Fire Risk During the Winter

1/25/2024 (Permalink)

Our team is prepared to help you remediate and repair in the aftermath of a fire.

House fires are common in the United States—something millions of Americans will deal with over the next year. And that number likely includes members of the community here. SERVPRO® is here to help you and your family if your home suffers fire damage. Our team is prepared to help you remediate and repair in the aftermath of a fire. 

Why Your Risk Is Higher During the Winter 

Fires can happen at any time, but they’re more common during the colder winter months—especially where residents may need to use furnaces, space heaters and more to heat their homes. Here are some household risks during the winter. 

• Space heaters without automatic shutoff functions can topple over.  
• Candles left burning can fall over if a family member or guest knocks on the wrong table.  
• Kitchen fires happen more often, as many home chefs are creating special treats for the holidays.  
• Christmas tree accidents cause numerous fires every year.  
• Broken furnaces and issues with appliances can also happen throughout cold winter months. 

Mold Damage Tips

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, consider the following facts: 

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours. 
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems. 
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting. 

What to Do: 

• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 
• Contact SERVPRO® for mold remediation services. 

What Not to Do: 

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold. 
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. 
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself. 
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. 

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO® has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation. 

How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

1/8/2024 (Permalink)

Homeowners are filing more and more water damage claims.

A growing number of homeowners are filing water damage claims every year. And even before that growth, water damage claims were the most common type homeowners filed. Did you, a family member, or friend have to file one of these claims last year? If so, that claim was one of literally millions that were filed. 

Statistics from homeowners' insurance companies note that the number of fire damage claims are dropping.. At the same time, homeowners are filing more and more water damage claims. 

Like many homeowners, you may not be clear about when you need professional help to clean up the aftermath of a leak and when you can do it yourself. Many homeowners have the tools ready to handle a minor leak (like a mop and bucket), but more serious leaks call for professionals to do remediation work to prevent property damage. 

What to Look for When Evaluating Water Damage 

You might notice these signs when you’re dealing with water damage that requires professional remediation service: 

• You can smell the beginnings of mold. Does your home have a musty odor? The smell is one of the first signs you’ll notice when water has done serious damage to your home. If you notice a peculiar odor, you’ll want to schedule a professional evaluation. 
• Your floorboards or furniture are starting to warp. Many people don’t realize that wood will become warped and misshapen within a few days of a water event. That’s why it’s important to call in restoration technicians as soon as you notice it. 
• You see changes to your windows or walls. Like your floors, your windowpanes and walls can start to warp if the water damage is severe enough. Depending on how severe your water issues are, this can be a sign of a major problem.