SERVPRO Insider – January 2023

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Hurricane Ian left behind flooding and destruction as it made its way across Florida in October 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to help the locals start the process of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Check out some great pictures of our teams and commercial projects! 

We are highlighting some of our team members with fun photos of our Halloween costume contest and the winner of our employee customer service winner! Also featured are articles with helpful tips for preventing winter water damage with a focus on ice dams, snowmelt, and frozen pipes.  

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Commercial Water Damage Restoration. SERVPRO specializes in large loss restoration services. Water can be especially destructive. Whether a commercial facility faces water damage from a storm or a pipe break, SERVPRO has the training and experience to provide emergency mitigation services and get your property back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Serious leaks call for professionals to do remediation work to prevent property damage.

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. 

SERVPRO Insider – October 2022

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here!

SERVPRO Insider – October 2022 

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

In this issue, we’re helping you prepare for the holidays! Follow our fire safety tips to safely deep fry your Thanksgiving turkey and learn about the potential fire hazards that can come with holiday decorations.  

Get an inside look at our storm damage restoration projects in Fort Wayne, Indiana, learn about a few of our dedicated team members who services residential and commercial large loss projects, and help us celebrate our amazing employee Bob who has been working for SERVPRO Team Miller for the past 25 years!  

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Fire Damage Restoration. Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive to properties and belongings. The SERVPRO team specializes in restoring versus replacing smoke and soot damaged contents and can perform restoration services to get fire-damaged buildings back to pre-fire condition.  

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Preventing a Kitchen Fire

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

More home fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else.

More home fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else. Every year, cooking was involved in an estimated 156,300 home fires that caused:  

• 470 deaths  
• 5,390 injuries  
• $1 billion in property damage  

These numbers could be greatly reduced if people paid more attention when they cooked and practiced simple fire safety behaviors.  

• Unattended Cooking is The Leading Cause of Kitchen Fires  
  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food  
  • Check food regularly – use a timer to remind you the stove/oven is On  
  • If you must leave – turn the oven Off  
• Stay Alert to Avoid Stirring Up Trouble  
  • Don’t use the oven or stovetop if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol or are using drugs.  
• Hot Tips  
  • Keep pot handles turned in  
  • When you microwave food, open the container slowly to let steam escape and let food cool before eating  
  • Cool a burn under water for 3 to 5 minutes and cover it with a clean dry cloth  
  • If the burn is bigger than your fist, seek immediate medical assistance  

If you do have a problem in the kitchen or any other room in the house give SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor a call.  Our team can clean up all fire, smoke, and water damage. 

How Can I Keep My Family Safe from a Fire?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Practicing good habits surrounding fire safety is a great way to keep your home protected.

Having a house fire occur in your home is never ideal, but are you making sure you are doing everything you are able to prevent one? It can take less than a minute for a fire to begin spreading through the home, so making sure you know exactly what to do can help you be certain you can keep your family safe.  

It is not difficult to implement fire safety efforts in your home and doing so will give you the assurance that you are as safe as possible. Practicing good habits surrounding fire safety is a great way to keep your home protected.  

Practicing Good Fire Safety Habits at Home  

• Check your smoke detectors. It is always wise to make sure you have the right number of smoke detectors and that they work as you start boosting your fire preparedness. You should have them on every floor and near every bedroom, and they should be checked monthly to make sure they work.  
• Create a fire escape plan. Knowing how to exit the home quickly in case the smoke detectors sound an alarm is key to getting everyone out of the house safely. It should take a max of two minutes for everyone to escape and get to a designated meeting place outside of the home. It is recommended that you have two exits for every room to make this easier.  
• Limit your fire risks. There are little things you can do every day to lessen your fire risk as well. Simple things make a big impact, such as never leaving the room when a candle is lit, keeping a safety buffer around your grill when cooking and storing chemicals correctly so they do not combust.  
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Just in case a flare-up does occur, having a fire extinguisher handy can make the difference between a small incident and a large emergency. Make sure you know how to operate one and always have it within arm’s reach when cooking, grilling or performing other activities that involve open flames.  

Winter Water Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our team has winter storm experience.

Michigan winters are known to be brutally cold and large amounts of snow are always expected. With below freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, your home or business could be in jeopardy of water damage. It is crucial that you are aware of the hazards and can prepare, prevent or act quickly if faced with winter water damage.  

FROZEN PIPES  

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.  

ICE DAMS  

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof ’s shingles and into the structure’s interior areas.  

Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. Our team has winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. If disaster strikes your home or business during the winter months, know that SERVPRO has your back. 

Hidden Water Damage in Your Home

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor, we are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your home back to pre-water damage condition.

Water damage does not only come from burst pipes or flooding to damage your home. In most cases, undetected water damage can cause the most damage and be quite a headache.  

There are five indicators that there’s water damage going hidden in your home:  

• Stains on walls and ceilings: Nobody purposefully looks up at their ceiling. However, it is important to thoroughly check the ceilings in your home for stains. There might be a bathtub or shower leak from one floor to the next, or your ceiling could leak into the attic.  
• Musty or unpleasant smells: Do you smell something musty, or even earthy, in your home? Hidden water can cause mold to grow, and a nasty smell is a good signal that something is wrong.  
• Peeling paint: Not only can water stain your walls, but it can also cause the paint to lift. If you see your paint starting to peel, quickly find the source of the problem, or call a professional to fix it.  
• Mold Growth: Just like with ceilings, we do not exactly pay attention to the corners of our homes, but often these small hidden areas can tell us about potentially harmful leaks or spills. Check to see if there are any discolored or fuzzy looking spots in isolated corners or hidden areas.  
• Flooring: When allowed to flow, water naturally reaches the lowest level. Therefore, rivers flow downstream. Water can seep under your flooring and collect – damaging your sub-floors. Check for and warping or deformation to make sure there is no water hiding beneath the floorboards. When this happens, it is important to act as quickly as possible, so we can restore your flooring to good as new.  

Here at SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor, we are water damage restoration specialists and are ready to restore your home back to pre-water damage condition. Whether water damage sneaks up on you or not, we are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Commercial Cleaning Made Easy

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Along with our restoration services, we also offer specialized services specifically for the commercial setting.

At SERVPRO, we are well known for the custom solutions that we provide to homeowners. But what some people don’t realize is that we are also passionate about taking care of business owners. 

That’s right, like the services we provide for homeowners, we do the same for business owners. Along with our restoration services, we also offer specialized services specifically for the commercial setting. One of our services is helping you to keep your facility in top condition! Because we are business owners ourselves, we know that the state and presentation of your facility matters. 

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Kind or Size 

All business owners are busy! That’s why we strive to make it our priority to keep your business clean and sanitized so that you can remain focused on the more important things. We will provide you with professional cleaning and sanitation for all types of businesses, including: 

• Retail facilities, such as supermarkets, home decor stores and malls. We work with everyone from small business owners to CEOs of multimillion dollar businesses and provide them with the same satisfactory service that they expect. 
• Educational facilities, such as schools, daycares and tutoring places. Thanks to the pandemic, teachers have made the conscious effort to regularly clean, but it only gets about half the bacteria from desks. The reality is many things don’t get cleaned on a regular basis and the numbers for those are quite scary. 
• Health facilities, including hospitals, assisted living centers and doctors’ offices. We work to ensure that your customers know your facility is thoroughly cleaned and you have made the effort to keep their well-being in mind. 
• Foodservice facilities, such as restaurants, distribution centers and wholesale markets. At these types of facilities, cleanliness is crucial, and while you work hard on your job, we will work hard on ours. We will ensure that your facility is well-cleaned. 
• Property management facilities, including apartment complexes, commercial buildings and sky-scrappers. These types of facilities are judged as soon as a customer walks through the doors, which is why we provide environmental and sanitation care. 

Can You Trust Your Restoration Company? 

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor is locally owned and operated, which means our community is our family.

Whether your home has been minimally damaged by a random act of nature or majorly damaged by a cooking mistake, life can abruptly change. When this happens, it will require you to make a quick decision as to who you will contact to help you restore your home. Deciding on a restoration provider in advance can be helpful in case of an emergency. Ask these questions about potential vendors: 

Are They Legit? 

Sometimes in life, you learn lessons the hard way! But the saying “not everyone is your friend” is fitting during a trying time in your life. When your home is damaged, not everyone who shows up has your best interest in mind. Most times, storms bring in scammers who follow storms from city to city to find people to prey on. They tend to have everything you need, promise you something that sounds amazing, then they take your money and leave! 

We are no scammers; in fact, we are proud to say we are quite different. We have been in the national landscape for over 50 years, and we have earned a reputation for being good at what we do. We not only fix your home, but we work hard to make sure you are completely satisfied before we are finished. 

Are They Readily Available? 

When your home isn’t in full working status, you are willing to do anything to get it back to normal and do it quickly! That’s why you need to be sure you have someone that you can count on. We know this, and that’s why we have someone on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Timely action can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run, since the longer damage sits, the more damage occurs. 

What If It’s a Big Emergency? 

SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor is locally owned and operated, which means our community is our family. We’re here to help whenever your family or business needs us. And if major storms occur and affect multiple neighborhoods, we have a nationwide network of other SERVPRO franchises that will back us up. When we call for help, we can tap into additional resources and support. 

How Restoration Saves You Time and Money

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Sustaining any type of household damage, whether it be from a fire, flood or other incident, can be a frightening experience.

Sustaining any type of household damage, whether it be from a fire, flood or other incident, can be a frightening experience. In addition to the damage, there are the emotional effects to consider for you and your family throughout the healing process. As you work to regain a sense of normalcy, getting help with the recovery process can make everything go much more smoothly so you can return home.  

With our restoration-focused mindset, you can be certain that we will do everything we can to restore your home and your belongings to their pre-damaged condition. We have the technology and the expertise to be able to restore many types of items, so you can focus on emotional healing instead of physical rebuilding.  

Let Us Handle the Restoration of Your Home After Damage  

• We can help you save money on your insurance. Many types of damage will be covered by the insurance policy on your home, but there are caveats to making claims. The expense of these claims can be quite high, causing your insurance to increase your rates if there is total liquidation. Fortunately, going the restoration route can save you money by reducing your insurance claim amount.  
• We can protect your sentimental items. For all emergencies, the safety of you and your loved ones is the most important thing—which is why when you have to evacuate, you must leave sentimental objects behind. We know how hard this can be, which is why we have invested in the best technology available, allowing us to restore objects like photographs, heirlooms and other precious things that could never be replaced.  
• We make sure your home feels like home again. It is emotional to go back home after a disaster has caused damage, but we can help make sure your house still feels like home. We handle all the cosmetic considerations, such as paint, flooring and more, and put your belongings where they go in your house to ensure it feels like home.  

The Qualities That Make SERVPRO Different 

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster strikes or accidents happen at the times we least expect and often when we are the least prepared.

As adults, we work hard in making sure that everything goes according to plan, but life certainly doesn’t always stick to the plan. Disaster strikes or accidents happen at the times we least expect and often when we are the least prepared.  

When things like this happen, our stress levels can increase dramatically. That’s when you can count on us. We help you deal with things that aren’t in your wheelhouse—disaster recovery is what we know best.  

24/7 Service  

We know that disaster doesn’t pick “business hours” to strike. That’s why we are standing by, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can spring into action as soon as you call. When a crisis calls, we don’t have to get ready; we stay ready.  

Fast and Efficient  

When a disaster strikes your home or business and you don’t get help promptly, it allows for more mold growth, more smoke smell or more water damage. Responding quickly is essential, and this is when it pays to have someone local on your side.  

Home or Business  

Disasters strike both homes and businesses. That’s why we offer custom solutions for any situation. We work to provide you the best services that you need in order to get your home or business back to “normal” operation.  

Making It "Like It Never Even Happened." 

We pride ourselves on seeing a restoration project to the end. We work hard to stay up to date on the most innovative training and equipment so that we can always provide you with the best service possible. We want you to be satisfied with your results, and we won’t stop until you are!  

Adaptive to Changes  

Life as we all knew it has dramatically changed, and disease prevention is valued now more than ever. Because we know this is now a huge part of business’ success, we offer cleaning services that go beyond traditional janitorial services. As a business you want to provide a customized clean so that your employees and customers know that you care for them.  

Stormy Season Is Here

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

You must think safety-first when experiencing severe storms.

With the crazy heat, it’s safe to say that summer is here. While summer does bring beautiful, hot days, it’s also known to bring summer thunderstorms and related damage. While there is a saying that April showers bring May flowers, rain is actually even more common during the summer months.  

The moisture and warm air present during summer create ideal circumstances for summer storms. As you know, here locally, the summer months prove time and time again that storms happen more often. During these warmer months, our average precipitation jumps up by almost a full inch.  

Be Storm-Ready  

• Even though storms are a common part of summer, you still have to consider each one as potentially dangerous. If you know that heavy storms are predicted, it’s important to stay aware and prepared should anything serious happen.  
• You can listen to your local news and radio stations to stay up to date on weather information, but it is also smart to invest in an NOAA Weather radio so that if you lose power, you can still be in the know.  
• During storms, it’s important to remember that there is always a possibility of flooding. If you know that flooding is likely, you should make arrangements to stay off the roads.  
• When you encounter extreme storms, you also have a chance of taking on more damage to your home and vehicles. Make sure you are keeping up with lawn maintenance and taking precautions with yard art to ensure there is less debris that can be picked up by wind and water during a storm.  

Many people die every year from storm-related incidents, so you must think safety-first when experiencing severe storms. 

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home Starts Here

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

There are several things you can do to reduce the opportunity for water damage.

The perks of owning your own home are great—after all, homeownership has also been referred to as the American dream. Along with all the good that homeownership brings, it also brings a lot of responsibility. Homes are built in a way to provide maximum protection from water intrusion. But sometimes, those methods fail. There are several things you can do to reduce the opportunity for water damage.  

First up, educate yourself about home systems that are designed to prevent water from entering your home. Here are some of the most common points of failure in a home that could allow water to go where it shouldn’t:  

• Faucets and sinks. Faucets and sink are places to check for leaks. Over time, the rubber gaskets in faucets can degrade and begin to leak. Sink drains are usually sturdy unless you have a clog and use too much plunger pressure to remove it. Too much pressure from plunging can damage seals, so always use caution.  
• Disposals. Garbage disposal is a great invention. But disposals are also one of the hardest working appliances, and they can spring a link. If you believe you have a leak, check out these tips for finding it.  
• Gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts should be clean and free flowing. They should be inspected regularly and cleared of obstructions and debris. Downspouts should move water at least 30 inches away from the home, and the soil should flow away from the home.  
• Roof damage. Falling limbs from trees are a real risk to roof systems. They can perforate the roof and damage or clog gutters. Shingles are especially susceptible to falling tree damage. Newer shingles are designed and constructed to be impact-resistant, hopefully reducing the need for expensive roof repairs. But shingles degrade over time, and a falling tree or limb can easily damage an aged shingle.  
• Sewer line obstruction. This is a serious issue and usually takes a professional plumber to resolve it. Sewer lines can clog for a number of reasons, but two of the most common are root intrusion and grease buildup.  
• Sump pump defect. A sump pump is designed to move water from a basement or crawlspace to outside the home into a drainage system. There are a significant number of moving parts in a sump pump, so check out these tips for troubleshooting and repair.  

Staying on top of home systems that prevent water from intruding on your home should be a priority. If you can locate an “about to fail” component, you can save yourself time and money, not to mention stress.  

Fall Brings Changing Leaves...and Fire Hazards

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Fall brings about hazards that we want to get you ready for.

With chillier evenings starting up, you can recognize that fall is right around the corner. 

Fall is some people’s favorite time of year—time for talks around campfires, tailgates, and holidays on the horizon. With that said, though, like every other season, fall brings about hazards that we want to get you ready for. So, curl up and give these safety tips a review. 

Campfire Safety 

When you go on a hike or you’re sitting in your backyard, something about a burning fire seems to make the night even more perfect. While some of these things might come as second nature, sometimes we need a simple reminder to bring safety tips to the forefront. 

Knowing where and how to build a campfire is step one. You should keep it away from anything flammable and only use dry wood. As you are trying to get it started, you should never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid. 

The last step is that once you are done enjoying the fire, you must make sure that your campfire has been completely extinguished. You can slowly douse it with a bucket of water to ensure that all embers have been put out. It doesn’t take much to help reignite a fire. 

Space Heaters 

When it becomes chilly in the evenings, sometimes it’s easier to use a portable space heater to warm your area rather than turning on your heater. But space heaters are a common cause for house fires in the fall and winter, so before using one, refresh your memory on the safety tips. 

When using a space heater, first and foremost, it’s important to make sure you keep it on a level surface. While most heaters now come equipped with an automatic shutoff capability in case of a tip-over, you still can’t be too safe. 

Keep it up and out of the way of heavy traffic areas, making sure to keep in on something level and steady so that it can’t be knocked over. 

Halloween 

Fall festivities and the holidays are right around the corner. The best part of fall and the holidays is decorating your home so that you can help get yourself in a more festive mood, or to help others feel welcome. 

But when decorating, it’s best to remember that candles, costumes or décor are all potential fire hazards. It’s smart to stay attentive to your décor when you are putting it out, but also throughout the season. 

Commercial Biohazard

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Any type of exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose some serious health threats and consequences.

At SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor, we understand that any type of exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose some serious health threats and consequences. In a commercial setting, any type of sewage backup, blood cleanup or even chemical spill can place YOU and all the occupants of the area at risk. Upon recognizing the situation, your primary focus should be safety. If you ever have a biohazard, follow these tips to keep you and everyone in your commercial building safe.  

What to Do After a Contamination  

• Stay out of affected areas.  
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.  
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.  
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.  

What Not to Do After a Contamination  

• Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.  
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.  
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.  
• Do not use television or other household appliances.  
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.  

Whether it is blood, fluids, or tissue, our technicians have the tools and equipment to detect every spot, splatter, or shard. Biohazard cleanups are the hardest cleanup sites we face as industry experts. But rest assured that when SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor has completed the cleaning, your property will be restored to a safe and healthy environment. 

Floods Strike Everywhere

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Floods ranks as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

Floods ranks as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year’s claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-risk communities. According the NFIP, houses in the United States have a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, while businesses face similar risks by flooding. On average, flood cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:  

• Flood kills an average of 140 people per year in the U.S. making flooding the deadliest disaster.  
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.  
• The principle causes of floods in the eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.  
• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snowmelt and rainstorms.  
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood – especially at night, when it is difficult to see.  

With over 45 years of experience, SERVPRO has restored flood-damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. Our Disaster Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and the highest flood waters. 

SERVPRO Insider – July 2022

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

In this issue, it’s storm season! We’re highlighting all of the storm response services that SERVPRO offers including board-ups, roof tarping, and restoring storm damaged contents. 

Get an inside look at one of our fire restoration projects, learn how to prepare your home and family for tornadoes, and read up on some tips on how you can grill safely this summer without causing unwanted fire emergencies. And take a peep at our office dog, Buddy and his tips to protect your furry friends from summer suffering! 

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Storm Response. Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither does SERVPRO. Our team will respond day or night to assist with any wind damage, flooding, tornado, hurricane, or blizzard. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Keep Up with Your Business Carpet Cleaning

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your carpets at least twice a year can help preserve the life of your carpets.

Being a local independently owned franchise, we understand the challenges of owning a small business. Keeping a commercial space clean can be a big challenge but it needs to be done. First impressions are very important, and you don't want to turn customers off because your store has filthy carpets. Nobody wants to eat in a restaurant that has dirty carpets or upholstery or see years’ worth of stains. 

We can take care of those things for you. Cleaning your carpets at least twice a year can help preserve the life of your carpets and keep your building looking clean and smelling fresh. We have cleaned several businesses throughout the local area already. Churches, nursing homes, senior living communities, and apartment complexes use us regularly to keep the carpets in their property looking nice and you should too! Call us for a commercial carpet cleaning today at 734-992-3138. 

We Cover All Your Commercial Needs

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

When you need a commercial job done right and done fast, call SERVPRO.

Ever wonder what SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor can do for your commercial business? No matter the disaster, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”  

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration - Pretesting helps SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.  
• Water Removal and Dehumidification - Our franchise professionals identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage.  
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup - Our franchise technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.  
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation - SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor works to control and remediate mold contaminants while protecting your health and safety.  

When you need a commercial job done right and done fast, call SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor at 734-992-3138. 

Easy Tips to Remember When Sudden Storms Start Up

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Storms can pop up suddenly when the heat and humidity begin to rise, creating a dangerous environment with little notice.

When you are having fun and enjoying summer, a sudden storm may seem impossible when the skies are clear. However, storms can pop up suddenly when the heat and humidity begin to rise, creating a dangerous environment with little notice.  

Because these storms can catch you at inopportune times, we have put together some quick tips for storm safety anywhere you go.  

Quick Tips for Storm Safety Anywhere You Go  

• Know your options for shelter. If an alert about severe weather is issued and you can get home quickly, that is your best option for seeking shelter. However, if you are out and about, turning your car into a storm shelter is actually the next best thing you can do to stay safe. Pull over safely, turn off the engine and avoid coming into contact with any metal surfaces as you wait it out.  
• Practice electrical safety. When lightning strikes a structure, it is looking for the easiest route to get to the ground—which is oftentimes the electrical system. As the current travels through these wires, the charge can transfer to any electronic that is plugged in, potentially ruining it. If you are in a building and a storm is on the way, you can unplug everything to be as safe as possible, and in general, it is best to use surge protectors on every outlet.  
• Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete structures are so sturdy in part because of how they are built. As concrete is poured around metal, it creates a great structure—but also causes a concern if there is lightning nearby. The metal in concrete can disperse electricity if the building is struck by lightning, so avoid touching these surfaces directly if possible.  
• Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When summer activities are interrupted by severe weather, getting back to the fun is a high priority. Because of how far lightning can travel from the storm’s center, it is best to exercise caution. After the thunder starts to wane, set a 30-minute timer and reset it with every thunderclap, making sure it goes off before you go back outside.  

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on SERVPRO to help. Give us a call at 734-992-3138 to learn more about our storm restoration process. 

Tips on Driving in the Rain

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here are a few tips to help you drive safely in the rain.

Did you know nearly half (47%) of all weather-related car accidents — more than 700,000 a year — are due to rain? Here are a few tips to help you drive safely in the rain:  

• Exercise caution. Engine oil and grease build-up on roads and highways over time, and when combined with precipitation, you’ve got the equivalent of an automotive Slip ‘N Slide.  
• Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.  
• Use headlights. Always use headlights in the rain – even if it’s just a sprinkle. Headlights help you see and be seen in wet weather.  
• Keep your windshield wipers in tip-top shape. Summer can wreak havoc on your blades, so get them checked before fall’s showers arrive.  
• Defog your windows. Precipitation can cause your windshield to quickly fog up, so use the front and rear defrosters to maximize visibility.   

By employing these safe driving techniques, you can keep yourself and your passengers safe during spring drizzles and downpours. Rainy roads can be dangerous, but if we all slow down and use extra caution, rainy days might actually be a little brighter. 

Fire Safety and the Warmer Months

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year?

In the summer, people typically look forward to all the extra free time with family. It’s a reminder that the days are long—and an invitation to get outdoors. With summertime comes barbecues and camping trips with roasting marshmallows, but it also means an increase in fire activities. 

Did you know that spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? Just by paying attention, though, you can do your part in preventing fires this summer. 

What to Pay Attention To 

• Fire pits. Fire pits create the best ambiance for friends to gather, laugh and tell stories. But it is also important to play it safe. Remember not to ever leave your kids unattended around a fire. Keep a bucket of water near the fire pit or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should also never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers. 
• The grill. BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers…they all remind us of a hot summer day, but the grill is also the biggest risk for fires. The combination of flames, heat, grease and gas can make things escalate quickly. Before you start the grill up, check to make sure the grill is in proper working order, is placed at least three feet away from everything, and is cleaned before each use. Cleaning the grill before use is the best tip there is, because almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning. 
• Chimneys and dryer vents. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned out rather than waiting until winter. This helps avoid a dangerous buildup of ash and coal. Clean your dryer vent pipes as a once-a-year checkup for trapped lint. P.S. This also helps maintain your dryer and helps it last longer! 

Storm Damage Services

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall causing floods and storms can lead to damage to your home or business in no time.

Heavy rainfall causing floods and storms can lead to damage to your home or business in no time. SERVPRO of Romulus/Taylor wants local residents to know that when a storm damages your home or business, our highly trained professionals will respond to cleanup and restore your property to pre-damage condition. Our ability to immediately respond to a storm emergency helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.  

Here are some of the services we provide:  

• Emergency contact 24/7  
• Inspection and damage assessment  
• Water removal and water extraction  
• Drying and dehumidification services  
• Cleaning and repair  
• Odor removal  
• Restoration  

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. Day or night, homeowners and business owners can expect our team to respond immediately to any storm emergency. 

Don’t Let Heavy Rains Damage Your Home

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

You may be surprised to hear heavy rain can cause serious damage to a home.

Our SERVPRO team sees a lot of damaged homes so we have in-depth knowledge of some of the ways water can damage a home. When asked how the water damage happens, homeowners cite various problems like severe floods and storms or problems in the home, like a burst pipe. 

But we notice other reasons people need water damage restoration, too. You may be surprised to hear heavy rain can cause serious damage to a home. This is especially true after a long period of time. Water damage from rain compounds if a home isn’t maintained the right way. 

Preparing Your Property for Wet Weather 

Basic home maintenance can help you stay safe from water damage. These projects will help you get moving in the right direction. 

• Learn how your yard drains. A yard that drains correctly protects your home. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to get in touch with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard. 
• Plant helpful landscaping. Landscaping can help protect your home from water damage. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage. Talk with landscaping experts in the area or visit a native plant sale for tips and ideas. 
• Consider sealing your roof. Sealing your roof can help protect your home from wind and water damage. In fact, experts estimate that almost 95% of water damage is caused by water seeping through gaps in your roof and shingles which can be prevented with this step. 

Experienced Restoration Technicians Are Here to Help You

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have you put a lot of thought into what you would do if your home was impacted by a fire or flood?

Have you put a lot of thought into what you would do if your home was impacted by a fire or flood? If you haven’t, it might be a good idea to start considering it. While no homeowners like considering it, disaster claims are much more common than you probably would like to think. 

Not every incident with an associated claim will need restoration in order to get their home back to its original state. But many homeowners find themselves in need of professional services. 

Home Disaster Numbers in America 

Experts explain that homeowners' insurance claims are common. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about one in 20 homeowners will file home damage this year. The statistics include all causes of damage and doesn’t separate the claims based on whether they need restoration services. 

We also have some statistics about individual types of disasters and issues, though. About one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage claim. And about one out of every 350 American homeowners have to file a claim for fire damage. Fire damage claims can include everything from lightning strikes to appliance fires. 

When you think about the United States’ entire population, that statistic translates to millions of families. Some of these people will need to get help from a professional team. That’s when choosing a quality restoration company will make all the difference for you. 

Training and Education for Technicians Matter 

When you trust us with your home’s restoration work, you can be confident that you are going to receive exceptional service from highly trained professionals. 

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides various certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians can use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.