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

Who Should I Call First When there is Standing Water in my Home?

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you have standing water in your home, it’s important to call a professional water damage restoration company.

Who Should I Call First When there is Standing Water in my Home?

If you find yourself in a situation where you have standing water in your home, you need to figure out what's going on. If it's just a few drips coming from the ceiling, or a main pipe under the house broke, there may not be much damage at all. If, however, there is major flooding or several small leaks happening around your home then it could be significant. You will want to call someone immediately. We'll go over some scenarios so that when you find yourself in this situation, we can help get you through it safely and quickly!

Who to Call about Water Damage

If you have standing water in your home, it’s important to call a professional water damage restoration company. These are people who specialize in dealing with the aftermath of flooding or mold growth, so they will be equipped to handle any special circumstances that arise. 

What is the source of water?

Once you've determined that there is standing water in your home, the next thing to do is determine the source of that water. There are many potential sources in and around your home, but the most common are:

• A dishwasher
• A washing machine
• The toilet 
• A faucet or shower head with a clog or leaky washer inside of it 
• Older water heaters tend to rust out at times, causing leaks or even bursting pipes.  

How big is your home?

The first thing to do is determine the size of your home. How many rooms are there? How many people live in it? How many bathrooms are there? Are they small guest bathrooms or large master baths?

• The type of standing water you have will determine what type of emergency plumber you need to call. For example, if the standing water is coming from a toilet bowl, then you should contact an emergency plumber who specializes in drain cleaning services for commercial properties such as restaurants and hotels because these types of clogs can be very messy and noxious smelling at times.

How long has the water damage been happening?

The longer you leave standing water to sit, the greater the potential for mold and other structural damage. If the flooding has been going on for a while, it might be best to call an emergency response team like SERVPRO® sooner rather than later.

Is there major flooding in a small area, or are there several small leaks all around your house?

Is there major flooding in a small area, or are there several small leaks all around your house? If it’s the latter, then you may have a problem with your plumbing system. If that is the case, you should call an expert plumber to take care of your leaky pipes as soon as possible because they can cause serious damage if not taken care of right away.

If you’re unsure whether the source of this water is coming from outside or inside your home, but you think it may be coming from inside (such as near a bathroom), then we recommend calling a professional plumber to come out and inspect each room individually before making any assumptions about where exactly these leaks are coming from.

Water damage is never fun to deal with, but having an experienced professional on your side can make the process much easier. If you’ve found yourself dealing with this problem in your home or business, give us a call today and let us help! We want to help you avoid any costly repairs down the road by providing thorough inspections and repair options right away.

Trust The Leading Company In The Restoration Industry

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sanford is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your emergency restoration and cleaning needs.

In your daily life, making a good first impression is crucial. Especially If you are trying to impress a client or customers  For example, if you want to build a good, long-term relationship with your customers, you'll need a clean business "setting."

SERVPRO of Sanford Is Here To Help

We here SERVPRO of Sanford want to be the Capital provider to assist the Sanford community with any restoration needs. Our goal is to become the world's best cleaning and restoration company while building a team of high-quality employees who value outstanding service, fairness, and mutual respect.

Trust The Leading Company In The Restoration Industry. 

SERVPRO was named Entrepreneur Magazine’s  #1 Franchise in the cleaning and restoration industry for the 21st consecutive year! We offer residential and commercial facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are committed to being quicker to any size catastrophe as a locally owned and operated business. We have ample experience, preparation, and facilities to manage all of your restoration and cleaning needs.

Here For Your Emergency Needs

There is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO of Sanford. We are here to assist in the aftermath of larger disasters and handle and clean the small useful things that have been damaged by the disaster. Carpets, upholstery, drapes, and blinds are all examples of this. We will breathe new life into your old tile and make your floors sparkle once more. We can also deodorize your property and eliminate residual odors.

Available 24/7/365

SERVPRO of Sanford is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your emergency restoration and cleaning needs. We will assist you in maintaining and shining your residence or company while you continue to make numerous first impressions.

Powerful Storms Can Be Bad For Business

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sanford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event

SERVPRO of Sanford Can Help Get Your Commercial Space Back Up And Running

Spring is here, and as we head for summer powerful storms continue to make their way through the Seminole County region. With these heavy storms, there is always lightning, lots of wind, and of course flooding. This can be very bad news for your business.

Some of the storms start with light rain and then shift to more pronounced lines of showers and thunderstorms along with strong winds, causing damage to businesses throughout the region.
This can also mean power outages, which also doesn't help your Sanford area business.

Knowing You Have Help And Resources

Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

SERVPRO of Sanford offers the resources locally and on a national level to restore anything from a small or complex commercial water damage scenario. We exceed your needs both to repair your property and also to restore the trust the companies and individuals have invested in your professional commercial management.

SERVPRO of Sanford professionals understands how important it is to limit the downtime of your and your tenants’ business operations. We make every effort to clean and dry the structure quickly, staging the restoration process with an eye to reestablishing business operations even before the entire remediation is accomplished if appropriate and safe.

Preventing secondary damage from contaminated water is important, this is more likely if we are involved as soon as possible in the process. We follow up with our state-of-the-art procedures for saving and drying paperwork, books, pictures and other crucial work products you and your lessees may have feared would be lost due to the water infiltration.

First Call For Commercial Water Damage In Sanford

SERVPRO of Sanford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event, call us if you have questions at (407)323-2422.

Fire Damage Can Lead To Additional Problems In Your Home

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you have fire or water damage in Sanford call SERVPRO of Sanford today at (407) 323-2422.

Fire Damage In Your Sanford, Florida Home

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to personal property and structures. Swift action is the only way to minimize the damage.
SERVPRO of Sanford provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service.

The Right Training And Certifications Are Important

Our technicians are trained and certified. SERVPRO of Sanford is an IICRC firm.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC, is a globally recognized organization whose mission is to establish higher industry standards.

As a referral source for consumers, IICRC-certified firms are more likely to provide a faster, better service than non-certified competitors.

Fire And Protecting Your Home

Immediately after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property. Discoloration of porous materials is permanent, but other surfaces may be properly cleaned to remove the discoloration. Acidic soot begins staining other surfaces if not treated quickly.

Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage. Wooden furniture may require refinishing. Metal begins to rust, pit, and corrode. The painted walls begin to yellow. Clothing can become permanently stained. And finally, flooring may require refinishing or replacement.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored to the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Prolonged soot exposure permanently harms all surfaces and embeds in fibers. If you have fire or water damage in Sanford call SERVPRO of Sanford today at (407) 323-2422. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Is Water Damage Covered Under Rental Insurance?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

In times of emergency, make sure your landlord knows to call SERVPRO of Sanford when water damage restoration services are needed.

Depending on the type of policy, Renters insurance protects you against water damage caused by a number of situations that you may experience as a tenant in Seminole County, such as accidental overflows or water discharge. 

Accidental water damage incidents include:

• Pipe burst
• Machine malfunction (dishwasher, washing machine, etc) 
• Plumbing. 
• Damage to neighboring units

What Is My Landlord Responsible For?

Your landlord is responsible for the maintenance of your rental home, which includes preventing and fixing leaks. Any flaw in the building that could be linked to a possible future cause of property damage and water damage repairs must be reported.

Almost all rental agreements claim that you are not responsible for water damage repairs that are caused by structural issues if you inform your landlord in writing as soon as you find them. This involves leaks in the ceiling, assuming you aren't the one who caused them.

Double-Check Your Lease And Your Renter Policy 

Although most policies cover losses caused by accidental water damage, call your insurance company and discuss what your rental insurance covers.  Also, read your lease carefully. Make sure you understand your and those of your landlord's responsibilities in the event of a crisis. In times of emergency, make sure your landlord knows to call SERVPRO of Sanford when water damage restoration services are needed.

How To Safely Recover From a Basement Flood

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Deep floods, even higher than a few inches, can lead to life-threatening conditions.

How To Safely Recover From a Basement Flood

A basement flood can lead to a tremendous amount of property damage. The quicker you act when a flood occurs, the better off you may be with your recovery. For significant water disasters, call one of several water mitigation companies in Sanford, Florida for help. If the flood is minor, you can do the cleanup yourself by following three steps.

- Remove water
- Discard appliances
- Implement preventatives

Remove Water
When dealing with a flooded basement, the first step is to remove the water. However, it may not be so simple. First, if a broken water fixture causes a flood, you need to shut off the water supply but consider safety. If flood levels reach a depth of greater than one inch, turn off the electricity to the affected area to minimize the risk of injury. Use shop vacs and pumps to remove the excess water.

Discard Appliances
For deep floods, discard contaminated appliances. All matters of bacteria can call a basement flood home. Removing water from the area will not automatically eliminate all contaminants. Devices may also suffer from electrical issues because of the water damage sustained during a flood. You are better off buying new appliances, and, depending on the circumstances of the flood, your insurance coverage may supply enough funds to replace equipment.

Implement Preventatives
After resolving the original water or plumbing problems, implement preventative measures, ensuring a dry basement. Install sump pumps, backwater valves, and other equipment to prevent groundwater and external floods from penetrating the interior of your home.

A basement flood can lead to significant expenses if not dealt with quickly. For minor floods, a DIY approach may work, but for substantial damage, contact professionals to safely mitigate and restore your property. Deep floods, even higher than a few inches, can lead to life-threatening conditions. Do not risk yourself or your loved ones when there are safer options available.

4 Benefits of Hiring SERVPRO this Holiday Season

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Do you plan on hosting holiday parties? If yes, then a cleaning service is your best option.

The holiday season is the most hectic time of the year. Preparing our homes to entertain guests adds to the stress due to the pressure to make our homes look their best. Would you want your guests to stay in a messy house? Definitely not. However, for most people, it is hard to juggle so many responsibilities from planning to shopping for gifts, cooking delicious dinners, and cleaning the whole house. 

Do you plan on hosting holiday parties? Or are you expecting overnight guests this Christmas? If yes, then a cleaning service is your best option. Doing all the planning and cooking will stress you out. We all want to enjoy the holidays and eliminating some things from your schedule and delegating them will save you from that holiday fatigue and burnout. 

If you are thinking of hiring a cleaning service this holiday season, here are 4 benefits that will definitely make up your mind:

• Can save you time

“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend”. Would you want to spend your time scrubbing the toilets and endless window wiping? A professional cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford will save you from doing all the cleaning so that you can only focus on planning fun holiday activities for your guests and loved ones. 

• Can save you money

You might think that a cleaning service can set off your budget. But what is the price for the comfort and safety of your family and guests? If you think about it, hiring a cleaning service can save you money from last-minute emergency cleaning touch-ups. And if you are planning to entertain guests for the holidays, the price of showing your guests a perfect and pristine home is worth every penny. 

• Your home will be thoroughly clean

Do you think that cleaning only means dusting the furniture and scrubbing the floor? The most important purpose of cleaning your home is to ensure that it is a safe place for you and your family and even guests that you invite in. 

Thorough cleaning can get rid of harmful germs and bacteria in your home which can cause allergies and some respiratory problems. You don’t want your guests to be sick while staying in your home, right? A cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford will make sure that all the areas even hard-to-reach places in your home are thoroughly clean. 

SERVPRO of Sanford does not only provide basic cleaning services, but they are also experts that make sure everything in your home is properly working. Did you know that regular cleaning of your air ducts can improve air quality in your home? We sometimes neglect these things, but this is on top of SERVPRO’s priority list to ensure that you and your family are comfortable and safe at home.

• Available and Open 24/7

SERVPRO of Sanford is open and available 24/7 so you can ask for help from them any time of the day or night. SERVPRO's experienced technicians will be at your doorstep anytime if you need them especially if an emergency arises.

Can you already smell that crisp, floral scent of a clean home? It’s never too late. Ask for help from SERVPRO of Sanford for your holiday cleaning. Call now!

5 Helpful Tips on How to Clean your Home in the Holidays

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you want a worry-free holiday and focus on preparing delectable dishes for your family, contact SERVPRO of Sanford.

As the famous song says ‘Tis the season to be jolly and indeed it is. The holiday season is the time of the year when sumptuous food, splendid gifts, and great company are enjoyed. And since the pandemic has had us cooped up in our homes for almost two years, people are excited to attend parties and even host their own parties at home. 

Planning parties can be quite stressful and tiring from preparing the turkey for Thanksgiving up until the new year celebration bash. Many people are definitely going to be in and out of your home which means you need to keep it spotless and pristine all the time. If you are tired of juggling from cooking to cleaning, a trusted cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford can also help with your dilemma. 

If you like to be a hostess and enjoy planning out parties for your friends and families, here are some helpful tips on how to clean your home and keep it clean for the holidays:

• Create an organized cleaning schedule

Eliminate holiday cleaning chaos by creating a cleaning schedule that divides the house chores into segments or blocks. This can also help in avoiding procrastination since one big task is harder to complete than little blocks of tasks done in a timely manner. 

Instead of putting “Clean the whole kitchen” in the list, which can be tiring just by the sound of it, why not first put “Wipe the countertop” which could only take less than a minute, and then proceed to a major task such as “Cleaning the refrigerator”. Also, it will be easier to divide the cleaning into five- or seven-day tasks instead of doing it all in one day. 

• De-clutter the front door and entryway

The first thing your guests see is your front door all the way to your entryway. But sometimes this is the most neglected part of the house since we focus more on cleaning the living and dining rooms where we host our guests. 

You don’t need to put over-the-top decorations in your entryway but simply getting rid of shoes and boots and putting them in the cabinet will go a long way. Fresh-cut flowers or if you don’t have one, large indoor plants in the entryway will definitely take your guests breath away. And it could even be a great conversation starter.

• Don’t forget to clean your carpet

Carpets are like sponges that absorb everything that touches it. It might be doing a great job protecting your hardwood floor, but it can also absorb dust and other grimes. Therefore, don’t skip cleaning your carpet so that your kids can enjoy opening their gifts on Christmas day on a polished and good-smelling carpet. You can opt for a cleaning service if you don’t have time to scrub and polish your whole carpet. Your carpet and your back will thank you.

• Clean the toilet and bathroom thoroughly

Simply flushing down the toilet and mopping the floors is not enough to thoroughly clean it. It is important that the toilet is properly sanitized and wiped down from top to bottom. Also, remove any cobwebs from ceiling corners since spiders are particularly at home in moist places like your bathrooms. Also, you can put flowers in your bathroom or even a potpourri to keep it smelling fresh.

• Clean or replace your air filters

Since the holidays are a busy season, your HVAC unit will work twice as hard to ensure that your family and guests will stay comfortable and warm in your home. Thus, it is important that your unit is working properly throughout the whole season. Make sure to clean or replace the filters and remove dust and other debris to allow easy airflow. 

The Christmas season is a way for people to relax and spend more time with their families. However, it can also be overwhelming with the mountain of things to prepare and do. If you want a worry-free holiday and focus on preparing delectable dishes for your family rather than doing all the cleaning, why not contact a professional cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford to do all the cleaning for you? A hassle-free way to celebrate the holidays with a clean home and hearts full of love.

How to Store and Clean Christmas Decorations Properly

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Tips on how to store and clean Christmas decorations properly

Things last long if they are stored properly. This Christmas season, decorating the entire house is fun but it would also be better if those decorations last longer than one year. In this article, we will give you tips on how to store and clean Christmas decorations properly so you can save time by availing cleaning service. 

• Declutter every year

Most of the time, a new year means a new Christmas motif in the house. As a result, decorations accumulate quickly and it is important to store those decorations properly. To lessen the Christmas decor accumulated, you need to declutter. Does it still fit your style? Is anything broken? Don’t hold on to useless stuff. If you are short of time to clean everything up, you can always avail the service of a cleaning company.

• Categorize

To properly organize, you need to categorize everything first. There are two ways to organize holiday decor. One, categorize all items together like candles, Santas, snowmen, and the like. Two, categorize by room if you set up your home the same way every year. This will help you remember how you decorated the previous year. An extra minute to store your decorations by category is the best way to end the season in an organized way. As for the garlands and wreaths, don’t use hooks, garlands, and wreaths. Even if they seem to be an efficient way to store holiday wreaths and garlands, they can put pressure and weaken their fibers where the hook touches. 

• Invest in proper storage

Getting quality storage bins might hurt your wallet at first but if you are thinking big, you will realize that you invest for the long term. Holidays will be back year after year so make a one-time investment to buy great and sturdy storage with proper compartments for ornaments, lights, and collectibles. Aside from the money, investing in proper storage will also save you lots of time and stress. In addition, mark your holiday containers. You can use an index card to list what’s inside each bin, and tape it to whichever side of the bin faces the front. The label will allow you to keep your items looked organized, uniform, and easily identifiable.

• Separate your holiday wrapping

Separate wrapping paper from regular paper. This will help you refrain from digging through everything when you need supplies for an occasion. It is good to invest in a wrapping station or a budget-friendly option to create your own. Wrapping stations are great because they have designated pockets for paper, bows, scissors, tapes, bags, etc. 

• Keep Holiday Pillows and Blankets Fresh 

To keep holiday pillows and blankets fresh, store them in airtight containers to preserve them. You can store your holiday decor in an area where it cannot be exposed much to drastic differences in temperature like an attic or basement.  By storing them, everything will last longer, and refrain from getting musty or mildew and calling a cleaning company which can save you money. Also, always make sure the items are clean before stowing them away.

But of course, if you want it to be by the experts, you can always have a cleaning service. A cleaning company like SERVPRO of Sanford will save you from doing all the cleaning so that you can only focus on planning fun for your loved ones.

5 Simple Feng Shui House Tips for 2022

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

For a hassle-free cleaning service, you can trust SERVPRO of Sanford to take care of your home while you are enjoying the festivities of the New Year.

The year 2022 is looking to be more hopeful and the New year marks a new beginning, and people want to attract good luck for the coming year. Some people believe that following Feng shui practices can bring good luck to their lives and homes. 

So, what is Feng shui, and why do people follow it? Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects, and space in an environment to achieve harmony and balance. The word Feng shui means “the way of wind and water” which links a person’s destiny to their environment. Thus, to achieve greater harmony and balance, you should decorate your home in a way that you tap the positive “chi” energy from wind and water through the right placement of things in your home. Not only that but harmony in the home can also be achieved through an organized and clean home. Be sure to contact a cleaning service to ensure that your home is New Year-ready.

As the New Year approaches, many people tap their friendly neighborhood Feng shui experts to provide them with the best Feng shui tips for the coming year. However, if you don’t know any Feng shui experts, we have a list of simple tips on how to attract good luck for 2022 through Feng shui:

• Get rid of clutter in your home

Yes! Feng shui is not only about putting furniture in the right place but attracting wealth and good luck begins in a clean and clutter-free home. It also opens up the space for the positive “chi” energy to enter your home. In addition to planning holiday parties, gift shopping, and cooking dinners, cleaning can be stressful and time-consuming. Good thing, a cleaning service like SERVPRO of Sanford can be your lifesaver this New Year.

• Follow proper furniture placement

Do not put any furniture such as sofas or chairs with their backs facing the doors of rooms in your house. Also, you need to ensure that the furniture placement is not impeded by obstacles to room access. 

We would want to achieve an open space that will bring abundance to your home. Also, avoid putting too much furniture in one room. This is to promote an airier room rather than making it a crowded space. Lastly, in the kitchen, the sink and stove should also not be placed opposite each other.

• Let light go through your home

Natural light brings a sense of peace and harmony to any home. Letting it enter your home through wide open windows and light-colored curtains can bring in more positive energy around. It is also a good way to take in that much-needed Vitamin D.

• Bring plants into your home

Even though you don’t have a green thumb, adding indoor plants to your home decorations can provide a fresh kind of energy that will bring a sense of calmness and harmony. Choose more rounded leaf plants or those kinds that bring good luck such as bamboo and palms. Avoid those that stink like cacti and flowers with thorns such as roses.

• Maintain fresh and perfect hygiene in your home

Keeping your home in a pristine condition is important not only for Feng shui but it can also give that refreshing look to the guests you will be entertaining in your home for the holidays. Simple things like cleaning the air ducts and carpet cleaning can go a long way to make sure that the air that flows in your home is invigorating and brings positivity. For helpful tips on how to clean your home for the holidays, check this out.

As the New Year comes, we should look for a brighter future ahead with no stress. Thus, for a hassle-free cleaning service, you can trust SERVPRO of Sanford to take care of your home while you are enjoying the festivities of the New Year. Contact SERVPRO of Sanford now!

How to use a fire Extinguiser

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property in Sanford sustains fire damage from a kitchen or electrical fire, you should contact a commercial restoration company.

A fire extinguisher is a helpful safety tool for suppressing small to medium-sized fires and limiting fire damage. As soon as a fire starts, get the extinguisher and identify a safe evacuation path. You should check to make sure that the extinguisher you have on hand contains a suitable substance for the type of fire you are trying to suppress. It is also a good idea to sound the fire alarm on a commercial property and contact the fire department before attempting to suppress a fire.

Whether you have never used an extinguisher or it has been a long time since you experienced a fire emergency, here are four simple steps you can follow.

1. Pull the pin. Pulling the pin on an extinguisher will break the tamper seal.
2. Aim the fire extinguisher nozzle, hose, or horn. Point the dispenser at the base of the fire. Avoid making contact with the discharge horn on a CO2 extinguisher, as it may become very cold.
3. Squeeze the handle. Squeeze the handle to dispense the substance within the extinguisher in the direction of the fire.
4. Spray from side to side. Move the spray horizontally across the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Remember that a fire may seem to be out and then reignite.

Keep watching the affected area to make sure the fire does not restart or have firefighters inspect the area to make sure it is out. Once you use a fire extinguisher you will need to either refill or replace the extinguisher, depending on whether the design is reusable or disposable. Reusable extinguishers cost more upfront but less to refill than buying a new disposable extinguisher. If your commercial property in Sanford sustains fire damage from a kitchen or electrical fire, you should contact a commercial restoration company.

How Do I Clean Carpets Myself?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

Call us now for a carpet cleaning company. We have a 24-hour service.

Carpets give additional designs and ornaments, especially in our living room where we welcome our guests. Being exposed to sunlight and different people make it dull and need cleaning once in a while too. And the truth is, if you don’t clean your carpet, you are putting it to permanent damage, and damaged carpet calls for replacement and does add to your expenses. Keeping it clean is just as important as cleaning any other furniture, fixtures, and fittings in your home. A carpet without regular cleaning produces unwanted smells and shows visible signs of dirt.

Is it worth getting the carpet cleaned?

Definitely yes. To avail, a carpet cleaning company is worth it. Carpet cleaners are not that cheap but hiring one has several good benefits. Here they are: 

1. They clean your carpet more thoroughly and deeply than you can. Carpet cleaners are trained and use machines to make your carpet look new.
2. They will help your carpet last longer which will make you save more money on carpet replacement.
3. Because of their equipment, they will make your carpet look better and smell cleaner.
4. You save a lot of time and hassle.

Checking out a carpet cleaning service would be the best option, but if you are too tired to use big machines and appliances, we will give you tips on how to clean your favorite carpet by yourself. 

Here are the easiest and fastest steps to clean carpets:

1. Use of baking soda. This is the simplest ingredient to clean the carpet. Sprinkle it over the carpet and vacuum thoroughly to remove loose debris. It also works to remove odors from the carpet.
2. A mixture of shampoo and warm water. Combine two drops of carpet shampoo with warm water in a clean spray bottle. Spray over the carpet slowly to not saturate the fibers.
3. Use a carpet brush to brush off any trapped dirt.
4. Soak up the area with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
5. Fill a clean spray bottle with fresh water and spray on the same area.
6. Get another set of dry and clean towels to soak up and lift the remaining moisture.
7. Finish your cleaning by using a carpet grooming brush.

But how often should you clean your carpet? Well, most carpet cleaning services recommend carpets are cleaned every 6-18 months depending on the amount of traffic. If you have young children and pets, it is required to have a more regular deep clean due to the increased amount of dirt and hair that gets into them.

At SERVPRO, we have proudly served Sanford for over 40 years - SERVPRO of Sanford provides exceptional restoration and remediation services for both residential and commercial properties. Call us now for a carpet cleaning company. We have a 24-hour service.

How To Get Rid of Graffiti Vandalism

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Sanford, we offer not only mold restoration or water damage but also graffiti cleanup services. Call us today!

Graffiti vandalism is a big problem especially when your favorite stuff like a table was scratched. It also includes defacing, tagging, writing, drawing of symbols, or placing materials onto any surface without the property owner’s permission. Aside from the physical impact, it has also a financial and social impact on the community as it might the perception of safety. SERVPRO of Sanford offers a vandalism cleanup service to minimize these problems.

But if you want some DIY tips on how to get rid of graffiti vandalism on different surfaces before going to a graffiti cleanup service, we’ll definitely give it to you. 

On Metal Surfaces

1. Use thinner like mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or acetone to wipe the graffiti off.
2. Try removing it by rubbing with steel or bronze wool or light sandpaper if the graffiti still remains.
3.  Try power-washing with a 3000psi pressure washer to further remove the graffiti.
4. Paint over the graffiti.

On Wood Surfaces

1. For unweathered and sealed with paint, stain, or sealer on woods, try to remove it by wiping with mineral spirits, but if the wood is weathered, do not use this technique as the mineral spirits will be absorbed by the wood, driving the paint further down into the wood.
2. Use a 3000psi pressure washer to get rid of the graffiti then observe carefully to make sure the pressure is not driving the paint deeper into the wood grain. 
3. Sand the wood and re-paint or simply paint over the graffiti.

On Plastic Surfaces

1. Try to use a light, penetrating oil to wipe off graffiti. Refrain from using paint thinners as they can soften the plastic and can cause clouding or permanent tackiness of the surface.
2. You can also use light rubbing with ultra-fine steel or bronze wool to remove the paint.
3. Paint over it if it is still not working.

On Masonry Surfaces

1. Power-wash the graffiti with a 3000psi pressure washer but always be careful in selecting the type of tip you use in the pressure wand. Too narrow a tip can etch the masonry surface, leaving a perfect outline of the graffiti removed.
2. The sandblasting technique is another way. Be careful with the pressure in washing not to allow the sandblasting tip to remain in one spot too long as it can permanently etch the surface. Just be sure that the tip moves over the painted area and the surrounding areas so that the surface is blended.
3. If both of the techniques don’t work (power-washing and sand-blasting), paint over the graffiti.

On Glass Surfaces

1. The use of a razor blade to carefully scrape the graffiti. Use the razor blade in a holder and scrape at a 30-degree angle to the glass.
2. Use ultra-fine bronze wool with water to gently rub the remaining paint off.
3. The use of paint thinners on glass can be effective too but razor blades are much quicker and environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts

Before cleaning any graffiti, it is vital to take pictures in case someone asks for evidence of vandalism. The sooner the graffiti is removed, the more the offending vandals will be discouraged. If things are beyond your control, you can check the vandalism cleanup service immediately. At SERVPRO of Sanford, we offer not only mold restoration or water damage but also graffiti cleanup services. Call us today!

Overflowing toilet, but it isn't clogged, HELP!

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

Plumbing and water removal problems can be costly and could occur anytime. The most important thing to do is get a regular check-up on your plumbing.

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night anxious to go to the bathroom and find the water in your toilet overflowing? Automatically, you reach out for the plunger and get in there to stop the water from flooding the whole bathroom. After minutes of painstakingly unclogging the toilet, the water continues to overflow onto the floor. This is probably the best time to call an emergency plumber as this is beyond the ability of you and your plunger. Plungers can only handle small clogs and cannot go deeper into the pipe. Since the plumbing system is intricate, it can be bothersome to fix it yourself. Water removal is particularly hard at this point since it has already flooded your whole bathroom.

There are several reasons why the water in your toilet is overflowing and cannot be unclogged by using a plunger. One particular reason would be the plumbing vent may be the one that is clogged and not your toilet. Did you know that your plumbing system is composed of both drainage and vent systems? Yes! They work together to efficiently move water through the pipes. The plumbing vent pipe is a vertical pipe that runs from the drain line to the roof of your home. It provides fresh air to all the plumbing fixtures so that water can efficiently run throughout the whole system. 

There are signs that your vent is clogged, and you have probably noticed these before experiencing the overflow in your toilet. If you smelled a strong sewage smell, that is the first sign that your vent is clogged. Since the vent’s primary purpose is to get rid of the bad smell from the toilet, smelling it means that the gases cannot escape properly outside the vent. 

Another sign would be hearing gurgling sounds in your toilet and drains. It is not actually normal to hear strange gurgling sounds after flushing. This may be an indication that air cannot escape properly from the vents thus it finds its way to escape to the nearest exit which is in the drains and toilet. 

Lastly, if you notice that your drains are sluggish and slow down, it may be a sign that the air pressure within your plumbing system is not flowing properly. The baking soda and vinegar solution would probably not work for this one so you should already call for an emergency plumber.

There are actually a lot of reasons why your toilet vent is clogged. Debris from the outside could have gotten inside the system and accumulated causing it to clog. You think that going to the roof and getting this debris out would solve the problem. You’re probably right but it could be dangerous doing it by yourself, and it may not also be the main problem. Therefore, hiring a professional plumber like SERVPRO of Sanford would be best for you since they could check for other possible reasons why the vent is clogged.

Plumbing and water removal problems can be costly and could occur anytime. The most important thing to do is get a regular check-up on your plumbing system so you could address potential problems before they could become a bigger issue and would cost you a lot more money. SERVPRO of Sanford are experts in all plumbing-related issues and we have professional plumbers available for you 24/7.

How to clean mold off of leather and clothes

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you have limited time at home, no need to worry as there are house mold removal services like SERVPRO of Sanford

We usually wear leather boots and clothes this season and sometimes on rare occasions. When we put them in the closet waiting for the next event where we can wear them might cause certain damage, even mold. We would never want that to happen, right? Some of us who have limited time to clean our molded shoes and clothes might go to a mold removal service, but in this article, we’ll talk about ways to clean those molds. 

How to get rid of mold in your body

1. Remove visible mold growth on every surface as much as possible. You can do this by using house mold removal products, hot soapy water, or a mixture of 1 cup of bleach for 1 gallon of water.
2. Remove and take away all discarded or porous materials like carpets, insulation, and wallboard when they are showing signs of mold.
3. Contact a mold removal service for extensive mold growth in your home and a doctor if you have health effects that occur when cleaning moldy surfaces.

How to clean mold off of leather boots

Molds require moisture to grow and to get rid of it, moisture must be removed. Cleaning leather boots can be different depending on the brand. Some of them require a gentle touch to avoid damaging their surface. Before giving you tips, make sure that you are wearing a mask while removing the molds in the shoes.

1. Dry-brush the surface with a stiff, nylon brush. It will brush away the mold and mildew that has built upon the surface of the leather shoe.
2. For suede and nubuck leather types, the first step can be safely done. If the shoes need more cleaning because of the stains or mold returns repeatedly, use a suede cleaner. 
3. Moisten a soft cloth with a mixture of vinegar and water and use it to wipe the surface of the shoes where there is mold. Vinegar is effective against most types of mold.

How to clean mold off from clothes

Mold can also strike on clothes and when it happens it can ruin your outfit as it can be very visible. So to get rid of it, try the following:

1. Bleach. One effective way to remove mold and mildew from clothing that is made of white cotton. Apply a ratio of 1:3, 1 part of bleach to 3 parts water to the stain, and sit it for a few minutes before starting to launder the clothes as usual.
2. If your cloth is collared and cannot be bleached, try removing it with lemon juice or white vinegar. Soak a cotton pad in lemon juice or white vinegar and rub it on the stain. Soak it for several minutes.
3. Sprinkle the area with some salt to further boost the effect of the acid from lemon juice or white vinegar. Place them in a sunny spot to dry as the sun rays can also bleach stains. Repeat as needed then launder the clothes.

If you have limited time at home, no need to worry as there are house mold removal services like SERVPRO of Sanford that is open and available 24-hour emergency service and highly trained mold and water damage restoration specialists.

How the experts remove mold

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sanford is available for you 24/7. Leave all molds to the experts and enjoy living in a mold-free home.

Our homes are our most prized possessions, and we always make sure that they are spotless and mold-free. However, hiding in the shadows and sometimes in the most unvisited part of our house is the basement. Do you notice that in most horror movies, a ghostly element or some kind of monster is hiding in the basement? That gives us the feeling that all basements are scary places and should be kept locked and hidden from the world. 

That ghostly feeling from your basement is just the damp walls and layers of mold forming all over the area. In this article, we will give you tips on how to remove molds from your basement, and as a bonus, we will give you ideas on what to use your basement for and not just for storage space.

Water leaks and excess moisture can cause molds to grow in your basement. Molds can grow at an alarming rate if not given proper attention. It is not only an eyesore but can also have the possibility of damaging your home and as well as your health in the long run. Basement mold removal is not an easy task and needs to be done with proper care.

Here are some tips on how to remove molds from your basement:

• Assess the overall mold problem

We know you’re excited to start removing the filthy molds from your basement walls but the first thing you should do is assess where the molds are coming from. Since it thrives in dampness and moisture, it could be caused by water leakage from your HVAC or pipes leaking. 

First, find the source of leakage and fix them before starting mold removal. You can also opt for a mold removal service to check out the intensity of your mold problem.

• Equip yourself with Protective Equipment

Always equip yourself with gloves, protective clothing, and face masks such as N95 or a P-100 respirator. This should never be disregarded since dealing with molds can have bad effects on your health particularly if you have a weak immune system or allergies.

• Dry out the Space

Molds grow due to excess moisture in the area. Thus, for easier mold removal, you need to first dry out the damp space and take as much humidity as possible. The best way to do this is to run a dehumidifier in the room to dry out the area. However, make sure to avoid airflow since this could make the mold spread to other parts of the basement. 

• Moisten mold before scrubbing them

Scrubbing mold right away can cause spores to spread all over the area. It can also be more dangerous since the possibility of inhaling it is bigger even though you have a face mask on. In this case, using a spray bottle with water and bristled brush can make the mold easier to remove. If you are using rags, never reuse them since they can be dangerous even if it has been washed and the same goes with the brush used as well.

• Hire a professional mold removal specialist

Mold removal is a daunting task and can also be a time-consuming activity. Also, if this is not done correctly, it can pose problems in the future and has the possibility that the mold could resurface again. If you are looking for an expert mold removal service, SERVPRO of Sanford is available for you 24/7. Leave all molds to the experts and enjoy living in a mold-free home.

As promised, a great idea for your new mold-free basement is renovating it as a Game room complete with a gaming station, billiard, or Ping-Pong tables, and even arcade machines for the complete gaming experience. But if you want to use your basement for extra money, try renovating it as a living space and renting it out. Whatever you choose, enjoy your new mold-free basement. 

How to Prevent Water Damage on Vacation.

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Before going on vacation make sure your sump pump is working.

How to Prevent Water Damage on Vacation.

Ahhh, vacation. You've left the daily grind behind and are off to enjoy some much-needed relaxation. But if you're not careful, your time off can end up costing you more than just stress! When it comes to taking care of your Lake Mary, FL home while away on vacation, it's important to be proactive and take preventative measures before disaster strikes. Here are some tips for how to prevent water damage on vacation.

Check the water heater.

• Check the temperature and pressure of the water heater.
• Inspect for leaks.
• Make sure that gas is completely turned off.
• Check pilot light for any signs of burning, discoloration, or corrosion. If you find a problem with your pilot light, contact a professional to repair it immediately before using the water heater again.
• Check thermostat; make sure it's working properly and at recommended settings (120°F). 

Make sure your sump pump is working properly.

The most important thing to do when you're away from home is to make sure that your sump pump is working properly. Sump pumps are crucial for drainage and water removal, but they can also be a pain to deal with if they aren't in good shape.

Not only should you check that your sump pump works, but also make sure that the outlet is clear of debris, so it has room to drain into the ground. If you've never used one before or aren't familiar with how yours operates, make sure you read up on how it works and how often maintenance needs to be performed.

Check for leaks.

The first thing you should do is check your plumbing for leaks. If you’re renting, this may be a particularly important step.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Leaks from pipes or faucets (they could cause major water damage)
• Leaks from toilets (can also lead to major damage)

If you have any suspicions about any leaks, it’s worth calling up your landlord or maintenance company as soon as possible so they can take care of the problem before it gets worse!

What to do if you have a flooded home?

• Call a professional.
• Don't turn the power back on until you have a professional check it.
• Don't use any electrical appliances until you've had a professional check it, even if they seem to be working fine (you don't want to fry anything).
• Don't use water from your tap until you've had it tested by a certified lab, who can tell you whether your home’s tap water is safe for consumption and bathing purposes.

Don't come home from vacation to find out that water damage has ruined your home!

If you're planning a vacation this summer, you might be itching to get out of town. But before you hit the road, there are a few things that are essential for preventing water damage while you're away.

First and foremost: if you have any leaks in your home while you're gone, don't wait to fix them when you get back. Leaks can cause serious damage to your property and belongings—but they can also be easily avoided with proper maintenance and preparation.

When it comes time for your next big trip—whether it's just down the street or halfway around the world—here are some simple steps to take so that when it comes time for a return home (and thusly an inspection from any potential landlord or real estate agent), all is well:

So, to sum up, keeping your home safe from water damage while you're away on vacation is simple. The most important thing is to make sure that the water heater is working properly, and that there's no sign of leaks anywhere in or around your home. You should also check your sump pump and make sure it's ready to go if you have a flood. If you need any help, SERVPRO of Sanford East is here for you!

How SERVPRO of Sanford responded To Hurricane Ian

10/31/2022 (Permalink)

This local Pizza company is expected to open the weekend of Halloween, now that the owner can finally access his building safely.

Hurricane Ian, made landfall in Florida on September 28 as a Category 4 Hurricane. As Floridians were evacuating,  SERVPRO prepared to head to Florida. Our teams from all over the country had vehicles loaded up to stand by homeowners’ sides to help, when called upon. 

Our team here in Sanford assisted with local businesses and homeowners with storm damage. As flooding took over the streets in Historic Downtown Sanford, businesses had to board up for weeks, some over a month. Our team worked with a popular restaurant in the area to get it back open and operating as quickly as possible. Once the storm passed and it was safe to return to most of downtown we filmed the damage from an aerial view, watch this video we made to see how high the water got. 

This local Pizza company is expected to open the weekend of Halloween, now that the owner can finally access his building safely. Employees have been without jobs for almost a month and counting. The owner of this business has been operating out of a tow behind pizza oven to help local families impacted by Ian.

Now over a month after the storm, our teams are finally catching up to normal, but the storm damage doesn't end here. For months after the storm, SERVPRO teams will be getting calls about mold damage. Mold damage occurs from water intrusion and moisture in the air. Most of the time this happens when people didn’t realize they had water damage from the storm.

How Do I Submit a Claim Following a Fire?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Get in contact with your Insurance agent

How Do I Submit a Claim Following a Fire?

Calling your agent is the first thing you should do after a fire damages your commercial property. Call the insurance provider directly and explain what happened if you can't immediately get in touch with the agent. Then, leave the house as soon as you can to allow firefighters to do their jobs. Do not discard anything until an adjuster has seen it; instead, take photos and videos of everything. To avoid additional damage and stay within the repair budget set forth in your insurance policy, try to make temporary repairs yourself. Keep all receipts for reimbursement purposes, please!

Call your agent right away.

Call the insurance provider directly and ask how to submit a claim if you're unsure that you can get through to your home or commercial property's fire insurance agent. Contact your agent or the insurance provider right away if you have a home fire insurance policy.

If you're unsure that you can reach your agent, contact the insurance provider directly and inquire about the claim-filing process.

If you're unsure that you can reach your agent, contact the insurance provider directly and inquire about the claim-filing process. You can get in touch with your claims adjuster by asking the insurance provider any questions you may have about insurance in general.

If the fire is small enough that it's contained within one room of your home, it's possible that only part of your property is damaged—and that should be covered by homeowner's or renters’ insurance. If this is the case and the damage isn't extensive enough for an adjuster to visit and assess, there's no need for you to file a claim right away.

Document everything with photos and video.

This step is extremely important, especially if you plan to submit a claim. Before you begin repairs, take photos of all damage and the state of your room. If you can, move around the room while taking photos to capture a variety of perspectives of what has happened to your possessions.

Regarding video, it's great if your smartphone or camera can record both stills and video at once (some can), but even if it can't, don't worry about taking separate clips for each part; this is just as good if it depicts how the scene appeared before and after the fire occurred.

Also, take pictures of receipts for damaged items—and make sure they're legible!

Keep track of all broken items, and don't forget to add any receipts from the house you can find buried in the wreckage.

It's crucial to keep a list of all damaged items after a fire. If you can locate any receipts for replacement items or temporary repairs, be sure to include that information as well.

Even if only a portion of a room was damaged by fire, you should take pictures or videos of everything in your house before you start making repairs because you might need to show the adjuster how the item looked before damage occurred.

You should list all of your possessions and keep a running tally of their respective values. To estimate an item's value based on its condition and the year it was produced, use an online valuation tool like EstimateMD's helpful-ness guide (yes, that's right).

Make temporary repairs yourself to prevent further damage. 

Making temporary repairs by yourself will help stop further damage. These expenses must be covered by your insurance up to a certain limit. But keep in mind that you'll need to save every receipt if you want to be reimbursed.

Call your insurance agent right away if there has been a fire. Ask the insurance company how to submit a claim if you are unsure if you can reach your agent. Record everything on camera and in video. Keep a list of everything that is broken, and be sure to include any receipts from the house you can find among the debris. Never dispose of anything before the adjuster has seen it. Take pictures or videos of every room in your house before making repairs, even if only a portion of it was damaged by fire, as you might need to show them what it looked like before the damage occurred.

Why Timely Water Damage Restoration Matters

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur anytime and anywhere.

The scope of water damage can vary widely from a single dripping faucet to heavy flooding that has ruined several rooms and caused structural damage. The severity of the situation will also determine the required cleanup procedures as well as potential repair options. Scheduling for a water damage restoration near Lake Mary as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further problems along the way.

Here are 5 reasons why attending to water damage promptly is important.

Mold Growth

Mold can begin to form in just 24-48 hours after a water damage incident. Mold will flourish fast and if you don't take care of it as soon as possible, it will affect everything in your home - from furniture to clothes. It will devastate your living space and before you know it, your home will be contaminated and the damage becomes more severe. Calling for a SERVPRO near my location as soon as possible will prevent mold from forming as they will instantly attend to the water damage and begin the cleanup process.

Structural Damage

Water damage can cause structural damage to homes because of the sheer force of water flow. This is especially true for homes with crawl spaces or basements where flooding occurs. The water pressure will push against walls and floors, causing them to warp or even collapse over time if not attended by a water damage restoration Lake Mary professional immediately.

Permanent Stains on Flooring and Walls

Water is not only capable of damaging the structure of your home but also the interior, including flooring and walls. Water-damaged areas will likely develop permanent staining that cannot be removed no matter how hard you scrub or how much cleaning solution you use.  Keeping your home dry and immediately calling for professional help will prevent this from happening.

Electrical Damage

Electrical wiring and electrical systems are specifically designed to handle the amount of moisture that they are typically exposed to. However, when exposed to too much water or when submerged in water, even for a short amount of time, the insulation around these wires can become damaged and corroded. This can result in short circuits and even fires. In addition, if water gets into any electrical equipment like a refrigerator or freezer, it will likely cause permanent damage to the internal components as well.

Money Savings

Repairs are costly especially if it involves your home. Dealing with water damage right away will ensure things will be fixed before they get worse.  It is best to start the repair process as soon as possible. Delaying the restoration will only cost you more money in the long run.

Conclusion

Water damage is a serious issue that can have catastrophic results, especially in homes with crawl spaces, basements, or built-in water damage mitigation systems. Water damage can occur anytime and anywhere. It is not something to be taken lightly because it can cause major damage to your home and health. If you ever experience any water damage, call a SERVPRO near my location as soon as possible.

Smoke Damage and Its Effect on Your Home If Untreated

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Water and smoke can combine to form a very caustic substance.

Fires have the potential to ruin your belongings and do permanent harm. The flames jump from object to object, charring everything completely.

The heat from the flames will radiate, melting, crackling, and even shattering nearby objects.

to lessen the adverse effect of the smoke damage, you might want to hit the SERVPRO near my location search button now.

After the flames have been extinguished, smoke damage is what is left. Without proper care, smoke damage can destroy your house and its belongings, even if the fire did not start in the same room.

For instance, during wildfires, homes, and businesses have been destroyed by smoke alone, yet the structures were unaffected by flames.

Your valuables may sustain smoke damage even from a little fire that was put out quite promptly or even odor that you may need a smoke odor removal company’s help.

Additionally, it may have an impact on the basic framework of your house. This is why it's crucial to remove smoke and soot as soon as possible after a fire.

If left unattended for a long time, smoke can work like an acid and will eat away at various materials.

It's best to emphasize the need of acting quickly to minimize losses if a fire breaks out in your home or if you reside nearby an area where a wildfire has broken out.

What Affects Smoke Has On Your Home?

Different materials are impacted by smoke in different ways. Additionally, the fire's temperature and nature will affect the extent of smoke damage throughout your house in different ways.

Given the small size of the smoke particles, one of the worst ways they can harm a structure is by slipping into cracks and crevices. Since they frequently go unnoticed for extended periods, the smell of smoke they leave behind can linger for months.

The only method to get rid of the smell in your house is to get rid of the offending objects, clean the affected areas, and clean the building materials with smell-removing cleaners.

Water and smoke can combine to form a very caustic substance. This corrosive substance starts to progressively corrode away walls, floors, ceilings, and any other surfaces in your home if they are not cleaned up right away.

Simple cleanup with soap and water is insufficient. To thoroughly eliminate the substance and limit the harm, it must be cleaned properly using the right chemicals.

To Wrap

A competent smoke damage restoration specialist can analyze the damage and build a specific mitigation plan to ensure your house is fully clear of fire-related damages.

Knowing what it takes to be a SERVPRO technician is essential to us especially when people tend to ask about restoration and SERVPRO near my location.

One of the most informed experts in the field of smoke odor removal is a highly trained crew.

Every member is required to finish a training program that includes important workshops and certification to make sure that they are efficient and doing great service.

After The Storm: How to Get Your Commercial Restoration Started

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

it's crucial to keep in mind that professionals should still be called in to handle storm damage cleaning and restoration.

It also helps to think about what you can do once the storm has gone and you've done all the necessary safeguards to get your commercial property back in order.

Major storm damage can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed and as though their entire world has been turned upside down. And it's acceptable to feel this way given that you must work to resume your life, begin the rehabilitation of your property, and complete a professional storm damage cleaning from SERVPRO cleaning near me.

It's helpful to know what to do after a storm hits your commercial property because it might help you plan your storm cleaning. By applying this knowledge and having a plan in place, you may stop further harm from occurring to your family, your belongings, and your hard-earned money. In the end, it can help you reclaim your life and your things as soon as possible.

In that regard, the following four recommendations should help you manage storm damage cleanup and restoration at least a little bit more easily:

#1 Always put your safety first.

It's crucial to put your safety first no matter how many hurricanes, floods, or thunderstorms you've survived.

It could be advisable to stay at an emergency shelter, a hotel, with friends or family if you had to evacuate your commercial property before the storm. Have your health checked for dangers before you return as a simple way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

You should check to make sure it's safe to walk outside once more even if you didn't have to leave before you start searching for damage. Additionally, there can be risky areas nearby, such as slick areas, shattered glass, exposed electrical cables, and damaged gas lines.

#2 Keep track of storm damage

Here are a few typical storm damages to be on the lookout for before contacting your insurance company and SERVPRO near my location:

• Dents in the gutters, cracked seams, missing or broken shingles, and leaking roofs
• Damaged or missing exterior sliding
• Broken doors, chipped glass, and cracked windows
• Faulty or broken outdoor equipment, such as air conditioners
• A flooded basement
• Electrical shorts that start fires or allow water to enter outlets

Before moving or removing any of these from your property, please sure to snap pictures of each item. 

All damages must be accurately documented in order to aid your insurance provider in estimating the size of the loss.

Taking photos from different angles and including shots of your property before it was damaged will also speed up the process, which brings us to our next recommendation.

#3 Contact your insurance provider

You can call out to SERVPRO cleaning near me to start the professional storm damage cleanup and restoration procedure once your images are ready and you've contacted your insurance company.

A representative will answer your inquiries, provide the coverage your policy offers, and send a claims adjuster to evaluate the property damage.

Once you've contacted your provider, keeping in touch with them until your claim is resolved may help you focus on your restoration by giving you one less thing to worry about.

#4 Get in touch with an expert storm cleanup and restoration team

You can take care of the minor repairs to avoid worse problems, but it's crucial to keep in mind that professionals should still be called in to handle storm damage cleaning and restoration.

If you're seeking for a nearby group that offers 24/7 storm cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO near my location is here for you.

Thanks to our dedication to providing professional restoration solutions and client satisfaction during this challenging period, you can count on us to take care of everything while you concentrate on what matters most. If you require help, give us a call straight away.

Importance of Proper Biohazard Cleanup & Disinfection

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you need biohazards on your property cleared and disinfected properly, get in touch with us.

Cleaning hazardous materials left over from a crime scene, meth lab, hoarding, or biochemical exposure is known as biohazard cleanup. The cleansing of these areas should be left to the professionals who have the knowledge and tools to do so safely.

Risks That come with Cleaning Hazardous Materials and Why is it important to properly clean and disinfect

The last thing a family wants to do after a horrific event is clean up the blood and bodily fluids oneself. To safeguard the security of the property owners and the cleaning team, the cleanup must be done right away and only by qualified individuals from a reputable biohazard cleaning company . They are protected from the potential risks of biohazard cleanup by the appropriate tools and experience.

Some of the risks related if not willing to avail biohazard cleanup service 

are listed below.

1. Pathogens

Blood cleanup at crime scenes is a risky task. Professionals are putting themselves at risk for potentially infections. Engage the assistance of a trustworthy biohazard cleaning company, such as SERVPRO Sanford, to prevent coming into contact with the germs.

2. Contaminants

Without any professional training or understanding, those who decide to clean the blood themselves are likely to transmit the pathogens. Crime scene employees are always careful not to track biological fluid from their footwear to other areas of the scene when working in a violent incident with a lot of biological fluids present.

3. Body Liquids

Human waste needs to be removed promptly and properly. Anyone exposed to the afflicted region runs a severe risk of contracting diseases caused by human feces and urine. Fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, skin changes, joint pain, and exhaustion are signs of exposure and transmission.

Problems could arise even from urine's ammonia content. Upper respiratory issues, headaches, vomiting, and convulsions in certain extreme cases are possible signs of chronic exposure.

4. Permanent stains and damage

Blood stains and biohazards need to be thoroughly cleansed within a certain time frame in order to avoid irreparable harm. Blood stains on porous materials will speed up the deterioration process by weakening the structure and furnishings in addition to discoloring them.

Blood spills on carpeting must be cleaned up quickly to prevent permanent harm from the blood's settling into the carpet. The stains might detract from the appearance of the home when they are not thoroughly and successfully removed.

5. Noxious odors

Building materials that have biohazards absorbed into them may have a potent stench that seeps into their pores. Even if the biohazards are evidently gone, strong scents may still be present after cleaning. A skilled expert is also capable of eliminating unpleasant odors.

Importance of having an Effective and Safe Biohazard Cleaning

A professional's services can guarantee that all traces of biohazardous material will be eliminated. You won't put your health at risk by using safe cleaning supplies and the right tools.

• Protection

All qualified cleanup and restoration crews depend on their tools to keep both them and you safe from contact with hazardous biohazards. Masks, gloves, eye protection, and occasionally a respirator may be required, depending on the environment, are all examples of personal protective equipment.

It's also necessary to bar non-experts from entering the impacted region. The impacted area should only be accessible to the cleanup staff who are dressed correctly. From the very beginning to the very end of biohazard cleanup, safety must always come first.

• Equipment

Most property owners would presume that it is acceptable to clean the scene using bleach and other standard cleaning tools. If handled and cleaned improperly, biohazard materials can spread infection. Crime scene cleaners apply specialized cleaning solutions and solvents to the site, which disinfects the area.

• Disposal

Any bio-hazardous products should be put into plastic containers made specifically to hold and contain biohazards, such as hazmat bags. Additionally, these containers guarantee that infections and dangerous microorganisms are kept inside. Bacteria can cause lingering scents that are difficult to get rid of. Professionals can handle these odors by utilizing equipment best fit in the situation.

• Speed

The likelihood that someone will be exposed increases the longer a site is contaminated. Even just the smell can be considered disruptive. A prompt answer can help you prevent this problem.

Reliable Cleaning and Restoration Experts

The knowledgeable staff at SERVPRO Sanford will relieve you of the stress and risk by providing you an expert biohazard cleanup service.

We adhere to all rules and have obtained the necessary certifications to handle and clean bio-hazardous products.

If you need biohazards on your property cleared and disinfected properly, get in touch with us.

Mold from Clothes: How to get rid of it

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup might be a difficult task to handle on your own. We advise speaking with knowledgeable experts.

Dealing with mold and mildew can be a hassle, especially if they develop on your clothing. They can have a terrible odor in addition to being ugly. This can happen to items that have been left in a damp, dark spot for an extended period of time, or it could mean that your dryer or washer has mold or mildew in it. It's crucial to understand how to clean mold off of clothing because of this.

Mold stains can appear on clothing as a result of water contact or poor storage, and they can be challenging to get rid of. The clothes should be washed as soon as possible. 

But you can remove mold stains from all types of clothes, even delicate materials, with the appropriate tools and care. The best approach to get mold out of garments is to give them a good wash. Make sure to adhere to the clothing's recommended water temperature.

Guidelines for Preventing and Removing Mold and Mildew on Clothes

Here are some guidelines to assist avoid and get rid of mold from spoiling your garments if proper washing is ineffective, for assistance you might also contact SERVPRO Sanford near you:

1. In your washing hamper, do you find rotting clothes? Wet towels or garments at the bottom of the washing basket may be to blame for this. Before adding any soiled garments, use a disinfectant to get rid of any mold spores that may still be present.
2. Regularly check your dryer and washing machine for mold. After a wash, if your clothing still has a musty scent, your washer may have mold. Run an empty cycle with hot water and bleach or detergent to remove the mold from the machine

If it doesn't work, carefully disassemble the washer and use hot water and a cleaning agent to remove any mold you detect. To get rid of as many mold spores as you can, use a gentle brush or an old toothbrush.

If it still doesn’t work, reach out to SERVPRO Sanford for an immediate action.

1. Put wet clothing in the sun to dry. Mold spores can be killed naturally by sunlight, and a wind will help your garments breathe better.
2. Put your clothing in a solution of vinegar. Black, non-porous, and porous mold can all be cleaned and disinfected using white vinegar. Undiluted white vinegar should be sprayed on the moldy regions. Additionally, you can mix a paste of salt and lemon juice to apply to moldy regions. After letting it sit for a while, wash it off. Equal parts of water and vinegar should be combined to create a solution. Before washing, let your garments soak in the solution for 30 minutes. Don't mix vinegar and bleach together.
3. Laundry detergent and really hot water to wash your moldy garments. Laundry detergent will get rid of musty odors and kill mold spores. You should also soak your soiled item in a pre-soaking solution before washing it because mold stains are difficult to remove.
4. Your wash cycle should now include baking soda. A natural deodorizer, baking soda can help get rid of musty odors from your clothing. Along with your regular detergent, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
5. Apply a mold stain remover like bleach, but make sure it's okay to use bleach by checking the labels on your clothing first. Start a typical cycle after adding the detergent and clothes. More additional tips can be given by professionals at SERVPRO cleaning near me.

After the washer has filled with water, pause the cycle, add a cup of bleach, and then restart the wash. Alternately, soak the clothing for at least an hour in a solution of one cup of bleach and two gallons of hot water.

1. You can substitute vinegar, baking soda, borax, or ammonia for bleach in a manner that is similar. Add a cup of your preferred product after starting the wash cycle with your laundry and detergent.

Once the garments are thoroughly wet, switch off the cycle and wait at least an hour before starting it again. The chosen product will be able to combat the mold if the cycle is stopped while the clothing are still damp. Bleach and ammonia should not be combined as the resulting fumes can be toxic.

If you’re still having a hard time removing mold from your clothes, you may reach out to SERVPRO near my location for immediate action.

Search online for SERVPRO cleaning near me and you will be directed to our  Professional Mold Remediation Service.

Mold cleanup might be a difficult task to handle on your own. We advise speaking with knowledgeable experts. For mold removal services, get in touch with SERVPRO professionals by searching SERVPRO near my location now. We take special pride in our ability to restore your house to its condition.

How to Handle Damage from a Kitchen Fire

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking is frequently one of the main causes of house fires, and cooking fires can seriously harm your kitchen.

Whether at home or at business, a fire may be one of the most terrifying and distressing events for those caught up in it or affected by it. A fire's intensity and speed can leave you feeling incredibly helpless while also causing significant property loss and damage.

Even after the flames have been put out, harm from fires continues. Families suffering with fire damage frequently see the destruction of their most valued items and the roof over their heads, which forces them to look for a secure location to take refuge.

Businesses may experience financial difficulties and become unable to conduct operations in the interim. Quick fire damage restoration from SERVPRO Sanford may be the key to reducing the psychological and financial hardships brought on by a fire.

As soon as feasible after the damage initially happens, the fire damage repair service restoration method entails water restoration, smoke damage removal, and damage mitigation.

The kitchen is a common place for people to enter and exit during the day, whether they are preparing food or simply grabbing a snack. One of a house's busiest rooms is the kitchen, which is also where families congregate for meals or to host guests. Sadly, that's also where the majority of home fires start.

Cooking is frequently one of the main causes of house fires, and cooking fires can seriously harm your kitchen. Always take the proper safety steps to avoid kitchen fires, and your primary goal should be to keep your family and yourself safe if one does break out. 

Safety Measures

You need to exercise every safety measure imaginable before going back inside your kitchen. Electrical or gas pipes may have hidden damage that could have potentially serious repercussions.

An inspector will look for safety hazards after the fire crew puts out the fire and will let you know when it is safe to enter.

Bird Dropping: Importance of Biohazard Cleanup Service

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

If not properly cleaned up, bird droppings from pigeons, gulls, and sparrows can permanently harm the construction of your building or equipment.

Bird dropping guano poses a concern, hence it is crucial to remove it from structures and pedestrian areas. In addition to being unpleasant, it can harm building structures. By removing risks to people, animals, and the built environment, SERVPRO offers a highly efficient and secure bird guano cleaning and removal service.

Trauma and Biohazard can include a range of services, including cleaning up crime scenes and prison cells. Leaders in the field, SERVPRO provides biohazard cleanup service from a biohazard cleaning company  for a variety of situations. SERVPRO is the quick and efficient solution that consistently performs. It has over nationally recognized accreditations, and an emergency response team at the ready.

Why It's Important to Remove Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are more than just an obtrusive nuisance. They pose significant threats to the environment, the law, and the economy if allowed time to accumulate or if they are left in particular locations.

1. They may create tripping and slipping dangers, which may lead to injuries.
2. Buildings can be permanently stained and damaged by bird guano, which is acidic. Structures made of limestone are particularly vulnerable.
3. It may produce unpleasant odors that ventilation systems can carry into buildings.
4. Heating and cooling systems, as well as other gear and equipment, can become contaminated with guano and stop working.
5. Guano and other bird excrement, such as nesting material, can clog gutters and drain downpipes, causing floods inside buildings.

Bird droppings can harm a business's reputation by discouraging consumers from visiting the location and causing considerable distress to those who work in the impacted buildings and areas, this is the reason why you need to hit the road and  find a biohazard cleanup service.

Why is bird drop removal important?

Bird guano, an extremely acidic chemical, can cause severe corrosion on a number of surfaces if it is left on them for an extended period of time. 

For this reason, it's crucial to make sure that all bird poop is eliminated as fast and effectively as possible. So, for immediate response and removal, you might need to contact the best biohazard cleaning company nearest you.

Simply cleaning the surface until the guano is no longer visible during the cleanup procedure will not prevent the danger. You must utilize commercial remedies to eliminate the dangerous substance contained in the bird dropping.

Wrap-Up

Safe bird excrement removal is necessary to ensure that any risk is eradicated as well as to enhance the aesthetic aspect of a structure or surface where it is present. It also helps to extend the life of the surface.

If not properly cleaned up, bird droppings from pigeons, gulls, and sparrows can permanently harm the construction of your building or equipment. Birds have access to protected spaces that make excellent nesting places, including rooftops, balconies, machines, ventilation systems, and lofts.

At SERVPRO, we properly remove the waste and clean the area to eliminate any  risks with our bird guano cleaning service. Contact us right away for more information about our biohazard cleanup services.

Business Property Management: How to Run Rental Properties

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Availing commercial cleaning services North Seminole is just one call away. SERV Pro is here 24/7 to help you with anything you need in property manag

Are you planning to start-up a business and are still unfamiliar with how to manage it?

From the outside, being a landlord appears simple, but once you get started, you quickly realize how difficult it can be.

Maintaining a manageable level of time spent monitoring your property is critical to both your quality of life and the success of your rental property business.

If you're not careful, your profits and sense of well-being may both suffer. You have the option of being absolutely hands-on or outsourcing everything even availing the office cleaning services North Seminole.

Consider these rental property management ideas to boost your productivity and efficiency.

#1 Tenant Management

This is the most visible and direct aspect of rental property management. Being a successful landlord, though, entails much more than merely collecting money. You must control:

• Setting due dates for rent collection. Rent is collected every week or month. Putting in place late fees and grace periods. Unpaid rent is a problem.
• Verify that your lease contains all legal terms required by your state's landlord-tenant law. Ascertaining if the lease is current with the most recent version of the law. Managing all tenants' lease start and end dates.
• Tenant Screening: Just like in posting job openings. Organizing appointments. Verifying application details. You may also see if certain tenants are a suitable fit for your property.
• Signing lease agreements and moving in. Reviewing the rules, regulations, and requirements. Obtaining the security deposit and the first month's rent Walking through the rental unit and taking note of its current state.
• Verifying the lease term has come to an end. Examining the rented unit for any signs of damage. The search for a new tenant for an apartment has begun.
• Receiving complaints from tenants. Creating a game plan to address the issue is a must.
• Repair Inquiries: Quickly responding to requests. Putting the importance of repair first. Repairing it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you. So, if in need of help, better reach out to commercial cleaning services North Seminole than to make damages worse.
• Evictions of tenants: Sending legally needed notices to tenants prior to eviction. Eviction petition filed with the court. Gathering evidence to support your eviction request.

#2 Financial Management

When you own a rental property, the second aspect of management that you will have to deal with is finances. You need to know how much money comes in and how much money goes out each month.

• Rent Payments: The amount of rent you receive each month.
• Mortgage Payment: The amount you pay on your mortgage each month.
• Insurance is the cost of insuring your property.
• Taxes: The amount of your annual property taxes.
• Utilities: If tenants are not liable for utilities, how much do the property's water, gas, and electric bills cost each month?
• Fees/Fines: Fees for property inspections or court fees that you may be required to pay. Unexpected fees for property upkeep concerns especially when meeting with clients and in need of office cleaning services North Seminole.

#3 Maintain your property.

Maintaining routine maintenance is one strategy to avoid the time and money of emergencies. The majority of emergencies occur as a result of something wearing out or a little issue going ignored until it is too late.

Even if your tenants do not report any problems, you should nonetheless inspect your plumbing, heating, cooling, and appliances on a regular basis. Improvements to rental properties that attract tenants will keep your maintenance in good operating order as well. If you need professional help, you can easily reach out to commercial cleaning services North Seminole. 

To Wrap

As you begin this new juncture in your life of managing rental property, it’s important to be prepared. We hope you found these suggestions useful! Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you by contacting us today.

How Flood Water Damage Can Impact Your Business

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Continuity is crucial for any business. More than 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, and of those that do, only 29% stay operational.

Flood damage to your commercial property can spell a lot of problems. Not only will the water damage have to be repaired, but there could be issues with mold growth, which has serious implications. Mold spores are microscopic and float through the air right into your building, where they begin growing on the wall or floor surface they land on. For this reason, it is important to call for a commercial flood damage restoration North Seminole as soon as possible. Water damage remediation North Seminole can help minimize further damage to your business.

Here are some of the things that could happen after experiencing commercial flood damage.

Increase insurance premiums

If you have business interruption insurance, this will cover the costs of lost revenue while your business is closed. However, if you are not covered for this type of damage, then you will have to pay for the repairs out of pocket, and that could increase your insurance premiums.

Loss of customer base

If your business is in a flood zone, then you might want to consider relocating. In some cases, customers will not want to deal with a business that has been flooded and will go elsewhere. This can also happen if your business was damaged in a flood, but you have not moved.

Cannot compete with other businesses

If your business is flooded or damaged, your competitors will be able to offer better prices. You will have to cut your prices to stay competitive, and if you cannot afford that, then you might have to close.

Significant structural and electrical damage in the building

If the building is not structurally sound after the flood, then you will have to pay for repairs. In some cases, it might be cheaper to just rebuild than it is to repair. Flooding can cause serious damage to your building’s electrical system and appliances. To make matters worse, if you haven't immediately contacted water damage remediation North Seminole, fire risk can be your next biggest problem.

Potential problems with your business operations

Continuity is crucial for any business. More than 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, and of those that do, only 29% are still in operation two years later, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A flood can cause serious problems with continuity and will cost you time and money to get things back up and running. If your business is closed for a long period of time, you will have to deal with the costs of lost revenue. If your employees are unable to work, they might sue you for back wages. If a flood causes extensive damage to your building, you might want to consider relocating.

Conclusion

In addition to all these things, you will also have to deal with all the stress that comes with such a catastrophe. You might lose sleep worrying about how you are going to get everything done. The most important thing to do right after flooding is to schedule a commercial flood damage restoration North Seminole.

3 Useful Hints For Fire Extinguishers

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping a small fire extinguisher handy in your Volusia County home can help you prevent small fires from raging out of control.

Keeping a small fire extinguisher handy in your Volusia County home can help you prevent small fires from raging out of control. You may already have one stored under your kitchen sink or in a cupboard. However, if you not prepared to use it, this tool cannot do you much good if a blaze breaks out. Learning how to use your extinguisher before there is an emergency can help you feel more confident about putting out an unexpected fire.

1. Have a Safe Escape Route

Before you try to fight a fire, it is important that you have an escape route in case the blaze re-ignites or grows despite your best efforts. For example, if you are trying to put out a kitchen fire, try to face it with your back toward the nearest exit so you can back away quickly if your extinguisher cannot handle the force of the fire. Trying to put out a fire with no escape route is hand can be foolhardy and put you at risk for serious injury.

2. Inspect the Safety Pin

Any fire extinguisher in your home should have an intact safety pin. This pin must be pulled before operating your unit, as it breaks the device’s safety seal as well as prevents the extinguisher from discharging without warning. You can replace a missing pin if necessary; however, you might want to ask the advice of your local fire station or a qualified fire damage and restoration company if it is safe or advisable to do so.

3. Sweep as You Spray

As you fight a fire, remember to move the extinguisher’s canister from side to side and aim for the fire’s base. This motion may help put the fire out more quickly. If the blaze reignites, sweep the base again.

Keeping a fire extinguisher handy in your Volusia County home can prevent small fires from burning out of control. However, knowing how to use this fire-fighting tool beforehand can help you snuff out a blaze with confidence.

Why Hire SERVPRO of North Seminole County?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

With our decades of experience in any disaster situation, hiring a SERVPRO cleaning near me is the best decision.

When disaster strikes, it’s important to know the local cleanup and restoration services in your area. When you need to find a company to help you with fire and water damage or mold removal, there is no better place to turn than SERVPRO of North Seminole County. We have been providing cleanup and restoration services in the North Seminole County area for over 40 years. We have earned the highest customer satisfaction ratings over the years which is why we are a trusted name in the industry.

This post covers some of the reasons why you should hire a SERVPRO cleaning near me.

We are a local company.

As a locally owned and operated business, we are ready to respond to your cleaning and restoration needs as soon as you call a SERVPRO near me. We are active members of the North Seminole County community and have been serving the neighborhood for over 40 years. 

We are proud to serve these communities:

• Alderene Park, FL
• Bookertown, FL
• Lake Mary, FL
• Sanford, FL
• Heathrow, FL
• Paola, FL
• Lock Arbor, FL
• Longwood, FL
• Midway, FL
• Cameron City, FL

We offer 24-hour emergency service.

Disasters and emergencies can happen anytime. That's why we want to make sure that we will be there when you reach out to a SERVPRO near me. With our 24-hour emergency service, you can rest easy that you will receive help from us whenever you need it.

We have decades of experience in any other disaster situations.

We've serviced thousands of homes and businesses for decades, so we know how to deal with any disaster situation. We have years of experience working with all sorts of debris and disaster cleanup, and we'll be happy to help you get through this tough time. If you need help with disaster cleanup, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

We apply advanced cleaning and restoration techniques.

With the rapid advancement of technology, we at SERVPRO use these advancements to restore your property back to its pre-disaster condition quickly and more efficiently. We follow a set of practical standards, and we use advanced cleaning techniques to make sure the property receives the best service. 

We provide additional assistance in insurance claims.

Our help goes beyond cleanup and restoration. We understand the stress of dealing with insurance claims after a disaster. SERVPRO of North Seminole County can also help you with the process and paperwork involved in insurance claims. We can help you with the documentation and requirements needed for you to process your insurance claims smoothly.

Conclusion

When it comes to hiring a cleaning and restoration company, the most important thing to look for is a reputation for quality service. If you want to get the job done, you need to find a company that can take care of you when things go wrong. When it comes to cleaning and restoration, there’s no better option than SERVPRO of North Seminole County. Search a SERVPRO cleaning near me to find the nearest cleaning technicians in your community.

Choose SERVPRO! We Do the Job Right!

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Look for a SERVPRO near my location and we’ll get the job done right as soon as you need us.

When the unthinkable happens and your home or commercial property experiences a disaster, you need help fast. Not only that, you need help from a restoration company that can do the job right the first time. According to an AICPA survey, nearly 4 in 10 Americans admit that they do not have a good sense of how much a disaster recovery could cost them and that few are financially prepared when it happens.

SERVPRO is one of many recognized industry experts that specializes in residential and commercial property cleanup and restoration services. What sets us apart from other companies? We do the job right! 

Here are the reasons why you should trust a SERVPRO cleaning near me to handle your next cleanup and restoration.

We Have the Experience to Handle Anything

No matter what type of disaster hits your home or business, your restoration company should be able to respond quickly and competently. We have the expertise to handle any type of disaster, from fire, water damage, or mold to hurricanes and tornadoes. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped our clients through every type of disaster imaginable. Because restoration work is so unpredictable, you want to work with an emergency restoration company that has been in the business for a long time and has the experience to handle even the most challenging situations. There’s no telling how long a specific project might take, and we know you want it handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. Look for a SERVPRO near my location and we’ll get the job done right as soon as you need us.

We Use Only the Best Equipment

Getting the job done right requires the best equipment. If the right tools are not used correctly, they could cause more harm than good. At SERVPRO, we use the best and most up-to-date tools and equipment to ensure the best results so you never have to call again.

Our technicians are highly trained.

We make sure that our technicians receive ongoing training in the latest restoration techniques, equipment, and procedures. At SERVPRO, we have a training program and technicians are required to complete training. When you contact a SERVPRO cleaning near me, you can rest easy that the technicians going to your property are highly trained.

We have decades of experience in cleanup and restoration.

You’re going to want to work with a restoration company that has decades of experience and a proven track record for handling difficult projects quickly and efficiently. SERVPRO has been in business for more than 40 years, and we’ve been restoring properties for even longer. We’ve seen it all, and we have a proven track record to prove it. 

Conclusion

When the worst happens and you experience a major disaster, you want to make sure you are choosing the right restoration company to help you get back on track. Trust the company that has been there, done that, and knows how to get the job done right! Find a SERVPRO near my location to contact us and we’ll take it from there.

How SERVPRO's Longevity in the Industry Helps Your Business

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

We want your business to survive and thrive after a disaster. Find a SERVPRO near my location today!

When disaster strikes, many businesses struggle to recover. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), almost 40% of small businesses never recover after a disaster. Therefore, when it comes to cleaning business premises after a disaster, time is of the essence. Quickly restoring your business to normal is a top priority, and your business must stay looking its best.

It’s important to consider the cleanup and restoration company’s longevity in the industry in your decision-making. For over 40 years, SERVPRO has provided exceptional restoration and remediation services for commercial properties as well as residential properties.

Here are some of the reasons why you should hire SERVPRO.

We’re Trained for Disaster Situations

You know the challenges that come with having a facility that’s been damaged. Broken windows, roof damage, and other factors mean that a disaster area can leave your business vulnerable. If a fire ripped through your office early in the morning, or if you were one of the many businesses that were damaged by flooding or extreme weather, we could be called in to help. As professionals, we’re trained to deal with these types of disaster situations, and we’re able to get your premises back to normal faster. You can simply look online for a SERVPRO near my location so we can get to your premises as soon as possible.

SERVPRO Has the Experience to Deliver Results

When you rely on SERVPRO, we have a proven track record of delivering results. We have a reputation for completing jobs quickly and effectively, and this experience shows in our speed of response time. Our team is well-trained and equipped to handle any job, big or small, and we’re ready to get started as soon as you are. That means we have the experience necessary to complete large-scale cleanings, like those following major disasters. Just search SERVPRO cleaning near me and you will find more information about our expertise in the industry.

We’re a Local Company – We’ll Be Here When You Need Us

With over 40 years of experience, SERVPRO of North Seminole County can help you with any cleaning project. We know the area and can serve as a local resource for all your needs, including commercial and residential services. You can count on us to be around when you need us the most, and we’ll respond quickly and effectively with our disaster restoration and cleanup services. We service:

• Small office buildings
• Apartment buildings
• Large Office or High-rise Office Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels/Motels
• Government/Military
• Small Retail Stores
• and many more!

Find a SERVPRO near my location today!

We understand the value of continuity when it comes to running a business. So, when disaster strikes and affects your business, you need an expert cleaning company to come in and get the job done. SERVPRO is ready to help get the premises in your business back to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible. Look up SERVPRO cleaning near me, contact our number, and we'll take it from there. Here at SERVPRO, we want your business to survive and thrive.

Looking for Expertise? Hire SERVPRO!

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Expertise and experience - that's what we offer. If you need help with cleanup and restoration, find SERVPRO near you today!

When a disaster strikes, everyone deals with it a bit differently. For some people, it’s a stressful event that makes them anxious. For others, it’s a tragic time that makes them sad. And for some, it’s just a natural disaster that makes them worried. In any case, no matter how you react, the last thing you probably want to deal with is a disaster. 

SERVPRO understands this, which is why we are prepared to help you deal with the aftermath of a disaster. With our experience and expertise in the field of cleaning and restoration, we can help you get back on track as quickly as possible. Here’s why you should find SERVPRO cleaning near me to help you clean and restore your home after a disaster.

SERVPRO: The Trusted Name in Cleaning and Restoration

When you are dealing with a disaster, you need a company that can be trusted. With SERVPRO, we have the experience and expertise to handle any situation. We are a professionally trained full-service disaster restoration company with a unique approach to cleaning that can immediately help you get your home, office, or business back to normal. We’re prepared to respond quickly to your cleanup needs and be there throughout the entire cleaning and restoration process.

We Have the Training and Expertise to Handle Any Situation

Our team of experts has experience working with many types of disasters. We have specialized training for all types of disasters, as well as specific training for extracting dangerous chemicals. Whether you need us to handle a burst pipe or a fire, look for SERVPRO restoration near me so we can help. We’re trained to work with hazardous materials, including removing chemicals, cleaning up harmful spills, and handling biohazardous materials. We can help you get your home or business back to normal quickly and safely.

We Offer Help with Insurance Claims and Repairs

The insurance claim process can be difficult if you are not familiar with the process. Once your cleanup starts, we can help you navigate insurance companies and make sure you get the most for your coverage. We know the ins and outs of insurance claims so we can help you navigate the complicated process of filing an insurance claim. 

We Can Provide a Timeline of When Your Home Will Be Cleared

When you reach out to us to help with cleaning and restoration after a disaster, we can give you a timeline of when your home will be cleaned. You may not know how long cleanup will take, but you certainly want to know how long it will take. We can give you a timeline of when your home will be cleaned and when you can return. With our experience and expertise, we can help you get back on track as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Expertise and experience - that's what we offer at SERVPRO. We have years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry, and we have worked on numerous disasters and crises. If you need help with cleanup and restoration, find SERVPRO cleaning near me or SERVPRO restoration near me and we will be there to help.

Things You Should Get Rid of After a Fire Disaster

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you've suffered a fire, immediately search for 24 hour fire damage repair and restoration to know what items in your home are safe to keep.

After a house fire, you’ll probably be searching for fire damage restoration companies near me or in a hurry to find out what was inside the house that was burned to ashes. You may be able to recover some, but there are some things that you should never bring back after a house fire - even if it means having to do without them for a while. 

Here are five things you should get rid of after a house fire.

Food

Get rid of all remnants of food even if they have not been directly burnt or were located in an area that was not hit by the fire. Smoke and other chemicals could have contaminated all the food items in your home so it is best to not risk consuming them. Bottled food or canned goods may look fine after a fire, but you can't be sure what's growing inside those bottles after they have been exposed to such high temperatures. At the very least, they could lead to a bad smell or taste. But they could also be potentially dangerous to consume.

Medications

Medications, whether they are in tablet or liquid form, can absorb contaminants and smoke from the fire. Not only will they be dangerous to consume, but they may also not be as effective anymore considering the conditions they were exposed to. Even if the medications are expensive, do not be tempted to keep them after a fire to prevent any issues down the road.

Pet Food

Just like human food, it is also not safe to keep pet food that was exposed to smoke and other contaminants from a fire. Even if the pet food is not covered in ash or any dangerous fumes, it is best to get rid of them immediately after a fire.

Burned Textiles

Textiles such as clothing, rugs, bedding, and furniture could absorb so much smoke that most of the time, they are dangerous to keep if not treated properly. Luckily, if you can immediately contact a 24 hour fire damage repair and restoration, you can save your textiles properly and be able to keep them. However, if the textiles have been burnt badly, it is best to throw them out as soon as possible.

Paper Goods

Any paper goods like disposable cups, plates, plastic utensils and even documents should all be thrown out to prevent any further damage. Some of them may have smoke residue left that could be consumed. Or worse, they could potentially ignite another fire. There might be some papers that you want to keep but make sure to store them properly and have them inspected properly to ensure they are safe for storage.

Conclusion

After a house fire, some of us may have to start over with virtually nothing. As much as we want to keep some items, some things are best thrown away for safety purposes. If you've suffered a fire, immediately search for fire damage restoration companies near me to find a 24 hour fire damage repair and restoration company in your area.

Selling Your House with Fire Damage: 5 Tips to Keep in Mind

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Contact a fire damage restoration north Seminole company so you have a high chance of restoring your property and selling it in the future.

After unexpected fire damage to your home, you may not be able to fully comprehend what has just happened until you try to list everything that you lost. As much as you want to, you can’t go back in time and undo the damage. Instead, you’ll need to work with what you’ve got. Before you even think about selling your home, you may want to consider if it’s worth it. 

No matter the cost, you’ll want to make sure your home is worth selling. Here are five tips you can use to sell your home with fire damage.

Make sure to do all fire damage repair first.

In most cases, there will be smoke stains on the walls, floors, and ceilings. You may also have damage to appliances, lighting fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and more. All these issues will make your home unattractive to prospective buyers. Contact a fire damage restoration north Seminole company first to do fire damage repair first so you can make it marketable.

Clean and sanitize the entire home.

The smell and appearance of a dirty house can be off-putting to potential buyers. Fire damage is often associated with smoke and soot from the incident. The amount of sanitization you use depends on the level of contamination in your home.

Set a reasonable asking price.

Fire damage often knocks down the selling price of your home. While you can sell a fire damaged house as is, you can also increase it by doing some repairs. For this reason, start with a realistic price. You need to be realistic with your price and not overprice your house. Overpricing a home can often cause you to get less money than you would have if you had priced it at market value. Remember, it’s important to get as much money for your home as possible. However, it’s also important to find the right buyer.

Make sure to showcase your home's best features.

Fire damage may make your house look older and more worn out. However, you can use this to your advantage by highlighting your home’s best features. Buyers are often drawn to the curb appeal of a home. You can use this to your advantage by using paint, cleaning products, and landscaping for curb appeal.

Don’t be too pushy or make false claims.

One thing that will turn potential buyers off is aggressive and pushy sales tactics. You don’t want to be overbearing and pushy from the start. However, you also don’t want to be too relaxed and laid-back. You need to find a happy medium and show a little bit of each. One thing that will turn off potential buyers is if you make false claims about your house. For example, you shouldn’t claim that your house has never been through a fire.

Conclusion

Fire can cause a lot of damage to your home, but it doesn’t have to stop you from selling it. If your home has been damaged by fire, make sure to contact a fire damage restoration north Seminole company as soon as possible so you have a high chance of restoring your property and selling it in the future.

How to Minimize the Risk of Fire After Flooding

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you need help in dealing with fire damage after your home is flooded, make sure to contact SERVPRO.

When your home is flooded, you might think that you will only have to deal with water damage. But there are other things you should keep in mind. After a flood, the most likely source of ignition for flammable materials is water. Even on dry days, many materials that are stored or displayed inflammable liquids or gasses can build up in flood-damaged homes. This presents a serious fire risk. Floodwater can also cause electrical wires and appliances to spark, which can ignite nearby flammable materials. It’s important to know how to minimize the risk of fire after flooding. 

Here are some fire safety tips to reduce the risk of fire.

Don’t store flammable materials in flood-prone areas.

Many materials can be made flammable by exposure to water. These materials include gasoline, paint, oil, and aerosol cans. Even items that aren’t usually flammable, like food, can catch fire if they’re left in floodwater for too long. Before the flood, inspect your home for areas that may flood. If possible, avoid storing flammable materials in these areas.

Keep matches and lighters away from flammable materials.

Even a spark can ignite a flammable substance. Keep matches and lighters away from flammable materials, such as up high or out of reach. Store hazardous materials, like paint, in a separate area that’s also away from flammable materials.

Turn off electrical equipment.

Before the flood, turn off electrical equipment, like refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves, that’s not being used. This will help prevent small fires and provide additional protection against larger fires.

Use alarms and smoke detectors.

Install alarms and smoke detectors on every floor of your home. These devices will go off if there’s a fire, helping to notify everyone in the household and providing early warning. A smoke alarm in the home significantly reduces your risk of dying in a fire by 50%. So, if you have a smoke detector, make sure it is working properly.

Keep fires small, and extinguish small fires immediately.

Fires caused by flooding should be handled with care. Even when a fire is small, it can release a lot of smoke. Keep fires small and extinguish them immediately with a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher. However, avoid undermining small fires as they can spread faster than you think. Call for a fire damage restoration North Seminole to immediately do a fire damage repair if your home has already caught fire. They have the tools and expertise to control the spread of fire damage in your home.

Isolate the area outside of the fire zone.

If possible, move outside the fire zone to avoid exposure to smoke. This will help keep exposure to the area outside of the fire zone to a minimum. Isolating the area will also help prevent the spread of smoke throughout the rest of the house.

Conclusion

Fire safety after flooding is important to prevent fires and maintain good housekeeping. Floodwaters can wreak havoc on your home, leaving it exposed to fire. Follow these tips to minimize the risk of fire after flooding and if you need immediate fire damage repair, make sure to contact a reliable fire damage restoration North Seminole professional.

What are the signs of old and new water damage and what causes them?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

By regularly inspecting these points of origin, homeowners can ensure that the water damage does not get out of hand.

Distinguish between old and new water damage

Water damage causes costs of $2.5 billion every year, with an average water damage insurance claim of $6,965. It is important to be able to detect water damage threats early on to avoid massive repair costs. SERVPRO, a water damage restoration company, shares the signs of old and new water damage and the common causes of the same.

The following techniques can be used by homeowners to assess the age of the water damage to a home so water damage restoration experts have some idea of what they need to work with. 

1. Touch the Spot: Inspect the house for water damage by touching the spots. If, for example, a drywall feels damp it is new water damage but if it is squishy and soft, it is a sign of old water damage. The drywall has been absorbing the moisture for a long time and it has taken its toll on the integrity of the wall. 
2. Search for Rings: Hidden water damage will discolor drywall, ceiling panels, and other house materials. A discolored spot with rings is a sign of old water damage. This is because when the water damage is new, it will eventually dry out and leave a stain. When the same spot leaks again, it will permeate the material and leave another spot when it dries. This process leaves rings on the damaged area. The more rings, the older the damage. 
3. Examine the Different Materials: Different materials respond differently to water. Check the tiles and thick paint on walls or ceiling. Even a small water spot could mean that the water has been trapped within them for a long time. Discolored spots that have recently been damaged by water will be damp but will still seem strong and sturdy. However, certain materials may have a higher saturation point and may have absorbed much more moisture before it becomes visible to the naked eye. Materials such as wood may absorb lots of water before the homeowner spots the water damage. So materials that have been absorbing moisture for long will start breaking down and lose their structural integrity. 
4. Inspect for Any Mold: Mold spores start growing after consistent water damage for 2 to 3 days. Mold growth indicates the water damage has been around for a few days.
5. Look Out for Decay: Household materials do not decay due to recent water damage. Any decay on walls or ceilings indicates that the materials have been consistently exposed to standing water or flooding. Decay is a sign of old water damage.

Common culprits of water damage in homes include severe weather such as thunderstorms and hurricanes; clogged gutters; leaking pipes; condensation from HVAC; blocked drains; washing machine supply line leak; and leaking water heater. 

By regularly inspecting these points of origin, homeowners can ensure that the water damage does not get out of hand. The distinction between old and new water damage can also indicate to homeowners the extent of the damage to their homes and in best-case scenarios avoid them altogether. 

Why You Should ire A SERVPRO Franchise

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state.

The History of SERVPRO 

SERVPRO was originally a painting business in California founded by Ted and Doris Isaacson in 1967. Owing to their talent, hard work, and vision, the Isaacsons soon expanded their company into a franchisor of property damage restoration and cleaning specialists. After selling their first franchise in 1969, SERVPRO strategically moved to Gallatin, Tennessee, placing itself within 600 miles of 50% of the U.S. population

By the year 2000, SERVPRO experienced phenomenal growth with 1000 franchises across the country. Today, at double the number of franchisees, SERVPRO stands apart from and ahead of its competitors and is an industry leader. SERVPRO is known for its rich history, a strong vision, dedicated and professional teams, and a dedication to customer satisfaction. 

SERVPRO offers a holistic restoration service to its clients with its residential and commercial services; water, fire, and storm damage restoration services; mold remediation expertise; cleaning services; insurance support, and building services. The IICRC certified company constantly upgrades its teams’ skills, and offers the latest equipment, cutting-edge technologies, advanced cleaning techniques, years of experience, and resources of over 1700 franchises across the country. 

The Benefits of Hiring a SERVPRO Franchise

SERVPRO believes in excellence and swift and efficient restoration of a property to its preloss condition. Its culture of delivering the best offers some unmatched benefits as mentioned below:

• When an emergency strikes, a property owner needs a restoration service that is available at all times, anywhere. A large restoration company with its presence across the country, SERVPRO offers superior service compared to non-franchised competitors.
• The pooled resources and experience of 1800 franchises across the country entail massive problem-solving capabilities. With SERVPRO, clients get access to an unmatched and immense pool of knowledge, experience, and resources. 
• With nearly two thousand franchisees and their brilliant teams, nothing is impossible for SERVPRO. This experience base of these franchises multiplies the efficiency levels, reduces errors and waste, and ensures absolute customer satisfaction. The SERVPRO team is known for its swift arrival on the scene, effective communication with the command center, efficient deployment of equipment to the assigned areas to kickstart the restoration process. 
• Disasters such as flash floods and earthquakes do not arrive at a convenient time. They can wreak havoc anywhere, anytime. The biggest advantage of an association with SERVPRO is access to its vast network of franchisees across the country. This ensures that its clients receive immediate help, no matter where they are. The vast franchise network enables SERVPRO franchisees to deploy a team of responders in any area the client is located in. A disaster situation requires swift response time. 
• The seamless enforcement of protocol, cleaning standards, process, performance, safety procedures, and quality across all SERVPRO franchises makes the SERVPRO teams extremely consistent in their response. With the constant skill up-gradation and IICRC certifications, the technicians are highly efficient and offer the best service in the industry.  Unified protocol and training enable a synchronized efficient response from all franchise teams.
• When disasters strike an entire city or a large area, massive manpower is needed. The SERVPRO franchise can mobilize dozens or hundreds of crews along with specialized equipment for a rapid, efficient, and well-managed response. SERVPRO’s speed and scope during large-loss events like tsunamis, hurricanes, or forest fires occur are unmatched. 
• It is logical to work with a company that can offer a holistic restoration service. SERVPRO franchises across the country enable industries and organizations to avail seamless and high-end services for multiple locations. This one-stop-shop feature of SERVPRO proves to be economical and efficient for organizations in the long run.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO Of North Seminole County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Sanford or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

Fire Safety For College Campuses

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

The preventative measures that campuses must adopt to prevent fires and the associated smoke damage.

Fire damage restoration company gives fire safety tips for college campuses

Whether it is home or a college campus, students must be aware of the precautionary measures that must be taken to prevent fires. However, college campuses are different from homes, with their larger areas and unique protocols. Fires are not only life-threatening, but they also entail huge economic losses. One of the byproducts of fire damage is smoke damage that leaves a long-lasting impact on the affected property. SERVPRO of North Seminole County, a fire damage restoration company, shares some statistics about campus fires across the United States as well as critical fire safety measures that the college staff and students must know and follow. 

Campus fires across the country

• 94 percent of fatal campus fires do not begin on campus.
• Smoking was the cause of 29 percent of the fatal campus fires.
• 76 percent of fatal campus fires were due to alcohol.
• Smoke alarms were absent or tampered with in 58 percent of the fatal campus fires that failed to alert authorities or the fire department. 
• There was no fire sprinkler installation in 85 fatal campus fires.
• 70 percent of fatal campus fires occurred on the weekend while 73 percent occurred between midnight and 6 am.
• April was the month when 13 percent of the fatal fires occurred in the campus housing.

The National Fire Protection Association or NFPA and its partners offer vast resources of fire safety information to educate staff, students, and parents. It is crucial to be aware of these facts and preventative measures to prevent fire and smoke damage as well as avoid the fire damage restoration costs. 

6 Fire Safety Tips to Prevent Fire Damage on College Campuses

1. Learn the evacuation routes: Students and staff must regularly participate in all fire drills and memorize the evacuation protocols and evacuation routes. Constant review of this information is necessary to ensure correct routes are followed if and when a fire does occur. 

2. Identify the nearest fire alarm: Students or staff must be aware of the location of the fire alarm to be able to alert the campus and the fire department at the earliest. In case the fire alarm is too far or can’t be located at the time of the fire, dorm authorities must be immediately informed.

3. Smoke detectors can save the day: Fires often go unnoticed until it's too late to control them or evacuate. With the help of a well-maintained smoke detector in every living room and dorm room, the campus residents and visitors can be alerted and evacuated in a timely and safe fashion. These smoke alarms must be constantly checked to ensure they have not been disabled by students. If the alarm has been disabled due to some problem, the college’s safety or maintenance department must be informed promptly.

4. Clear the fire exits: Dorms can be limited in space and therefore their entries, lobbies, and exits must always be clear of any hindrances as this can delay the evacuation and escape. 

6. Train to use a fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver in situations where a fire blocks the exit. During an evacuation, students or staff can use the extinguisher to save their lives and those around them. Learning how to use fire extinguishers as a part of the fire safety training can be very helpful because during a fire emergency understanding instructions and implementing them correctly can be challenging. 
7. No pranks: Practical jokes that can endanger lives or property must be avoided. Fake alarms can lead to real fire events being taken lightly. This “cry wolf” scenario must be avoided at all costs. 

Why SERVPRO?

Faster to Any Size Emergency

No matter where and how big the disaster is, SERVPRO offers fire damage restoration services across 1,700 US and Canadian franchise locations swiftly. The vast network of resources available to SERVPRO enables it to act immediately and efficiently. A 24/7 emergency response gives SERVPRO the ability to arrest any disaster quickly and save huge amounts of money, time, and energy. 

Advanced Technology 

SERVPRO is a fire damage restoration company that uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of North Seminole County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Sanford or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

Certified Professionals

The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in the fire damage restoration process and other restoration services. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

Can You Restore Property Contents After a Fire?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Bringing in a fire damage restoration North Seminole professional is important so you can preserve the contents of your home quickly and effectively.

The aftermath of a fire can be extremely devastating especially if it happened in your home. Not only will it take time to recover emotionally, but you will also have to deal with what's left of your possessions. You will also need to take into consideration what steps you need to for insurance purposes. After a fire, it is important to have an understanding of what was lost and what can be restored so you can move forward to your next steps. This guide will provide you with some tips to help you through this process.

How smoke and fire damage can affect your property?

Smoke and fire damage can affect your property in several ways. The most common is damage to the structure, which can include roofing, windows, tiles, and other critical areas of the home.

Apart from structural damage, it can also result in several unpleasant effects on your home such as:

• Soot residue
• Ash residue
• Smoke stains
• Unpleasant smoke odors

Fire and smoke can also damage your HVAC system especially if there was electrical fire damage. From 2014 to 2016, 12% of electrical fires in residential properties occurred most often in January due to increased use of lights and heating appliances during the winter months, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. If your HVAC system has been affected, you will need to have it cleaned and repaired right away.

Identify what items can be restored.

The first step after a fire is to identify what can be restored. This includes everything from your clothes to your furniture. Once you have this information, you can create a plan of action and start the process of restoring your belongings.

Oftentimes, people think that once your home caught fire, everything is now ruined. While it will certainly depend on the severity of the damage, that is not necessarily true. Among the items that can still be rescued and restored in your property includes:

• Electronics
• Documents
• Furniture
• Artwork
• Photos
• Jewelry and Heirlooms  

Using the right equipment is crucial.

Fire departments always recommend using the right equipment when fighting a fire. This includes not only the firefighting tools you need, but also water hoses, adders, and other rescue equipment. And when it comes to fire damage repair, you need the right equipment. Otherwise, it can lead to even further damage. Bringing in a fire damage restoration North Seminole professional is important so you can preserve the contents of your home quickly and effectively.

It's important to act quickly.

When it comes to fire damage repair and restoration, time is of the essence. You need to act fast if you want to save as much of the contents of your property. Your ability to restore as many items in your home will depend on one thing – time. If you're the property owner, your priority is to ensure that all of your belongings are safe and unharmed. Make sure to contact a fire damage restoration North Seminole company before it’s too late.

The Process of Cleaning Black Water Damage After a Storm

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is exposed to black water, contact storm damage restoration services to solve any issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Black water damage is a type of water damage that occurs after a storm damages Seminole Florida. It can come from many different sources such as rivers, sewage pipes, or any other source that generates large amounts of water.

This type of disaster can be difficult to remove and can cause serious risks. This blog post will teach you how to deal with black water damage. You'll learn about the process, what you should expect from it, and how to protect yourself from the potential risks of cleaning out your home's black water damage.

Identify the source of the black water.

This could be water pathways going to your property. It can also be sewage pipes connected to your home. It's important to eliminate the source of water as soon as possible if you can. You can try redirecting the water or shutting off your water shut-off valve or plumbing.

Isolate the contaminated area.

Before you begin the cleaning process, it is important to isolate the contaminated area. The contaminated portion of your home should be isolated so that it can be treated properly and not contaminate other areas.

This step will also allow you to clean up the area and make sure all the water has been removed from it. This step is crucial because if you don't remove all the water, there is a chance for any remaining contaminants to spread throughout your home causing further damage. However, it is worth noting that if your home has black water damage, additional precautions are necessary which is why it is best to leave the job to professionals.

Contact storm damage restoration services.

Make sure to contact a storm damage Seminole Florida professional immediately. They are specifically trained in handling this type of situation. They will be able to provide you with details about their services as well as give an estimate on what they believe they can do.

Remove excess water as soon as possible.

One of the first steps you should take is to remove excess water. This will allow you to clean out your home without having to worry about mold, bacteria, and other issues that can come along with a large amount of water.

As soon as the water starts to recede, you should start removing straws and debris from your home's interior. You should also remove any drywall or ceiling tiles damaged by the water. You don’t want any of these materials in areas where they could create problems later in the restoration process.

Once you have removed all the excess water, you can start cleaning out your home's black water damage if necessary.

Sanitize the area.

Finally, sanitize the entire affected area to ensure your and your family’s safety. Disinfect your walls, floors, furniture, closets, and any other contents in your home that may have been exposed to the black water.

Conclusion

Black water damage should never be underestimated. If your home is exposed to black water after a storm, contact storm damage restoration services to solve any potential issues before they turn into big headaches in the future.

Signs You Need to Contact Storm Damage Specialists ASAP

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has been struck by a storm that resulted in severe damages, contact storm damage specialists right away.

Storms are brutal. They can tear through the landscape, leaving behind destruction and devastation. When your home has been struck by a storm that resulted in severe damages, you're going to want to get a professional opinion on what your options are. This article is designed to help you determine whether it's time to contact storm damage specialists for your home as soon as possible.

Mold and Mildew

One of the first signs you may need to contact emergency storm damage restoration professionals is mold and mildew. When there's an excess of moisture in the air, it can be difficult to keep your home and its belongings mold-free. This is especially true during springtime when rain and snow are abundant, which can cause surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, walls, and windows to become damp. If you find that your home has been hit by storm damage and you've developed a case of mold or mildew, it's time to contact a professional immediately.

A professional who specializes in storm damage repair will be able to quickly assess the extent of your problem so they can come up with a plan for how to fix it the fastest way. They'll also bring the proper equipment for dealing with any hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint that may be present.

Poor Ventilation

If you notice that your home is not properly ventilated, it might be a sign of storm damage. Storms can cause homes to fill up with water and humidity, which can lead to mold and mildew. This can make your room smelly and stuffy. If you're noticing poor ventilation in your home, contact a professional right away to determine the severity of the problem and how to fix it.

Moisture Content

Determine your moisture content by reading the outside walls of your home. If you notice that all the walls are wet, then there is a high possibility that water has infiltrated the structure and caused damage. If you find that only one or two of your outside walls are wet, it may be an indication that your home's foundation was damaged in the storm. The moisture content on the walls will help you identify where and how severe the damage is.

Pest Infestation

A sign that you may need to contact storm damage specialists for help is if you notice a pest infestation. These pests can be anything from rodents and spiders to ants and roaches. If your pest infestation is severe, your home may have been invaded by rodents or other pests. This could be an indication that there are structural defects in your home as well. In either case, contacting a professional will be necessary to get the problem fixed before it escalates further.

Conclusion

When you start seeing these signs and symptoms, you know that it's time to contact a professional for help. Don't try to tackle the problem on your own if you are unsure of how to proceed. Contact an emergency storm damage restoration company right away.

How to Increase the Value of Your Home After a Storm

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Contact your local storm damage specialists right away to get your home back to its pre-storm condition and increase its value.

How to Increase the Value of Your Home After a Storm

No one ever plans to experience a natural disaster, but when they do, it's important to be prepared. A natural disaster can cause extensive damage to your home, which can lead to a decrease in its value. And if you have plans on selling your property in the future, this can be a major setback. If you want to increase the value of your home after a storm, there are a few things you can do.

Make all the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

One way to increase the value of your home after a storm is to make sure all repairs are made on time. This includes things like fixing any damage to the roof, siding, or windows. If there is any water damage, it's important to have this fixed as well, as this can lead to mold growth which can further decrease the value of your property. This is why you must contact storm damage specialists for an emergency storm damage restoration so that they can help you get your home back to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible.

Update your home's appearance and features.

Another way to increase the value of your home after a storm is by updating its features. This could include things like installing new windows, doors, or siding. It could also involve adding on a new room, such as a sunroom or home office. And if your budget allows, you could also update your home's appearance by painting it a new color or adding landscaping. If the storm has caused any major damage to your home, it's important to have this repaired as soon as possible so that it doesn't further decrease the value of your property.

However, keep in mind that certain renovations can also make your home less attractive to potential buyers, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making any major renovations.

Keep thorough records of all repairs and updates.

It's also important that you keep thorough records of all repairs and updates made to your home after the storm. This will not only help you keep track of the work that's been done, but it will also be useful if you ever need to file an insurance claim. And if you do plan on selling your home in the future, these records will help prove to potential buyers that the necessary repairs have been made and that your home is in good condition.  

Conclusion

A natural disaster can cause a lot of damage to your home, which can lead to a decrease in its value. But by making repairs as soon as possible and updating your home's appearance and features, you can help increase the value of your property. If your home has recently been damaged by a storm, contact your local storm damage specialists for emergency storm damage restoration. And while it may take some time and effort to get your home back to its pre-storm condition, it will be worth it in the end.

The Best Way To Find Your Water Shut Off Valve

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

By following these instructions, you will be able to easily locate your home's water shutoff valve and learn how water extraction service may assist y

Most homes have the main water shut-off valve at where the water line enters the house or near the water tank in the basement. The main water cutoff being located in the basement keeps it from freezing during harsh winters. Alternatively, you can find the water pipe where the water enters your home. The valve will be around that spot, either on an outside wall or in an underground box slightly below the water meter.

Tips to quickly locate the water shut-off valve:

1. On the inside perimeter, locate the water shut-off valve. On the inside of your home, look for the main water shut off valve. Typically, it will be positioned on the house's perimeter, as this is where the water first enters your home. Also, keep on the street-facing side of the home. Your water main normally starts at the street and runs straight to your house.
2. Locate the shut-off valve on your property inspection report. Look in the report's plumbing section. This section should include a photo of the shut-off valve as well as the location of the valve. 
3. If the above tips fail, there may be another valve called a curb valve placed at the beginning of your water main, at the border line of your property and the street or sidewalk.

Water rushing wildly through your house is dangerous and unsafe, and it will soon create serious flood damage to the interior of your home. Locate the metal or plastic utility box trap door on the ground level. Call the 24-hour emergency contact number provided by the water provider. Staff may instruct you to turn off the water valve on your own or to wait for an emergency dispatch team. You may also call the nearest water extraction service in your region to assist you with your situation.

What are the advantages of knowing where the water shut-off valve is?

Consider this scenario—you've just returned home from a hard day at work to be welcomed with the sound of flowing water and squishing beneath your feet. You've got a ruptured pipe. As a result, you've got a tremendous problem on your hands. Rather than allowing the water to continue spilling out and worsening the damage — and your repair costs — while you wait for the plumber to do water damage restoration, you should close your interior main shut-off valve to guarantee the water stops flowing.

Similarly, if you're planning on upgrading your home or embarking on any plumbing tasks, such as repairing old pipes, you'll want to ensure that all water to the house is switched off throughout the projects.

Conclusion

While it might seem like the water shut-off valve is a simple thing to find, there are actually several places where you can look for it. To help you figure out where your water shut-off valve is located and keep your home from flooding, we've put together this helpful guide on finding the water shut-off in your home. Do you have a plumbing

4 Tips On How To Check The Mold On Your Stucco Walls And How To Get Rid Of Them

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Stucco was once a definitive feature of Spanish and Mediterranean architecture and is now used in homes around the world.

iding or cladding is the outermost layer of a house. There are many types of house siding like fiber-cement panels, vinyl siding, custom home sidings, and the other one used on houses for centuries, the stucco. 

Stucco was once a definitive feature of Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. A professional mold restoration company can help in the proper maintenance of stucco walls. Its resilience and refined application techniques make it an ideal siding for homes in different climates and styles.

Modern stucco has polymers and other agents for increased flexibility and resilience. It is very durable but sometimes it can be a target of molds. Mold growing on exterior stucco walls is not only unsightly but it can cause larger problems if it gets between your home’s exterior stucco and framing. If you have been experiencing mold on your stucco, check out mold remediation near me. 

In this article, we will give you tips on how to check if the mold has already penetrated your stucco walls and how to get rid of them.

• Preventing from developing molds

To check out if the stucco walls have developing molds, make sure water cannot pool anywhere along the base of the walls, or run down because of improperly installed or leaking gutters. Check for cracks or tears on its surfaces because mold can feed on the framing. Wash your exterior walls with diluted dish liquid and rinse with pressurized water. By doing this, it can remove the dust, dirt, and stray plant matter that mold loves to feed on. 

• Identifying mold on the exterior

Molds look like molds on any surface; they can be green, dark brown, or black patches and streaks or fuzzy-looking stains. Checking around the gutter, windows, and doors frequently is a good habit to get rid of molds. Mold thrives in damp areas where there is a lot of plant matter. 

• Removing mold on the exterior

Here’s a tip: brush away dirt and debris with a stiff-bristled brush and inspect your stucco to make sure there are no deep cracks or large tears. Mix together a solution of 5 parts water to 1 part oxygen bleach (chlorine bleach will also work but it might damage nearby plants). Wear rubber gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms and spray the mold with the bleach solution. You can use a sponge to scrub away the mold and rinse thoroughly with clear water. You can also use a pressure washer or a garden hose. You will need the help of a professional mold restoration service if the situation is out of control or if you want your stucco to be inspected by experts. 

Bonus Tip: It is advisable to inspect your exterior stucco at least every month to wipe away any visible debris and treat mold spots as they appear.

• Call for help

If the mold problems are not resolved by the bleach solution, it is time to get an expert. You can check out mold remediation near me to have a list of mold restoration companies, SERVPRO North Seminole are the experts on doing the job. They have state-of-the-art machines that can get rid of the molds easily and efficiently. They are also open 24 hours so you can call them any time of the day.

How To Make Your Kitchen Smell Fresh?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Professional odor removal like SERVPRO can greatly eliminate the bad odors in your home.

The kitchen is the mecca of any home. We spend a lot of time with our family, from cooking delicious meals to entertaining guests during special occasions. The smell of your house, particularly the kitchen, is the first thing that someone notices upon entering your home. Have you ever entered a home before and been greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies? Were you instantly taken back to the happy memories of your childhood? Who would hate that, right?

We all want to keep our kitchens smelling divine and fresh all the time. However, odor removal can sometimes be tricky. No matter how clean your kitchen is, there are still times that an unpleasant smell can build up through different factors such as having pets and cooking smelly foods. This mixture of aromas cannot be resolved by simply spritzing artificial freshening sprays. Professional odor removal like SERVPRO can be ideal if you want to eliminate dreadful odors from your home fast. But there are also simple remedies you can try to keep unpleasant smells from your kitchen.

Here are simple ways to keep your kitchen smelling fresh all the time:

• Don’t forget to clean and take out your garbage regularly

This may be the most obvious but sometimes the most neglected due to our busy schedules of working all day and taking care of the kids. However, our garbage bins are the biggest contributor to unpleasant smells in our kitchen. Taking your garbage out regularly will prevent any bad odors from remaining in your kitchen.

However, it does not end with just throwing your garbage out. It is important that you also clean the bins as germs and bacteria can remain in them. This bacteria contributes to the foul-smelling odor lingering in your kitchen. 

• Clean the microwave after every use

Microwaves are one of the most used appliances in our home. From heating that leftover lasagna from last night’s dinner to popping popcorn for a movie night, microwaves are our trusted companion. But like any appliance in our home, we should make sure that we clean it every time we use it.

• Scrub and clean all surfaces

Odor removal does not end in wiping down the counter after cooking. All surfaces should be clean and free from any leftover food stain that can rot. Regularly clean the hard-to-reach areas in your kitchen such as, under the sink or corners where liquid from food may have dripped over or pieces of food have fallen. This habit ensures that nothing will rot and contribute to invisible foul-smelling odor in your kitchen. 

Don’t forget to scrub carpets and wash rugs regularly to remove any smell from the food spills and stains. Also, you can try putting baking soda in your carpets and rugs, which is an odor absorber and can eliminate unwanted smells.

• Do a regular fridge cleanout

Regular fridge cleaning is a daunting task, but it is also an important step in ensuring that any food that has gone bad will be properly disposed. This will prevent food from rotting and emitting unpleasant odors. Also, as a bonus, you will know what foods are near expiration so you can cook or consume them right away. 

Tip: Keep a bowl or box of baking soda in the back corner of the fridge to neutralize the noxious odors inside.

• Seek professional help

We all want that perfect, fresh-smelling kitchen. If spritzing air freshener, simmering orange peels, and lighting a scented candle isn't doing the trick, seeking the help of a professional odor removal company can be a lifesaver. SERVPRO is an expert odor removal technician who can identify and eliminate any odor in your home. 

For a stress-free and fresh-smelling kitchen, contact SERVPRO now!

What We Need to Know on Different Damages Caused By Lightning

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage on a roof.

Lightning is a common occurrence during a storm caused by the increasing imbalance between storm clouds and the ground due to colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds. In the US, Florida is frequently hit by lightning. We can’t really stop lightning but we can do some precautions on it to get rid of the certain damages it might cause. One thing is consulting with storm damage restoration for some advice but in this article, we will review the different types of lightning damage, identify them, and how to protect your facility and assets. To start, there are four types of lightning damages - physical damage, secondary effect damage, electromagnetic effect damage, and damage caused by changes in ground reference potential.

1. Physical damage is when lightning power and heat have caused serious damage to the human body and nearby buildings and equipment.
2. Secondary effect damage is when indirect effects are seen or felt. One example is that once lightning strikes a building, over-voltage may be caused through resistive, inductive, and capacitive coupling. It can cause fire or explosion if within flammable material or it can damage the circuit board.
3. Electromagnetic effect damage is when the lightning discharges current and generates a field whose electrical and magnetic components reach considerable voltage. The electromagnetic field can induce electrical currents in nearby conductors, including wires and electrical equipment. 
4. Damage caused by changes in ground reference potential is when the lightning current falls on a lightning conductor causing an increase in the earth potential of an installation and overvoltage between the earthing system and the internal lines within the installation. Sometimes this overvoltage spreads to the neighboring installations through the distribution network. You can always call storm damage cleanup service if you happen to see an emergency like this.

Installing a lightning protection system can also help a lot in times like and it is important to know this stuff as lighting most of the incorporates with the big storm which results in flooding. 

Flooding causes a lot of damages and once we’ve experienced those it’s really a pain in the ass and on the pockets. It might be a recurring endeavor or a one-time big-time trauma and it is vital to remain prepared at all times when checking storm damage restoration services can be a good step. There are also home remedy tips that can also help or repair tips for your home improvement. Resources are everywhere, we just need to go to the most trusted one and be in the service for a long period of time.

The good thing is technology also advances to help us save costs, there are storm damage cleanup services that invest in good quality machines and water and storm damage specialists. They are also open 24/7 so they are able to assist you any time of the day or during night time.

At SERVPRO, we’re faster to any size disaster - fast response to flooding and storm damage. Call us now at (407) 323-2422.

Why is Commercial Building Cleaning Important?

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

With the rising cases of COVID-19 positive, we need to be extra careful when it comes to sanitation and cleaning our surroundings. We should clean not only our house but also our commercial building as we spend most of our time there. If your commercial building needs more manpower to clean, you can always ask for commercial building restoration services. So to convince you more, here are the reasons why commercial building cleaning is important: 

• For a More Healthy Staff

Staff are one of the important stakeholders why a company runs so investing in them can give you benefits in the future. Investing means providing them a safe workplace where they can’t worry if they might have been exposed to the virus.  In addition, nobody wants to work hard at their job only to know that they are expected to clean and tidy their space. Leverage on this one, ask for a commercial building cleaning service. Having a third party to clean your building can help your staff focus and put quality to their overall work as there would be no more additional chores. In addition, it’s already a proven fact that staff and workers are generally more productive and positive in a cleaner and safer environment. 

• For the Building

Building maintenance if not properly done can break you. Sink faucets, microwaves, refrigerators, water fountains, or vending machines can be a place where bacteria want to play if these are dirty. If you are having a bunch of employees it would be uncontrollable and so keeping these clean can contribute to a healthy working environment. Common areas like breakrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens should also be well maintained to keep office workers healthy and help stop the spread of the virus.

• To Avoid Indoor Pollution

Indoor air quality is another concern in office buildings. Since the virus is airborne and we tend to spend more time indoors than outdoors, the quality of the air in the office is important. Poor air quality can lead to infections, respiratory problems, and chronic lung disease such as asthma. Office buildings can improve quality indoor air by practicing methods to reduce allergens and dust. A commercial building cleaning service can help you with it if you are unsure where to start. They often use green cleaning products to minimize chemical use.

1. Long Term Cost Savings

Some companies only perform the most basic cleaning process. While dust lingers on top of cabinets, shelves, on blinds, and in hard-to-reach areas, we need to get rid of them. Maintaining the office includes keeping furniture, shelving, desks, floors, and other areas free from dust and contaminants. Investing in commercial building restoration services can help save you future costs as they are already trained and expert professionals. They already have the equipment and materials that would be needed in cleaning so it will save you a lot of time as well. The savings can be significant in terms.    

Final Thoughts

Because of the busy schedule, we often forget the importance of cleaning the workspace. However, having a clean working environment means you care a lot about your employees because providing them a safe workplace means having them healthy and happy. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County provides exceptional restoration and remediation services for both residential and commercial properties. Because emergencies tend to not abide by a schedule, our highly trained and experienced crews are dedicated to responding immediately; operating 7 days a week with 24-hour emergency service. 

Powerful Storms Around Sanford Can Be Bad For Business

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building damage can be pricey!

SERVPRO of North Seminole County Can Help Get Your  Commercial Space Back Up And Running

Spring is here, and as we head for summer powerful storms continue to make their way through the Central Florida region. With these heavy storms there is always a lightning, lots of wind and of course flooding. This can be very bad news for your business. Remember the flash flood ion downtown Sanford not to long ago?

Some of the storms start with light rain and then shift to more pronounced lines of showers and thunderstorms along with strong winds, causing damage to businesses throughout the region.
This can also mean power outages, which also doesn't help your Sanford business.

Knowing You Have Help And Resources

Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Flooding and water damage events at Seminole County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

SERVPRO of North Seminole offers the resources locally and on a national level to restore anything from a small or complex commercial water damage scenario. We exceed your needs both to repair your property and also to restore the trust the companies and individuals have invested in your professional commercial management.

We understand how important it is to limit the downtime of your and your tenants’ business operations. We make every effort to clean and dry the structure quickly, staging the restoration process with an eye to reestablishing business operations even before the entire remediation is accomplished if appropriate and safe.

Preventing secondary damage from contaminated water is important, this is more likely if we are involved as soon as possible in the process. We follow up with our state of the art procedures for saving and drying paperwork, books, pictures and other crucial work products you and your lessees may have feared would be lost due to the water infiltration.

First Call For Commercial Water Damage In Sanford!

SERVPRO of North Seminole specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event, call us if you have questions (407) 323-2422.

Critical First Aid Tools for Seminole County Businesses

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Having a first aid kit is always a good idea!

First aid kits, also known as emergency kits, are much too essential to wait until the last minute. Any company should have one on hand at all times. Since accidents tend to happen unexpectedly, make sure your Seminole County business is prepared by stocking at least one first aid kit ahead of time.

What To Include

Having an emergency kit on hand is necessary, but what goes in it is more important. The products listed below should be kept in your kit at all times for a team of two to three people. Check the list against your supplies to ensure you have everything you need.

Medical items to keep in a first aid kit

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages: box of Band-Aids; at least two triangular bandages
• Gauze pads: small – 4 x 4 inches; large – 8 x 10 inches
• Roll of gauze bandages – 2-inch width
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Sealed towelettes to clean wounds

Additional Items:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• Minimum of elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small teams, so prepare accordingly if your team is larger. To optimal insurance, it is best to have more than one kit in a company. Within the kit, provide guidelines for contacting external medical services, such as an ambulance, if necessary.

Where To Keep It

Staff members should have access to the emergency kit at all times. Keeping staff aware of its position will make any emergency easier to handle for anyone concerned.

Why SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration Service

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Winner of many awards over 40 years of service.

Your house has been damaged due to a water leak or fire and the first thing that comes to mind is contacting a cleanup and restoration service. They are the first responders especially the 24-Hour Emergency Cleanup Service following significant damage to a house caused by floods, fires, water damage, sewage backup, and other major events.  They cleaned whatever mess the wrath has made in being able to protect you and your family. In addition, cleanup and restoration service cannot repair your house unless they are licensed to do so by the state they are located. 

In North Seminole County, there are a bunch of cleanup and restoration services but of them, SERVPRO is one the best services with 40 years in the business with 4 decades of service, awards, media recognition and economic growth. They understood that serving customers first and genuinely helping them in a time of need would gain the respect of the community and continue to provide a service they could be proud of. 

Here we created a list why SERVPRO is recommended for cleanup and restoration service:

1. Customer Service. The moment you step into one of their warehouses or offices or talk to them through the phone, you are recognized as family and treated as such. That’s a trademark of SERVPRO.
2. Leader in the Restoration Industry. SERVPRO’s staff are exceptionally trained and equipped to handle any damage no matter how large or small. Well, being 40 yrs in the business has made them acquire what is best for their clients. 
3. 24-Hour Emergency Cleanup Service. They are dedicated to responding immediately any time of the day, whether it’s a commercial or a residential building needs. 
4. Sense of responsibility. Being fully stressed with all the respiration problems, SERVPRO is there to do the job to lessen the burden. They handle communication with your insurance company to ensure that your home or place of business is returned to its preloss condition. 
5. Advanced Technology. SERVPRO has adapted to a rapid advancement in technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow the company to restore the property back to the time it was damaged in a quick, reliable and more effective way. They have:
1. Advance water extraction equipment
2. Infrared camera to identify water location through water removal.
3. High speed drying equipment
4. Thermal foggers for odor removal and deportation
5. OSHA-approved cleaning agents for sanitation, germicides and anti-microbial treatments.
6. Restoration recovery team. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood, the team can help you. SERVPRO has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.

Customer satisfaction is so important to SERVPRO and that is why they got a lot of positive feedback and testimonials. Most of the clients are talking about how pleasant the job was done, fast emergency response, friendly crew, and so much more.  You can check us out and get the best experience you will have in terms of restoration services. We also share some tips on everything related to water, fire or mold damage in our blogs. For more information, don’t hesitate to call us at (407) 323-2422.

7 Tips for Getting Rid of Smoke Smell at Home

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke odor can be very tricky to remove!

The weather in Sanford, Florida is changing throughout the year. The summer is long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy while the winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy.  With this type of climate, accidents may happen like fire. Just recently, a fire destroyed a Seminole residence while the family was not at home. In cases like this, you will need fire damage restoration services after the accident.

In addition, you might have a housemate who smokes tobacco and cigarettes and the odors from smoke can give you unwanted feelings like if it got stuck into your hour house, it might give you a nauseous feeling or headaches as well as an overall sense of annoyance at the constant smoke irritation or even triggers asthma. The smoke infiltrates the home and the lingering order persists because of the tiny microscopic particles that cling to walls, furniture, floorings, clothing, and so on inside your house. 

Removing the smell of smoke can be a difficult job involving time, money, and effort. To remove the smell permanently, we must know the source of the smell. Burning scented candles and perfume aerosols can take away the odor temporarily. Though ventilation can help remove the smell, it just dilutes the odor and does not remove the smell permanently. And so we are giving these 7 tips for getting rid of smoke smell at home: 

1. Since smoke lingers in all exterior surfaces like walls, washing, disinfecting, and scrubbing with mild soap or other cleaning solutions and products in these areas might help. Exterior surfaces include tables, windows, screens, etc.
2. Laundry or dry clean all clothing at least once a week.
3. Have your air conditioning units and all ductwork professionally cleaned by a fire & smoke restoration technician to remove soot, ash, and smoke residue. Change filters before it’s too late. 
4. Displaying plants inside your house can be a great help too. They will absorb the carbon dioxide inside the house including unwanted smells. To name a few plants that kill smells are aloe vera, pathos, and snake plants. 
5. Increase air circulation. You can open all your windows from time to time to let the airflow around the house. 
6. Used coffee grounds can be a great deodorizer. Yes, you heard it right, used coffee grounds can be a good odor absorbent as they contain nitrogen which helps neutralize odors in the air quickly and safely.
7. Ask for help from experts. There are fire damage restoration services who have fire & smoke restoration technicians who know how to get rid of smoke smell. If you are a busy person, it is advantageous to leverage their services. 

At SERVPRO - North Seminole County, our job is to restore your home or place of business to pristine condition after the damage has taken place. We are committed to walk you through the process from beginning to end. Our goal is to provide you with a level of customer service that goes unmatched that is why we are also a 224-hour emergency service. Call Us Today at (407) 323-2422.

How to Prepare your Home for Storm Season 2021

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing your home for Storm Season can save your home from serious damage!

Storm season in Florida runs from June 1 until November 30 and the threat of hurricanes is very real for Florida during the six-month long Atlantic hurricane season.  The peak of hurricane season is between August and late October where the waters in the Atlantic and Gulf Mexico have warmed enough to help support the development of tropical waves. It has been a common misconception that Florida does not get hurricanes but since the 1800s, Florida has found itself in the path of intense storms. 

Asking help from storm damage cleanup services is also helpful but we will get through it in a bit.

We cannot tamper a hurricane’s route but are in the storm season. The best thing we can do is to prepare. Here are some tips to prepare before the storm comes:

1. Get access to information from multiple weather alert systems. Information is most important in many ways. Getting prepared for something to happen needs information gathering so we know where and how to start. Subscribing to your local alert systems as well as the National Weather Service alerts can be beneficial. In addition, activating the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radios will keep you updated on what’s ahead.
2. Get familiar with the evacuation shelters and practice going there. FEMA shelters are the best to go where there are no remaining options. You can check it online to know the direction so that when the disaster comes, all you have to do is to pack up your stuff and go straight ahead to the centers. 
3. Get ready with your supplies. Now here’s a tip, set aside an emergency bag full of emergency supplies, canned goods, medkits, flashlights, etc just like what we see in some movies with zombies and cloth face coverings for safety against COVID-19. To add, secure also important documents in a waterproof bag and put them in a safety drawer. 
4. Double-check your appliances at home. The important things during an emergency situation might just be around the corner. Checking your electrical wiring, radio, batteries from time to time is important. If you see stuff that has been destroyed by the past storms, you can consult with storm damage cleanup services and avail of storm damage restoration.
5. Install storm shutters. Protect your house windows and doors with appropriate shutters and impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection. If you want to be so sure, you can ask for help from storm damage restoration people. 

Getting prepared means protecting yourself and your family and the best time to start preparing is now. 

At SERVPRO - North Seminole County, our job is to restore your home or place of business to pristine condition after the damage has taken place. We are committed to walk through the process, with you, from beginning to end. Our goal is to provide you with a level of customer service that goes unmatched that is why we are also a 224-hour emergency service. Call Us Today at (407) 323-2422.

5 Methods in Water Restoration Process

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

In normal situations, the kitchen and bathroom are significant sources of moisture and airborne particles.

Before, when a property was water-damaged, it would be considered useless. But with today’s technology and modern-day solutions, such houses can be livable once again. Water damage restoration services are usually a daunting and risky task especially when an individual or unprofessional expert handles it. This is even more true in cases where water interferes with the electronic wiring system. An ordinary person who is unaware of such possibilities who tries to control the restoration will be prone to electric shock. 

To get to know it better, there are some of the methods used by water restoration technicians in their job: 

1. Removal of the Floodwater

To start water restoration, the stagnant water must be rid of. The longer the water stays there the more expensive the damage will be. Water damage restoration services use a submersible pump to remove water accumulations in various structures around the premises. These are highly efficient pumps and make drying entire sections easier. 

• Mapping off the Moisture

After removing the stagnant water, it is important to get an idea of the water damage extent, to develop efficient steps to solve possible mold growth. Water restoration technicians nowadays use much more advanced infrared and digital imaging to determine the damage without damaging the floors and walls.

• Inspection and Removing of Molds 

The next step is house treatment against molds and mildews. Residual stagnant water in any property, residential or business creates an ideal habitat for fungal forms to thrive. In addition, the countermeasures will be very useful to avert any further damages. Water restoration technicians use special fungicide detergents to sterilize the area and make the surroundings unfavorable for mold growth. Deodorization and ventilation measures can help remove airborne contaminants, mold spores, and unpleasant odors.

• Drying the Area

Air movers dry the premises by controlling humidity and improving air circulation. The liquid is removed from porous materials like carpets and woods. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and help remove the remaining water from the house. Desiccant humidifiers use raw materials that naturally absorb moisture from the environment while refrigerant dehumidifiers cool the air to reduce its ability to retain water.

• Renovation

In normal situations, the kitchen and bathroom are significant sources of moisture and airborne particles. These areas are usually wet and expected to be severely damaged in floods due to many plumbing fixtures and drains that these rooms cannot do without. 

Going through restoration takes a lot of money and time but definitely will give you magnificent results. The smartest move when having water restoration is to go with the experts.  SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust is here to make sure we can offer it to our Seminole County community in an honest, reliable way. We can provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding immediately to commercial or residential needs.

In the event that your home or place of business is affected by water damage, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422.

How To Prevent Dryer Fires

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Dryer fires can cause serious damage.

Did you know that according to the U.S Fire administration 2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss? The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is a failure to clean them which causes lint to accumulate and cause a fire. Home fires happen more often during the fall and winter season. Here are some ways to avoid fires within your home:

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.
• Clean the dryer vent at least once a month to avoid lint accumulation.
• Use metal dryer ducts to help prevent dryer fires.
• No matter the kind of duct is installed in your dryer, make sure to regularly clean it.
• Occasionally wipe the sensor with a rag or cotton ball.

Common Causes Of House Fires

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Take precautionary measures now to protect your home from fires.

Fire damage may result in ways you least expect. Take precautionary measures now to protect your home from the following fire instigators.

• Cooking equipment: Cooking equipment is the number one cause of house fires. Pots and pans can quickly overheat when left unattended or mishandled. Be sure to always turn your handles towards the middle of the stove to avoid children from accidentally grabbing it. When leaving the house, always remember to turn off stove and oven.
• Smoking in Bedrooms: Avoid smoking in bedrooms. 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 can also pose a danger for many residents.
• Old electrical equipment: 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.
• Flammable liquids: Liquids such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits should be kept away from heat sources and stored properly according to their label.

We Can Board Up And Tarp Your Home

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

After a residential fire, an emergency board up or tarping is an important step in protecting your home and assisting with your insurance claim.

After a residential fire, an emergency board up or tarping is an important step in protecting your home and assisting with your insurance claim. Because of the nature of the job, we recommend seeking the help of our professionals to assist in the process. We will do a better job shielding your home from secondary damage, securing the correct locations, and using the proper materials. By knowing how to a navigate around cracked windows and doors, our trained workers can detect areas that appear undamaged to the naked eye but may present leakage and stability issues.

There are several reasons to perform a board up or tarp over.

• Helps your insurance claim: It is not uncommon for these services to be required by your insurance following a disaster. By not taking the appropriate actions on your end, insurance companies may find a reason to deny a claim.
• Prevents further damage: Openings in the wall or roof provides access to harmful elements such as wind, water, and debris. Human or animal invaders could cause even more damage, adding to your existing issues and increasing your repair bill.
• Reduces additional property loss and liability: Thieves may remove essential belongings or cause unnecessary destruction, and their injuries could become your liability.

Structures pose a strong hazard both during and after a fire. It is not recommended to re-enter your home until it has been deemed safe by the fire department or proper authority. Dangerous elements might be present including electrical hazards and harmful airborne particles.

Fire Clean Up For A Commercial Building

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a commercial building is a devastating experience.

Fire damage to a commercial building is a devastating experience. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts.  Therefore, immediate action is crucial to minimize business interruption, reduce lost revenue and productivity.

But trying to clean up the aftermath may be the last thing you feel like doing on your own. When fire, smoke and soot damage are left behind, it can create an unpleasant and permanent problems if not properly addressed. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout the building and may cause odors that resurface for years. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole understands how disruptive fires can be for business owners, their tenants and even their customers.  So, before you risk doing more damage to your most valuable business assets by attempting to clean it up yourself, you should consider hiring an experienced company like SERVPRO.  Our technicians have the training, tools, equipment, and experience to handle any fire damage incident to a commercial building.  They can respond immediately to begin the work to restore your business back and running. 

Preventing Attic Mold

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Attic mold can severely affect your home.

Anywhere in your home with moist, warm air is an ideal environment for mold to grow.  For some of us, moist, warm air can be found in our attics.  And unfortunately, many of us rarely, if ever, go up in our attics, so any problems can go unchecked for long periods of time.  It’s important to check your attic periodically for common causes of attic mold.

Anything that introduces water or moisture to your attic can be a problem.  Things like:

1)       Leaking Roof - Sometimes a roof leak is bad enough that water leaks into the floors below and becomes immediately apparent.  However often the leak is small enough to cause attic mold, without being apparent in the living spaces of the home. 

2)      Dryer Vents, Plumbing Vents, and Kitchen or Bathroom Fans vented in to the attic -  This practice can pump warm, moist air into the attic where it can be trapped and begin the cycle of mold growth.  It is always best to vent these items outside of the home.

3)      Missing or Improperly Installed Insulation -   Missing or improper installation of the wrong kind of insulation can cause problems in multiple ways.  Moisture from the lower levels of the home can rise and get trapped in the attic.  Additionally, it can create moisture or condensation in your attic.  Think of your attic like a cold glass of ice water outside on a hot summer day.  The water is a much lower temperature than the air around it and condensation develops on the glass.  If there is missing or improperly installed insulation, this same principle can apply when your home is air conditioned to 70 degrees, but your attic temperature is 99 degrees.  Lastly, missing or improperly installed insulation can lead to number four……

4)      Ice Damming – An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and create a perfect environment for mold growth. It’s important before winter to clean your gutters so that winter’s melting snow and rain can properly drain off your roof.  Additionally, improper insulation can contribute to ice damming by allowing warm air from inside your home to escape into the attic.

5)      Inadequate Ventilation - It seems counter-intuitive, but the basic ventilation principal for your attic is to keep it as cool as possible during the cold season.  Pay attention to your roof after snow storms.  If you look at your roof several days after a snow and you see an even distribution covering your roof, that’s a good sign that your attic is properly ventilated.  If on the other hand, you see sections where snow has melted, that suggests an area in the attic where warm air has been trapped instead of being properly vented to the exterior.  Make sure your soffit vents are clear and free of things like debris, bird’s nests and insulation.

6)      Water Heaters or Furnaces installed in the attic -  While not a common practice in Wisconsin, sometimes homes without a basement will have water heaters or furnaces in the attic. You may also see this practice in larger homes with several heating and cooling zones, as well as spa style bathrooms with a huge soaking tub, where it is common practice to have designated systems to support these luxuries.  Unfortunately, this practice can contribute to adding moisture to your attic and contribute to mold growth if there are any leaks from these items.  

Fireworks Safety For this July 4th Weekend!

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks can be fun, but also dangerous!

SERVPRO of North Seminole County wants to help you celebrate safely with your family, so here are a few firework safety tips we think you should be aware of:

1. Always follow CDC guidelines, keeping 6 feet apart, and wearing a mask when in group settings.
2. It is important that you know about and abide by the local firework laws set in your area. (This can help avoid putting a damper on your holiday with a ticket or violation fee.)
3. Adults should ALWAYS assist their kids when setting off fireworks.
4. Set off your fireworks in an open area. (Keep away from trees, homes, people, buildings, etc.)
5. Have a source of water nearby, and always keep away from dry grass when setting off fireworks to avoid fires.
6. Avoid wearing loose clothing, and we aware of wind patterns.
7. Finally, clean up when you’re done! (Please don't litter.)

Happy 4th of July from all of us at SERVPRO of North Seminole County!

Remember, if you experience a holiday mishap, SERVPRO is always Here To Help! Click here to learn more about Fire Damage Restoration.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County: 407-323-2422

Preventing A Fire

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can cause serious damage to your home.

Fires can occur in your home or place of business no matter how many safety measures you take. However, by following a few simple safety tips, you may greatly reduce the risk.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is committed to helping you and your home or business prevent fire damage. Here are a few of our suggestions:

• Regularly check your smoke alarms to ensure safety in the event of a fire.
• Make sure to regularly have your home heating system evaluated by a professional. 
• Avoid using outlet extenders when at all possible. They increase the chance of overloading an electrical circuit. 
• Remove lint from the dyer after one to two loads of laundry. A clogged filter can force lint into the heated coils of the dyer. 
• Make sure to properly extinguish smoking materials. In other words, don't walk away from the candle you just blew out until you are sure that the fire is completely out. 
• Safely store flammable items away from all sources of heat.
• Lastly, always have a fire extinguisher in your home.

While we hope this is never the case, in the event of fire damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422.

COVID-19 Clean Up And Prevention

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned placard at a local business.

We here at SERVPRO of North Seminole County understand what a critical time we are all in. That is why, in the midst of COVID-19, we will be offering discounted rates, free inspections, as well as no cost estimates. While adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards, our team of professionals offer cleaning as well as the removal of biohazard contaminants. At SERVPRO of North Seminole County, our goal is to prevent or eliminate the virus' presence in your home or business, as well as bringing you peace of mind. Here are some preventative measures you can take to stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands consistently throughout the day.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Sanitize your home and workplace regularly.
• Avoid unnecessary social interactions and remain 6 feet apart from others.

In the event that your home or place of business is affected by COVID-19...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

What You Can Do After A Water Damage

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Kitchen

We here at SERVPRO of North Seminole County are here for you in the event of an unexpected water damage, but here are a few tips for what you can do after calling us to restore any damage done to your home or business:

• Unplug and remove any electronics in the affected areas
• Dry water with a mop or towel if possible or use a bucket under any direct leaks or water flow
• Remove all valuables or items that may be damaged or affected

After these steps, leave the rest to SERVPRO! We understand the feeling of panic that can occur in the event of a water damage, which is exactly why we are here to help! Our team of well trained and caring professionals will have your home or business back to normal in no time!

In the event that a water damage occurs to your home or place of business...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

The Difference You Didn't Expect

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is here to help.

Damage has just struck your home or business and now you are weighing your options on who to call. Here is why you should call SERVPRO. 

Here at SERVPRO we go the extra mile to ensure that you are fully satisfied with the final product. Staffed with a hard working team that truly cares, we are prepared to help you feel back on track! One of the ways we do this is by prioritizing your comfort and safety, we understand that this is not "just a job", this is your life. We want to do everything we can to not only restore the damage, but to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. 

As our manager Jason Dalton has always said and stood by: "We treat the customers' home as if it were our own". This creates a further sense of respect and understanding for the customers individual needs and requests.

Fire Safety Tips For Your Central Florida Home

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in kitchen.

A fire could spread at a moments notice, so it is good to have a plan and be prepared. It is equally as important to practice fire safety. Here are a few tips on how to stay prepared and safe in the event of a fire.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly, and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Use flashlights opposed to candles in the event of a power outage.
• Never leave a candle burning.
• Have a family escape plan and practice it yearly.
• After you are in a safe place out of the home and away from the fire, call 911.
• Keep flammable items away from anything producing heat.

Give us a call: 407-323-2422

Do You Have A Tornado Safety Plan?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can seriously damage your home.

Although most of Florida's tornadoes are of the weaker variety, it is always best to be prepared for the worst when it comes to weather safety. As we approach spring, we also approach the season in which the most powerful tornadoes may strike! SERVPRO of North Seminole County specializes in flooding and storm restoration, but your safety is our first priority. Here are a few safety tips in the event that you are under the threat of a tornado.

• Always have an emergency kit nearby, this may include a flash light, batteries, first aid supplies, water, etc.
• Stay up to date on weather patterns and warnings, it is also a good idea to have a battery operated radio on hand.
• Find a safe place within your home to hunker down in, an interior room away from windows or glass doors on the lowest floor of your home. 

In the event that damage occurs to your home or place of business due to a major storm...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

How Do I Know If I Have A Mold Problem?

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be a serious issue for your home.

“The answer is YES”, says Joe Dalton/General Manager of SERVPRO of North Seminole and West Volusia Counties. “We live in Central Florida; the ambient humidity alone creates a substantial amount of mold spores throughout our environment. We track it in on our shoes, our pets bring it in and even the wind can push it into our homes and businesses. The real question is, Do I Have A MOLD Problem?”

“More than likely, no, you don’t. A mold problem would mean that mold and/or mold spores are present in your home/business equal to or above the level(s) that exist outside your home. And unless you’ve had some sort of leak or water damage; you don’t regulate the temperature in your home properly or you’ve been gone for a significant amount of time with the A/C unit turned off; the odds of an existing mold issue are low.” However, if you’ve had any of those circumstances and/or suspect you have a problem because you visibly see mold; have a mold/musty odor or experience abnormal allergy issues, it’s worth having a Licensed Mold Remediation company assess things. “The last thing you want to do is try and treat a mold problem yourself” says Joe. “People tell me all the time that they will just clean it with bleach. First, bleach or chlorine in and of itself can be harmful if not handled properly. More importantly, bleach is 60-75% water so while it cleans the surface it actually increases the main component for mold growth (moisture). You are putting a band-aid on a broken leg at that point.”

Mold needs several things to grow.

• A food source (wood, drywall, cotton, porous material)
• Moisture (water leaks, humidity)
• Warmth (mold can’t grow in freezing temperatures)

If conditions are right, mold can begin to grow within 48 hours. It also can be various colors, shapes and forms, not just black. Some mold growth can be white and look like small threads. Other mold can be black, gray/brown, gray/green, etc. If it’s present behind wallpaper or under vinyl flooring it can even appear orange, pink or purple. 

At the end of the day, if you have an indication of water damage/excessive moisture (water stains, discoloration, peeling/bubbling/cracking of paint or wallpaper), have a licensed remediation company perform a water damage/moisture check. And if you suspect a mold problem based upon conditions mentioned in this article or you simply want piece of mind, give us a call 407-323-2422. SERVPRO of North Seminole County is a licensed mold remediation company. 

We Are Trained To Treat Water Damages!

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike at any time.

At SERVPRO of North Seminole County we pride ourselves on having trained, IICRC Certified employees and state of the art equipment.

Our ability to take moisture readings and see what's happening "inside" your walls with our infrared camera(s), enable us to insure we will dry your property out properly. We take moisture readings daily, entering those readings into our drybook logs, giving us the information we need to do our job and giving you the peace of mind that you made the right decision in calling SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is ready to respond to any size water damage, commercial or residential, 24/hours a day; 7/days a week. A live person always answers your call to assess your situation immediately and respond accordingly. 

Does Your Property Have An Emergency Ready Plan?

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

An Emergency Ready Plan can save your business time and money.

At SERVPRO of North Seminole County we know the impact on a business when they experience a water, fire or mold loss. Our goal is to mitigate damage and get you back up and operating as soon as possible. 

One of the ways we help in this area is with SERVPRO's E.R.P (Emergency Ready Plan). This is a plan we offer at no cost to Commercial Properties; Assisted Living Facilities; Schools; Government Buildings; etc. This digital app enables key facilities employees to immediately access emergency numbers; water valve shut off location(s); gas shut off location; etc. It's simply another way SERVPRO of North Seminole County works to help make water/fire/mold damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us today and let's schedule YOUR facilities Emergency Ready Plan. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County

407-323-2422

Does Your Property Have An Emergency Ready Plan?

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

An Emergency Ready Plan can save your business time and money.

At SERVPRO of North Seminole County we know the impact on a business when they experience a water, fire or mold loss. Our goal is to mitigate damage and get you back up and operating as soon as possible. 

One of the ways we help in this area is with SERVPRO's E.R.P (Emergency Ready Plan). This is a plan we offer at no cost to Commercial Properties; Assisted Living Facilities; Schools; Government Buildings; etc. This digital app enables key facilities employees to immediately access emergency numbers; water valve shut off location(s); gas shut off location; etc. It's simply another way SERVPRO of North Seminole County works to help make water/fire/mold damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us today and let's schedule YOUR facilities Emergency Ready Plan. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County

407-323-2422

We Are Equipped For Large Losses After A Storm

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

We can make large losses like they never even happened.

Storm events are simply a part of our lives. Some are inconvenient; some are devastating. As a member of SERVPRO's Large Loss Team, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is ready to respond. 

When a storm event is coming, SERVPRO's Large Loss Team(s) coordinate staging equipment and employees ahead of the actual event. Hurricane's; tornadoes; flooding; fires;, etc., are all events where SERVPRO of North Seminole County has responded to. Large or small, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is experienced and ready to mitigate the damage and work closely with you in restoring your property. 

Residential or Commercial, we will be staffed and ready to respond. Call us today and let's discuss how we can work with you in being ready when disaster strikes. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County

407-323-2422

Do You Have An Emergency Weather Plan For Your Workplace?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Every workplace needs an Emergency Weather Plan.

Happy New Year, All! 

Time to kick off 2021 with an important reminder. Living in Central Florida, we are no stranger to the severe weather we face not only during hurricane season but earlier in the year too. That's why it's important to have an emergency plan in the office, just like you would for your family at home. 

Here are a few tips that you should think about when forming your office emergency weather plan:

1. Make sure you always have a way to listen to the local weather stations in your area when dealing with severe weather. 
2. Have your own way of notifying employees when the weather becomes dangerous. Don't only rely on community systems.
3. It is important that your employees know where to seek shelter in the case of a tornado or severe storm. 
4. In the event, a tornado or severe storm causes damage to your workplace, proceed with caution through areas, and watch out for hazards.
5. Call SERVPRO of North Seminole County to help deal with any water damage that may occur. We are committed to making sure your property damage is as minimal as possible.

You should always discuss your emergency plan with employees and make sure that they know exactly what to do in the case of a tornado or severe weather.

Having this plan in place can help prevent injuries or accidents during a severe weather situation. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County - 407.323.2422

When A Storm Hits, Your SERVPRO Is Ready

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Many Florida businesses flood after sever weather.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use State of the Art equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Seminole County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of some 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 407-323-2422

Why You Should Clean You Gutters

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Volusia Today!

It may not be everyone's favorite job, but cleaning your home's gutters at a minimum of just once a year could help in preventing a build-up of leaves, sticks and other debris, this can cause clogs and result in water creeping under the roof and sometimes, into the foundation. 

Our advice? We recommend cleaning your gutters more often if you have overhanging trees next to your house, or after a big storm which may have sent extra leaves and other debris straight to them.

Here's a little tip: Instead of using a store-bought scoop for the cleaning, use an old plastic kitchen spatula. It gets the job done just as well, and it won’t damage the gutters.

While it may not be the greatest chore - trust us, its more fun than water damage. 

If you have or suspect water damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of North Seminole a call at (407) 323-2422.

Sanford Community Clean Up Day

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Our Crew Came Out To keep Sanford Sparkling!

As a cleaning and restoration company, we like to see our city clean inside and out.

Last month our crew volunteered to join other Sanford locals in a public community service event called Keep Sanford Sparkling, where we spent just 1 hour picking up litter and trash from the streets of downtown Sanford. Not only was it a beautiful Florida day, but it was great to see everyone else who took the time to come out, roll up their sleeves, and take part in something that is beneficial to the community. 

When our time was up and we all turned in our garbage bags at the end of the hour, we weighed them together to find out we had collected over 150 pounds of waste from the streets of Sanford! 

This is just another way that SERVPRO North Seminole and West Volusia contributes to the local community. At the end of the day, we just want to see things as clean and restored as they possibly can be. Whether it's commercial, residential, or from the streets of Sanford, we have taken it upon ourselves to make sure our community's restoration needs are taken care of. And with that, we'd like to thank everyone who came out to Keep Sanford Sparkling!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: Commercial Covid-19 Cleaning Service

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Seminole & West Volusia is here for local business owners during this time of need.

Many office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties have used our exceptional cleaning services in the past, but with the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, (Covid-19), we have stepped up our game even further with a higher level of clean - Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Our regular commercial cleaning services get the job done, but in order for customers to return to local businesses again, business owners need to provide a safe environment that customers can trust. 

Specialized Commercial Cleaning 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 North Seminole County is your trusted leader in cleanup and restoration.

Restoring Exterior Walls With Water Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Are Qualified to Mitigate Water Damage to Walls, Ceilings, and Floors 

Water damage can be commonly experienced by homeowners and business owners alike who live and do business in Florida. One part of a structure whether it is your home or the office, is the exterior walls since they are exposed to the elements on a regular basis. 

How Difficult is it to Restore Exterior Walls? 

Exterior walls can be impacted by water intrusion due to standing water at the base or from water flowing down via the ceiling or an upper level. Because insulation fills the walls in your home, restoration can be challenging to restore but not impossible. Water restoration companies in Seminole County, such as SERVPRO, mitigate this type of problem regularly.  

Dealing with Insulation 

Insulation slows down the drying time because it blocks airflow. But that does not mean your walls cannot be dried. Fiberglass insulation that has been impacted by clean water is an example of what can get restored. There are benefits to drying structural elements versus replacing the walls. It can be costly to replace sheetrock or other similar components. Extended drying times also means less disruption to your home. When the exterior walls have the moisture removed, there is less controlled demolition. To increase airflow, the technicians can: 

• Drill holes in the bottom, and if needed the top, of the wall.
• Drill holes in cabinetry if attached.
• Constantly monitor dew point temperatures. 
• Check to make ensure there is no water containment in the walls.
• Make sure no vapor barrier is slowing the drying process  

What About the Cinder Block Walls in My Garage? 

Numerous things are impacting drying cinder blocks. This type of wall has open cells that can equalize with the surroundings if enough time passes. The problem this presents is the water that they can hold when that happens. Painting the blocks with gloss or semi-gloss paint creates a vapor barrier to lock in moisture. If necessary, the team drills larger holes to allow for better air circulation and drainage. 

The same problem can exist with cinder blocks when the exterior walls contain insulation. It slows the drying down considerably. Block walls often include the following types of insulation: 

• Vermiculite
• Cellulosic
• Foam
• Fiberglass 

Slower drying can reduce the effectiveness of certain insulations. Often codes require bond beams included with block walls, which impact drying times as well. 

My Garage Has Concrete Floors 

Concrete floors are porous, so when water wicks up, it leaves chalk-like calcium deposits. These deposits can typically get brushed off easily. Painted concrete can flake or blister and may need repainting. SERVPRO cleans concrete by using HEPA vacuums. Mold can grow where there are dirt or surface films, so if required, the techs apply an EPA-registered disinfectant. 

Comprehensive Water Damage Services 

If the exterior walls of your home and the cinder blocks of your garage have water damage in Seminole County, there is a good chance other structural elements were affected. The contents of the house may need cleaning. Furniture may need reupholstering. We are professionals in all types of water intrusion mitigation. There is no need to procure a cleaning business, a repair service, and a carpet cleaning service. We are a comprehensive water restoration company with the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to get the job done. We can clean and restore: 

• Structural elements of your home.
• Household goods such as dishes and pans.
• Documents, books, and photos.
• Carpet and flooring.
• Linens and draperies.
• Toys and keepsakes. 

If on-site cleaning is possible, we move items away from the affected area for washing. If content needs removed, we provide pack-out services. The water damaged material is taken to our secure warehouses and professionally cleaned and restored. We inventory each item, and everything gets returned to where it was formerly. 

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster 

Customer service is everything to our professional group of technicians and office staff. As homeowners and Florida residents ourselves, we understand how something as simple as a burst pipe can disrupt your life. That’s why we are fast to any disaster, no matter how big or small. We want our daily lives to run smoothly and know you do too. We strive to work with your insurance company, so all aspects of the water restoration process are as smooth as possible. 

Contact SERVPRO of North Seminole County at 407-323-2422 today. Of all the water restoration companies you can hire, choose one who is fast on the scene, professional, and cares.

How To Prevent Water Damage In Your Florida Home

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing Water Damage in Florida Is important 

As a Seminole County homeowner, are you concerned about water damage? Leak or flooding related problems are a risk for any homeowner, but for those living in the Central Florida area know too well how quickly the weather turns wet and dreary.

When they think of water damage, most people think of dramatic incidents such as major flooding or a burst pipe that soaks the floor and makes their house uninhabitable. However, water does not always come from significant weather events or home disasters. Sometimes the problem is quite small and preventable, such as a leak from a gutter that the homeowner neglected to clean. By becoming aware of the little things that can cause problems, Seattle homeowners can keep their homes safer.

What is the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home?

The very best way to protect your home is to stay vigilant. Regularly check both inside and outside for potential problem areas.

SERVPRO of North Seminole recommends making regular checks part of an ongoing home maintenance routine. Prevention is better than cure, and by keeping a close eye on areas that could cause a leak or flood, you can spot issues before they start. That means you can get help early before the problem escalates.

What are some things homeowners should look out for?

Here are five areas we think every homeowner should check regularly:

Gutters and downspouts. Gutters and downspouts are a ready source of water that can quickly get into your home and rot drywall, damage window frames, or seep into the carpet. You can prevent this by keeping both gutters and downspouts clean – twice yearly is a good schedule.

Washing machine hoses. Washing machine hoses are a potential source of leaks, especially if the tube is old. Older hoses are usually more brittle and prone to cracks, and might already be damaged. Check the hose regularly, and if it is looking a bit worn, replace it.

Appliances. Any appliance that uses water can leak and cause water damage. That includes your washing machine and dishwasher, but also radiators, and even hoses. Keep your appliances well maintained and deal with any damage you find as soon as you find it.

Faucets. Kitchen and bathroom faucets are a prominent area where a leak might occur. Make sure your faucets switch on and off correctly and that there are no apparent drips or leaks.

Water bills. Have you checked your water bill lately? The numbers on your statement can be an early indicator that there is something wrong. If your water bill seems too high for the amount of water you are using in your home, that can be a sign of a leak.

How can SERVPRO of North Seminole County help in case of water problems?

It’s essential to do what you can to prevent water damage and removal in your house. However, even if you are careful, sometimes a breakage or leak will happen unexpectedly. You can trust the SERVPRO professionals to take care of things quickly and professionally, with minimal disruption to you.

Our technicians follow a proven process to remedy the damage as fast as possible:

First, we carry out a thorough assessment to ensure we know what we are dealing with and can plan the best course of action.

Next, we remove as much water from your property as possible. Our technicians have a selection of top-of-range pumps and extractors to hand, so we always have the right tool for the job.

Once we have removed as much water as possible, the next step is to dry and dehumidify your property. Thorough drying helps prevent further damage and draws out water that was difficult to remove during the extraction process. Our teams use a range of professional air movers and dehumidifiers to restore your home.

We clean and sanitize as many water-damaged items as possible to make them fit for use once more.

Finally, we mend physical damage to your home. Physical repairs might include replacing drywall or dealing with other structural damage.

It’s good to know SERVPRO of North Seminole County is on hand if you notice or suspect water damage in your home. Our team is dedicated to cleaning and restoring your house quickly and leaving it "Like it never even happened." However, we suggest taking as many precautions as possible to prevent water damage as that is by far the best option.

If you are concerned about water damage, give SERVPRO of North Seminole County a call today on (407) 323-2422!

Water Clean Up & Restoration For Florida Hotels

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Seminole County at (407) 323-2422 is ready 24/7 to assist with commercial water cleanup of any size.

Safety During Commercial Water Cleanup in A Seminole County Hotel

When a business relies on heavy foot traffic as part of their business model, the need for safe commercial water cleanup is crucial. The goal of SERVPRO is to help businesses experience the least amount of loss and undergo mitigation as safely and quickly as possible.

In the case of a hotel in Seminole County requiring commercial water cleanup, SERVPRO technicians arrived on-site and determined that slip and fall accidents were a danger from the wet tile floor. They taped off the water loss area and put up signs to ensure while the rest of the hotel lobby remained open, a wandering guest in the hotel did not endanger themselves during the cleanup and drying process.

Removal of Water and Wet Items
The water came from a large scale plumbing leak in a single area of the lobby. The technicians used their moisture detection equipment to track the migration path of the water and extracted the standing puddles. A single wall received the effects of the plumbing issue, and only that area required the removal of the sheetrock for both airflow to dry inside the wall cavity and for repairs to the pipe. The rubber-backed industrial rugs did not absorb any water and only needed cleaning for reuse.

Disposal of Some Furnishings
While hardwood furnishings hold up well against most water exposure, the composite wood furnishings in the lobby that received water damage did not have restoration or repair potential due to the damage to the bases. The techs noted these items in detail, including photos for use by the hotel when filing an insurance claim.

Drying and Restoration
The professional drying equipment SERVPRO utilizes use such a high-velocity airstream that it forces embedded moisture to rise and is ported away by their dehumidification equipment. This begins a cycle of progressively drier air circulating and results in eliminating the moisture.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County at (407) 323-2422 is ready 24/7 to assist with commercial water cleanup of any size. Their technicians bring the equipment and knowledge to make the loss, “Like it never even happened.”

What To Do After A Hurricane In Florida

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Its Hurricane season in Florida! So often we post about hurricane preparation tips and what you can do to be ready for a big storm. While that is important to know, it is also vital to understand steps that should be taken after a hurricane has passed through your area. Especially in Florida, there can be a number of potentially hazardous and dangerous obstacles and debris around your home. So to be clear from the start, always remember safety first!

What To Do After A Hurricane

• The first thing to do if you evacuated from Sanford or another Florida town, is to only return to it when the proper authorities have advised to do so. 
• Try to steer clear of downed power lines or anything that appears to be connected to a power line or box.  This includes puddles of water that have a power line submerged in them, as they can be potentially electrified. 
• If you return home and suspect that you may have a gas leak, leave immediately and contact the utility company so they can deem it safe to return. 
• If it is safe to return but there is minor damage to your personal property, separate the damaged goods from the rest of your inventory. 
• If you return home to find it unsafe, contact your insurance company and see if they can assist in finding you temporary accommodations at a nearby hotel. 

Hurricane season can be a devastating time for many people, especially those who live in a place like Florida where we are prone to many severe storms. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is a proud supporter and partner of The American Red Cross, and hope that these few tips assist your family in the aftermath of a hurricane. 

There are plenty of more tips on how to deal with the aftermath of a hurricane. Please visit The American Red Cross website for more details.

For storm damage restoration needs, we are here to help. Give us a call at (407) 323-2422. 

Mold Remediation In Sanford, Florida

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Looking For Mold Remediation In Sanford? 

Like all cities in the state of Florida, Sanford's subtropical climate produces a lot of rain and humidity. Sometimes this moisture seeps into your home and mold begins to form. Are you asking yourself "what is that musty odor is in my home?"

Well, it's probably mold. Not sure how to find it? Or do you already know where the mold is growing? 

Well then you have come to the right place! 

Why SERVPRO Of North Seminole?

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is the one-stop shop for mold remediation. We can help locate, assess, and then clean any mold growth inside your Sanford home. Our first class professionals can handle mold jobs of any size, and return your home to its original mold-free condition. 

If any of the above questions make you think about your home, it's time to give SERVPRO of North Seminole County a call. 

The bad news: If you have ever asked or thought any of the above questions, you may be dealing with a mold issue in your home.

The good news: We are experienced professionals in mold remediation! Our crew would be happy to come out and inspect your home and the area of concern to see what you may be dealing with - at no cost to you, of course. 

Mold in your home can be scary...In some cases, it may even mean health concerns for your family. But don't worry, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here to serve you and help get your life back to normal and your home mold-free! 

Give us a call today: 407-323-2422

Hurricane Protection Tips For Florida Businesses

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

How To Protect Your Business From Hurricanes 

When hurricane season arrives, you see a lot of business owners in Central Florida board up their windows and get sandbags. After all they are trying to not only protect their buildings exterior from the storm but the merchandise inside as well. If business owners do not try any way to protect their businesses from a hurricane, then water and storm damage is possible to their commercial property. And when that happens, they could potentially be out of business for weeks if not months after the storm has passed. 

So we wanted to outline some basic commercial property protection tips for Florida business owners. 

Hurricane Protection Tips

1. Trim trees or other plants 

At your business, you are going to make sure your trees and bushes are trimmed to help ensure that nothing comes flying through your windows during high winds. Debris is one of the most damaging forces in a hurricane, and it could damage your future business revenue as well!

2. Storm shutters

If you live somewhere prone to hurricanes and powerful storms like we do here in Central Florida, it's always a good idea to install storm shutters on your windows at the office just like you would at home. If anything, you can try to board up your windows if your property manager allows it. 

3. Storage space

If you are a company that deals with equipment (like we do) it's important to have a space inside your office where you would be able to store everything if need be. This helps to prevent any equipment from getting wet and possibly ruined. 

So that's it. All it takes is a few extra measures to make sure your business is as safe and secure during a storm as your home! 

If you ever do end up with a water damage in your home or place of business, don't worry...We're here for you. 

Give us a call at 407-323-2422 

Here's What To Do If Fire Damaged Your Home

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Seminole County can help with odors left after a fire.

After A Fire Loss in Sanford, Test The Pros for Fire and Odor Cleanup

The high rate of damage that is left once a fire is put out can be a costly and tragic loss for you and your home. Besides burned personal items, hard to remove odors can remain in your home after a severe fire loss. It may be difficult to repair your home and remove these scents using DIY methods alone, which is why calling a professional crew to come out and do some tougher cleaning and restoration is generally always worth it. 

When you need fire and odor cleanup in Sanford after a fire, there are a number of factors such as lingering airborne particles that a normal homeowner may be unaware of, or just not know how to get rid of. That's where SERVPRO of North Seminole County comes in. When you call us, our specialized fire damage team in Sanford completes a through walkthrough of the property to examine and identify all damage and potential hotspots for more damage to occur. From there, they come up with a proper way to proceed and keep the homeowner up to speed on everything they are going to do make it seem "Like it never even happened." 

We use high-tech equipment to remove smoke and soot residue to destroy those foul odors that the fire may have left behind. It is always our goal to make sure that fire damage is dealt with properly and effectively as some odors are incredibly difficult to remove, and we want to get the job done right the first time around. 

What To Do After A Fire Loss

After you have experienced a fire and everything is deemed safe, the next thing to do after a major fire loss would be to remove any and all loose debris on the property that is beyond salvageable. Debris removal is also apart of our fire loss service as we can safely remove any optionally hazardous materials so you don't have to. 

It may be a good idea to separate your personal property items into what us salvageable and what isn't, so our crew of professionals can begin the fire damage restoration process without removing any of your personal property that you may want to keep despite being slightly damaged. FEMA has a lot of great tips on how to properly bounce back after a fire. 

Fire Damage Restoration

Fighting the onset of soot and smoke is elemental after a fire. SERVPRO takes pride in professional odor removal. Our teams employ the use of dry and wet cleaning methods as well as eco-friendly cleaning solutions and specialized technology to clean items and remove odors. The combination of abrasives, cleaning sprays, or immersion cleaning used depends on the project and the level of fire damage.

Not only can we do odor removal, fire damage restoration can also include reconstructing an entire part of the property. SERVPRO of North Seminole County has a rebuilding division that can replace and parts of your home that may have been damaged beyond basic repair. 

If you require help with fire and odor cleanup, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our office at (407) 323-2422, and we will send out a team as soon as possible.

Tornado Safety

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes, although uncommon in Florida, impact locations all across the country. After the recent tornado touching down in Deland and causing severe damage to several homes and businesses, we here at SERVPRO of North Seminole County and West Volusia have compiled a list of safety tips in the event of a tornado. 

• Keep back up batteries as well as a weather radio in your home or business.
• Store backup water and non perishable foods in the home as well.
• Always have a first aid kit in your possesion.
• Stay up to date on weather patterns and shifts.
• Have a designated room or area to shelter in, away from windows and on the lowest floor.
• Do not shelter in a mobile home, find the nearest sturdy building preferably with a basement.

In the event that damage occurs to your home or place of business due to a tornado or major storm...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

Storm Preparedness

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Here in Florida, we see our fair share of storms. These storms can lead to water damage, structural damage, and could lead to mold damage as well. Here is a compiled list of things you can do to protect your home from potential storms.

• Secure any outdoor items such as lawn furniture, potted plants, grills etc. to avoid such items becoming projectiles.
• Garage doors can be a weak point in your home, keep garage door braces on hand in the event of severe weather.
• Keep plywood on hand to board up windows, especially in the event of hail or strong winds.
• Remove any dead wood from surrounding trees.

In the event that damage occurs to your home or place of business due to a major storm...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

Always Ready!

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

For Immediate Service call SERVPRO of North Seminole County

SERVPRO of North Seminole County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. For 37 years we have been responding immediately to any emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 407-323-2422

Residential Services

Whether your Seminole County home needs emergency flood damage or your carpetscleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for Fire/Water/Mold damage to strike your Seminole County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation/Restoration

Getting Back To Business

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

As we begin to go back to work many will be returning to buildings/facilities that have been closed for weeks or months. This creates the potential for unidentifiable odors from ambient humidity, lack of temperature control or undetected leaks. 

At SERVPRO of North Seminole County we are experts in identifying and eliminating odor(s). However, eliminating the odor is only part of the solution. If the cause of the odor isn't identified and remedied, you are simply putting "a band-aid on a broken leg". 

Should you have an odor issue upon your return to work let SERVPRO of North Seminole County investigate it for you. We will do so at no cost and provide you with a report of our findings and an estimate for remediating the source and eliminating the odor, if necessary. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County

407-323-2422

"Here to Help"

A Culture of Service

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

For 40 years, SERVPRO of North Seminole County has taken pride in serving this community. We realize that when our clients call us they are typically in some phase of panic. Whether a water damage, fire or mold issue, their lives and/or business has been significantly interrupted. 

Every day, in our morning meeting, we discuss with our crews the opportunity that is ahead for them that day. It's an opportunity to positively impact someone's life; to help them realize we are going to make a bad situation better for them. It's what we train for and what we do. It's our culture; a culture of service. 

Thank you for allowing SERVPRO of North Seminole County to serve you. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County

407-323-2422

"Here In Your Community: Here To Help"

Water Damage; Preventative Measures

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of North Seminole County, water damages are the most common call we respond to. Although they are one of the most common disasters to occur to homeowners, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent them. 

• Clean gutters routinely to prevent clogging and potential overflow.
• Inspect your roof bi-annually to avoid leaks.
• Ensure proper drainage for your homes water supply.
• Know where your water shut off valve is for in the instance of an emergency. 
• Seal windows and doors.
• Inspect showers, tubs, toilets, and appliances regularly.
• Check for dark spots under pipes, water stains on the ceiling and always keep an eye out for any active drips and repair immedietly.

In the event that a water damage occurs to your home or place of business...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

Safety Tips For Your Business

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Protecting your business and employees can be made easier when following a few simple measures. Here are a few of our favorite safety tips so that you can be better prepared if disaster strikes.

1. Advance preparation is so important. Make sure that key employees understand the business insurance plan in DETAIL. This makes it so much easier when you need to make a claim. 
2. Make sure your smoke alarms work properly! It is such a small thing but this safety measure is constantly neglected. 
3. Make sure safety rules and plans are accessible to all employees. This can be achieved by having the safety instructions posted in all areas of the office space. 
4. Have safety meetings at least once a year to establish a better understanding of the safety plan you have set for your business. 

Even just by implementing these quick and easy steps, you're helping to make your business environment safer and better prepared! 

What You Should Know: Fire Aftermath

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

A destructive force like a fire can make it difficult to gauge what your first move should be. Here is a list of actions to take in the event that you are affected by a fire. 

•  Immediately contact the fire department and evacuate to a safe location
• Determine if anyone needs medical attention, and respond appropriately
• Find a safe place to stay if necessary, or if this proves to be difficult you may contact your local disaster relief agency, such as Salvation Army or American Red Cross which can help you find a temporary place to stay.
• Make sure doors and windows are secure, and secure any valuables as well. 
• Call SERVPRO of North Seminole County to begin restoring your home or bussines.

SERPVPRO will clean any affected items you wish to restore. SERVPRO is also equipped to clean any of four different soot types, dry smoke, wet smoke, protein smoke, as well as fuel oil smoke residues. 

For more information on fires and ways you can be prepared to deal with this or other natural disasters, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/. 

COVID-19 Cleanup

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of North Seminole County, our team of professionals have been trained and experienced in dealing with biological contaminants. We are prepared to execute detailed cleaning and disinfection of your home or business to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC has recommended the usage of labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogen claims, and we are strictly following all guidelines set by the CDC as well as local authorities. Here is a brief description of our COVID-19 cleanup processes dependent on the type of COVID-19 situation:

• Level 1- Sanitizing: Misting entire area with an antiviral.
• Level 2- High Touch Cleanup: Cleanup of high touch surfaces is required for a situation involving a person who is suspected to have COVID-19 or a Person Under Investigation; which is someone who is involved in a quarantine situation or has come in contact with someone testing positive. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of high touch nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of high touch porous surfaces.
• Level 3- Enhanced Cleanup- Enhanced cleanup is required for an area in which a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 has inhabited. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of all nonporous and porous surfaces. This enhanced cleaning includes up to 8 feet, but excludes ceilings.

In the event that your home or place of business is in need of COVID-19 prevention or cleanup and disinfection...SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422

Water Damage - Know What You Are Dealing With

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Water damages can come in all different colors and sizes, know what you are dealing with.

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

Water damage from clean water is the easiest to manage, but it still requires quick action plus specialized equipment and techniques. Clean water can come from a water heater, dishwasher that malfunctions, the city water supply, a well when a pipe bursts or damaged supply lines to appliances or toilets. When clean water floods your home or business, most flooring, building structure and contents can be saved when quick action is taken.

Category 2: Gray Water Damage

A gray water flood comes from water that’s known to contain a significant amount of physical, chemical or biological contamination. Exposure to this water can cause illness and property damage if action isn’t taken quickly. Gray water damage may come from a urine-filled toilet bowl, dishwasher or washing machine discharge or a failed sump pump. Any water that needs to be sanitized before use is gray water. Structure and possessions impacted by gray water must be removed to prevent the growth of mold and to prevent further damage. Some materials may be restored, but most items will be lost when impacted by gray water.

Category 3: Black Water Damage

Black water damage at your home or business is the most dangerous to your health and the most damaging to your structure and its contents. This damage from highly contaminated water can cause illness and disease and must be dealt with immediately. Black water can come from a sewage backup, an overflowing river, seawater or other water from the outside. Any water left standing for more than 48 to 72 hours may become black water as bacteria levels in its rise from stagnation. Special equipment, training, and sanitation instruments and procedures, as well as possible mold remediation, are necessary to deal with black water damage.

Why Choose Your Seminole County, FL. SERVPRO Team

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Outdoor flooding due to heavy rains.

Forces of nature, appliance and plumbing problems can lead to severe flooding in the interior of a home or office. There are precautions one can take to reduce the damage, but water damages can still occur. When it does occur, one needs to take the next logical step. It becomes important to hire a water removal specialist. A specialist can do exactly what is necessary to restore a water-damaged environment to its original state.

There are a number of important functions a specialist must perform. One of the most important is to properly extract the water from the environment.

Once the water has been removed, it becomes important to properly take care of the damage that has been done to the property. An individual can only perform this with a clear eye for the process. A water damage professional can spot wear, tear, and damage that a novice would not. This is another reason why it is necessary to call in the services of a professional, such as SERVPRO.

A water damage specialist can then perform all the work needed to restore a home to its original condition. This is a critical point because if the property is not repaired in the aftermath of the water damage, it can present great safety risks. This increases the liabilities a homeowner can face after water damage.

Proper repair work can also restore the value of the property. This is very important because no one would want to see the equity of his or her home decline. Water repair specialists can work tremendously well in terms of restoring the value of a home. That alone makes the value of a repair specialist extremely significant.

If you've encountered a large leak or a flood, a specialist will have all the equipment needed to take care of the situation quickly and simply. If there is a lot of water that you think you can take care of yourself, assess whether you think structural damage can occur within the extra time it may take you as opposed to a specialist. 

Depending on what type of water there is, it could be harmful to your health. You should always call in a professional to get the job done. Once all the water is extracted or pumped out you would have to completely dry out the whole area. SERVPRO owns several large, high power drying fans to prevent further damage. Further damage, if not dried completely in a reasonable amount of time, could result in the growth of mold. In some cases, a water specialist may offer much lower prices and more accurate work than a regular plumber.

A SERVPRO specialist can handle septic systems, broken dishwashers or other plumbing or water utility device issues. If a strange smell in your home just won't go away, consider calling a water damage specialist at your local SERVPRO.

Selling A Central Florida Home?

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

We can help you sell a home faster (and cleaner).

Realtors, This Ones' For You. 

Want to know a secret? Clean homes sell faster! Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout a home. In Florida, we also understand the increased potential for previously undetected mold growth in any given home. Any leaks, water stains, or lingering odors can also be a sign of a larger issue. 

Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list or schedule a home inspection. However, a lot of times realtors are the first ones to spot the issue. Either way, make sure you get a professional to address the problem(s). That way, you are less likely to run into issues during the buyer inspection. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here to help with any of these issues and more! Give us a call today, for a free mold inspection or assessment: (407) 323-2422.

SERVPRO Goes Green

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of North Seminole County uses cleaning products made with natural ingredients?

Benefect is an authentic botanical disinfectant that can be used for water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and trauma scene clean up. It uses the essential oil of the thyme plant as the Active Ingredient, not a synthetic chemical substitute.

As another big push to a more natural way of life - These cleaning products get the job done with no compromise in strength and without endangering your health or your environment.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is committed to using environmentally friendly products as much as possible. It is our goal to help keep our world and your family, chemical-free!

Just one more reason to give us a call for all of your Cleaning & Restoration needs!

Better for the environment, better for you!

Here for you - 24/7 - 7 days a week: (407) 323.2422

Preventing A Fire

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to begin this article by letting you know that fires can occur in your home or place of business no matter how many safety measures you take. However, by following a few simple safety tips, you may reduce the risk.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is committed to helping you and your home or business prevent fire damage. Here are a few of our suggestions:

• Make sure to regularly have your home heating system evaluated by a professional. 
• Avoid using outlet extenders when at all possible. They increase the chance of overloading an electrical circuit. 
• Remove lint from the dyer after one to two loads of laundry. A clogged filter can force lint into the heated coils of the dyer. 
• Make sure to properly extinguish smoking materials. In other words, don't walk away from the candle you just blew out until you are sure that the fire is completely out. 

While we hope this is never the case, in the event of fire damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here for you. Give us a call at 407-323-2422.

Heat Index and Dry Days...What You Need To Know Living In Florida

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Fireworks are a common cause of fires in July.

If there is one thing that comes to mind when we think of summers in Central Florida, it's the HEAT! The beginning of July 2019 has been so exception. In fact, according to professionals, we have seen a heat index with recording setting numbers for this month. 

With heat like this, it is no surprise that everything is dry. So what are we getting at? The dryness in the air, the heat, both create the perfect atmosphere for one spark to light an unintentional fire that can spread faster than you may think. 

Did you know that the 4th of July sees at least a 20% increase in fires due to fireworks? Summer night bonfires also lead to an increase in fire damage due to a dry environment.

So why do we share this information? SERVPRO of North Seminole County wants to help you have the information you need to stay safe and prevent fire damage to your home or place of business. We also want to do our part to spread awareness of the potential of widespread damage a fire may cause. 

Always pay attention to fire watches and warnings in your area. Be mindful of the environment you are in before you start a bonfire, controlled burn, etc. 

Know that in any situation, we are here to assist you with fire damage.  

Get Prepared...It's Almost Hurricane Season

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 5-11, 2019)

There are so many essential tools and preparedness tips to get your family ready for hurricane season. Here in Central Florida, we know how important it is to make sure your family has a solid plan in place to stay as safe and secure as possible when facing a big storm. Here are a few guidelines we find most effective:

1. Stay tuned to your local weather channels. Be in the know! It allows you the most time to prepare if a storm arises. It also allows for the most accurate local threats you may face during and after severe weather.
2. Have an evacuation plan in place. Know where you would go, transportation avenues, and a timeline for travel.
3. Finally, finalize an insurance plan that has the coverage you need to protect against severe weather damage. The majority of homeowners do not know the complete extent of what their insurance plan does or does not cover.

We hope these reminders assist you in planning for this upcoming hurricane season. Know that SERVPRO of North Seminole County is always here for your storm restoration needs! (407) 323-2422. 

The Difference You Didn't Expect

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Damage has just struck your home or business and now you are weighing your options on who to call. Here is why you should call SERVPRO. 

Here at SERVPRO we go the extra mile to ensure that you are fully satisfied with the final product. Staffed with a hard working team that truly cares, we are prepared to help you feel back on track! One of the ways we do this is by prioritizing your comfort and safety, we understand that this is not "just a job", this is your life. We want to do everything we can to not only restore the damage, but to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. 

As our manager Jason Dalton has always said and stood by: "We treat the customers' home as if it were our own". This creates a further sense of respect and understanding for the customers individual needs and requests. 

Three Reasons To Call

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Seminole County 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 Answer the Phone Ready to Help! (407) 323-2422

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 North Seminole County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several 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)?

About SERVPRO of North Seminole County

SERVPRO of North Seminole County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

You're Not Ready - But We Are

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

"You don't think about what you will do if your place of business is covered in water. So thankful SERVPRO of North Seminole County came to the rescue!" - Amy 

You don't think about it. A fire, a water damage, hurricane loss, mold growth - we could go on and on. As tragic and worrisome as these events can be, its fairly rare that we find a commercial property owner who is prepared to open the flood gates that was a front door and find a water damage. 

That's where we come in.

We can handle any sort of damage, big or small! We are talking skyscraper status, to small business warehouse offices. We are here for you. So don't let the panic sink in...Grab your phone, dial our number, and we'll take it from there.

24/7 - 7 days a week: (407) 323-2422

Severe Weather Awareness Week - Florida

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week is full of essential information and tips to help you be prepared in various severe weather events. 

The awareness platform details ways to stay safe in the event of a lightning storm. (VITAL information for Floridians to pay attention to.)

It also talks about hurricanes and flooding. What you can do to prepare your family, home, and business for these events should they occur. 

Earlier this week, a statewide tornado drill was held in order for proactive participants to take part in tornado safety exercises. (FYI, if you do not do this, you should.) 

Marine hazards and rip currents are also a topic of concern especially in Florida. If you are EVER beach-goers, you and your family should be up to date on these dangers and safety precautions. 

Finally, fires and extreme temperatures are important awareness topics. Florida's dry season is going on right now. Which means we are at a higher risk for wildfires. 

You may think you know the proper safety tips and procedures in each of these topics, but it never hurts to reaffirm that information and keep it fresh in your mind. Check out floridadisasters.org for more information. Stay safe Florida!

Safety Tips for Your Business

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Helping to protect your business is easy when you follow a few simple measures. Here are a few of our favorite safety tips so that you can be better prepared if disaster strikes.

1. Advance preparation is so important. Make sure that key employees understand the business insurance plan in DETAIL. This makes it so much easier when you need to make a claim. 
2. Make sure your smoke alarms work properly! It is such a small thing but this safety measure is constantly neglected. 
3. Make sure safety rules and plans are accessible to all employees. This can be achieved by having the safety instructions posted in all areas of the office space. 

Even just by implementing these quick and easy steps, your helping to make your business environment safer and better prepared! 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County: 407-323-2422

Why Your Business Needs An ERP

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) in place for your business, you are ready for whatever happens! 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County can provide your company with an ERP individually tailored to your needs. Here's what it does: 

• Identifies a point of contact able to authorize work orders. This allows us to be able to quickly get to work repairing any damage in the event of a water or fire damage.
• Provides significant details on valve shut off locations, identifies areas with important safety equipment and presents emergency contact information and notes. This allows any employee you wish to have easy access to vital emergency information in the event that damage occurs. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is here to help protect your business by helping you get prepared! Give us a call today: (407) 323-2422 

Christmas Home Hazards

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

It's the most wonderful time of the year! With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, trees are up and decorated, Christmas candles are filling the house with smells of sugar cookies or cinnamon, and lights are up outside to add that extra sparkle after dark. 

While all of these are beautiful ways to delight in the spirit of the season, we want to ensure that you take the proper safety precautions to keep your family and home safe. 

Did you know that December being the peak period for home fires started by candles or misuse of lights? 

Here are a few tips that may help prevent a fire hazard in your home: 

1. Keep those Christmas tress watered! Make sure that you check the water level each day, to help avoid the tree drying out and becoming a fire hazard. 
2. Do not leave outside Christmas lights on while you sleep. Turn them on for a few hours a night, and then turn them off. (This saves electricity too!) 
3. 40% of home decoration fires are started by candles. Make sure you place candles in a safe location when burning and do not leave unattended. 

We encourage you to always be mindful of potential fire dangers and remain cautious no matter what time of year. However, we ask that you be EXTRA careful during this season. 

However, if you were to find yourself the victim of a home fire - you can trust SERVPRO of North Seminole County to have you back to normal in no time!

Protecting Your Central Florida Home - Flooding

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage is no match for SERVPRO of North Seminole county restoration experts!

Flooding can happen anywhere and if you live in Florida, you know even one of our heavy afternoon thunderstorms can ensure flooding can happen "any time" as well. 

It's a scary thought to think that your home could be under water in a moment’s notice.

So we thought we would share a few tips that can help you stay flood free. 

1. Water flow - How does water flow around your house? It's important that it flows away from the structure. If it is noted that this is not the case, you may want to call an irrigation specialist to see if it is possible to correct.
2. Water valves - Two words: modify them. So many times, in flooding cases we see sewage backup and overflow. That is the LAST thing you want to be dealing with, so it may be worth it to look at installing a back-flow valve.  
3. Lastly, if you believe flooding is about to occur, move as many items as you can away from the rising water (electronics especially). Then give us a call, and we will be out there ASAP to help! 

If you experience flooding or water damage, give us a call at: 407-323-2422

Hurricanes - The Aftermath

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

This home had some storm damage, but we were there to clean up the water as quickly as possible!

If you live in Florida, then you know that hurricane season comes with the territory. However, that does not stop us from wishing them away each year. 

This year, we got hit with power storm, Hurricane Irma.

She caused lots of damage to homes and commercial properties here in the Sunshine State...Some are still recovering, restoring and repairing in the aftermath. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole county wants you to know that we are here to serve you! If you are still dealing with water damage or maybe even some mold build up from where a water damage was, give us a call. We specialize in water damage restoration and mold remediation. 

Let us help you get your home or commercial property back in pre-hurricane shape. 

Give us a call at: 407-323-2422 

The Lingering Effect

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold that had been growing inside a wall due to water damage.

Mold. It is usually never foreseeable and never found until one day you open up that back storage closet that you NEVER go in and it smells a little strange. Moving things around you find it, and then you call us. 

However, there are cases when a mold problem should be foreseeable and can hopefully be taken care of before it is even a problem. When does this occur?

During floods or water damages. 

You should always be aware that anytime you have had flood damage to your home or place of business it is likely for mold growth to occur in that area. In fact, it's more than likely. That is why you always hire a water damage restoration specialist (we know a good one) to deal with flood or water damage. SERVPRO will make sure that you are at the least possible risk for any lingering mold growth. 

Give us a call for a FREE mold inspection: 407-323-2422

Driving on Wet Roads

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Headlights on and keep a safe distance.

In Florida, we so often find ourselves driving in rainy conditions. Here are a few tips to help you stay as safe on the roads as possible!

1.Slow down.  You should drop to at least 15 miles per hour below the speed limit when driving in the rain. If on the highway and drop to a lower speed, move to the right lanes for slower traffic.

2.Increase following distance. Leave plenty of distance between you and vehicle front of you. It may seem like everyone sees it as an opening to get ahead of you, do not panic, and stay a safe distance.

3.Turn on headlights in the rain. It is the law. Do not use your high beams, though. If your wipers are on, then so should your headlights.

4.Do NOT turn on your hazard lights. It is illegal. When a driver sees your emergency lights on, they think your vehicle is stopped and may take evasive action to avoid your car. Although you may be trying to prevent a crash, having your emergency lights on in the rain can cause a crash. Hazard lights are for parked cars only. This could cause confusion for officers to find an actual emergency. Flashing hazard lights can also trigger a seizure by the driver behind you, if that driver has epilepsy.

5.Check your tire tread. Grab a penny and insert it head first into your tire's tread groove. If you can see all of President Abraham Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires.

Be Ready for the Unexpected

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Ready Plan App

Did you know SERVPRO offers an app so that you can be ready for anything? It can be downloaded from the App Store and the Android Market. You do not even need to be a current customer of SERVPRO to download!

Download is fast and simple. Search SERVPRO in the App Store or Android Market. You will see a green and orange SERVPRO logo and the app is labeled Ready Plan. Once in you can register to create your user ID and password.

You can then explore the app for tips and more information on SERVPRO. The app is self-explanatory and easy to use. You can add the property or properties that you manage, along with important contact information, property or building information, emergency contacts and insurance information.

You can even file a claim right from the app, no need to search for a SERVPRO closest to you! Whether you are a home owner, commercial property owner or property manager, this app is handy for anyone.

For more information, including a short video about its uses, please click the link below.

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

Putting You Back Together

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Water damages are not all the same.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County 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 Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 407-323-2422

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 North Seminole County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several 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)?

IICRC - What It Means For You

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

The crew that takes care of you!

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Do I Have A Mold Issue?

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you think your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your issue.

If You See Signs of Mold, have a musty odor or just want some peace of mind, call us today at 407-323-2422.

Mold Remediation Home Remedies - Don't Do It

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in the corner of a wall in a back closet,

Pinterest and Google articles are just a few of the media platforms that will tell you there is a homemade way to get rid of mold in your home or place of business. DO NOT listen.

Mold spores can be deep rooted, so while you might be able to get rid of the visible mold problem with some bleach or a vinegar solution, you most likely have not gotten rid of the source.

So turn off your computers, stop your home remedy research and give SERVPRO of North Seminole County a call instead. Our licensed mold remediation specialists will be happy to set up an appointment for an FREE estimate to help you understand what you are dealing with. Then we will take care of the WHOLE issue for you, so you don't have to worry if there is any lingering effects! 

Give us a call today: 407-323-2422

Preventative Measures Against Mold Growth In Your Home

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth on the ceiling of the home.

Did you know that mold spores occur naturally in our environment? Especially if you live here in Central Florida, mold spores almost always exist in some form due to our high humidity levels. However, this does not equate to a mold problem in your home, something that can be maintained through a few easy steps we will share with you below! 

1. Avoid long-term leaks: this one may seem obvious, but so many times we can make a temporary "quick fix" to a problem that isn't going away. Leaks are the leading cause for mold in a home so always make sure when you discover a leak that you get it taken care of right away. 
2. Mold loves wood: that's right, wood becomes an easy target for mold growth in the right moisture setting. That's why it is always good to use plastic or metal containers or shelving in places where high moisture levels can occur, such as a garage or a basement. 
3. Limit moisture in kitchens and bathrooms: Always try to make sure and vent an area that contains moisture. After you shower, turn on the vent in the bathroom for at least 20 minutes. Also, you can turn on the vents when cooking on a stove as well. 
4. Inspect your air conditioning unit: Finally, make sure to complete a yearly inspection of your air conditioning unit. Mold spores can get trapped and build up in certain areas causing it to expand. 

Remembering these tips will not guarantee that you will never have a mold problem occur. However, it will help reduce the risk! 

What You Should Know: Dealing With A Fire Aftermath

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

A destructive force like a fire can make it difficult to gauge what your first move should be. Here is a list of actions to take in the event that you are affected by a fire. 

•  Immediately contact the fire department and evacuate to a safe location
• Determine if anyone needs medical attention, and respond appropriately
• Find a safe place to stay if necessary, or if this proves to be difficult you may contact your local disaster relief agency, such as Salvation Army or American Red Cross which can help you find a temporary place to stay.
• Make sure doors and windows are secure, and secure any valuables as well. 
• Call SERVPRO of North Seminole County to begin restoring your home or bussines.

SERPVPRO will clean any affected items you wish to restore. SERVPRO is also equipped to clean any of four different soot types, dry smoke, wet smoke, protein smoke, as well as fuel oil smoke residues. 

For more information on fires and ways you can be prepared to deal with this or other natural disasters, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/. 

Happy Halloween from your friends at SERVPRO!

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Halloween!

Can you believe the end of October is already here? Today, the holiday season kicks off with candy and costumes...In our office, Halloween also means our Annual pumpkin painting/carving contest! 

Traditions are such a big part of our workplace and this one is so much fun! Everyone seems to get more creative with their pumpkins every year (making the contest harder to judge every time!) Who knew painting tiny pumpkins could get so competitive? 

So whether it is with family, friends, or place of business, we encourage you to have some fun this holiday season. Make up a game or get crafty! If you don't know where to start, websites like Pinterest or Facebook have some awesome ideas that can help get you started. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween! If you are trick or treating tonight, make sure and grab us some extra candy. 

SERVPRO of North Seminole Goes Pink

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

SANFORD, FLORIDA -- SERVPRO of North Seminole County goes pink to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shared on their social media platforms earlier today, they released this statement along with a picture of members of their crew in pink SERVPRO shirts. “In October, we wear pink. We wear it to promote the importance of mammograms and early detection for women. We wear it to show our support for those in the midst of the fight. We wear it to celebrate with survivors, and to remember with those who have lost a loved one to this horrible disease. In October, we wear pink because we believe in a cure, and we need to find it.”

To learn more about how you can support breast cancer prevention awareness and research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit the following websites.

https://www.cancer.org/

https://ww5.komen.org/

SERVPRO of North Seminole County is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. Providing 24-hour emergency service, we are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. With the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs, we’re locally owned and operated and can respond immediately to your emergency.

 @SERVPROsanford

www.SERVPROnorthseminolecounty.com

Testing For Mold?

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

When you should test for mold:

• Following flood damage
• Once a leak is found
• When you notice stains that you cannot explain
• When you smell mold, but cannot see it
• If someone in your home develops a medical condition that cannot be explained

THE PROCESS:

• Call for a mold inspection if you see or smell mold, or if you are experiencing health problems, most notably, difficulty breathing.
• A visual assessment can help determine where mold is located. Air samples will be taken and tested for mold spores. Once testing is complete, a report will be issued with the findings.
• If test result prove that there is in fact mold present it is important to call a mold remediation specialist, such as SERVPRO, to take care of the job. During mold remediation, professionals will use protective clothing (including masks and gloves) and the proper equipment to ensure the mold does not spread.
• Finally, air samples will be taken again once mold has been removed. A new report will be issued.

Summer, Wet Floors, and Your Central Florida Home

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

Wet feet can do a number on your floors!

Summer time for a lot of families means staying busy with lots of fun activities! If you live in Florida, a majority of those activities probably include water.

Whether you are cooling off in the pool, spending your days at the beach, or enjoying those awesome Florida water parks, those wet feet, clothes and accessories may have done a number on your floors this summer.

Can't forget those wet shoes after getting caught in a Central Florida afternoon thunderstorm!

Don't worry, the little bit of water most likely will not cause long term damage to your flooring. However, it may be time for a good cleaning!

Did you know that chlorine from a pool or water park can actually leave permanent stains on your flooring? It can also create an odor from where the chlorine has seeped into the carpet fibers. Salt water can also leave a sticky feeling residue on carpet and flooring, as well as make spots on your carpet feel stiff where the water was not completely dried up. 

Whether chlorine or salt water, your local Central Florida SERVPRO team can take care of that "end of summer" residue in no time! We offer regular carpet cleaning services that will keep your carpet looking new. Protect your flooring with carpet cleaning you can count on. We use safe state-of-the-art equipment and solutions and our certified and experienced technicians will get those floors clean in no time. 

Give SERVPRO of North Seminole County a call today at (407) 323-2422. 

Fireworks and Fire Safety

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

The 4th of July is just days away!

SERVPRO of North Seminole County wants to help you celebrate safely with your family, so here are a few firework safety tips we think you should be aware of:

1. It is important that you know about and abide by the local firework laws set in your area. (This can help avoid putting a damper on your holiday with a ticket or violation fee.)
2. Have an adult read the instructions on the fireworks before lighting. (This can help to prevent a small mistake, with a potential big consequence.) 
3. Adults should ALWAYS assist their kids when setting off fireworks. (This will help keep the process safer.)
4. Set off your fireworks in a clear area. (Keep away from trees, homes, people, buildings, etc.)
5. Finally, clean up when your done! (Please don't litter.)

These simple tips can go a long way in helping prevent you from getting hurt or accidentally starting a fire when operating fireworks.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at SERVPRO of North Seminole County!

Remember, if you experience a holiday mishap, SERVPRO is always Here To Help! Click here to learn more about Fire Damage Restoration.

SERVPRO of North Seminole County: 407-323-2422

Water Safety Tips (Summer is almost here!)

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

Summer is just around the corner and in Central Florida that means a lot of us are all gearing up to take part in water activities and swimming! 

SERVPRO of North Seminole County wants to help you have a fun, safe summer. So we thought we would share some top water safety tips for you to remember before you jump in the water!

1. Swim with a buddy. (If possible, this is always the safest route no matter where you might be swimming.)
2. Parents, always watch your kids while they are in the pool. (Disasters can happen so fast.)
3. Have a life jacket and first aid kit on hand. (Getting in the habit of taking these things with you to swimming activities can be helpful.)

For more great water safety tips, visit the American Red Cross website.