SERVPRO Partners With The University of Florida

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Partners With The University of Florida

SERVPRO proudly announces its continued partnership with Florida Gators athletics for the 2023-24 athletic season. This new agreement marks a significant milestone in SERVPRO's commitment to supporting collegiate sports and the Florida Gators' commitment to providing successful and memorable experiences for their fans.

Through this agreement, SERVPRO and its franchises will continue to provide a wide range of services, such as on-site cleaning, restoration, and management solutions for all of the Gators' athletic venues. The company will also provide additional support through marketing initiatives and sponsorships. This relationship is a testament to both parties' dedication to delivering excellent service and creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get Flood Damage Out Of My Sanford Home?

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

Flood damage is worse than an interior water intrusion since the water comes in due to a storm.

How SERVPRO Restores Your Home to A Clean, Dry State. 

Flood damage is worse than an interior water intrusion since the water comes in due to a storm. That means it brings in small amounts of nearly everything it flows over, which means SERVPRO Water Restoration Teams also deal with the odors, stains, and other problems of soil, lawn fertilizers, trash from the street, and other debris. 

How Can You Stop the Damage in My Home?  

Our first step with any water is to remove all of the floodwaters from your home. The difference with floodwater is that our technicians pump it directly into the nearest sewer access point or a holding tank for disposal at a water treatment facility. 

Next, team members spray all exposed surfaces with an anti-bacterial agent to eliminate possible threats and reduce the chance of mold expanding through your home. Technicians then use sponges and cloths to wipe down every item in your home, thoroughly drying them to prevent additional damage such as drywall staining and stopping the veneer and other finishes from forming bubbles due to absorbing too much water. 

What About Property Too Damaged for Restoration? 

Since we cannot guarantee the safety of any carpet that was underwater, we immediately remove them from your home after drawing out trapped water with extraction devices to make disposal easier. SERVPRO specialists next clean the floor underneath and dry it using fans and air movers to increase evaporation. Our team members can also perform many construction tasks needed to return your home to its original condition such as reframing and installing new drywall.

To begin restoring your home here or in Sanford, call SERVPRO of North Seminole at (407) 323-2422 today.

How To Detect Mold in Commercial Buildings

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect invisible mold growth in your place of business, seek professional mold testing.

Mold Detection in Commercial Buildings

Mold infestation is a hassle for businesses, especially in humid regions. Even in dry areas, trapped moisture from leaking pipes, water seepage through roofs and exterior walls, and water vapor from appliances can create a breeding ground for mold. While unsightly mold growth may be easy to spot, the signs of a troublesome mold infestation are not always so obvious. In these cases, business owners need a qualified indoor environmental specialist to quickly diagnose the problem.

Understanding the Risk

While invisible mold may be difficult to detect, there are signs and risk factors to keep in mind. These include the following:

• Previous or existing water damage
• Previous mold infestation
• Inadequate ventilation
• Air that smells musty
  
  

Undetected mold can create havoc in a commercial building, so if you have any of these signs or risk factors, hire an indoor environmental specialist as soon as possible. It is especially important to find someone who has the training and expertise to conduct an accurate mold test. Accurate testing allows quick identification and isolation of the mold, making it easier to get the infestation under control.

Taking the Next Steps

By testing the air and various surfaces within your commercial building, an indoor environmental specialist can assess not only the presence of mold but its source. The next steps include containing the mold, addressing water leaks and moisture buildup, and safely removing the mold itself. While it is not possible to eliminate mold spores completely, the remediation process keeps nuisance mold from growing out of control. You can rest assured that the indoor air quality of your business will be satisfactory for customers and employees alike.

If you suspect invisible mold growth in your place of business, seek professional mold testing. Gain peace of mind knowing that a highly skilled professional will make your commercial building a pleasant place to do business.

What Are The Landlords Responsibilities After a Fire?

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

After an apartment fire, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is safe.

Steps To Take After An Apartment Fire

When a fire breaks out on a rental property, it can be hard to figure out who has to pay for the damages. Whether you rent out commercial or living space, the liability after a fire is pretty straightforward. Your tenants have to cover the damages done to their personal belongings, such as televisions, furniture, and paintings. However, you are responsible for most damages done to the building itself. As a building owner, you may be responsible for the following tasks after an apartment fire:

• Communicating With Fire Fighters: These first responders can help you assess the safety of your building. You and your tenants will likely want to enter the apartments to get an idea of the damage done. However, you cannot enter the building until it is deemed safe.

• Starting Claims Process: You have to get in touch with your insurance provider to report the apartment fire. Your agent may give you a list of fire restoration professionals that they prefer you use. You may also want to make sure your renter calls his or her insurance provider to start the claims process for personal belongings.

• Documenting Fire Damage: You need to take pictures of the structure, make lists of damaged appliances and record other furnishings you owned that were damaged.

• Securing the Property: You need to secure the property for two reasons. First, you need to protect the safety of those who may want to enter the building, such as your renters. Putting up warning signs may be enough to keep people out until it is safe to enter. Second, you need to keep vandals and thieves out. You may need to board up windows and put up a security fence.

After an apartment fire, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is safe and fully aware of the damage liabilities. While you aren't responsible for all of the damages, you do have a lot of financial responsibility.

What Should You Immediately Investigate in Your Home After a Storm?

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

You want to be sure that everything is okay, and that no potential hazards are lurking.

It's always a good idea to do a walk-through of your home after a storm, even if there wasn't damage done. You want to be sure that everything is okay, and that no potential hazards are lurking. Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that because they didn't see any damage, there must not be any. 

Here are five things you and your storm damage restoration company should investigate.

Mold Growth 

When water gets in, mold is often not far behind. If you see any signs of mold growth, take immediate action to clean it up and dry out the area. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of a water leak, so if you see any mold growth, it's important to have it remediated as soon as possible. Mold growth can linger long after the storm is over, so it's important to stay on top of it.

Hidden Moisture Damage

 Just because you can't see any water doesn't mean your home is in the clear. There could be hidden moisture damage that you're not aware of. Use a moisture meter to check for hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, and floors. If you find any hidden moisture, it's important to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Therefore, it is important to contact storm damage cleanup services right away to help identify any potential problems. They have the equipment and experience to check any hidden moisture damage and properly dry it out.

Structural Integrity

Is your foundation cracked? Are your walls bowed? These are just some of the things you'll want to check for when investigating the structural integrity of your home. If there is any damage to your home's structure, it's important to have it repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to repair the damage.

If you see any sign of structural damage, have it assessed by a professional to determine if there is any risk of collapse? Your home's structural integrity is important, and you don't want to take any chances. 

Wind Damage

High winds can do a lot of damage to your home, so be sure to check for any wind damage. Look for damaged shingles, loose gutters, and cracked windows. If you see any sign of wind damage, have it repaired as soon as possible? You don't want loose shingles or gutters to fall off during the next storm.

Electrical Damage

Finally, be sure to check for any electrical damage. If you see any exposed wires or damaged outlets, have them repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician. Never try to repair electrical damage yourself. It's important to be safe and have any electrical damage repaired by a professional.

Conclusion

These are just five things you should investigate after a storm. Be sure to contact your local storm damage restoration company for help with assessing and repairing the damage done to your home. Storm damage cleanup services will have the experience and equipment needed to get your home back to normal.

Avoid These Major Mistakes During a Storm Damage Restoration

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation and restoration company on your side.

Storms are nature’s way of reminding us that living in Florida can be unpredictable. When a storm hits and takes its toll, you might have a lot of work to do. Debris removal, water damage restoration, and mold remediation are all on your list. However, there are some major mistakes that you should avoid at all costs during this stressful time. 

Not hiring the right contractor for the job.

No two storm restoration companies are the same, so it’s important to research before hiring a professional. You should research the company’s experience level with storm damage and other types of property damage. Before you hire a contractor, ask them how long they’ve been in business and how many storms they’ve worked on in the past several years. 

Shortcuts

With all the destruction caused by the storm, you might be tempted to cut corners when it comes to restoration work. However, this is a bad idea for many reasons. Shortcuts could lead to further problems in the future. If you don’t fix your roof or foundation now, it will be much worse for you later. Secondly, shortcuts are going to cost you more money in the long run as well. If you don’t get the job done right from the beginning and need to call for professional help later when the rain starts leaking again or if your foundation cracks even more. There will be considerably more expensive repairs required than if you had done everything correctly in the first place.

Not getting the whole house involved.

Typically, the process of storm damage restoration begins by removing debris from the exterior of the home. However, if you want to make sure that your property is completely restored and there are no hidden damages to discover later, it’s important to involve the whole house in the process. You should hire a contractor who provides total storm damage cleanup services so that all your needs are met during this stressful time.

Not knowing your timeline.

One of the most important aspects of storm damage restoration is knowing your timeline. Your contractor will need to know how quickly you want the damage repaired. If you're looking for quick restoration and can't wait a week, then you might want to hire a company that offers 24-hour service. They can repair all damage as soon as possible, allowing you to return home as soon as possible.

Not preparing for a storm in the future.

If your home has sustained significant damages during a storm, it is important to prepare yourself and your property for another potential visit from Mother Nature. 

Conclusion

The aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation and restoration company on your side, you will be back in your home before you know it. If your home has suffered storm damage, it is important to contact storm damage cleanup services as soon as possible. By avoiding these major mistakes, you can ensure that your restoration process goes as smoothly as possible.

5 Tips for Cleaning Up After a Windstorm

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

It is important to have everything checked out by professional storm damage cleanup services as soon as possible.

When a windstorm hits, it can cause a lot of damage. Oftentimes, cleaning up after one can be a more daunting task. Here are five tips to help make the storm damage restoration process after a windstorm a lot easier.

Pick up any debris that has been blown around your yard or property. 

This includes broken branches, leaves, and other objects.  It’s important to remove any large or sharp items that could be dangerous.

If you have children or pets, it is a good idea to make sure they aren’t walking around the yard while you are cleaning up after the storm, so they don’t get hurt by anything lying on the ground. According to the National Safety Council, high winds or thunderstorm windows have caused 429 injuries in 2020 in the United States.

Check your roof for anything unusual.

Look at the chimney, gutters, and other areas where there might be roof leaks or shingle loss. If you notice anything unusual about them after a storm passes through your area, call a professional right away so they can come out and fix it before more problems develop with your home’s structure.

Look at windows and doors to see if there are any cracks or splinters in them. 

This can be caused by flying debris during high winds, so you must check all these areas carefully before entering the house again after a storm has passed through your area. If you find any damage, make sure to cover the opening with plywood until it can be repaired.

Remove any wet or damaged insulation from your attic. 

You might think that a windstorm would not be enough to cause any water damage, but that is not always the case. If there is even a small amount of moisture trapped in the insulation, it can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth. Moreover, strong winds could topple down attic insulation, so it is best to remove any wet or damaged insulation as soon as possible. Contact storm damage cleanup services right away if there is a lot of damage to your home so they can help you get started on the restoration process.

Disinfect any areas of your house that may have been contaminated.

This could include walls, floors, carpeting, and any other materials that were affected during the windstorm. You should also clean up after a storm if there was damage done to electrical outlets or appliances such as refrigerators because these items can be dangerous when they are wet. You should always make sure that the power is turned off before doing any cleanup work in your home as well.

Conclusion

Windstorms can often cause a lot of hidden damage, so it is important to have everything checked out by professional storm damage cleanup services as soon as possible. These are just a few of the things you should do after a windstorm hits your area. By following these tips, you can make the cleanup process a little bit easier and safer. For reliable storm damage restoration, make sure to find a reputable and reliable company to help you get your home back to normal.

How To Prepare Your Business To Survive a Hurricane

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

Taking these simple steps can help businesses survive the impact of hurricane damage.

Getting a Business Ready to Survive a Hurricane

Each year, billions of dollars in damage is caused by the high winds of hurricanes and other severe storms. Three-quarters of small businesses close within three years of experiencing hurricane damage or destruction from similar natural disasters. There are steps every business owner can take to help avoid joining these dire statistics.

Develop a Plan
Business owners should assess their risk of being affected by hurricane damage and develop a plan to prepare long before facing this eventuality. Preparedness plans should address issues that will impact the business's ability to function, which includes several concerns:

• Maintaining current contact information for employees
• Taking steps to protect the business premises, including boarding windows and doors, clearing drains, shutting off process piping that carries flammable gas or liquids, safely shutting down production lines, and turning off the electricity to non-critical equipment
• Taking steps to protect the business’ equipment by anchoring heavy furniture to studs and strapping down electronics
• Protecting important documents or maintaining duplicates off-site
• Ensuring that fuel tanks of company vehicles and generators are filled
• Confirming that fire protection equipment is in good working order

Put Your Business Back to Work
Preparedness plans should also address ways to minimize the length of time that the business operations will be interrupted. The use of a qualified recovery team will go a long way toward getting businesses running again as quickly as possible after a disaster. There are also steps you can take:

• All damage should be documented for insurance purposes.
• Prioritize locating and repairing potential safety hazards.
• Make temporary repairs to damaged building walls.
• Assess damage to equipment to determine what can be salvaged.
• Contact information can be used to ensure that employees are safe and to keep critical staff apprised of the status of clean-up.

It is incumbent upon all business owners to keep informed of a storm’s progress so that this preparedness plan can be executed efficiently in the event of a natural disaster. Taking these simple steps can help businesses survive the impact of hurricane damage.

Tips On How To Prepare Your Home for Storm Season

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

The tips that we have provided you with in this article should help you to be more prepared for the storm season.

Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who is in charge at times. While you can't predict when or where a storm will strike, being prepared is the greatest approach to limiting possible damage. Simple disaster planning may go a long way toward helping you withstand the storm season's heavy winds and rainfall—preparedness is the key to surviving the storm season.

To assist you in preparing yourself, your home, and your property, we've produced a list of some of our most useful recommendations for surviving this difficult season. Implement these, and you'll be certain that even if a major storm occurs, you'll be prepared.

#1 Make a comprehensive plan 

If an evacuation is required, cut off all utilities according to the community's disaster preparedness policies. Choose a central gathering location or a single point of contact for all family members. If you have pets, include an evacuation plan for them as well.

#2 Prepare your emergency GO bag

An emergency Go Bag is a bag that contains items that you would need if you were in an emergency event that required you to evacuate immediately. This includes a first-aid kit, flashlights, a portable radio, additional batteries, nonperishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothes, and hygiene.

#3 Keep important paperwork and documentation safe

One option for keeping these papers safe is to simply move them. You may put them in a safe deposit box at a bank. If you sense a storm approaching, you might also ask a relative who lives in a safer place to keep them safe for you.

It's also a good idea to make duplicates of these documents. If and when the time comes to evacuate your house and seek safety, keep them in a waterproof case or container with you. It may not seem significant at the moment, but you'll be glad you did it afterward. If the hurricane destroys your home, you'll be thankful for a means to verify that it was your property and that you have insurance to back it up. You can put these documents in your Go bag for safekeeping.

#4 Keep supplies on hand

Make room in your storage for a three-day supply of water, dry or canned meals, and other necessities. Are you unsure what you require? Check the FEMA emergency supplies list. Having the proper supplies is one of the most important pieces of hurricane season advice.

#5 Repair and reinstallation 

The key concept here is that you want everything on the outside of your house nailed down, tied down, or hauled inside. During a storm, anything left free, or even partly loose, becomes a threat. Your aim is to tightly attach these pieces such that they can't blow about or be ripped apart. You can remedy this in an instant with the assistance of Storm Damage Restoration agencies. 

Secure everything that is loose on the outside of your house. The problem might be a loose shutter, shingles, or something else. Either remove it or find a means to firmly secure it. It's also a good idea to bring any outdoor equipment inside. If you leave furniture outside during a storm, it might blow onto your house, car, or even another person, causing significant harm.

Your roof is one place that requires special attention too. Give it a once-over to ensure it's in good working order. If you have any worries, have it repaired before storm season begins with the aid of a storm damage restoration company that will ensure your safety. Check that everything is correctly placed and that it is not worn out or in need of replacement.

#6 Know how to turn off the utilities in your home

Water and electricity are incompatible. If your wiring is destroyed in a storm, you don't want an electrical fire to break out. And if severe rain hits, the last thing you want is to cope with even more water if a pipe explodes. For these and other reasons, it's critical to understand how to turn off your home's utilities if the occasion arises. 

To do this, you'll need to know how to switch off your utilities ahead of time. If you don't know this knowledge off the top of your head, now is the time to find out. Find and understand your home's water shut-off valve. Locate your circuit breaker panel, which is usually located in a garage, basement, or laundry area, and study how to flick the switches to turn off the electricity in your home.

If the worst happens, you may call a 24-hour Storm Damage Cleanup Service in your area to help you get out of this situation. They are specialists who are well-versed in the field and can keep you safe from harm's path. Storm damage cleanup services are provided by a trained team dedicated to assisting you and your family in returning to normalcy as soon as possible following a severe weather occurrence.

Conclusion

The tips that we have provided you with in this article should help you to be more prepared for the storm season. As always, if there is anything else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

COVID Sanitization and Disinfection Service in Seminole County

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment and experience to get the job done.

As we continue the battle against COVID-19, it’s crucial to know that the place where we gather is clean and safe. 

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces and the CDC recommends the 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.

Expert Level Cleaning Services

SERVPRO® franchise professionals are uniquely prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily. Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting non-porous surfaces, cleaning, and disinfecting equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

Commercial Covid Cleaning

SERVPRO has the equipment and experience to get the job done. Our professionals are skilled and work with CDC-approved, most advanced cleaning products, and techniques to clean and restore your commercial property so you can focus on getting back to work with the least amount of downtime possible.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

Lake Mary, FL

Sanford, FL

Alderene Park, FL

Heathrow, FL

Paola, FL

Lock Arbor, FL

Bookertown, FL

Longwood, FL

Midway, FL

Cameron City, FL