Surviving Water Damage in Your Home

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a pipe that breaks don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of San Angelo.

Water damage in your San Angelo Texas home is a frustrating and time-consuming problem. No one anticipates the issue; therefore, it’s always a major inconvenience and added expense. Particularly with broken pipes, there are several steps you need to take to start the water cleanup process.

1. Stop the Water Flow and Clear the Area

When a pipe breaks or bursts, you first need to stop the water flow. Always know how to shut off the water in your house and turn it off immediately when you notice water leaking. If there is a large amount of water, it’s a good idea to turn off electricity in the room as well. Also clear the area of any decor items, furniture and especially electronics. If there are removable rugs or floor pads, take them out of the room.

2. Call the Professionals

As tempting as it may be to handle this problem alone, it’s always a good idea to call water damage specialists. They will remove the water and assess the damage to your home. It will give you peace of mind to have professionals dry out the area, as well as items within it. One of the frustrations of having broken pipes is not just the initial water, but also the threat of mold. Professionals will check unseen places, like below flooring and within walls for moisture in order to dry them and prevent mold.

3. Check with Your Insurance Company

The next call should be to your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, that will be very useful. If not, ask for details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what exactly it covers. Once you know this information, you can prepare your budget and work with the water removal company on payment.

Water damage from broken pipes is a problem you need to deal with immediately. You should make sure to turn off the water and electricity, call a company specializing in water removal and restoration and check your insurance policies. Following these steps will make a hectic process a little more manageable and have you on your way to a restored home.

Call SERVPRO of San Angelo (325)942-0414

Preventative Measures to Avoid Water Damage

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you serve customers on a daily basis or work from a private office, protecting your facility from water damage is essential for smooth daily operations. The following preventative measures can prepare your building for heavy rain. Here is what you should know about preventing flooding at your facility.

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Commercial Properties 

1. Schedule Basement Repairs

If your facility has a basement, don’t forget to periodically inspect it for foundation cracks or other issues. Make sure to have any cracks patched and caulked so the room isn’t flooded after the next heavy rainstorm. You can also install a sump pump to remove excess water as well. 

2. Improve Landscaping

Property elevation plays a big role in your risk for water damage. You can avoid potential flooding by altering your landscaping to ensure that water flows downhill and away from the building’s foundation. Use downspouts to direct water away from the building as well. You should also schedule a property assessment to identify flood-prone areas and then work with a landscaper to fix these issues.

3. Clear Drains & Gutters

It never hurts to look at the weather forecast. When you know rain is on the way, double check that all gutters, drains, and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. This way, you won’t have to worry about clogs causing water to back up and leak into the building.

If your facility has been affected by water damage, contact SERVPRO of San Angelo. Serving the Concho Valley and the surrounding areas. They provide a variety of cleanup and restoration services, including for damage from fire, water, and mold. Locally owned and operated, their IICRC certified team seeks to treat each customer as a friend of the family to give you the best quality service. To learn more about how they can help your property call them at (325)942-0414.

Don't Share Your Office With Mold

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let mold be your new office decoration!

Since mold can grow on pretty much any organic surface where oxygen and moisture are readily available, the interior of your factory building in San Angelo could be under attack at any time. You could even have a mold problem growing out of sight, so being diligent with the maintenance and upkeep of your building is essential.  Not only can mold damage your building it can cause health effects for your workers as well. Therefore, it is necessary to clean it up right away, and recruiting the help of a remediation company such as SERVPRO helps get the job done faster and more efficiently. With our professional training and equipment, you can trust us to make your building look as if nothing ever happened.

Before our SERVPRO staff can help with the mold damage in your building, we take precautions such as establishing a containment area. We do this so that the mold does not spread to clean parts of your structure while we work. Containment can include installing plastic sheeting and creating negative air pressure inside the contaminated area. We also seal HVAC vents to stop the contamination getting into your duct system. Clean rooms are also established and used for decontaminating materials and equipment, as well as decontamination rooms for leaving and entering the work area.

To protect your building from a mold outbreak, it is also essential to make any repairs, such as fixing leaky roofs, cracked foundations, and unsealed windows and door frames. If you make the repairs as they occur and catch leaks and water damage before the wetness sits too long, you can do a lot to keep mold growth away.

The technicians at SERVPRO of San Angelo are experts at mold remediation, so you can trust us to thoroughly clean your business structure in San Angelo or Ballinger after an outbreak. Once you suspect you have an issue, give us a call at (325)942-0414 so we can stop it from spreading further.

Professional Water Removal In San Angelo

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

San Angelo is not exactly a flood-prone town but when water begins spreading across floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine.

No matter where it came from, water removal for San Angelo homes need to be started, and finished, as soon as possible. It is why SERVPRO maintains a support office 24/7, so our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can begin work within minutes after receiving a call.

If the water level is over two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. All water we remove goes directly in a drain, and not across the backyard to cause a problem for neighbors or the residents one street over. If possible, technicians direct it into sewer access if one is available.

For water levels under two inches, SERVPRO WRTs utilize extraction wands and other, smaller devices. Each one has three components, but technicians start by using only the pump option to draw water off of floors. Once they begin drawing water out of carpets, upholstery, and other items, they use the other two, a heater and vacuum to carefully draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards.

That is particularly important for carpets. After they become soaked, the glue holding the layers together weakens significantly, and delamination, or separation of the layers, can occur. WRTs know to carefully monitor all three components to prevent tearing carpets apart, as well as overheating the already damaged wood floorboards, cracking and splintering them.

After completing water removal, technicians then lift the carpets, remove the carpet pad, and dry the floor using air movers and fans to force warm air over and under the carpet while also drawing out the damp air and sending it outside the nearest window or another exit.

At SERVPRO of San Angelo, we want to return each home to its original condition, safe for occupation once more, as quickly as possible. For any water intrusion into your home, call us 24/7 at (325)942-0414 to begin work. We are here for you.

10 Tips When Dealing with a Water Damage Loss

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business. In San Angelo Texas we experience all types of water damage situations. We wanted to put together a free guide of 10 things that walks you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business. 

1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. Currently it is proper to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.

2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: With the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and not wet. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process. 

3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long, it can begin to create secondary damages. Water can be removed by using portable or truck mount extractors. Portables will take more time, and the truck mounts are much faster and efficient. 

4. Begin to remove damaged materials that can’t be dried and ventilate enclosed areas: Once all the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. This is to allow air flow in closed off spaces. If no ventilation is allowed secondary damage can occur inside the walls. Many times, if you are dealing with sewage water more flood cuts will be necessary. Try to take as many before and after photos as well. 

5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home or facility: The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times. Be sure to continue to take plenty of photographs of the equipment in place on the job. 

6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected. If that is the case it will need to be corrected so proper drying can occur. Be sure to document the drying data each day for accurate records. 

7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry all the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area. This will keep other secondary issues from happening as well. 

8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos. This will keep accurate records for your insurance company from start to finish. You can never take too many photos when dealing with a water loss. 

9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some situations, you might have to hire a contractor to do specific tasked like repair damaged drywall from the water. Be sure to continue to document any and all work on your home or business. 

10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all your records on backup. This can be valuable in case of any secondary damages in the future. 

SERVPRO of San Angelo can handle any water damage job from start to finish. It is critical to make sure you understand the steps mentioned above. SERVPRO has the team and equipment to handle any size job and make sure that it is properly documented along the way. If you have any questions or need emergency services you can call SERVPRO of San Angelo, 24/7 at (325)942-0414.

Make a Plan

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike at any time and without warning, be as prepared as you possibly can, make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

• Go to www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for their Emergency Plan for Parents guide

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Do You Know Where Your Water Supply Cut Off Is?

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

When the unfortunate happens, and a water pipe bursts in your business property, do you know where to run and turn off your water supply?

That is where SERVPRO of San Angelo comes in! One of the many services we provide is what we call, an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile). We create an Emergency Ready Profile personalized specifically for your business. The ERP helps to create a plan for your business in case a disaster was to happen in your property, such as a bursting pipe that causes a flood.

Benefits from an ERP:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes that SERVPRO of San Angelo as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

Call us today to schedule your free ERP, SERVPRO of San Angelo: 325-942-0414

Water Damage in San Angelo

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

With the fast spread of water loss incidents that occur in your San Angelo home, it can be challenging to understand the full effects to your construction materials and exposed areas of the property. With advanced detection, extraction, and drying equipment available to our technicians, we have a team that can respond quickly to water emergencies and makes a difference.

To protect exposed materials and structural elements in your home in an emergency like this, you need fast water removal services to begin immediately. Our 24/7 response to water loss incidents can provide the fast response you need to protect your home and your investment in the property. Drywall is often one of the most susceptible materials to both standing water and moisture damages, making it essential to get drying efforts started as promptly as possible to limit the necessary tear out to restore these areas of your home.

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your property, we address the standing water throughout the affected areas of the house. With effective equipment like our extractor trucks, portable submersible pumps, and even wet vacs with extraction wands, we have a wide array of equipment to make short work of the pooling water. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can work to identify the full spread of the damage and how it has affected elements like the drywall.

Wicking is a common effect with drywall in which the material begins to absorb moisture and allows it to spread much higher than its direct exposure line with the pooling water. To address this concern our SERVPRO professionals can mark off the moisture line at the height where the drywall returns to an unaffected state and cut off the damaged material beneath this point. Not only does this provide effective access for drying of wall cavities, but it makes reconstruction efforts to come more efficient and cost-effective than removing entire panels.

Protecting your drywall requires a fast response from skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of San Angelo team. If you want to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” give our rapid response team a call today at (325)942-0414.

Your Basement is Flooded - Now What?

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with a flooded basement is never easy, but that doesn't mean that it must be entirely difficult, either. Thanks to technology, homeowners no longer must use the bucket method to clear a room of standing water. Rather, they can count on pieces of equipment such as sump pumps, trash pumps and shop-vacs to suck up water and spit it out outside, where it belongs. If you have two feet of standing water in your basement, call your San Angelo SERVPRO flood remediation team, or invest in the following: 

• Sump Pump 
• Trash Pump 
• Shop-Vac
• Truck Mount
• WaterBUG

Of course, these pieces of equipment are costly, and though they can clear a room of standing water, they do nothing when it comes to actually cleaning up the damage. A storm remediation team can help clear your home of standing water and perform the cleanup measures necessary to prevent mold growth and other secondary damage. 

Steer Clear of the Water

If you don't have a sump pump or some other piece of water-ridding equipment already installed, you should steer clear of the water entirely. You never know where the water came from, and for all you know, it could be black water. Instead, stay on dry ground and snap photos of the damage from above. Send these to your insurance agency. 

Contact the Professionals – SERVPRO of San Angelo (325)942-0414

Flood remediation teams are quick to respond, as they understand that the longer water can sit, the worse the damage becomes. When your home begins to flood, contact your SERVPRO of San Angelo restoration team ASAP. The right team can help clear your basement of water, save not-yet-damaged belongings and clean items that have already been touched by floodwater. 

If your home is in a flood zone, talk to an expert about measures you can take to mitigate storm damage. Some such measures may include buying and installing certain pieces of equipment, such as a sump pump and truck mount.

Fire Damage and Your Insurance

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

When the fire has been put out by the fire sprinkler systems, and the fire trucks have left, the most challenging part of the fire restoration process starts. As a homeowner, this is the point at which you call the insurer and inform them of the accident. Note that when damage of this magnitude has happened, adjusters will be calling you from all corners, trying to help you with ways of achieving fire restoration. Making the call to your insurer gives you the peace of mind you need to proceed to the next important step in fire damage and restoration.

Contacting the fire restoration company

Commercial fire damage experts recommend that you should stay away from a building that has suffered fire damage until a fire restoration expert has certified it safe to enter. Contact restoration companies which are close to you and let them know about the electrical fire or utility room fire. The details that you share with them will determine the quote they give you for the commercial fire damage restoration process. When they get to your premises, they will assess the utility room fire damage to determine where to start the recovery. The following are some of the issues they usually address:

• Smoke damage and soot damage in the house is a typical result of the fire. The experts will clean up the smoke damage on all surfaces and make sure the house is as clean as it was before the ordeal.
• In case some structures have been weakened by the electrical fire or the utility room fire, they will do a board up and roof tarp as a way of preventing collapse.
• If fire sprinkler systems or fire hoses were used in the fire suppression efforts, water damage would result. The electrical fire damage experts will extract the water and dry the house to prevent future development of mold.

The commercial fire damage restoration experts will then perform services such as repainting the parts that could have been affected by the soot damage and the smoke damage.

The utility room fire restoration experts will only leave home when they have ensured that it is has regained the state it was in before the fire damage and the fire suppression. Take time and choose the restoration company which is close to you to handle the restoration process for you. The quality of the outcome will depend on the competence of the restoration experts that you contact.

Call SERVPRO of San Angelo for more information on fire damage (325)942-0414.

Why You Should Choose a Professional for Your Fire Restoration

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Small Fire Created Large Amounts of Soot

A small fire quickly extinguished still left significant amounts of smoke damage and heavy soot throughout the home. The soot affected most of the living space.

After fire damages, count on the professionals at SERVPRO of San Angelo.

After the firefighting teams and first responders have left the scene at your San Antonio residence, you might be curious of how to proceed with getting your home back to the way it used to be. As much as you might understand about professional restoration services, there are still many homeowners that do not fully understand the nature of the work that we do.

Better appreciating the full scope of the work that professional restoration technicians can do for the fire damage in your San Angelo home, the better prepared you are to know what to expect. You are also better informed then as to why you need to employ a company for this venture and not attempt the work on your own.

Equipment is a big part of the work that SERVPRO does in fire restoration projects. From the tools that we use to remove lingering water damage from extinguishing efforts, to the equipment that helps us to clear out harmful and noxious smoke damage from the affected areas, these are specialized units explicitly created for restoring homes and commercial properties.

IICRC certification is also at the heart of the work that we do when restoring fire damage to those in the community. Every one of our technicians has unique training and certifications in their particular restoration niche to offer the most experience and expedient work for your home, regardless of the severity of the damage we experience.

Give our emergency response team a call today at (325)942-0414.

How to Keep Floodwater Removal in San Angelo Manageable

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

When our area is affected by storm damage, the results can be overwhelming. Call SERVPRO for help.

Floods happen when least expected, and the costs that pile up in the bid to restore the property to the preloss state can balloon to unmanageable levels. The costs emanate from the cleanup and replacement of damaged materials. Secondary damage can also happen in the bid to restore your San Angelo property if you make mistakes, driving the costs even higher. We are IICRC certified in ASD, applied structural drying and Applied Microbial Remediation enabling us to handle the removal process effectively.

Speed is necessary during floods to prevent the development of additional problems such as mold and deterioration of materials through rotting or rusting. Making the home habitable also eliminates costs such as external accommodation or eating out. Despite this, care is necessary to avoid exacerbating the problem. For example, before entering the property, you should turn off power at the mains to prevent the risk of electrocution. Using equipment affected by the floods is also not advisable to avoid damaging them further. Our SERVPRO technicians can handle the process speedily because of the experiences we have had. Our team members are also equipped with PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, to protect them from hazards in the water.

Since the amount of water is usually high in most flooding incidents, having the right equipment helps fast-track the removal process. For water over two inches deep, a submersible pump is more effective. A truck-mounted water extractor is also faster than a portable one. Our SERVPRO technicians have different types of extraction equipment including portable extractors to handle all areas affected by the flood effectively.

Since water flows indiscriminately, it reaches concealed spaces such as wall cavities and the spaces below floorboards. Failure to extract such water can lead to recurring mold and bad odor problems. On the other hand, removing this water is not easy without tearing down the affected areas. Our SERVPRO technicians perform a flood cut two feet above the water line allowing easy access to the wall cavities. We also have specialized drying equipment such as the injecti-dry system and drying mats that help remove moisture from concealed spaces after cleanup.

Handling a flooding incident on your own can be overwhelming. Call SERVPRO of San Angelo at (325)942-0414 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Flooding Damage Tips

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

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

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl

The Dallas Cotton Bowl Stadium football game has been renamed the SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl for 2018!

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium

SERVPRO of San Angelo is excited to announce that the Cotton Bowl Stadium football bowl game in our hometown of Dallas has been renamed the SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl!  

We’re proud to honor and support the service of all America’s First Responders.  These brave men and women keep our communities safe every day of the year. First Responders include firefighters, police, EMS workers, military members, and more.

Kickoff is set for December 26, 2018 at 12:30 P.M. Central.  ESPN will televise the game, and tickets go on sale in September.  

"We are proud to present the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl dedicated to honoring some of the hardest working men and women in our country," says CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Sue Steen. "We recognize the dedication and selfless acts of our First Responders and are honored to help highlight and celebrate the commitment of these everyday heroes."

The 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is part of almost 90 years of history of games played at Cotton Bowl Stadium on the grounds of Fair Park in Dallas.

“This is an exciting change, and we are humbled by the fact that an actual bowl game has been named exclusively for the first responders of this country,” says Dallas Fire Rescue Fire Chief David Coatney.

“We are truly honored to have a bowl game here in Dallas named after the hard working men and women serving and protecting communities across this country. It always feels great to be recognized, and I know our officers and firefighters are touched by this overwhelming show of support,” says Dallas Police Chief, Ms. Renee Hall.

Visit www.firstresponderbowl.com for information as it becomes available.

SERVPRO of San Angelo is Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of San Angelo is a locally owned and operated restoration company.  We are a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company. We are also a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor for Texas and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (325)942-0414.  Call us any time!

How to Recover Flooded Electronics

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

When your business in San Angelo TX floods, it’s not just the walls and the flooring that are affected. All the items in the area with the water damage probably need to be restored or replaced. Recovering flooded electronics is a delicate process that requires the expertise of water restoration specialists. Knowing the stages involved in the process, however, can improve your peace of mind.

Assessment

The first thing the experts are going to do is inspect the items. They remove them from the water and detach them from power sources in a safe manner. After they inspect the electronic damage, they can determine the steps to take next.

Protection

To protect the items from further damage, they must be removed from danger. Some of the flooded electronics may be too big to remove from the area. The fridge in the break room, for example, must be covered and set aside but will probably remain in the building. Technicians can remove smaller items:

• Computers
• Microwaves
• Screens
• Copiers

Dehumidification

To prevent further damage to electronics that remain in the building, specialists must extract the floodwaters and bring the humidity level down to about 25%. Industrial grade dehumidifiers and fans can assist with this process.

Cleaning

Before your damaged electronics can be restored, they probably need to be cleaned. Some of the items may need to be taken to an off-site facility to complete this process. The cleaning process arrests corrosion and ensures that any contamination left by the water is eliminated.

Drying

The last step of the process is drying the electronics. If they cannot be dried, or if it would be more expensive to dry them than replace them, the specialists can let you know. Do not attempt to use electronics that have not been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Flooded electronics are part of the damage sustained when your business. Through quick and persistent work, however, professional restorers may be able to save your electronic equipment. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on commercial water damage. 

What's Involved in Mold Remediation

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

The air scrubber is one of the many equipment SERVPRO of San Angelo can respond to your home with for your restoration needs.

There are several phases in the mold remediation process. The following list does not include mold testing, which is the precursor to mold cleanup. If testing reveals the presence of any type of mold in your home, including black mold, you should retain the services of a certified remediation company in Oklahoma City, OK.

1. Containment: The first step to handling mold is to determine how much mold is present and containing the problem to avoid mold from spreading during cleanup. Mold should be removed by experts who adhere to industry best practices.

2. Personal Protection: The next step to handling a mold problem is determining whether the remediation process will pose a threat to any residents in the household with weak or compromised immune systems including very young children or elderly people.

3. Tear Out: Only experts trained in industry best practices are qualified to safely tear out mold infested building materials such as drywall or insulation. This is particularly the case when black mold is involved.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection: Once the worst of the mold has been removed, remediation experts will clean and disinfect the affected area of a home.

5. Drying and Restoration: The most critical phase in remediation is preventing a mold problem from returning. It is important to keep affected areas dry and even run a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from collecting. Once the moisture problem has been handled, the area is ready to be restored to pre-damage condition.

If you discover mold in your home or suspect that non-visible mold is present, you should contact remediation specialists based in Oklahoma City, OK to schedule mold testing. Once you determine whether you are dealing with black mold or another type of mold and the extent of the growth, you will be better prepared to make the best choices to eliminate the presence of mold in your home. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on mold. 

What to Salvage and What to Throw Away

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Caring for your home in San Angelo under normal circumstances can be stressful. When you bring flooding into the picture, it can become a downright disaster. Once your family is safe and you’ve checked with your insurance, it’s time to begin content cleaning. This is the first step to returning your home to its previous condition.

Is It Safe to Keep?

Your instinct might be to try to throw away everything that has been submerged in flood waters. This isn’t necessary, however; there are many items you may be able to safely save, clean and restore. Depending on what type of water they were exposed to, items such as drapes, clothing and other material goods might be able to be saved by washing them. This could be in your washing machine or dry cleaning, depending on the type of material. Other items that could be saved and restored include these:

• Rugs
• Furniture
• Toys
• Collectibles

Don’t Risk It; Throw It Away

Certain items should always be thrown away once exposed to flooding. These cannot be saved by content cleaning, especially if they were exposed to black water. Flood waters will make these unsafe for use or consumption:

• Food or beverages
• Medical supplies
• Clothing or canvas items
• Building supplies such as carpets, pads, drywall and wood floors

Getting Help Cleaning Up

It’s best to start cleanup as soon as it’s safe for you to enter the flooded area. You want to protect yourself with gloves, masks, long pants and sleeves and rubber-soled shoes. The less exposure to contaminated water and items, the better.

One thing is for certain, when doing content cleaning after water backup or residential flooding, don’t go at it alone. Get help from friends, family or professionals. They’ll be able to help you sort out which items are salvageable and which are better off sent to the dumpster and replaced with new ones. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on storm damage.

To Trash or Not To Trash

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

After a flood or pipe break in your San Angelo home your carpet may be wet, squishy, and maybe a little smelly. It can be difficult to dry it out, and even more difficult to determine if you need to replace it. Luckily, with these tips, your home can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Tip 1: Dry It Out

In order to inhibit mold and mildew growth that can cause a smell, it is important to dry the room out as soon as possible. There are several techniques you can use to jumpstart the restoration process:

• Use fans to circulate air through the room.
• Use towels to absorb excess moisture.
• If the rug can be removed, hang it up to dry.

Drying the water quickly can help to prevent unwelcome smells.

Tip 2: Find the Source

Determining where the water came from is crucial in deciding whether to replace your carpet. If the flood water came from the sewer system, like after a flash flood, it may not be possible to keep your rugs. However, if the soaking came from certain water sources, your possessions can be more easily restored:

• An indoor or outdoor pipe break
• Tap water
• Rain water

Figuring out the source of the water damage can save you money and help you to restore your home faster.

Tip 3: Ring a Restorer

Even after drying out the flooded room, you may find that there is an unwanted lingering odor. This may be due to mold, mildew, or bacteria growth in your home. Luckily, there are water damage restorers who are trained on cleaning and sanitizing homes after a burst pipe or flood. They can even help you figure out if your carpet needs to be replaced.

Recovering from a pipe break or other water damage can be stressful. However, these tips, along with professional help, can make your home your haven once more. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on water damage. 

Calling a Reputable Company for Mitigation

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

In order to get water cleanup done, you're going to need to hire a restoration company that can come in and handle the flood damage for you. They do all of the drying for you when it concerns water in your home. If you have water in your business, restoration can be done by the same type of company. You may want to hire the pros to handle a pipe break or supply line break if this has become an issue for you. A flooded home should be restored as soon as possible to prevent further issues from surfacing.

How to Hire a Restoration Company:

The best way to hire a professional company to handle water in your home is by finding one that has a lot of experience. These companies should ideally have a lot of experience cleaning up water in a business or any type of water in a home. They can also find and fix a supply line break or pipe break that you might currently have. In many cases, the reason for water in a business is because of a pipe break. If you have a supply line break, you might want to contact a professional plumber to handle the issue for you.

Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on water damage.

10 Tips to Make Your Home Safer From Fires

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

It’s an unfortunate tragedy. Your home in San Angelo has been ravaged by a raging fire. A restoration company has come to the rescue to return your home back to its prior condition. Hopefully you will never experience such loss again, but it is wise to prepare your home in the event of future disasters. Even if your home has never been devastated by a fire the following fire preparation tips can prove beneficial in giving you greater peace of mind regarding fire safety in your home.

1. Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Prepare children: Teach fire preparation to children, including the dangers of fire. Make sure they know the proper use of 911 for emergencies. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
3. Plan where to go: Create an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Choose an outside meeting spot for all family members to gather upon escaping. Conduct practice drills at least twice a year.
4. Share contact information: Make sure all household members know who to contact in the event that they cannot find each other during a home fire.
5. Educate on proper techniques: Teach everyone in the household to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothes catch on fire.
6. Take action if you smoke: Smokers should take extra precautions, as many residential fire deaths are caused by smoking materials. Avoid smoking in bed, especially while sleepy or medicated. It is better to smoke outside.
7. Handle heaters: Portable heaters should be turned off when not in use.
8. Take care of candles: Candles should be extinguished when not in use, and never left unattended.
9. Store other sources of light: Speaking of candles, consider using flashlights during a power outage instead of candles.
10. Examine the home for other fire hazards: Check the electrical wiring and home heating sources to make sure they are safe.

A home fire is a most unwelcome event, but by taking fire preparation seriously, you and your household can hopefully avoid this happening or, at the very least, be better equipped to handle such an emergency when it occurs. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on fire damage. 

What Happens During Mold Remediation?

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

If you are concerned about black mold in your home in San Angelo understanding the mold cleanup process is a fantastic way to help yourself feel more relaxed about the process. Mold remediation is a well-understood process, after all, and when executed by trained professionals, it can clean up practically any damage while preventing the recurrence of mold growths.

Containment

The first step to remediating mold is to remove the moisture and the heat that allows the mold to flourish. This might mean a variety of different operations need to be undertaken, including:

Drying the area
Possibly repairing plumbing, foundation leaks, or other sources of moisture
Removing damaged materials that cannot be cleaned
Repairing and replacing those materials

Cleanup

Once the area is contained and anything that is too damaged to be cleaned has been removed, the next step is to clean the remaining mold. Since some mold can be toxic, professional cleaning crews use personal protective equipment during this process. Cleaning often disturbs the mold in ways that can temporarily make it airborne, so it is important that only protected workers occupy the area during cleanup.

If your mold cleanup process involves mold in areas where it is likely to have spread into and through ducts, it is important to hire specialists who know how to work within the EPA’s guidelines for repairing HVAC system mold problems and cleaning ducts.

Mold Cleanup in San Angelo

The important thing to remember is that mold remediation should be handled by trained professionals with the right equipment. If you discover a mold problem in your home, it is important that you hire contractors with the experience and the training to not only fully clean your home, but to protect it and themselves.

Water damage and restoration specialists are the way to go, but not every firm is fully certified for mold. That’s why you need to work with people you know can get the job done. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on mold damage.

Giving Mold the Boot

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

You've likely heard it before: most buildings can become prone to mold growth at some point or another. But why your place in San Angelo? While you rack your brain for reasons why your commercial building has seen a recent mold invasion, take a look at some of these three quick facts, as well as some tips on how to prevent this troubling organism in your facility.

1. Strong Fungi

With the ability to grow on any organic surface, mold is one powerful fungus. However, you can combat this resilience by learning more about the organism itself. Mold can travel through reproductive spores in the air – making it impossible to see with the naked eye. Part of mold prevention means maintaining an awareness of its many destructive capabilities.

2. Stronger Maintenance

Mold doesn't just lay claim to your delicious workplace meals. Look beyond the company refrigerator and into subtler places where moisture could become trapped. If your building has fallen victim to past water damage, you could be dealing with some uninvited guests. Start off on the right foot with mold prevention by remaining aware of all maintenance checkups, which could help you catch a problem in its beginning stages. If a repair is in order, address it promptly so no outside moisture lets itself in.

3. Clean Spaces

You also likely know the importance of a clean working environment. Rarely do employees enjoy a filthy fridge or a dirty bathroom; however, these are some of mold's favorite locations. Put a stop to mold growth by cleaning all rooms regularly, including tough spots such as the backs of sinks and toilets, near pipes where condensation builds up, and in any other place that can harbor moisture.

There are many preventative steps building owners in San Angelo can consider when approaching a fungal issue on the property. Educate yourself on mold prevention and all the basics so you can address the problem and get back to your facility and your business. For more information, visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com

Preparing to Escape a House Fire

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing a fire escape plan for yourself and your family is important whether you live in San Angelo or anywhere else in the country. Your dwelling may be a single-family home, a multi-family home or a high-rise apartment, but whatever the case, the routes to safety should be planned and practiced by all inhabitants. Planning for a Safe Getaway no matter your type of home, it is important to have functional smoke alarms on every level. In a fire emergency situation, an alarm can provide the two minutes that the Red Cross estimates are needed to get out safely. Make sure that all family members recognize the sound of the alarm and know how to call 911. Design and regularly practice your fire escape plan.

• In single-family homes, identify at least two exits from each room. Preselect a gathering point outdoors. Once outside, call 911 if the emergency is real.

• In multi-family homes, identify two exits from each room, and place escape ladders in second floor rooms. Plan a meeting place outdoors. Call 911 if it is an actual emergency.

• In high rises, head for the interior fire stairs if possible. If it is too dangerous to leave via the interior stairs, find a safe place, and close all doors. Call 911, and hang a white sheet outside your window to alert the fire department to your location if it is not a drill.

• Never return to the dwelling to retrieve people, pets or belongings.

• Download and complete the Red Cross’s emergency escape plan. Share it with everyone in the home. Though it is regrettable that items of monetary or sentimental value can be lost in a fire or a beloved home can be damaged, restoration and remediation services can go a long way in helping with material losses. A fire escape plan can be an essential element of protecting what really matters. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on fire damage. 

Claims for Commercial Fire Losses

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of San Angelo a call after commercial fire damage.

The process of putting out a fire in San Angelo can cause as much or more damage to property as the fire itself. While you want to resume normal operations as quickly as possible, it’s important to assess all aspects of fire damage and thoroughly understand how the provisions of your insurance policy can help you recover. Take these steps to begin the recovery process. Mitigate Damage Preventing as much damage as possible after the fire can reduce the amount of your claim. Consider implementing these fire mitigation measures: • Limit access to the property to minimize the risk of injury or further damage • If utility services have not already been cut off, switch off electricity, gas and water • Resist the urge to begin clean-up efforts until fire damage professionals determine how to proceed Document the Physical Damage Your insurance provider will need to know the extent of your physical losses. These can be documented through the use of photographs that exist in off-site storage or on a website, and through business records maintained by outside accountants or vendors. Your bank may be able to provide blueprints that can assist in determining any level of damage to the structure that will require repair. Your insurance adjuster can help you through this process. Determine the Extent of Records Loss If vital financial records were damaged or destroyed in the fire and its aftermath, you may consider calling in a forensic accountant. Such experts can help you recreate financial records, substantiate your losses properly and ensure that you receive full value for the insurance coverage you’ve purchased. Estimate the Cost of Business Interruption You may need or want to continue operations at another location while restoration is in progress. In that case, you’ll incur these expenses, at minimum:

• Property rental

• Equipment and furnishings leasing

• Utility service fees

Fire damage doesn’t have to mean the end of your business. Understanding the provisions of your insurance coverage and engaging fire restoration professionals can help you put the trauma behind you. Visit SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com for more information on commercial fire damage. 

Bursting Pipes

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes leave a big mess. You can call a professional in San Angelo to fix a broken pipe, but what do you do about the water damage in in your home? Plumbers will perform the necessary repairs to fix your burst or leaking pipe, but it will be up to you to deal with the cleanup.

Water Damage

Water can cause serious damage, especially if it is left standing for a prolonged period of time. You should start the cleanup efforts as soon as possible. If the damage is limited to a small space, you might be able to handle things on your own. A water mitigation professional in Oklahoma City, OK may need to be called in if the bursting pipes affected multiple rooms, traveled between floors of your home or went unnoticed for over eight hours.

Cleanup

If you are dealing with standing water or the leak happened near electrical appliances, turn off the power before you enter. You will need to have any carpet removed. Depending on the damage, it may be salvageable. Clear the room of all furniture and other removable items.

If you are dealing with standing water, it needs to be removed. You can hire a professional or use a shop vac, depending on how much water you are dealing with. It is important to thoroughly dry the area. Warm, dry weather might allow you to open doors and windows. Bring in big fans.

You may even need to remove sections of your wall to ensure the space behind is completely dry. Drywall and insulation can wick water. If the insulation isn’t dried properly mold can grow. Water mitigation specialists can come in and determine the full extent of the damage caused by the bursting pipes.

Dealing with water damage can be a frustrating and overwhelming task. It is vital that you remove all water-soaked materials and dry the space out completely. The faster you can accomplish this, the less likely you will have to deal with mold in the future. Visit SERVPROSanAngelo.com for more information on water damage.

Choosing a Reliable Restoration Company

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

There are many companies out there who claim to offer excellent storm damage, wind damage, hurricane damage, ice damming, and hail damage restoration services. Unfortunately, not all of them will deliver the quality of service you can be proud of. Before choosing a certain company for water restoration:

• Ask for referrals from friends who have suffered river flooding or wind damage, roof leak or roof damage.
• Contact the company and explain your river flooding, roof damage, wind damage, ice damage or hurricane damage situation. Get a quote for the water restoration process.
• Invite the home restoration experts to your home to assess the ground water levels, ice dams, roof leaks, hail damage and frozen pipes, flood water and ground water to see how much home restoration and storm remediation. is needed.
• Move out of the home if it is fully involved to allow the experts to have an easy time carrying out the water restoration and storm remediation.

Creating an Effective Fire Escape Plan

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know how to exit your home most effectively in the case of a fire? Few people in the Concho Valley, give much thought to developing an escape plan, so they may not be able to answer this question accurately. A fire escape plan is often an important piece of family preparedness, so taking the time to create and practice an emergency escape plan can help you be that much more prepared for unexpected circumstances.

3 Steps to Success

There are a few steps required to creating an effective fire escape plan.

1. Identify exits.
2. Choose at least two exits.
3. Meet at a pre-determined location.

Begin by identifying all exits; remember to count side doors and exits leading into garages. Identify the exit that all family members can effectively use; very young and very old family members may need assistance. Choose two exits that all family members can use; this gives people an alternative exit if one doorway is blocked. Establish a family meeting place; plan to gather at a pre-determined location that can be safely and easily reached.

The Importance of Having a Meeting Plan

Having a family meeting place, can be an important safety measure. Establishing it can help ensure that all family members are present and accounted for following an emergency; you can see at a glance that everyone is safe and sound. It may be best to establish this spot on your property because then it is under your primary control. Choosing a spot at a public park, for instance, is usually less advisable because then people have to travel. Landmarks in parks and other public places sometimes change, which can cause confusion.

Developing an effective fire escape plan is typically easy and can be done with input from all family members. Once it is made, share it with everyone and practice using it.

Visit us for more fire tips at SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com

Fire!

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

One of the most common causes of house fires is something you would never think as a possible danger. Thirty-two percent of all home fires and deaths related to those are caused by space heaters, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

With the cold that sets over the North East Texas area, some residents are using space heaters to try and keep their homes and garages warm during those cold nights. Having a space heater on while you sleep can put you and your family at extreme risk for a home fire. When a space heater is left unattended and is too close to flammable items, a massive fire can occur. Which can cause injury or even death to the occupants of the home.

Be safe and reduce your risk when using a space heater, as they can be a great addition to the home during those annoyingly cold months. Following safety precautions can reduces the risk of fire. Making sure your heater is on a flat surface, and is being used in proper area of the home and garage, can also reduce your risk of starting a house fire.

So we here at SERVPRO of San Angelo ask the wonderful members of our community to be responsible and think about all the risks that go along with having a home and living in the community. We are not only responsible for ourselves but also our neighbors and fellow community members.

Are Your Walls Wet?

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Are Your Walls Wet? How Can You Tell?

SERVPRO of Abilene uses the right equipment to identify affected materials. We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business.

We use the right equipment to identify affected materials and will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. 

Gypsum, aka “drywall,” is a very popular material for use in the construction of homes and offices. The material is noted for its strong fire-resistant qualities. However, drywall is also known to be incredibly susceptible to being damaged by moisture compared to many other building materials.

This is, in part, because drywall is extremely porous, readily absorbing moisture and retaining it. If the moisture content (%MC) of drywall exceeds even 1%, then the drywall can be considered “moisture-compromised” and in need of either drying or removal depending on whether or not mold has begun to grow.

Even greenboard, the “water-resistant” drywall, will be damaged by moisture if it gets past the green, water-resistant paper covering that gives greenboard its name. The majority of greenboard’s water resistance comes from the paper covering, not the drywall itself.

Because of how susceptible drywall is to becoming damaged by even minute amounts of moisture, it’s important to be able to accurately assess the amount of water present in drywall.

When looking for a moisture meter to use for testing drywall, some considerations include:

• Whether or not the meter has a gypsum scale.
• The range at which the meter detects moisture—the meter should be able to accurately detect very small amounts of moisture.
• Length of the pins.
• Additional scales for other materials—most professionals have to work with more than just drywall, so having a moisture meter with the ability to test other materials using different reading scales is a must.

Mold Can Be Tricky to Spot

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to hear the word mold. Since our youth we have been taught mold is bad and harmful to your health. If you have mold on your food you throw it away. If mold is in the air you pray for rain and head to the drug store for sinuses medicine. If mold is involved there is a problem, especially if it is in your house. But, luckily for everyone mold can be remediated. People forget there are mold spores all around us outside all the time. The purpose of a house is to protect you from the outside elements like keeping mold spores in nature. Some individuals are more sensitive to allergies than others. Good thing mold remediation is a common practice and can be done in a timely manner with some simple steps.

First and foremost, the moisture source of the mold growth must be eliminated or fixed before cleaning can begin. If you notice a water leak, please contact a plumber immediately. 

Mold remediation can simplified into three steps:

1. Control Environment-Set up containment, air filtration equipment and negative air flow to control environment and prevent further contamination.
2. Remove and Clean- Remove and properly dispose of all porous materials contaminated with mold. Clean all nonporous materials contaminated with mold, HEPA vacuum, and apply anti-microbial agent.
3. Dry Structure- Dry structure to reduce moisture levels below that which enables growth. Obtain final clearance testing from Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).

SERVPRO of San Angelo specializes in mold remediation for both commercial and residential buildings. If you notice mold growing in your home or business, please give us a call today at 325-942-0414. 

The Process of Mold Remediation

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus, and it grows virtually everywhere on Earth. Lately, mold has become a hot topic because of increasing awareness about its potential health hazards. People aren’t exactly sure how many mold species there are, but estimates range anywhere between tens of thousands to over a few hundred thousand. Some of these different types aren’t dangerous to human health, while others lead to chronic and severe health conditions.

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

SERVPRO of San Angelo (325)942-0414.

Commercial Water Loss

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss is something we all have to deal with. It can sneak up on you in a matter of minutes potentially causing tremendous amounts of damage to building or structure in which it has originated from. SERVPRO of San Angelo prides itself on continuing to set an industry high standard on the protocols and procedures used to deal with commercial water loss. From the state of the art drying software and equipment, we use to the continued training the SERVPRO staff receives to make sure that the job is not just done correctly, but done on time and done in a professional fashion. Next time you or anyone you know suffers a devastating loss call SERVPRO of San Angelo, (325)942-0414 and we will come out and get the job done right. 

Storm Plan

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Make a disaster plan today! Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Preparing the family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner. Here are some ideas from SERVPRO of San Angelo to get you started:

• Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.
• Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• Download a group texting app so your entire family can keep in touch before, during & after an emergency.
• Practice evacuating in the car with your animals, so they’re more comfortable if you need to evacuate in an emergency.
• Consider downloading the Fema app with weather alerts for up to 5 locations: gov/mobile-app
• Sign up for local emergency alerts in your area by searching online.

Keeping yourself, family and your friends safe is your first priority when disaster strikes. Be sure you have plan in place before disaster strikes. For more information on creating and implementing a Disaster Plan visit Ready.gov.

What's in Flood Waters

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Contaminated Flood Waters Contain Pathogens and Dangerous Debris. 

When we respond to a case of flood damage due to a storm, one of the most frequent questions our technicians get is, "What is black water?", Black water is heavily contaminated water which is not only unsafe to drink but can also be hazardous simply to be around. It can be difficult to judge conditions in black water due to its typical gray, brown, or black coloration, with small particles often hiding potentially far greater hazards lying within. Here are a few things that can be found in a typical sample of black flood water. 

Dirt and Soil: Typically, most of the coloration in black water comes from dirt and soil trapped within. Many cases of flood damage result from heavy storms and rain, and these floodwaters more often than not pick up significant amounts of soil before they ever reach a home. Although this dirt may sound harmless, it, in reality, makes the water much heavier and more difficult to navigate if you get caught in it. 

Microorganisms in Black Water: Although the amount and type of organisms in flood can vary depending on its causes and specifics, almost all samples of black water contain very high levels of microorganisms. These may be parasites, bacteria, viruses, mold, or many other types of organism, and they may be able to cause health effects if ingested or absorbed through the skin. This is why it is never advised to drink flood waters and to seek medical attention immediately if you have. 

Sharp Metal and Glass: It can be very difficult to see sharp objects in a mass of floodwater, but even if you feel you are confident that such materials are not in the water, it is best always to assume they are. Sharp materials, even if they are tiny, often constitute one of the water's greatest risks. If they open up a small cut or wound, this spot may go unnoticed by you but later on can possibly develop a bad infection. If you have been cut or had black water touch an open wound, immediately disinfect the wound and apply medical aid as needed. 

SERVPRO of San Angelo deals with flood damage so that you don't have to. If your home has been caught in a flood, call us at (325)942-0414 for mitigation and restoration services. 

How to Prevent a Kitchen Fire

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Check out our other tips on our website SERVPROOfSanAngelo.com

Did you know the kitchen is where more home fires occur than anywhere else in the house and that cooking is the number one cause of home fires? The American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to avoid a cooking fire:

1. Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
2. Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
3. Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
4. Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

To learn how to prevent a fire in your home and how to keep members of your household safe, you can download the Red Cross Fire Prevention and Safety Checklist. Downloadable fact sheets are also available on how to avoid home heating fires, candle safety, proper use of smoke alarms and teaching your children what to do in the event of a fire. 

SERVPRO of San Angelo is here to help!

San Angelo Water Damage Tips

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in San Angelo for many reasons and is an unpleasant experience.  Most homeowners have never experienced a water damage and therefore do not know where to start when a pipe burst, a toilet overflows, a washing machine malfunctions, or a flood occurs.  If you wake up or come home to water in your house that was not there before, there are several steps you can take to help stop further damage.

What To Do After Water Damage

• Contact your local SERVPRO of San Angelo professionals at (325)942-0414
• Ensure the home is safe to enter and be aware of the potential for fall hazards
• Turn off the water either at the site of the water damage or at the main if you cannot determine where the water is coming from
• Gather any sentimental items or important documents that you do not want to get wet if they are still dry and move them away from the water damage

SERVPRO of San Angelo will be there quickly to begin the remediation process and allow you to relax while we do the necessary steps in the water restoration process. For further information visit us at SERVPROSanAngelo.com

Flooding in San Angelo

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

We were awoken to significant rain falling outside of our houses today and know that especially in San Angelo rain can quickly lead to flooding.  This rain may showcase, in the worst possible way, a leak you were unaware of in your roof.  You do not want to ignore the small leaks, as they have a tendency to quickly become larger.  We have crews available to tarp roofs, when safe, as well as perform water remediation to dry your home properly to help prevent secondary damage. 

If the rain continues as predicted, you may face rising flood waters if you live in a flood zone and sometimes, unfortunately, even when you don't. Flood waters are highly contaminated and require an expert to remediate.  Call us at the first sign of water intrusion.

SERVPRO of San Angelo is here for any of your weather related remediation needs.  Call us today (325)942-0414.

San Angelo Damage Remediation Experts

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Are you a business owner in the Concho Valley?  Have you experienced a recent water, fire or bio-hazard damage at your commercial property?  Are you looking for a reputable company with commercial remediation experience that offers a full service including construction?  Then, look no further because SERVPRO of San Angelo is here to help.  Conveniently available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, SERVPRO of San Angelo is able to work within the parameters of any commercial job site.  Our goal is to get your business up and running as soon as possible to limit the interruption to your business.  We have worked around schedules so that businesses could stay open while remediation occurred on the off hours in order to avoid monetary disruption.  We know commercial losses are complex and we will work with you directly to help facilitate your needs.  Call us at (325)942-0414 to see how we can help get your business back into business.

Our business is to get your business back to work for you in San Angelo and the Concho Valley. SERVPRO of San Angelo is here to help.

Get Rid of Mold

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Get Rid of Mold

Here are some healthy tips to follow when you are dealing with mold from us here at SERVPRO of San Angelo. Some people cringe at the sound of the word mold but it may be easier to take care of then you think. Hopefully these will help ease the stress along the way.

• Take things that were wet for 2 or more days outside. Things that stay wet 2 or more days can have mold on them. Mold is not always visible by looking.
• Take out stuff made of cloth, unless you can wash them in HOT water.
• Use bleach to clean mold of of hard things(like floors, counter tops, toys, tools, and plates.)
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
• wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, googles, and a mask.
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
• Mix no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
• Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture.
• Rinse the item with clean water.
• Dry the item or leave it out to dry.

Residential Cleaning Services

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of San Angelo have the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (325)942-0414

Residential Cleaning Services include:

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Air Duct Cleaning

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the clean up of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. Find out more about our franchise professionals.

Building Safety

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

San Angelo Building Safety

Building Safety is an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals, as well as the general public, on “what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy efficient homes and buildings,” according to the ICC website.

IMPORTANT TIPS FROM THE ICC
Disaster Safety & Mitigation
  

• If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from wind borne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade, 7/16" minimum thickness plywood and fastening it into place. Visit www.flash.org for
  detailed instructions on how to use plywood for emergency board-up.
• Consider building or retrofitting to create a tornado-safe room in your home. Follow ICC/NSSA 500 Standard for detailed construction information and to ensure you achieve the highest level of protection for your family.
• In wildfire prone areas, remove fine (dead grass, leaves, etc.) and coarse fuels (dead twigs, branches, etc.) within 30 feet of a building to create a survivable space in case of wildfire. Be sure to remove dry leaf and pine litter from roofs, rain gutters, decks, and walkways. Follow ICC’s International Wildland-Urban Interface Code®
  for detailed requirements.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters
  or on flooded roads. Do not
  attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of water to move an SUV-sized vehicle.

Source: iccsafe.org

San Angelo Government Facilities

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

San Angelo Government Facilities

Government facilities in San Angelo need to stay open as much as possible when they experience a water or fire damage event.  SERVPRO of San Angelo is dedicated to working with all businesses to quickly remediate the damage to minimize the downtime required to finish the process.  We are committed to answer the call and quickly assess the damage to begin mitigation procedures.  This helps to ensure minimum service interruptions and lower recovery costs. SERVPRO of San Angelo Franchise Professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personnel & equipment to provide timely mitigation.  From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO of San Angelo Professionals are committed to timely response and total customer satisfaction.

With over 30 years experience in cleanup and restoration... SERVPRO of San Angelo Professionals are faster to any size disaster.

When Storms or Floods hit the Concho Valley, SERVPRO of San Angelo is ready to help!

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in the Concho Valley.

SERVPRO of San Angelo specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to 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 the Concho Valley, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 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 (325)942-0414

IICRC Certified Firm

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC certified firm

SERVPRO of San Angelo 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.

About SERVPRO of

San Angelo

SERVPRO of San Angelo 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Steps in Fire Restoration

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

Our fire crews are very pleasant and conscientious!

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (325)942-0414

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the local SERVPRO, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest SERVPRO Franchise Professional with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO Franchise Professional can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Why Clean Air Ducts?

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

Ducts Before and After

Answer: Because they get dirty!

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

-cigarette or cigar smoke
-water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
-home renovation or remodeling projects

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted.  Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

Call SERVPRO of San Angelo for a free inspection!

Homeowners: Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Below-Freezing Weather

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc.

As the weather dips into colder temperatures, it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Untreated pipes in your basement and crawlspaces can be an expensive and scaryscenario for any homeowner.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold.

In the U.S., frozen pipes cause significant damage every year, but they often can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps, even now, may save you a lot of aggravation and expense.

Prevention

There are three common causes of frozen pipes:

1. Quick drops in temperature
2. Poor insulation
3. Thermostats set too low

Luckily, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze ...

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

• If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and call (325)942-0414.

• Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Every year, many building fires are caused by people trying to thaw frozen pipes. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.

• Again, if your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on and call (325)942-0414. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Likely places for the water turn-off valve include internal pipes running against exterior walls or where water service enters a home through the foundation.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.

Mold Remediation

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

Typical mold on walls and ceiling

San Angelo and Concho Valley residents,

Is MOLD trying to take over your home or business?

 Everyone dreads when they look in their basement, under the kitchen sink, or around wet boxes in the garage and see that yellow, green, black, or orange substance. The sinking feeling hits – “I’ve got a mold problem.” While not all mold is bad, some mold can cause health concerns for many people. Any kind of water flooding in your home or business can cause mold to grow --anything from water leaks to varying humidity. The best way to get ahead of Mold is to take precautions. Here are some different signs that your home or business is being over-run by the Mold itself:

-You can visibly see the mold
-Musty odor –indicates mold is present
-Any type of moisture problems that may have -caused mold growth
-Excessive humidity

If you think you have a mold problem, and Mold has taken up residence in your home or business, please call SERVPRO® of San Angelo, (325)942-0414.  We are always Here to Help!

San Angelo Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your San Angelo Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of San Angelo will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for 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.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 325-942-0414

Restoring Your Concho Valley Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of San Angelo

SERVPRO of San Angelo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

For Immediate Service in the Concho Valley, Call SERVPRO

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Concho Valley Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of San Angelo provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Concho Valley. We can respond immediately to your 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 – 

(325)942-0414

Residential Services

Whether your Big Country home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, 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 or Water damage to strike your Concho Valley 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. 

San Angelo Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

This San Angelo home's basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your San Angelo basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 325-942-0414

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of San Angelo and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 325-942-0414