen.

Adding fire safety standards to your business is a simple and effective way to make sure you are protected. Considering fire safety codes, helping your staff prepare and reducing your fire hazards will go a long way in preventing and preparing for a fire.

3 Steps To Recover From Kitchen Water Damage in San Antonio, TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

San Antonio kitchen flooded from pipe leak

When you find a leak in your kitchen, many details should be handled quickly to minimize the damage flooding can cause. Though it may seem overwhelming, following these steps can help save your property and return your kitchen to its undamaged state.

1. 
   Shut Off the Water and Assess Your Safety

The first step when you have a leaky kitchen sink is to turn off your water. Check underneath the sink to start. There will probably be stop valves there (one for hot water and one for cold), which you can turn clockwise to stop the water from flowing to the sink.

Once you've stopped the active seepage, you should make sure the environment is safe. The most common concerns after kitchen floods are slip-and-fall incidents and electrical hazards. Also remember that wet materials can be extremely heavy. Exercise caution when removing damaged items.

2. 
   Call Your Insurance Company

You should call your insurance company when dealing with flooding in your residence. There are several types of water-related disasters, but for insurance purposes, there are only three categories of damage. Talking with restoration professionals can give you the details your insurance agent needs during the claims process.

3. 
   Call in the Professionals

Depending on the severity of your leak, damage can include ruined floors, cabinets, or appliances and can lead to mold or rot. These problems are more likely to linger if they aren't handled correctly from the start. A cleanup and restoration company can make recovering from emergencies from water in the home more manageable. A trained expert typically uses a scientific approach and powerful technology to help with every step. Restoration services may include evaluating damage, moisture extraction, drying, dehumidification, sanitizing, and kitchen repair.

If you feel daunted by the prospect of repairing your kitchen after flooding in San Antonio, TX, hire a skilled restoration company. By approaching the repairs methodically and using an array of impressive tools, experts can return your home to its pre-damage condition more quickly.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

3 Steps To Stop a Toilet From Overflowing in San Antonio,TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Possible Source in San Antonio fro sewer back up

3 Steps To Stop a Toilet From Overflowing

A drain line blockage can result in a flooded toilet. Homeowners can take three steps to stop a toilet from overflowing and limit the extent of sewer damage at a residence in San Antonio, TX.

1. Contain Damage

Contaminated water can cause major water damage. If this water sinks into carpet or porous building materials such as drywall, these materials will likely need to be torn out and replaced. Use towels or a mop to stop the spread of sewage backup.

2. Use a Plunger or Snake

Once a homeowner has taken measures to try to stop the spread of Sewage Water, he or she should address the cause of the problem. If the backup is due to a minor clog close to the floor drain, plunging a toilet may be enough to clear the clog and stop the overflow.

If the clog is more severe, insert an auger or snake into the toilet. Some augers have hand cranks while others can be attached to a power drill. It may be more effective to remove the toilet and snake the floor drain directly. You will need to use specialized tools and remove water from the bowl and tank or use a solidifying gel. Clear deeper clogs by snaking the drain cleanout in a basement or crawlspace.

3. Contact a Plumber

Calling a plumber can be easier than removing a toilet or dealing with a drain cleanout. If you do not have a snake or the skill or tools necessary to attempt advanced plumbing techniques, a trained professional is your best bet. If the problem originates in a municipal main, contact a sewage company.

If a flooded toilet causes extensive sewer damage, a homeowner should contact a water damage mitigation and restoration company located in San Antonio. Experts can remove damaged materials, promote drying to prevent mold and restore the affected area.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Protect Your San Antonio Home from Fire

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

San Antonio Home almost totally lost, An ounce of fire prevention is truly worth a pound of cure

As we head into the winter season in Bexar County, we can expect to see residential fires on the rise. Statistically, January is the month in which the U.S. sees the highest percentage of house fires.

More Deadly Fires

Fires in the home cause great concern because although only eight percent of total fires occur in the home, they cause 23 percent of the injuries and 30 percent of the deaths. Of the deaths, about 60 percent occurred in homes with smoke alarms missing or not working.

Kitchen Fires

Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home. You can protect your family by

• Keeping combustible materials away from the stove and other cooking appliances
• And monitoring children when they are cooking.

Malfunctioning Appliances

Short circuits and other appliance malfunctions also cause many house fires. Again, keeping flammable items away from space heaters and other appliances that get hot will help protect your home and family.

Never leave a space heater on when sleeping or not in the room with the heater. Unplug electric appliances when not in use.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Be sure to check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries annually. You should also replace your detectors when they are ten years old or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Fires happen, but many do not have to be fatal.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Fire Restoration

Should you have the misfortune to suffer a fire in your home, you can call SERVPRO of East San Antonio anytime day or night at 210-757-0275 to speak with a caring individual who will help you start taking back your home. Our fire restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to provide professional restoration services according to industry standards.

We can dry wet materials, clean the soot and filter harmful particulates out of the air. We will even deal with your insurance company to help them understand the scope of your loss. We want to be your first choice to make fire “Like it never even happened.”

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

3 Stages of Fire Damage Remediation in San Antonio, TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage, Bexar County, San Antonio, TX

Three Important Stages of Fire Restoration

If your San Antonio, TX, home has been damaged in a fire, then you will likely need to have fire restoration done. What this entails can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but the general process remains the same. While your house is being worked on, you can expect the restoration company to carry out three important stages.

1. Inspection

Before fire restoration can begin, the house will need to be inspected. The workers will look at each area of your home to determine the extent of the damage. This allows them to determine the best way to move forward with their work and create a plan for repairs.

2. Mitigation

Once the inspection has been completed, the workers will move on to mitigation. This step is essential to preventing the damage from getting worse. If there are missing areas of walls and roofing or broken windows, these will need to be boarded up or covered with a tarp. Soot and smoke damage will be removed. If the fire department needed to put out the flames with a hose, this stage will also include removing excess water and drying the building. Unpleasant smoke odors will be removed as well.

3. Restoration

After damage cleaning, the final stage can begin. During restoration, workers will begin to return your home to its previous condition. In the case of severe damage, this can include rebuilding walls, roofing, or even whole rooms. Smaller tasks, such as replacing carpets and repainting walls, will be done as well. Once this has been finished, your house should look as good as it did before the fire occurred.
Whether the fire in your home was large or small, fire restoration is a necessary part of returning your home to normal. A fire damage remediation company has the equipment and training necessary to do this quickly and thoroughly. They will be able to repair your home and can salvage many of your damaged belongings as well.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Here is What You Should do for Your Commercial Water Damage Scenario in San Antonio, TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly affect your business in San Antonio. Excess water can quickly cause a mold infestation scenario.

Prepare for Water Damage in the San Antonio Area

Recently, the number of craft breweries in Minneapolis has exploded. Vast amounts of water are used even in a small, niche brewpub, exposing the investors to the potential of a catastrophic loss if a copper leaks or a supply line bursts. Work with us to develop a preparedness plan to ensure that any water loss is a brief set back, not a brand buster.

Commercial entities like small breweries can face significant financial crises if severe water damage closes their San Antonio site for even a short period. Although they have loyal customers, dozens of additional specialty brewers hawk their wares just up the block or in other areas of the Twin Cities. Statistics illustrate that nearly 50 percent of businesses facing a disaster without a preparedness plan do not survive.

Work with our experts at SERVPRO to develop disaster response agenda that protects your hard-fought rise in the business. Our Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) is a collaborative effort, including an in-depth evaluation of your commercial property layout and your operations.

An experienced project manager visits your brewery, ready to sketch out a blueprint of equipment, storage and inventory spaces, retail areas, and more. SERVPRO pay particular attention to the location of critical services like utility shutoffs and plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical grids. Expect recommendations aimed at limiting your loss if a pipe bursts, brewery equipment fails, or extreme weather or other outside forces imperil your business.

You personalize the ERP with our mobile app. The app walks you through questions intended to help you prioritize and share critical information with the SERVPRO crew that might answer your water damage call in the future. Identify and provide contact information for the vendors and contractors who designed and built your equipment and systems so we can reach out if needed during mitigation and remediation. Designate one or more individuals whom you authorize to act for you should you be unavailable during the emergency.

Clarify that SERVPRO is your restoration company of preference, allowing us to start work immediately. With a concise, digital plan available, our work will have you back in the brewing business swiftly.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Preventing Secondary Water Damage In Your Bexar County Office/Building

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in a Bexar County Commercial Building

Water damage in your Bexar County, business is something no one wants to experience. After calling in a plumber to take care of the immediate problem of a burst pipe or a backed-up toilet or sewer, you're still left with the resultant mess. It's important to deal with this situation as soon as possible, as secondary damage, including black mold or structural damage, can occur quickly. This kind of damage can be very costly.

Secondary Damage Explained

This consists of any damage not directly produced by the flooding. It can show up in several ways, including:

• Wood floors buckling
• Damage to finishes
• Vinyl and other kinds of flooring curling up from the floor
• Cracked or sagging drywall
• Growth of mold, such as stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)

If the primary damage is not addressed properly or if it goes undetected for a long time, this more serious damage can happen. Problems can also occur if the area is not properly dehumidified after the flooding.

Prevention

Assuming you are able to enter the building, there are steps you can take immediately to help minimize the damage. If the flooding happens during summer months, use your air conditioning to help remove as much high humidity as possible. During colder months, open all the windows and turn up the heat. Try to remove as much water as possible by mopping and using a wet/dry vacuum. Move any saturated carpeting outside and remove items such as documents, electronics or furniture.

Next, make a call to a professional water damage restoration company. They can immediately inspect the structure to assess the damage, and then determine what specialized equipment is required. Using advanced techniques, they can completely dry and disinfect the area, making sure that any pathogens, such as black mold or bacteria, are completely eradicated. Then any necessary repairs to the property are made.

Water damage to your building can seem overwhelming. But by using the information outlined above, you have a good chance of preventing secondary damage before it happens.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

When the Power is Out, the Generator should Stay Out as well

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Always place your generator Outside of your San Antonio home for safety

When the lights start to flicker one's first instinct is to grab the flashlights to be ready if the power goes out.

There is a large number of homeowners and businesses that own generators that can keep the vital systems in a building running.

The generators, which run on gas, exhaust fumes very similar to your automobile.  Making sure these fumes don't come back into your home is extremely important.

Generators should be placed Outside in order to exhaust the fumes out into the open.  Even putting the generator int he garage is not safe practice, the generator should be outside of the home and venting away from any fresh air inlet.

When the power goes off and your property sustains property damage, call SERVPRO to do your repairs and mitigate the damage.  For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

How to Handle Damaged Belongings After a Flood in San Antonio, TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Paperwork/documents damage from San Antonio storm

How to Handle Damaged Belongings After a Flood

If your building was damaged during a storm in San Antonio, TX, the items inside may have been affected as well. If this is the case, it can be difficult to determine how you should proceed. If you are unsure about how your belongings should be treated, the following content cleaning information may help you.

1. Curtains and Other Fabrics

Because these materials are porous, they can absorb a lot of water. This can be especially troublesome when black water is involved. It carries a high level of contaminants such as waste, mud and bacteria that can be difficult to remove. While you may be able to salvage some porous items with a thorough cleaning, some of them may need to be thrown out.

2. Hard Surfaces and Non-Porous Items

Content cleaning for objects with hard, non-porous surfaces is generally much easier. Because the contaminated water is not absorbed, you don’t need to worry about bacteria lingering beneath the surface. With these items, scrubbing them with an anti-bacterial cleaner will likely be enough to sanitize them.

3. Artwork and Paper Items

These items can be important and sometimes irreplaceable, so it can be upsetting when they are damaged in a flood. The good news is that they are not necessarily ruined beyond repair. A professional service will likely have access to high-quality equipment that will be able to dry these items and remove the bacteria and other contaminants.

4. Electronics and Equipment

Like porous materials, electronics can be difficult to save if they have been damaged by contaminated water. For the best results, you should have them taken to a professional right away for inspection. Do not attempt to use these items before you know it is safe as you may cause more damage.
If your items have been damaged by contaminated water, then the best thing to do is have content cleaning done by a professional. A cleanup and restoration service can salvage many of your belongings and can perform any necessary repairs on your building as well.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Training and Skill in Water Damage Migration Detection Are Why SERVPRO Delivers Success In San Antonio

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO guide you towards the correct path for your San Antonio water damage.

We keep up with every bit of training to assist our San Antonio homes.

When a Minneapolis homeowner tries to determine the extent of a water loss, both instincts and common sense can fall short. When water gets loose inside your home, it can migrate far from the original plumbing break, roof leak, or appliance breakdown. Without the tools to detect the path the water followed, significant damage can go unnoticed. Our investments in education and innovative moisture identification tools help avoid additional expense and secondary damage, why we offer our help. 

Water Detection is a Science and an Art

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses our managers and production technicians master covers the expected and unexpected behavior of water damage inside San Antonio, TX.  The lathe and plaster and stucco construction of signature Arts and Crafts structures are both charming and capable of hiding water damage when it is minor and manageable. Our training and experience in tracing water meanderings behind walls and built-in fixtures explains why we are skilled in finding and solving water problems before the integrity of your historic home is compromised.

Aging Heating and Plumbing Plus Temperature Extremes Equal Water Damage Challenges

When your dining room oak floor develops cupping and crowning the search for a water source can be daunting. Bungalows often retain their 100-year-old gravity heating, with old radiators filled with hot water from the boiler in the basement warming spaces. Rusted pipes and failing valves can slowly saturate the floor, unnoticed at first as the issue begins and then spreads from behind the radiator at the wall. Mold development on a main level wall or ceiling can trace to ice dam development the previous winter, moisture seeping in the attic from clogged gutters eventually traveling downwards. Our familiarity with this type of insidious damage is why SERVPRO can respond quickly and reliably to your water damage challenges.

Sensitive Moisture Meters and Infrared Cameras

The availability of and skill in using water detection tools are why SERVPRO crews can outline water damage with accuracy and confidence. Infrared technology indicates the presence of water through temperature variations. Moisture meters establish relative levels of absorbed water in building materials. Periodic use of these tools throughout a water damage remediation project ensures we find and release liquids. Then our Applied Structural Drying (ASD)-certified technicians create an effective drying plan using the data, moving water out of structural components with temperature adjustments and air movement. Dehumidifiers capture the vaporized water for disposal. Moisture measurements continue until we reach designated levels, avoiding over or under drying.

Training and innovative equipment are two reasons why SERVPRO of East San Antonio efficiently mitigates and remediates hidden water damage. For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Benefits of a Large Loss Response in San Antonio

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Large Loss Project Down Town San Antonio

When an area in San Antonio, is affected by a disaster, catastrophic loss often occurs as a result. However, employing a restoration company that can offer a large loss response can be useful for insurance agents and for business owners.

1. Experts Are Equipped with the Right Tools

When a major disaster strikes, the aftermath can be devastating, and it’s common for restoration experts to be overwhelmed with requests. Some local restoration companies may not be equipped to handle all types of disasters, and these companies may not have access to specialized tools. A restoration company with a wide reach can bring in experts with the necessary tools from various locations to assist in the cleanup and restoration process.

2. Experience to Handle Catastrophes

Whether a catastrophic loss occurs as the result of flooding, storm damage or a fire, it’s important for business owners and insurance agents alike to know that the professionals restoring commercial properties are experienced. One person alone may not have the experience to respond to a major disaster. However, when numerous people assist in responding to a disaster, the combined experience of everyone involved makes the loss response team equipped to manage many aspects commercial property damage.

3. Timely Reactions

When widespread damage occurs to an area, a local restoration company may not be able to make an assessment shortly after the disaster. Unfortunately, a slow response can cause a property to acquire more issues, such as mold growth, structural damage and more. With a large loss response, however, professionals can quickly assess a property, and after a thorough assessment, experts can assist in preventing additional damage and can begin restoration.

A large loss response can make managing the effects of a catastrophic loss easier. A large loss response will allow various professionals from different areas to assess the damage, experts will have the combined experience to handle various major problems and the response will likely occur in a quick manner.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Space Heaters Can Burn Homes Down In Bexar County

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Space heaters can be extremely dangerous to your San Antonio home!

As temperatures drop here along central Texas more and more people turn to those tiny little space heaters to help provide some extra warmth around the house.

There are two main types of portable space heaters, electric, and gas. The gas heaters should not be used indoors because they can emit harmful carbon monoxide. Electric heaters are not toxic but still pose a serious fire risk if handled unsafely.

*** Here are a few tips to make sure you are staying warm and safe when the weather gets cold.

• Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use the shortest possible heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger. Always check and follow any manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to the use of extension cords.
• Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over.

If you do suffer from fire damage this winter please call SERVPRO right away! For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Getting Your San Antonio Company’s Fire Drills Right Every Time

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Inform your employees about evacuation procedures in your San Antonio company

Whether you have a small business or own a large corporation, you probably know effective fire drills are part of your workplace-safety plan.

When employees are hard at work, it can be tough to get them to pay attention to an emergency drill. Still, the best way to ensure workers evacuate efficiently during a fire is to ask them to practice regularly. Here are some tips for conducting a meaningful fire drill.

1. Inform Employees

To get the most out of your company fire drill, you must notify employees that it is going to happen. Be sure to provide them with information about how to effectively evacuate. Also, tell all employees that participation is mandatory. If you have customers or guests on site during the drill, don’t forget to alert them as well.

2. Monitor the Drill
   You only know if your drill is effective if you pay attention to how it goes down. When you are planning your drill, designate a couple employees to act as observes. These representatives should take notes during the drill. They should also compile a post-drill report. If the observers recommend improvements, work to coach employees about new evacuation procedures
3. Ask for Help
   Many fire departments have outreach officials who will collaborate with you to conduct your preparedness drill. Some even send fire trucks and other vehicles to mimic real-world conditions. When you are scheduling your drill, reach out to local responders to ask for assistance. Also, consider asking these professionals to advise your employees on evacuation and first-aid techniques during the drill.

Fires in San Antonio can devastate businesses. If your organization has sustained damage during a fire, working with a qualified restoration service is likely your best bet to fully recover. You don’t have to get to that point, however. By working to pull off an effective fire drill, you boost the chances that both your business and employees are safe during a fire.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Don’t Come Back From Vacation to Find Your San Antonio Home Flooded

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss over the weekend, San antonio, TX, Bexar County

The last thing that should be on your mind when you’re on a vacation away from San Antonio, TX is whether a broken pipe has caused an area of your home to flood. This can cause damage to your belongings and your home, so the best thing to do is to prevent the need for water pipe repair.

Prevent Burst Pipes

Broken pipes can be difficult to fix, and the damage can be costly. It’s best to keep this issue from ever happening. If you’re traveling out of town for an extended period of time, specifically during the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent your home from being flooded:

• Don’t turn down the heat too far. If you keep the heat on, even if you turn it lower than if you were home, it can keep your pipes warm enough to prevent them from freezing.
• Keep the water running. You don’t have to run the water on full. If you allow the faucet to drip, this helps relieve the pressure in your water system, possibly eliminating water pipe repair.
• Wrap the pipes. If you wrap pipes, especially those that are exposed, with towels or blankets, it provides extra insulation against the elements.

Keep an Eye on Your Home From a Distance

If you’re going to be gone for several days, especially during the coldest parts of winter, it’s not a bad idea to have a neighbor, family member or friend stop by the house once in a while. This can be just a quick peek inside to verify there is no flooding or a broken pipe, or checking the thermostat to make sure plenty of warm air is circulating in your empty home.

You can also use video cameras that you can view from your phone or computer to check on your home. This won’t prevent a pipe from bursting, but it can allow you to at least get a professional there to do a water pipe repair sooner and prevent further damage.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

The Top 3 Tips To Prepare Your Bexar County Business for a Disaster

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster preparedness is crucial for business owners in San Antonio, TX

Prepare Your Business For A Disaster

When you imagined owning a business in San Antonio, TX, disaster preparedness was likely the last thing to cross your mind. However, the fantasy and reality of entrepreneurship are not always the same. In the world of corporate America, business preparedness can mean the difference between success and failure. Here are the top three tips to protect your livelihood in the unfortunate event of a disaster:

1. Protect your employees.

In an emergency, safety takes priority. Take steps in advance to optimize the well-being of staff and customers when the unexpected strikes. First, communicate crisis procedures verbally and in writing with employees. Second, practice evacuation and shelter-in place practices with your team. Third, maintain disaster kits that include items such as bottled water, first aid and flashlights.

2. Arrange for business continuity.

After a tropical storm or other destructive weather event, restoration professionals work to return your business to preloss condition. During this time, you may not be able to operate from the premises. A good disaster preparedness plan includes backing up data and housing copies of important documents easily accessible off-site. These include customer information, inventory, insurance policies, employee records and financial papers.

3. Safeguard your commercial property and inventory.

Protect your investment by ensuring you have the proper insurance coverage. For example, not all general policies include flood damage. Business interruption insurance is also commonly offered as an add-on option. When a storm is looming, take precautions such as boarding windows, securing furniture and moving valuables to a safe location.

Disaster preparedness is crucial for business owners in San Antonio, Proper planning protects your employees, commercial property and inventory in a weather catastrophe. Maintain relevant insurance and back up important financial documents off-site in the event your building is not accessible. This level of business preparedness allows you to run your business in an alternate location, while the restoration company focuses on repairing the Storm damage to looking “Like it never even happened."

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

5 Secondary Damage Risks Following Commercial Water Damage in San Antonio

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

MOLD: Secondary damage to San Antonio commercial building can and will cause mold

A leak in a commercial structure can cause water damage as well as several types of additional damage, including the growth of black mold. Here are five major risks that may result from water damage in a commercial property if water damage clean up and restoration are not handled promptly and properly.

1. Warped or distorted building materials or contents: This type of damage falls between primary and secondary damage. If items are not necessarily ruined by the water itself but by the conditions caused by the leak, the damage can be said to be secondary.

2. Ruined electronics that may be dangerous to operate: Water can corrode and damage electronics in a commercial property. Once again, water damage is the primary cause, but other consequences can result from device malfunction or shorting.

3. The development of mold: Mold is one of the major secondary risks that can result from water damage. Black mold has a reputation as one of the most potentially dangerous consequences of water damage that is not thoroughly dried.

4. Bacterial contamination: Depending on the type of water involved in a leak and whether this water was contaminated, a secondary risk of bacterial contamination may arise. Cleanup experts can eliminate this risk by disinfecting areas and items affected by a leak that involves gray or black water.

5. Insect infestations: Leaks that are not addressed in a thorough and timely manner can also lead to infestations of silverfish, termites, or other insects that cause additional damage to a structure.

If your commercial property in San Antonio, TX has experienced water damage, you should hire a service that specializes in cleaning up and providing water damage restoration. These experts should be able to minimize or prevent all types of damage which may result from the presence of excessive moisture or high humidity levels within a structure, including black mold.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

3 Ways a Hot Water Heater Leak Can Damage Your San Antonio Home

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

An old water heater can cause major problems in your San Antonio home

While hot water heaters are some of the most durable appliances in your home, when they fail, they fail big. From damaging floors and furniture to triggering mold growth, a leaking water heater can cause untold headaches and expense in your San Antonio, home. Don’t think it’s worth keeping up maintenance on your water heater? You may change your mind when you read these three ways a failed water heater can damage your San Antonio home.

Why Water Heaters Fail

Water heaters often become less and less efficient, until the problem is very clear. This gradual failure is often the result of a buildup of problems like:

• Calcification from accumulating sediments
• Internal rust
• Corrosive fumes
• Old age
  

Whatever the cause, anything that creates a leak from your broken water heater can cause major problems.

Mold Growth

Whenever there’s a leak from an appliance, mold growth is a potential result. A leaking water heater is no exception. Water can begin to grow on floors or even walls around your heater as spores find their way to excess moisture and multiply. Beyond degrading air quality, mold can cause odors, stains and generally destroy drywall.

Damaged Surfaces

Damage from a water heater leak isn’t limited to mold. Water pooling on floors can lead to warped or buckling surfaces. Humidity and condensation, meanwhile, can cause paint on walls to peel and bubble, destroying the look of your walls.

Ceiling Damage

In cases where a hot water heater is located on an upper floor, a leak can cause ceiling damage. This is because water will seek the lowest point, dripping into the floor and pooling through the ceiling on the next level.

Depending on the circumstances, a leaking water heater can cause as much damage as a minor household flood. Don’t be a victim. Talk to a qualified our water restoration specialist to learn your options. You’ll save big in the long run.

Recovery From Water Damage in Bexar County

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Whether it's flood damage due to torrential rains or a busted pipe, water damage is serious business! The first thing to know is how to start the cleanup and mitigation process so that you can get full water damage restoration.

Water in home or water in business can make people ill if the water damage is left untreated, so water cleanup in quick time is required. The drying process must start right after the building is safe to enter. This is not ordinary drying, as regular air movement will not get the job done. There is a method to structural drying water damage in home or water damage in business.

First, be sure to start the flood damage cleanup by emptying the contents of the home or office. Some items may be salvageable after water in your home or water in your business; however, you have to remove the items contaminated by water damage to start the water cleanup process.

Once the building is emptied of contents, industrial size fans can help circulate air movement to assist the drying process. Air movement is essential to slow down the growth of mold. Using fans to conduct air movement will also help the building smell better, as flood damage odors are awful. It's a race against time when water in your home or water in your business. The faster you clear the area after flood damage, the more effective the overall chances for complete water damage restoration and mitigation.

If the flood damage resulted in inches of water in your home, you will need to relocate temporarily. If the water is in your business you may need to set up an office elsewhere while the water damage restoration is being completed. Yes, it is difficult to relocate but until the home of office has undergone total mitigation, the air may still be carrying mold despite best measures taken during cleanup. Just because there is air circulation it does not mean the air is yet safe to breathe.

Water damage restoration is a big job, and it's best to call in professionals who are experts at water damage mitigation. The water damage repair process starts with drying our walls, floors, and contents. Flood mitigation experts use structural drying techniques that may save some of your possessions. These water cleanup experts can also test for mold and use moisture detectors to see how far the flood damages has gone. An expert plan can then be made to finish the water cleanup and restore your home of business completely.

The entire water cleanup process does take a little time and patience; however, the faster you call as water damage restoration company, the quicker the recovery. Visit https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/ for more information on water damage

Why You Need Emergency Board Up Services After a House Fire In San Antonio,TX

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup typically includes the removal of smoke and soot and the restoration of any charred items. Yet board up services are also an important part of the process.
Leaving your roof, windows and doors open following a blaze can leave the home vulnerable to further harm. However, tarping and boarding up your house can prevent additional damage from:

• Thieves
• Animals
• Wind
• Rain
  

Failing to obtain emergency board up services can also be costly. Your insurer may only cover the fire damage to your house if you promptly secure your home after the blaze. Without proper boarding up of your windows and doors, you also could be liable for any injuries suffered by visitors to your home.

More on Tarping Over and Boarding Up

So what exactly do tarp over and board up services entail? As its name implies, tarping over involves putting a tarp on the roof to prevent leaks and provide additional stability. Boarding up is a way to secure broken or cracked windows and doors.

Why You Need Professionals

You may think that you can just put a tarp on your roof or a piece of wood over your door on your own. Yet the process usually requires two people. Even if you can find someone to help you, you need to utilize the right materials. If you use the wrong items or fasten them improperly, you could sustain additional damage to your home.
Boarding up your house by yourself can also be dangerous. Even if the home appears safe after the fire, there may be hidden structural damages to the property.
You should instead contact emergency restoration professionals. They can help you with all aspects of fire clean up and secure your roof, doors and windows.
Fire damage alone can be devastating to a Bexar County home or building. You do not want to deal with further property loss once the blaze is put out. That is why you need tarp over and board up services as part of the repair process.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

The Dangers of Hail for Your San Antonio Commercial Roof

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

The impact of hail damage on your roof can be influenced by several factors

While your commercial building in San Antonio, TX, can be vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters, a hailstorm is one of the more destructive ones. Hail can cause many problems for your business, including roof damage. This specific type of damage can severely harm your property if it's not prevented or treated on time. Continue reading to learn more about the effect hail can have on your building and how to prevent it.

The Factors Behind the Damage

The impact of hail damage on your roof can be influenced by several factors. For instance, the size and weight of each hailstone can create different degrees of damage to the roof. Additionally, the roof can successfully absorb the collision of the hailstones depending on the building materials used on it. Other factors that can influence the damage include the speed and direction of the wind, as well as any present barriers.

The Types of Damage

Hail can not only greatly ruin the roof of your business establishment, but it also inflicts additional harm to the entire building.

• Dents or cracks on roof
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Compromised sheathing
• Water leaks
• Water on the attic
• Wet insulation

The roof damage allows water to enter the location and create further problems. You might need to contact a roofing specialist and water damage repair to fix both the roof and the affected parts of the building.

Preventing Damage From Hail

The repair process may slow down your productivity and deter consumers away from your business. You can prevent these issues and save on time and expenses by taking active measures against hail damage. Invest on using hail-resistant materials such as cooper, plastic or asphalt to decrease the effect of hail on the shingles. Also, install protections on valuable outdoor items and use storm shutters to protect the windows.
Hailstorms are particularly harsh on your commercial property and roof damage exposes it to additional risks. Focus on this potential damage as you protect and reinforce your commercial roof.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

SA Folks Rely on SERVPRO for Safe Stormwater Cleanup and Restoration

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with Water Contamination after Flood Damage in Your San Antonio Residence

Road overflow or flash flooding can result in a contaminated supply of water entering your property. Overnight, these problems can intensify, causing lasting damage to your home and contents. Our large loss recovery team is here to help protect your home from further losses and restore it to a pre-flood condition. We employee local technicians that are available on-call to perform out-of-hours emergency services for residents in this community that has been afflicted by flash flooding.

Black Water Can Contain Pathogens, Chemicals, and Pesticides
One of the main challenges a technician faces when restoring flood damage in your San Antonio home is contaminated water. Floodwaters may have traveled several miles before reaching your property and have picked up all kinds of pathogens along the way. These may include animal carcasses, raw sewage, chemicals, pollutants or other pathogens that have entered your property in floodwater.

The safety precautions against contaminants may require some regions of the house to be cordoned off using physical barriers. To prevent the spread of toxic materials, SERVPRO technicians can establish clean rooms as well as laying down pathways between areas of the home to avoid pathogens being transported on shoes, clothing, or equipment.  

Solid waste must be sealed up in waste bags and taken with us for safe disposal at a Biohazardous waste facility. SERVPRO must also carry out controlled demolitions of the drywall as well as the removal and disposal of porous materials like carpeting or fabrics. With contaminated materials thoroughly removed, we can then thoroughly disinfect the area to return your home to a safe, liveable environment.  

To Improve IAQ Indoor Air Quality
Malodors are common in flood restoration services with powerful disinfectants adding to the issue. Once a SERVPRO technician is satisfied, the property is clean; we can use pressure spray equipment to thoroughly deodorize the affected area with odor masking solvents to remove malodors. Box fans may need to be placed overnight to exchange the air and restore natural indoor air quality.  Depending on the source of the odors, we also used air scrubbers to trap particles or hydroxyl generators to alter the foul-smelling compounds chemically.

Contaminated floodwaters require specific procedures to return your home to a sanitary condition.  For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Tips to Prevent CO2 Poisoning

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas; you can't smell it either...it's odorless and colorless but in high concentration it can kill a person in minutes.

A surplus of carbon monoxide, which could lead to CO poisoning, can come from a variety of sources. 

The United States Fire Administration has provided a list of tips for reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: 

• Have fuel-burning appliances (i.e. oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc.) inspected by a certified professional annually.

• Open the flue for ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your own oven or stove-top to heat your house.

• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

• Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if the garage doors are left open.

• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of debris.

• Only use BBQ grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.

• Use portable generators outdoors, in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

Customer Satisfaction Achieved

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Happy customers make us happy!

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of service. 

That is why we were especially pleased to receive this glowing review from one of our customers: 

"I live in Branson, MO, but I have ownership in multiple businesses in San Antonio, TX, and we have had to use SERVPRO of East San Antonio two different times. It's unfortunate when we have incidents that require services like this, but this company made this experience the best it could possibly be! They are complete professionals in every single aspect!!!! I would recommend Mr. Maggard and this company to anyone that needs the services they provide!!!! Using anyone else or trying to do it yourself will most likely not get you the complete results you need, especially in the areas that aren't in plain site!!!!"

We're happy we could help in your time of need!

F1rst Responder Bowl

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready for some football?

SERVPRO is the title sponsor for the SERVPRO F1rst Responder game.

The game takes place on December 30th, 2019, at 11:30am at SMU's Gerald Ford Stadium.

More than just a football game, this is an opportunity to show our local first responders how much we respect and appreciate them. They do so much for our communities, and we're happy to be able to participate in this event as a big "thank you" to them.

First responders are eligible to receive a free ticket for themselves and up to three additional family members. If you're a first responder and would like to register for your free tickets to the game, go here.

Regular admission tickets can be purchased here.

To find out more about the game, please visit the SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl website, and support those who do so much for us!

Restoration Doesn't Have to be Scary

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Restoration doesn't have to be scary! Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio!

Nobody ever wants to deal with fire damage, storm damage, water damage, or mold damage. Nobody wants those sorts of losses to happen to their home or business. Unfortunately, these types of damages happen every day.

While there is no avoiding the stress that comes with experiencing these situations, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to help. With over two decades' experience in the restoration industry, we want to help you navigate the mitigation process so that you know what to expect. We will explain what steps will be taken in restoring your property, and hopefully help alleviate any concerns or fears you might have by doing so.

We are passionate about making it "Like it never even happened." Should you suffer a water, fire, storm, or mold loss at your home or business, please call SERVPRO of East San Antonio.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when getting damage taken care of.

When your home or business requires mitigation, time is of the essence. The faster cleanup and restoration can begin, the better (and usually cheaper) the outcome. 

SERVPRO of East San Antonio can be on site quickly to begin whatever service is needed. Some services we offer are structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization. 

Following a fire loss, the interior of the affected structure will need to be cleaned. Walls, ceilings, carpeting, and floors will need to tested by SERVPRO of East San Antonio to determine the extent of the damage done. Once that is established, our team can begin to clean these areas with specialized equipment and products meant to clean and protect them from further damage.

Anything found in the property (like rugs, furniture, curtains, upholstery, etc.) that are able to be restored will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Items that can't be cleaned in the same way (electronics, wall decor, furniture, etc.), but nevertheless need to be restored, will also be cleaned and deodorized.

Deodorization is a crucial service offered by SERVPRO of East San Antonio. In the aftermath of a fire, we are able to remove the smells caused by the damage. 

Be Prepared

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know what you need in case of an emergency?

September was National Preparedness Month. Were you able to do anything to feel more prepared? Here is a list of some things you can do to help prepare for a possible emergency:

• Did you take the opportunity to establish an emergency escape plan for your house-hold?
• Do you know what sort of items would be useful to have in an emergency kit?
• Did you check the batteries in your smoke detectors, and change them if they needed to be changed?
• Has it been a decade or more since you changed your smoke detectors (if so, you need to change them out for new ones)?
• Do you know how much water you need to have on hand in case of an emergency per person per day?

For the answers to these questions, and additional tips for being emergency ready, check www.ready.gov

Let SERVPRO of East San Antonio Help Your Business Be Prepared!

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of East San Antonio help you protect your commercial property. Call to set up an ERP today!

While you can't predict when an emergency will occur, it's likely that you won't expect it when it does. However, you can be prepared for it, if it happens. SERVPRO of East San Antonio can help you and your business be ready in the event of an emergency by helping you create an ERP.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure that you are “Ready for whatever happens.” It helps to minimize business interruptions by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. Included within the ERP is important information like emergency contacts, the location of shut off valves, contact information for utility companies, insurance information, as well as priority areas, and other pertinent information.

Having all of this information compiled in advance saves time in the event of an emergency, and allows for mitigation to begin sooner, which can help reduce additional damage from occurring; saving time, money, and reducing productivity disruption.

Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio today to establish your FREE Emergency READY Profile! It can be set up in as little as fifteen minutes, and can be accessed by you afterward from your smartphone in an app!

Rising Floodwaters

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Storms can bring flood damage. We're here to help.

Regardless of your geographic location, or your proximity to bodies of water, storms can help water find you. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, tropical depressions...any number of these, or other types of weather, can bring water damage to your property.

Should you experience water loss caused by a storm, whether it be from rising floodwaters, or persistent rain that leaked in through your roof and ceiling onto the floor below, that’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Our professionally trained team ensures that the situation is analyzed, water extracted, damaged materials removed, moisture levels are returned to normal, remaining surfaces are treated against additional damage, and reconstruction returns your home or business to pre-damage condition.

If you find yourself facing damage from a storm, don’t panic. Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call…and make your loss "Like it never even happened."

Home Fire Safety

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness is key in helping fire prevention.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is equipped to respond any time of day or night for damage resulting from water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or storm damage. 

It's impossible to know when any of these types of damages could occur at your home. While we can't predict that, we can help you prepare for it.

An important part in preparing your household for the possibility of a fire is creating a home fire escape plan. Here is a link to resources on how to draw your own escape plan. Make sure that everyone in your house knows the plan in the event of an emergency. Practice the plan so that everyone in your household is familiar with it, and knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Replace your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. You should replace your smoke alarms every decade or so.

Stay prepared, stay safe!

Commercial Water Loss

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Some tips to use should you experience a water loss at your commercial property.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is able to respond to any size disaster. We remediate damage to both residential and commercial properties.

In the event that your business experiences a water loss, call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Ask the technician if there are any steps you can take while waiting for them to arrive.

It's best to get a professional's guidance since every situation varies, but here are some tips to potentially help minimize damage to your property:

• Find where the water shut off valve is. Shut off the water, or contact the person in charge of shutting off the water.
• Turn off circuit breakers in any areas of the building that are wet.
• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. 
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• If it's safe to do so, place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• If it is safe to move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place, do that to prevent further damage.

Ultimately, SERVPRO of East San Antonio has highly trained technicians who are able to properly mitigate your water loss. Call us and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."