Navigating Spring Weather Dangers in Florida: How SERVPRO Can Help Keep Your Home Safe

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

Spring in Florida brings with it a mix of beauty and challenges. While the warmer weather and blooming flowers are a welcome sight, the season also brings its fair share of weather-related hazards. From thunderstorms and heavy rains to the ever-looming threat of hurricanes, Florida homeowners must be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Fortunately, SERVPRO is here to help navigate these spring weather dangers and keep your home safe and protected.

Thunderstorms and Lightning:
As temperatures rise in the spring months, so does the likelihood of thunderstorms in Florida. These storms can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and, of course, lightning. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to homes, ranging from electrical fires to structural damage. SERVPRO offers emergency services to help homeowners recover from the aftermath of a lightning strike, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and structural repairs.

Heavy Rains and Flooding:
Springtime in Florida often means heavy rains, which can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas or neighborhoods with poor drainage systems. Floodwaters can cause extensive damage to homes, including water damage to walls, floors, and belongings. SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration and has the expertise and equipment necessary to quickly extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms:
While hurricane season officially begins in June, it's never too early to start preparing for the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane. These powerful storms can bring torrential rains, damaging winds, and storm surges that can cause catastrophic damage to homes and communities. SERVPRO offers comprehensive storm damage restoration services, including board-up and tarping services to secure homes before the storm hits, water damage restoration, and structural repairs in the aftermath.

Mold Growth:
With the combination of warm temperatures and high humidity levels that are typical in Florida during the spring months, mold growth can become a significant concern for homeowners. Mold can thrive in damp, dark areas of the home, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, and can pose health risks to residents. SERVPRO offers mold remediation services to safely and effectively remove mold from homes and restore indoor air quality.

How SERVPRO Can Help:
SERVPRO understands that spring weather hazards can strike at any time, often without warning. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency services to homeowners in Florida, so you can rest assured knowing that help is just a phone call away. Our team of highly trained technicians is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any size disaster, from minor water damage to major storm damage.

In addition to our emergency services, SERVPRO also offers proactive solutions to help homeowners prepare for spring weather dangers. Our Emergency Ready Program (ERP) allows homeowners to create a customized emergency preparedness plan for their property, including important contact information, shut-off valve locations, and emergency procedures. By having a plan in place before disaster strikes, homeowners can minimize damage and expedite the restoration process.

Spring weather in Florida can be unpredictable and dangerous, but with SERVPRO on your side, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way. From thunderstorms and heavy rains to hurricanes and mold growth, our team is here to help keep your home safe and protected. Don't wait until it's too late—contact SERVPRO today to learn more about our services and how we can help you navigate spring weather hazards in Florida.

Mitigating Fire Damage in Florida with SERVPRO Team Robertson

3/14/2024 (Permalink)

Florida residents face various fire risks, from electrical malfunctions to kitchen accidents. Despite the state's numerous benefits, fires can cause significant damage to homes. However, SERVPRO offers effective solutions to restore properties affected by fire damage swiftly and efficiently.

Fire Risks in Florida:
Florida's warm climate and frequent thunderstorms increase the likelihood of fires, especially during lightning strikes. Additionally, cooking accidents, faulty wiring, and outdoor grilling mishaps are common causes of house fires.

SERVPRO's Fire Damage Restoration:
SERVPRO specializes in fire damage restoration and responds promptly to minimize damage. Our trained professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to clean smoke residue, repair structural damage, and eliminate odors.

Making Fire Damage Disappear:
SERVPRO's goal is to restore homes and belongings to their pre-fire condition swiftly. Using specialized cleaning solutions and advanced deodorization methods, we ensure that fire damage is virtually undetectable.

SERVPRO Team Robertson provides prompt and professional fire damage restoration services to Florida homeowners. With our expertise, properties affected by fire damage can be restored quickly and efficiently. If you've experienced a fire, contact SERVPRO for swift restoration assistance.

Viera Water Damage Restoration

3/4/2024 (Permalink)

How SERVPRO® Restores Your Water Damaged Property in Viera

Viera water damage is one of the most devastating household incidents that a property owner can encounter. Because the damage can turn your property upside down, it's no surprise that many homeowners struggle to maintain their emotional stability as they start the restoration process. Despite the challenges that can surface when you discover water damage on your property, you can simplify and streamline the remediation process by hiring excellent restoration services from a qualified company like SERVPRO. Learn more about how this water extraction company can assist you by reviewing the following outline:

The Assessment

The first move water damage restoration experts will do upon arriving on your property is a thorough assessment. This evaluation provides contractors with clear information regarding the extent of damage done to your property, and any sources of continuing water intrusion. Once the inspection is complete, our representative will be able to devise a clear strategic plan that outlines how we will remove standing water, dry furnishings and building materials, and other restoration processes. SERVPRO has an industry leading method called the CCIS-Contents Claim Inventory Service. This will document all damages as salvageable, non-salvageable, or questionable. This precise listing allows you, along with your insurance company, to decide on how to move forward with the water damage restoration process. We will work with your agent to offer you a stress-free claims process while keeping costs down.

Structural Damage Repair and More. Water extraction of standing water and moisture removal are necessary before cleaning and repairing. The quicker water is extracted; the less damage will occur. This removal will lessen the chance of unwanted mold from growing on your property. Specialized equipment such as air-moving machines and industrial-grade dehumidifiers are put in specific locations. Unfortunately, water damage can often cause sagging ceilings and warped walls. Additionally, water damage can weaken your home's structure, and compromise the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Repairing and restoring damaged building materials, whenever possible, is preferred to replacing, thus mitigating cost and time.

Call SERVPRO Immediately. Water damage to your Viera home is not an issue that should be taken lightly. Your best course of action once water damage has happened is to call the professionals of SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified professionals will offer you diligent restoration work that gets your home back into preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

Highly-Trained Water Restoration Specialists

SERVPRO of West Brevard uses advanced water removal equipment to dryout out your home in Viera, Suntree, or Palm Shores. We proudly serve our local communities. Just call for help. 321 953-8600

Why a Professional Should Treat Water Damage

3/4/2024 (Permalink)

If you’ve suffered flood damage or a plumbing disaster, cleanup is most likely required to restore your home. In these cases it’s important that only a certified professional handles the cleanup. The existence of excessive moisture could create problems with long-lasting effects, even if the soaked materials have been removed from the home. It’s even more important that a professional restoration crew cleans up the damage if the moisture comes in with a flood or some other contaminated source because bacteria, viruses, and molds can thrive within organic materials such as carpet, upholstery, drywall, and wood. The microbes that live in these environments can cause serious harm to occupants of a home. 

You may have the idea that you can dry out your home and the materials in your home well enough that you don’t need a professional restoration crew. But the technicians that handle the cleanup will use their special skills and equipment to ensure that all potential health hazards are eliminated when you return to your home. It’s important that you hire technicians like those at SERVPRO who are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

The first thing the restoration crew will do when they arrive will be to assess the extent of the damage to see exactly what they are dealing with and what needs to be done. Once the technicians discover the source of the moisture, they will isolate a work area and immediately begin to remove any standing water. In the case that there are several inches of moisture present, the technicians will need to use a commercial pumping system to dry the area as much as possible. This type of equipment must be used in situations such as when a pipe burst and floods a basement.

Next the technicians will survey the area where there is water damage to see if they need to dispose of any materials that may have been destroyed. Usually if there are any organic materials that have become wet or contaminated, they will need to be eliminated. If the treatment of the items is quick enough, there may be an opportunity to save some of them. Typically items like carpet, baseboards, casings, portions of drywall, plywood, and particle boards won’t survive if they’ve been exposed to contaminated moisture for an extended period of time. After 24 hours, mold growth can happen rapidly so many materials are beyond repair if they’ve been exposed to contaminated moisture for a day or longer.

After everything that needs to be thrown out has been, the only materials that are left should be those that can be dried and restored to their original state. The goal of the restoration crew will be to wick off as much of the moisture that remains in the shortest amount of time possible to minimize the amount of damage. They usually are able to accomplish this by the use of commercial air movers and high volume humidifiers which allows them to restore the building to a normal moisture content in a few days.

In some unique situations, special equipment like heat injectors might be required in order to dry areas that are harder to reach. However, usually air movers and dehumidifiers work well enough. The technicians that are completing the drying process will use a moisture meter, built with probes that are designed to be inserted into the wet materials, to monitor their progress. Once the drying process is completed and a normal level of moisture content has been restored in the home, the technicians will deconstruct the work area, clean up, put all furniture back, and properly dispose of any refuse.

Due to the fact that cleaning up the water damage must also address microbial growth, the technicians completing the restoration will be prepared to eradicate molds and other microorganisms. They’ll apply special agents to areas around the home that they suspect may be harboring the pathogens. Once the restoration crew is finished restoring the home and has vacated, the house will once again be livable.

Water damage has the dual effect of damaging personal property as well as being harmful to the health of residents. The restoration of water damage should always be handled by professionals that are certified by the IICRC so that the home is fully livable and safe for the occupants to return. If you have water damage in your home or need some other form of restoration, call the reliable professionals SERVPRO®.

Three Tips for Roof Repair After a Fire

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service.

Three Things You May Want To Know About Fire Cleanup

If your business, has suffered roof damage as a result of a fire, when you may be looking for tips on how to go about a fire cleanup. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Protect the Damaged Area

It's important to protect any damaged areas to your company property until repairs can be made. You may want to consider boarding over the damage or taking advantage of tarp services offered by your local fire restoration company. Doing so can help prevent inclement weather from making any damage worse, as well as prevent wild animals from getting into the property.

2. Contact a Professional

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service. This is largely due to the fact that a fire can cause a number of types of damage, and that these professionals have the tools and knowledge to look for and repair any related damages along with the original problem. A restoration service may also be able to communicate with your insurance company in order to provide them with information they may need to process your claim.

3. Understand Possible Related Damage

In many cases the initial damage caused by fire can lead to additional problems, and it's important to understand this when dealing with a fire restoration. After a fire you may be looking at water damage and flooding, as well as roof repair, smoke damage, and potential mold problems. Understanding that these issues can be related to a fire can help you take the appropriate safety and clean up steps.

When conducting a fire cleanup at your place of business it's important to remember these three things. Protect any damage areas against further damage until repairs can be made. Contact a local fire restoration company, like SERVPRO of West Brevard, in order to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. Understand any damages related to fire such as water damage or flooding so that proper clean-up procedures can be taken.

Hire a Professional to Clean Up Fire Damage

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to wreak havoc on your in West Brevard, FL.

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to wreak havoc on a commercial property or home. The first thing you will want to do if there is a fire is call the fire department to extinguish the fire. Many people believe that they can re-enter the property and begin restoring it after a fire. However, there are still threats that linger for the property. Due to those threats, it is best to hire a professional West Brevard fire restoration company.

The Aftermath Of A Fire

Many people believe that once the fire has been put out, the danger is no longer present. However, fire leaves behind remnants that can cause serious damage to the property. The smoke and ash that is left behind cause discoloration, etching and an unpleasant odor. The building will be less likely to suffer those problems if you call SERVPRO of West Brevard.

The Sooner You Call, The Better

It is best to contact a fire restoration company, like SERVPRO, as soon as possible in order to restore the West Brevard fire damages. Ash is one of the major concerns. It can discolor just about anything that it comes in contact with. Discoloration can begin just a few hours after the fire. Fiberglass, plastic and other finishes can turn yellowish. Metals will start to tarnish. You will have to replace or refinish certain items in your home after a few days because the damage will be permanent.

Hiring A Fire Restoration Contractor

If you have hired a certified and trained professional from SERVPRO, then they will be at your home in a short amount of time. They will assess the home in order to see the type of damage that is done. They will also perform a thorough cleaning in order to remove the ash, smoke and West Brevard fire damage. Items that are beyond repair will be removed, and specialized cleaning supplies will be used to neutralize odors.

Do-it-yourself techniques typically do not remove the smoke and ash that is left behind by a fire. You may cause further damage and contamination to your home if the correct techniques are not used. That is it is best to contact SERVPRO so that they can perform fire damage restoration.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of West Brevard is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

Restoring Documents After Water Damage

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

When a client's property suffers storm damage, it may be on more than just a building. A document restoration service like that offered by a local SERVPRO of West Brevard, can help your client get back on track. Documentation can include everything from account statements to invoicing, and the ability to salvage these can help save valuable time and money.

Services Offered

A professional restoration service can offer a number of ways to recover your client's documentation. These may include

• Freeze drying
• Cleaning
• Gamma irradiation sterilization
• Digitizing
• Deodorizing
  
  

Depending on damage type, these processes can be utilized to restore a variety of damaged documents, including X-rays and photographs.

Technology Used

The process of document restoration involves the use of modern technology. Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize the documents without causing further harm. The documentation can then be freeze-dried which is a process approved by the National Archives. Your client can trust that their paperwork will not only be in safe hands but can be restored. Taking advantage of additional services, such as digitization, may offer further benefit.

Additional Services

In addition to document drying, SERVPRO can offer several other services your clients may be interested in. They can also offer digitization services. This is the process of converting documentation into an electronic form so it can be stored on a server safely out of harm's way.

With a document restoration service, your clients may be able to salvage documentation that was damaged along with their other property. A restoration team can use the latest technology to help get these important pieces of paperwork in order. They may also be able to digitize the documentation allowing for it to be backed up on to the server, to help prevent any further loss. If you have any questions about what the service can do for your clients, a restoration professional may be able to help.

#waterdamagefastresponse #cleanupwestbrevard #SERVPROofwestbrevard

What to Do After a Hurricane Strikes

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

After a hurricane strikes your area, there are certain steps you should and should not take.

Hurricanes can be devastating, and to many Brevard County residents, Irma was just that. If your home had damages caused by the hurricane, here are the immediate steps you should take.

Photograph and Document Damage

Dealing with your insurance company is not always a walk in the park, but by documenting your damages, the process can go a lot smoother. Take photos of all damages, both inside and outside of your home. Also create a list of all damaged contents inside your home such as water damaged furniture.

Conduct Emergency Repairs

In many insurance policies, it suggests it is your responsibility to stop any future damages from occurring. For example, if you have a large hole in your roof, you need to place a tarp over the hole to prevent rain and other elements from causing further damages. Don’t make any permanent repairs until your insurance adjusters come out to reviews your home’s damages.

Secure Home Inventory

By securing your home inventory, this will help your claim process go much easier. A home inventory is a document detailing all your possessions in the home. Your inventory should include photos, detailed descriptions, and if possible, the item’s receipts.

File a Claim ASAP

If you experienced damages to your home from the hurricane, you should file a claim immediately. Be prepared to explain all the damages that occurred to your home in detail. This will help your insurance provider in starting your initial claim, and they can also provide you with some advice while waiting for your adjuster to come and assess the damages firsthand.

Secure Safe Lodging

If your home is damaged to the extent where it is no longer fit to live in, you will need to secure a place for you and your family to stay in the meantime. Check your insurance policy to see if you have coverage for temporary lodging while your home is being repaired. In standard homeowner’s insurance policy, this is typically covered as long as the overall damage to your home is part of the covered insurance claim.

Three Tips for Roof Repair After a Fire

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service.

Three Things You May Want To Know About Fire Cleanup

If your business and Viera, FL, has suffered roof damage as a result of a fire, when you may be looking for tips on how to go about a fire cleanup. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Protect the Damaged Area

It's important to protect any damaged areas to your company property until repairs can be made. You may want to consider boarding over the damage or taking advantage of tarp services offered by your local fire restoration company. Doing so can help prevent inclement weather from making any damage worse, as well as prevent wild animals from getting into the property.

2. Contact a Professional

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service. This is largely due to the fact that a fire can cause a number of types of damage, and that these professionals have the tools and knowledge to look for and repair any related damages along with the original problem. A restoration service may also be able to communicate with your insurance company in order to provide them with information they may need to process your claim.

3. Understand Possible Related Damage

In many cases the initial damage caused by fire can lead to additional problems, and it's important to understand this when dealing with a fire restoration. After a fire you may be looking at water damage and flooding, as well as roof repair, smoke damage, and potential mold problems. Understanding that these issues can be related to a fire can help you take the appropriate safety and clean up steps.

When conducting a fire cleanup at your place of business it's important to remember these three things. Protect any damage areas against further damage until repairs can be made. Contact a local fire restoration company in order to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. Understand any damages related to fire such as water damage or flooding so that proper clean-up procedures can be taken.

Wildfire Danger Index

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires are rapidly taking over our state of Florida. The lack of rain this spring is fueling wildfires across Florida, making 2017 fire season the most active fire season since 2011. So far this year over 2,000 wildfires have consumed more than 150,000 Florida acres.

With wildfires being so active, staying informed and being safe is of the up most importance. The state of Florida provides its’ residents with a Fire Danger Index (FDI), which is a continuous reference scale for estimating the potential for a fire to start and require suppression action on any given day. The Fire Danger Indices are classified as Low, Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme, and represented by a color. Below is a description of each fire warning level and the specific actions that should be taken.

LOW: Green

(FDI: 0-11) Easy for fires to be controlled, and there is little to no risk for life or property damage. Monitor the situation for changes and know where to get additional information

MODERATE: Yellow

(FDI: 12-24) Fires can be controlled. Expect embers to blown away, which can cause small fires around main fire. It is unlikely for loss of life, and there will be minimal property damage. Be well prepared and to defend home in case of wind speed or direction change.

HIGH: Orange

(FDI: 25-49) Fires may be difficult to control. Embers will blow ahead of fire, causing tree tops to burn and spot fires that can be up to 2 km from main fire. Some home and business could be affected, but there is a low chance for loss of life or injuries. Only stay at your residents if you’re well prepared and can actively defend it.

VERY HIGH: Red

(FDI: 50-74) Fires will be uncontrollable, move quickly, and flames may exceed the tree tops. Embers will blow around and cause spot fires that can be up to 4 km from main fire. Buildings may be damaged or destroyed, and there is a chance for loss of life or injuries. For insured survival, leaving your residents early is the safest option. Only stay if you’re well prepared and you can actively defend your home.

EXTREME: Purple

(FDI: 75-100+) Fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving. Flames will be higher than the tree tops, and embers will be blowing by the thousands. Spot fires will be forming in all directions and fast-moving. Anything that comes in the path of the fire will be affected. Hundreds of homes and businesses will be destroyed. Leaving is the best and safest option for survival.

If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw it. Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.