Storms and dangerous weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there as fast as we can with the help you need.
Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion.
We're ready to take your call. The IICRC trained and certified staff at SERVPRO of Lincoln can handle cleanup and restoration of your commercial property and help you get back in business fast. Call us 24/7 at 402-466-4004
If Your Business Has Water Damage, Give Us A Call!
Flooding and water damage events at Lincoln-area 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, SERVPRO of Lincoln will work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area.
Business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating than the property damage -- we understand that too. Many times the most important thing to Lincoln-area businesses is to get back in business . . . fast. It is critical that business owners be put in a position where revenue-generating activities can begin again as quickly as possible.
The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Lincoln are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area quickly 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 South & West Spokane County
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is IICRC Certified and 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. Call us 24/7 at 402-466-4004
SERVPRO of Lincoln takes pride in building rapport, trust and strong relationships with property owners in their communities. This is why we are known for being, “faster to any disaster.” When disaster strikes, you better believe SERVPRO is there first to clean up the mess!
With SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This program includes, a free assessment of your facility, customized property profile, guides on how-to return to the office after a disaster, easier insurance claims process, and more.
Our crew is available 24/7 to respond to any type of emergency, small or big and we take our work very seriously. Once our team gets the call, we make it a high priority to get to the site as soon as possible. Our crew works diligently to get your business back up and running with a quick turnaround time.
If you are looking to improve your company emergency response plan or procedures, SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan is your answer!
Sometimes it is essential to inspect our properties, homes, offices, apartments, etc.
Here are signs you should check if there's some water damage early on:
1. Changes in floors, walls, and ceilings regarding paint, color, or texture
Many homeowners don't notice the changes to structural elements. They are hard to spot in familiar surroundings, even if you are good at cleaning up and upkeep; when water damage is on the cards, you can observe dry walls or ceilings being flaky. This condition, if left unchecked, can become bloated; also, tiles made of ceramic material often develop mold and cracks in the grout when damaged by water for being a porous material.
2. Running water sounds
Water damage isn't always visible but makes noticeable sounds. For example, drips creaks in the floorboards, and the sound of constantly running water may signify that you need repairs. In addition, tiny bubbles can result in holes in your concrete foundation, threatening the entire home's structure.
3. Increasing water bills
A sudden surge in utility bills is an excellent indicator of water damage. Ensure to check the visible pipelines and faucets in the house for any leaks. If you fail to find leaks in the visual areas, consider the possibility of water damage within the walls. If you spot any water damage, call a plumber as soon as possible.
Contact us if you see any signs that could show some mold in your residency or commercial business.
Keep fire safety in mind by following a few simple safety tips. Enjoy time with your loved ones, and keep yourself and your family safe from fire. Here is a significant fact that we should consider in our spaces.
How many fire extinguishers should I have? Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher, and most should have at least two or three. The number of fire extinguishers you should have in your home depends on the size of your house, if you have a garage or workshop, and if your household is multi-level or not. The minimum recommendation is to have a single extinguisher rated 2-A:10-B: C or higher in your kitchen, garage, or workshops, near doors used as an escape route, and on every level of your home.
Flames need fuel, oxygen, and heat to burn. Fire extinguishers are designed to remove one of these elements by applying an agent that either cools the burning fuel or releases or displaces the surrounding oxygen. Fire extinguishers contain either water or a smothering material, such as CO@; by pulling out the safety pin and depressing the lever at the top of the cylinder, the fire extinguishing material is released under high pressure.
Don't hesitate to call us; we would love to take care of you! SERVPRO of Southwest Irving is always at your service.
SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services During the Winter in the Lincoln, Nebraska area
As most people know, winterizing your home in the fall can help prevent issues in the winter when the temperatures drop and snow flies. Prevention is always the key to avoiding costly damage caused by cold temperatures or snowfall.
When it comes to deterring frozen pipes and ice damming in the Lincoln, Nebraska area, most homeowners know the basics of winterizing your home. However, for houses that seem to be prone to damage in the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent issues related to cold weather. First off, it is always wise to remove outdoor water fixtures, including hoses and sprinkler systems.
If certain sections of your pipes have frozen in the past, you may need to take steps to keep them warm in the wintertime. One way is to wrap a UL-endorsed heater tape to your water lines with a thermostat to prevent overheating. A less expensive way is to cover all of your pipes with foam insulation. It is also wise to heat your sink drain lines with a lamp or leave your cabinets open, especially on cold nights.
If your power happens to go out during a storm, you should open both your cold and hot water faucets so the water keeps moving. You can also go through your hose and seal off any gaps or cracks near any of your water pipes. Other more permanent prevention methods are a thermal convection-powered hot water recirculation valve or installing a "RedyTemp" system that monitors the water temperature inside your lines.
But, if you still notice a leak caused by a pipe freeze or ice dam, our SERVPRO technicians can help in the following ways:
Water Removal Services
Water Damage Repairs
Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
Water Clean Up
Anytime you notice water inside your house where it is not supposed to be, call SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402) 466-4004.
Don't take a flooded home as a lighthearted matter. You should be very serious in your attempts to enter your home after it has been flooded. Keep these in mind after a flood damage in the Lincoln area.
Disconnect all the Electronics - these can start fires if left on
Move anything not Bolted to the Ground - furniture and tables should be moved out
Have a Restoration Company Remove the Water - extraction of water helps with the drying process
Get Rid of Moisture in the Affected Area - dehumidification will keep the mold from growing.
Disinfect the House - part of the cleaning process is to disinfect the house before rebuilding.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly - tearing out items from the home is naturally the case. Remember to take into consideration items with asbestos or you could be fined for disposing them incorrectly
Few things are as devastating to any homeowners as a house fire. If your home catches fire, our team at SERVPRO of Lincoln works to aid you in the process of rebuilding. However, there are a few things you must do after a fire has occurred that applies to homeowners anywhere in the Lincoln area, or anywhere else.
Give Your Insurance Adjuster a Call
You must call your insurance company promptly after. Your agent will help you figure out what happens after the fire has been put out, and they will walk you through the process of finding the proper contractors. Your adjuster should assist you in finding a place to stay in New York while your home is no longer livable, and they can help you figure out the financial situation you are now in.
Calling in the Restoration Specialists
SERVPRO is a restoration company that helps people with their homes following a fire throughout the US. What makes a restoration company imperative is that you cannot just head back into your home after there has been a fire. There are numerous hazards that must be cleaned, boarded, and a variety of other issues that must be handled first. For example, the water used to put out the fire can cause water damage, a whole other problem to add to the list following a fire.
Sort Your Property
Once you have a restoration specialist handle the details inside your home and you’re cleared to enter, it’s time to sort your property out from what can be saved and what you must part with. There may be undamaged items in your home that you can salvage. There are many more that are unsalvageable, and those items will need to be sorted and disposed of.
Being the victim of a house fire is heartbreaking. It’s also a scary process to deal with, but you are not required to go through this alone. The people you hire at SERVPRO are there to help you with your new needs, we are here to make sure you know what to expect and how to handle it!
Here at SERVPRO of Lincoln, we have a well trained team of professionals that are prepared to handle any situation, 24/7 and 365 days a week! Our results are proof of our promise to provide the best service to our clients with expedited service that does not compromise on value!
Always On Call
Whether it is Four in the morning or in the afternoon, SERVPRO is able to dispatch a team of professionals to quickly address any issue you may have. Burst pipes? Fire damage? Flooding? No matter what you’re facing, we have a team standing by with the best equipment and professionals.
No Job Too Big
Did you know that the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is both prequalified and strategically positioned to handle a natural disaster of any size within the United States? Our SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is uniquely positioned to help in case of any large loss with urgency and unmatched mitigation efforts. Whether flood or tornado, hurricane or storm, the Disaster Recovery Team is prepared for the unpredictable!
Proven Track Record
At SERVPRO we are a trusted franchise that has been the leader in the cleanup and restoration industry for 50 plus years. In that time, our services have been trusted by businesses, homeowners, the insurance industry, and the government!
No matter how big your disaster, we will make sure it looks "Like it never even happened." Call today for more information and help.
SERVPRO of Lincoln offers both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, and Real Estate professionals. Our offered Continuing Education (CE) Courses provide you and your employees with information that will allow you to better service your customers.
These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. Our franchise has held Continuing Education Courses on various topics including:
Biohazard Cleanup
Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
Restorative Drying for Water Damage
Mitigation Awareness Response Seminars
The Hazards of Hoarding
Our upcoming CE Course will be December 9th through our zoom link.
"Ethics"
The premise for this ethics course is that although we may have solid ethical foundations and usually make rational ethical decisions, ethical lapses are likely to come when we are stressed, angry, upset, worried, or otherwise disengaged. Each and every day we are faced with decisions that could cause harm to others or ourselves. Facing ethical decisions can be very difficult, especially when we make decisions that may seem correct at first, but we later find out were not so great. As we explore what "Ethics" is, you will be challenged to become involved in group activities. The group activities will help reinforce what has been learned, as well as increase your ability to better deal with ethical decision-making in your own life.
If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Koerner at nathan@goSERVPRO.com or give him a call at 712-253-3852
SERVPRO of Lincoln has been restoring homes and commercial properties for over 20 years.
SERVPRO strives to provide the highest quality and efficient work possible. No matter what your expectations are for fire and water damage, mold remediation, or COVID-19 cleaning, we strive to exceed them.
This is where YOUcome in.
As a customer, we understand that you want to know how great the technicians are at SERVPRO of Lincoln.
Check out our current testimonial page for a vast representation of what our customers think about us.
Have you been serviced by SERVPRO of Lincoln but haven't left a review yet?
Whether we provided our restoration or remediation services a year ago or yesterday, there is still more than enough time to write about your experience.
We want to know what you think about our services so we can continue our high quality and efficient work!
Whether a small home gets hit by a flood or a commercial building needs mold remediation, we can handle it! Do you know who to call in moments of water damage, fire damage, sewage, and biohazard spills? SERVPRO of Lincoln of course! Not only do we have a large crew of trained professionals, but we've got advanced state of the art equipment to match!
Time is money.
Natural disasters, fires, and floods an be one of the worst things to happen to your property. If you own a commercial property, it affects your employee's productivity and if your home is damaged, security feels lost. With our stellar technicians and equipment, we work as hard as possible for as long as necessary to get your business back in shape.
A Five-Star Experience every time!
We're one of the top water and fire restoration companies in the entire U.S. We have our testimonials for proof - we pride ourselves in being open, honest, transparent, and informative to make difficult processes much simpler for you. If you aren't satisfied with our work neither are we! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.
We are IICRC Certified.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration is the most trusted independent name in the restoration industry. To receive IICRC certification, a technician must take special classes and exams that follow the requirements from the ICRC.
SERVPRO of Lincoln will make your disasters "Like it never even happened." Give us a ring today at 402-466-4004 with any inquiry.
Once the summer temperatures fall and cooler weather settles in, there are many possible causes of water damage for business owners to consider. One of the most important situations to avoid is the damage that happens after freezing temperatures lead to broken pipes.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before jumping into the steps to take after the damage has happened, consider some steps you can take to protect your pipes and, hopefully, prevent them from breaking:
Identify areas of possible weakness, such as pipes that are exposed to the weather, pipes in unheated parts of the building, and unprotected pipes along exterior walls.
Drain water from hoses and pipes that won't be used during cold weather, such as the sprinkler system.
Remove exterior hoses and store them inside. Drain hoses and pipes before storing them for the winter.
Add insulation to exterior walls, basements, and other cold rooms in the building.
Consider products such as pipe sleeves and insulated covers. These protective covers could provide just enough warmth to keep water running when it's needed.
Remember that water expands when it freezes, so when the water in a pipe becomes cold enough to freeze, there's a lot of pressure from the inside of the pipe. The steps you can take to prevent broken pipes are effective ways to avoid a lot of water damage.
Keep Your Pipes Warm During the Winter
There are several other steps you can take to protect your commercial property in the Lincoln, NE ara. These include setting your nighttime thermostat to a temperature above freezing, letting a small amount of cold water drip from the faucets during very cold weather, and opening cabinet doors to allow heated air to flow freely around the pipes. If your business is going to close for several days or longer, turn off the water to the building. Otherwise, you may return to serious flooding and the need for expensive water cleanup.
Respond to Frozen Pipes
Sometimes, in spite of your efforts, the pipes may still freeze. Even if there's no obvious damage, you may find that just a small trickle is all you're getting from the faucet. This is a clear sign that the pipes are frozen:
Leave the faucet open and begin looking for the section that's frozen.
Use a space heater, electric heating pad, or another gentle source of heat to treat the frozen section of the pipe. You could also warm up some towels to wrap around the pipes. As you slowly thaw the ice inside the pipes, you'll see a stronger flow of water from the faucet. Don't ever use any open flame, blowtorch, or propane heater to warm up the pipes.
Continue applying gentle heat until you have full water pressure from the faucet.
If you have one frozen pipe, there's a good chance that there are other clogged areas in the pipes. Test all of the faucets on your property.
If a burst pipe has caused serious water damage, contact local cleanup and reconstruction professionals. The sooner you respond to flooding and damage, the better you can avoid further expense and inconvenience.
A flood from a busted pipe or supply line leak can affect more than just the surrounding area. This is particularly common when the faulty water source is on the second story of your home in the Lincoln, NE area. Not only can it cause water damage to the flooring and walls around it but also to the ceiling under it. Here are a few tips for getting the water out of the light fixture on your lower floor effectively and efficiently.
2 Tips To Deal With Water in a Light Fixture
1. Stay Safe
Your gut reaction may be to open up the fixture and just let the water drain out. This is not advisable until you have taken the necessary safety precautions:
Shut off water to stop flooding.
Flip breaker to cut power.
Don rubber gloves and boots to neutralize residual charge.
Draining the fixture is one of the first steps toward taking care of the water damage to your lower floor. If you choose to touch the light before the restoration team arrives, make sure you are doing it safely.
2. Call Professionals
If the leak in your home has flooded two floors, you need water damage repair that goes beyond amateur abilities. When water has made its way into a light fixture on a lower level, you probably have quite a bit of ceiling damage on top of everything that needs mitigation on the higher floor. You need a team that has the experience and expertise to address the whole problem. As soon as you know there is an issue, call local water restoration specialists. They can assess the problem, propose solutions and provide an estimate of how much time and money it will probably take to fix it.
Water damage doesn't always stick to one area of your home. The more water involved, the farther and faster it can spread. It may even flood a lower floor, including the ceiling and light fixtures. Use the appropriate safety precautions and call for the help you need.
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.
Why choose SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals?
They're Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
They're Fire and Water Damage Specialists
They specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals have extensive training and equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
They Have a Restore vs. Replace Mentality
SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Their "restore first" mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.
A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To learn more about our mold remediation process.
Step 1: Emergency Contact 402-466-4004
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
Step 3: Mold Containment
Step 4: Air Filtration
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
Step 7: Restoration
Signs of Mold? Call Today 402-466-4004
Understanding Mold
When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants and have the potential to cause other health effects.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Many think cleaning and disinfecting are synonymous but there is a crucial difference between the two. When you clean, you’re simply removing organic dirt, debris, and general soils. Disinfecting is using a higher level of disinfectant product to remove or control the spread of viruses and bacteria. Disinfection isn’t as effective, though, if you don’t clean first prior to applying the disinfectant product!
Follow these 5 tips from our SERVPRO experts to make sure you’re properly protecting yourself and your home.
1. USE EPA REGISTERED DISINFECTANTS
There are consumer products out there that are almost as effective as professional products in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases when used according to the label. All these products are going to be registered by the EPA and will have specific directions on how long the surface must remain wet, how the product should be applied, and what surfaces they can be used on.
2. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
You can have the best cleaning product, but if you don’t know how to apply that product correctly, you’re going to be ineffective. Disinfection can be done effectively at home if you use the right products and follow the label and product instructions.
3. PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH GLOVES
Basic hand protection when using disinfecting products is always wise. Try to use nitrile gloves or any other type of disposable gloves you can find.
4. USE A MICROFIBER CLOTH, NOT A SPONGE
Microfiber cloths are made up of fibers with multiple surfaces and allow you to have a better contact as you’re cleaning. Household sponges are not recommended, as they can often be breeding grounds for bacteria. If possible, you could even use something that you can dispose of, like disposable wipes or cloths. Otherwise a microfiber cloth is what you should use.
5. CLEAN HANDS AND SURFACES REGULARLY.
Keep your hands washed and regularly clean high touch areas in your home like door handles and light switches. Practicing basic hygiene is what’s going to continue to break the cycle of infection and reduce the virus spread.
Putting these tips into practice can help you reduce levels of contamination.
If you're like most business owners, your office electronics are the lifeblood of your company. In the event that a disaster strikes, all your records could be impaired and permanently lost, including invaluable company records, customer information, and even communication.
In the aftermath of a flood, it's important to know what to do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your computer systems and other electronics. If you act quickly enough, you may be able to save more information and get your business back on its feet faster. Find out what you should do after an emergency and when to call on the professionals after your equipment or technology has been damaged by high humidity, directly hit, or completely submerged in water with these helpful tips from SERVPRO.
DAMAGE TYPE: HIGH HUMIDITY
Humidity spikes can occur in a room with standing water or other significant water damage. Surprisingly, delicate electronics like computers, printers, work phones, fax machines and other devices can still be damaged even without direct contact to the water source. That's because in humid conditions, dust can turn into sludge and cling to wiring and circuit boards. This is even more likely if the flooding or high humidity was caused by an office fire that produced smoke damage to electronics.
What to do: In all instances of high humidity water damage, professional electronic restoration services are recommended to bring your equipment back to normal conditions. A professional cleaning provides a better chance that your costly electronics and devices can be fully restored to preloss condition.
DAMAGE TYPE: DIRECT HIT
Electronics can sustain a direct hit from running or splashing water without being completely submerged. This scenario can occur from accidental spills, water overflow, leaks, floods and virtually any other water-related incident. When direct hits to your electronics happen, try to remove them from the water source as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.
What to do: Often, computer water damage from a direct hit looks worse from the outside than it actually is on the inside. Commercial restoration and cleaning, including an adequate drying period, can remove contaminants left by the water and restore the equipment to proper functioning, usually at least long enough to recover crucial data. However, there is always a risk of circuit board corrosion. Over time, you may need to replace either essential components, or the entire device.
DAMAGE TYPE: SUBMERSION
Submersion occurs when the electronic equipment has actually been completely covered in standing water – and possibly even muddy silt and sediment – for a period of hours or days. This type of damage can happen in serious disasters where people are unable to get to the office for long periods of time, or during weekends or holiday breaks when a pipe may burst and nobody is notified until the next business day.
What to do: Unfortunately, electronics that have been submerged are not usually good candidates for electronic restoration services. This is because most submersion incidents cause the computers to short out and damage the internal circuits beyond repair. While you could potentially replace damaged parts and have the equipment professionally cleaned, it may be prohibitively expensive unless your items were specially designed or extremely costly. In submersion cases, we recommend completely replacing your electronics and notifying your insurance about each damaged item.
Remember, if your business has sustained flood or water damage, it is never safe to just turn on your electronics afterward to test them. You run the risk of electrical shock, and even further damage to your equipment. That's why you should call on us. Our water damage restoration services work quickly with the innovative tools and expertise necessary to fix your equipment. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to learn how we can get your business back up and running fast.
Getting Your Business Up and Running After a Hurricane
After any severe natural disaster, many people are left wondering how to even start picking up the pieces, both literally and figuratively. If you’re a business owner, you not only have to worry about repairing your home, but also your commercial property – your livelihood. If your building experienced severe water damage, use these hurricane damage recovery tips from the experts at SERVPRO to get your business up and running as soon as possible.
FIRST THING'S FIRST: STAY SAFE
Safety should always be your number one priority – business owner or not. Even after the rain stops and the flood water begins to recede, the dangers of flooding still loom. You may not be able to see potential electrical hazards, gas leaks and water contaminants with an untrained eye, which is why you should avoid entering your property until an inspector determines the structure is safe.
STEPS TO RESTORE YOUR BUSINESS AFTER A FLOOD
After you're given the OK to reenter your place of business, follow these five steps to safely examine the damages and start your commercial property's recovery and restoration.
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Begin the claim filing process for any major damages as soon as possible. We know that dealing with insurance can be a long, frustrating and daunting process. That's why it's best to place a call to your insurance agent right away. You can always call back with more details on the damages later, but the sooner you start, the better.
2. Wear Safety Gear
If your property survived the storm, it may have some battle scars. Since there will likely be debris, broken glass and flood water inside, you'll need to wear the proper protective gear during cleanup, including gloves, closed toe shoes and possibly waders. Try to cover any exposed skin to reduce the risk of scratches, cuts and infection.
3. Survey the Damage
Seeing your business damaged by a flood can be devastating. It's OK to feel sad or overwhelmed – in fact, it's completely normal. Take you time to process the extent of the storm's impact. As you assess the scope of the damage, remember to take pictures of any damage you see and to make detailed notes for your insurance claim and company records.
4. Clear Rubble and Salvage What You Can
Remove unharmed or repairable items and store them in a safe, dry place until the restoration of your building is complete. If the rest of the debris is safe to handle, clear away rubble so you can begin repairs. Make any minor fixes if you can, but don't be afraid to ask for help.
5. Find the Right Professional Help
Flood damage restoration experts know how to tackle jobs of all sizes and get your business back in shape quickly. Find a company like SERVPRO, who can guide you through the entire restoration process and have proven experience helping businesses recover after hurricane flood damage.
Tips on Reopening Your Business After a Natural Disaster
A natural disaster can occur at a moment's notice. Within seconds, your business can be damaged or destroyed, forcing you to close your doors until you can get back up and running. Unfortunately, businesses that haven’t implemented a disaster recovery plan before the unthinkable happens may likely be unable to reopen their doors after a loss. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), up to 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors after a natural disaster strikes. With lack of planning for financial damages, property destruction, loss of essential business documents and equipment, and taking care of staff needs, it can be difficult for business owners to rebuild when disaster strikes.
Luckily, the experts at SERVPRO are here to help. Use these tips to get your business back on its feet as soon as you can after disaster strikes.
CREATE A DETAILED NATURAL DISASTER PLAN
If your business is going to survive a natural disaster, you’ll need a detailed preparedness plan in place. Write down a list of immediate solutions you'll implement in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Include items such as:
Which disasters are likely to impact your business, depending on where it is located
Locations suitable for employee evacuation
How to stay in contact with all staff members
Emergency contact information for each employee
Plans to protect and/or access vital business records and information
If there will be an off-site location from which employees need to work until doors reopen
Contact information for the business’s insurance company, financial institutions, and a reputable disaster restoration company
KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN
As soon as you can, keep your customers and staff informed about what's happening with your business. Provide an estimate of when you'll be able to reopen for business. If excessive damage forces you to temporarily relocate, let others know how to find you. Keep in mind that your ability to recover from a natural disaster might largely depend on how quickly your employees are able to return to work. Reach out to your team, and work with them to make scheduling changes if necessary so everyone can get back to normal as soon as possible.
SEEK OUTSIDE HELP
While FEMA provides financial assistance to businesses that are located in a federally declared disaster area, the process of receiving aid can take some time, especially when an astronomical number of claims are being filed. Have a backup plan in place to ensure you're able to cover the costs of repairs in a punctual manner.
Consider purchasing a flood insurance plan that specifically covers natural disasters. The Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be a good place to turn for help. Through the organization's Office of Disaster Assistance, businesses that are located in declared disaster areas can apply for low-interest, long-term loans to make repairs and replacements.
SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR A QUICK RECOVERY
Even just one act of nature can cause a major interruption. Businesses that recognize the importance of having a detailed plan in place to recover after a natural disaster may have a greater chance of survival. Start listing out your steps to rebuilding before disaster strikes to increase your chances of recovering.
If the unexpected does happen, remember that you’re not alone. Count on the experts at SERVPRO to guide and support you throughout the recovery process and help get your business back up and running again as quickly as possible.
A water leak in your business should never be ignored. Whether from a plumbing leak, an appliance malfunction, or a leaky roof or windows, even a small amount of excess water can lead to significant water damage repair costs. That’s why it’s important to identify leaks and take quick action to correct them. Use the following tips from SERVPRO to stop small leaks from becoming a big problem.
HOW TO SPOT SIGNS OF A PLUMBING OR ROOF LEAK
Water can get into your building in a variety of ways, and two of the main culprits are roof leaks and plumbing leaks. One of the tell-tale signs of a leak in your plumbing system is an unexpected increase in your water bill. If your water bill seems high, inspect your building for the following:
Leaking pipe joints or P-traps underneath sinks.
Leaks around appliances that use water.
Corrosion on supply lines to appliances and fixtures.
Stains below supply line connections.
Broken toilet tank flappers.
Odd smells coming from drains, which may indicate a sewer leak.
Warped or discolored flooring.
Water stains on the walls and ceilings directly below bathrooms.
Water stains on walls and ceilings can also be indicators of a roof leak. Other signs of water damage can include a musty smell in the attic, peeling paint around skylights, deteriorating drywall, missing or damaged shingles, and damaged flashing.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE
Some leaks are, thankfully, fairly easy to fix. A leaky toilet may just require a new flapper valve, while a leaky faucet could need a new O-ring. If the leak requires more than a simple fix, however, call in a professional to address the issue and keep your water damage repair costs to a minimum.
In the event of a plumbing or appliance leak, you can mitigate the damage while you wait for the professionals to arrive. Start by shutting off the local water supply at the site of the leak. Here are the usual shut-off valve locations for some common fixtures and appliances:
Sink: Just below the sink, next to the water supply lines. Sinks will typically have two shut-off valves, one for hot water and one for cold water.
Dishwasher: Also under the sink, likely close to the sink shut-off valves.
Toilet: Close to the toilet and near the floor, as part of the water supply line.
Refrigerator with water and ice dispensers: On the supply tube running to the refrigerator, likely behind the refrigerator or under a nearby sink.
You can also lessen the potential for long-term damage by mopping or soaking up any standing water in the area of the leak. Keep in mind, however, that where there’s a water leak there’s often mold growth, so if you discover a mold outbreak it’s best to leave cleaning and remediation up to the experts. A professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO will know exactly how to address the problem before it gets worse.
Even seemingly insignificant water leaks can be signs of a larger issue. Don't let these problems continue unaddressed. Take steps to identify and stop water leaks at your place of business, and then contact the remediation experts at SERVPRO to make sure your business stays safe and clean for everyone who walks through the door.
You’re probably familiar with that notorious sound that emanates from a constantly running toilet. While certainly annoying, a toilet that runs continuously can also be costly in many ways. From a huge water bill to potential flooding or a damaged septic system, running toilets are often more than just a nuisance.
It’s important to know what causes a running toilet, and what you can do to fix it before it becomes a much more serious problem. Read on to find out the basics of toilets that run too frequently, and why this is one repair you definitely don’t want to put off.
What Causes a Running Toilet?
A constantly running toilet is generally an indication that one or more internal components of the toilet tank has malfunctioned. Luckily, these issues can be easy to diagnose, and fixing a toilet that runs is something you can often do yourself. Remove the lid from the tank and inspect the following:
Fill Valve or Ballcock: Your tank will include either a cylindrical fill valve or a round ballcock that is designed to shut off water flow once the tank has filled up. If water is continuously escaping down the overflow tube, you may need to adjust the fill valve or ballcock to reduce the amount of water it allows into the tank.
Flapper: This part creates a seal around the flush valve, through which water flows into the toilet bowl. Ensure that the flapper is not worn, chipped or hardened. Make sure the chain coming off the flapper has not gotten caught or tangled, and that it has adequate slack to allow the flapper to close automatically after the handle is released.
Flush Valve: Like the flapper, this part can become rough or eroded over time, allowing water to slowly drain into the bowl and causing the tank to periodically refill.
Flush Lever: This includes the toilet handle and the arm inside the tank. Make sure they are tightly secured and in good condition.
The Major Risks of Minor Leaks
Whatever the cause, it’s a good idea to fix a running toilet as soon as you’re aware of the problem. For starters, a constantly running toilet can waste a substantial amount of water, setting you up for a nasty surprise when the next water bill arrives. Beyond that, a toilet that runs all the time is at greater risk of overflowing and causing substantial flooding damage, with overflow being among the leading causes of toilet failures, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
For those on septic systems, a running toilet introduces additional risks. Constant water flow can flood your septic tank and can eventually cause the drain field to saturate and fail. This can lead to health hazards as well as costly mitigation and repair efforts that, as with a flooded home, far exceed what it would have cost to repair a leaking toilet in the first place.
If you have a toilet that won’t stop running, don’t wait for the problem to get out of hand. Understanding the basics of toilet operation and what you can do to fix yours can mean the difference between an easy repair and expensive damage. If you do end up dealing with a toilet overflow and damage to your home, you can count on the experts at SERVPRO to help make it right. We’re available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and help you return to a clean, healthy home as soon as possible.
As a homeowner, it's essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, turn off the water supply as soon as a leak, flood, or spill occurs.
Find out how to maintain all your valves throughout the year, including the ones connected to your sinks and toilets, plus tips on when it's best to completely shut off your main water line from the experts at SERVPRO.
WHEN DO I NEED TO SHUT OFF MY MAIN WATER LINE?
Typically, you won't have to go directly to the main water line to fix a leak. Instead, your first attempt at stopping your water supply should be straight at the source. Most local supply lines have valves located directly behind or above the fixture and can be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply.
To locate water valves next to specific fixtures in your home, use these tips:
For sinks, look under the cabinet on the supply lines leading to the faucet. There will likely be two shut-off valves to control both cold and hot water.
For toilets, look close to the ground behind or beside the toilet, along the flexible metal tubing leading to the tank.
For washing machines, look either directly above the washer or pull the machine away from the wall and check behind it.
For water heaters, the water valve should be located just above the heater itself.
Operating these valves can vary depending on their design. There may be a round or oval-shaped valve handle that you turn clockwise to close, and counterclockwise to reopen. Some modern plumbing shutoff valves may feature a flat knob that you pull out in order to close. Others may look like flat levers, which you can turn perpendicular to the supply line to reach the closed position. In many cases, operating instructions may be indicated directly on the valve.
If the leaky fixture's valves aren't working or break off, turn off your main water line right away. Acting fast could save you plenty in damages and repair costs.
HOW DO I FIND MY MAIN HOUSE WATER SHUT OFF VALVE?
The main water line valve to a house is usually located in the basement or in the crawlspace and enclosed behind an access panel. However, there isn't a standard location specified in any home.
If you don't know where to look for your water shut off valve, use these tips:
The valve will often be located on-grade, so you'll likely find it at eye-level in the basement or near the ground on the first floor.
The valve may also be attached to the water meter outside your home. Water meters are generally located close to the street in an underground box or near your driveway, yard or sidewalk.
Take a look at the property inspection report provided when you purchased your home. This report should note the location of the valve.
MAINTAINING YOUR WATER VALVES
At SERVPRO, we know how terrifying it can be to try shutting off your supply lines just to see the valves stick in place – or worse, snap off in your hands. That's why we recommend periodically checking your shut off valves to ensure they're in good working condition.
At least twice a year, test all the valves in your home. Simply turn them completely off and on again to ensure they aren't stuck in place or include faulty parts. That way, if an emergency ever does occur, you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Make sure every family member knows where these shutoff valves are located so that a minor water incident doesn’t result in major damage. Consider writing out instructions so everyone in the household knows how to act if they spot a leak. When you’re heading out of town, use these valves to shut off water flow so that you don’t come home to water damage or a flood.
If the unexpected happens are you aren’t able to shut off your water valves in time, call on the experts at SERVPRO. Our water damage restoration services can help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper tools and knowledge, we'll work fast and efficiently to prevent additional water damage, cleanup costs, and overall stress.
If a storm strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004. SERVPRO franchise professionals are leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration.
Even minor water intrusion has the potential to cause major damages to a structure, if not treated quickly mold can become a concern as well.
Why you should call SERVPRO
SERVPRO has over forty years of experience on restoring water damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters.
Floods can strike anywhere
The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snow melt and rainstorms.
Underpasses can be extremely dangerous during a flash flood especially at night.
If you have any water damage that is caused by storms call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in storm damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly and with all the right resources. A fast response will lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduce the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Large Storms
When storms hit the Lincoln area, we have the resources to scale up our response to handle a large storm or flash flood disaster. When needed we can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and we have elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
A home fire occurs every 86 seconds in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires result in thousands of deaths and injuries each year, along with billions of dollars in property damage. While the numbers are alarming, some of the harm caused by residential fires is avoidable. A strong home fire safety plan can improve your family's chances of escaping a fire safely and, in some cases, it may help you avoid one altogether. Learn three top ways to practice fire safety in the home from the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln.
Home Fire Prevention
The best way to stay safe from fires is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Start by implementing the fire-prevention measures below:
Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. If you're using a portable space heater, keep it at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like furniture, blankets, electronics and anything combustible.
Don't leave flames or smoking materials unattended, including fireplaces, stovetops, candles and cigarettes. Avoid smoking indoors, and never smoke in bed.
Fix or replace frayed electrical cords or wires.
Don't overload wall outlets or extension cords.
Have your furnace or home heating source periodically inspected and kept in good working order.
Make sure everyone in the household understands the importance of home fire safety and observes fire-safe habits, including your kids.
Get more fire prevention and safety tips from Ready.gov.
Home Fire Safety Equipment
A good home fire safety plan includes having the right supplies and safety equipment on hand. These tools will be your first line of defense in the event of a fire, and they can dramatically improve your ability to react effectively.
Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
Inspect and maintain your smoke detectors
A fire extinguisher can keep small, containable fires from growing out of control. Have an extinguisher handy whenever you use cooking or heating equipment.
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher
Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system in your home.
Fire Safety Planning
During an emergency, reaction time is critical. Beyond the equipment you need, everyone in your household should know what to do if a fire starts. Here are some tips to get you started:
Create a fire safety plan that establishes at least two escape routes and a safe location away from the home where everyone can meet.
Make an emergency communications plan to stay in contact during and after a fire.
Practice your escape plan twice a year so everyone can act quickly when it counts.
When the unexpected happens, will your child know what to do? Disaster can strike anywhere, usually with little to no warning. If your child is put in an emergency situation and doesn't know how to react, they could be severely hurt and may even feel significant anxiety that can follow them for years. With the proper education, though, your child can feel more secure, confident and helpful in the event of a disaster.
Preparing Our Youth
Ultimately, it takes the whole community to educate our youth through preparedness tips and advice. With everyone doing their part, children will understand the seriousness of an emergency situation and strive to become leaders in their classrooms and neighborhoods, ensuring that everybody is prepared for the next disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross and the Department of Education have worked together to create the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education a document that outlines a vision for prepared youth in the United States, and how communities can turn that vision into a reality. This document seeks to educate youth and their parents so that communities are better able to prepare for, respond to and recover from future disasters.
How to Prepare Youth for Emergencies and Disasters with Nine Steps
The National Strategy document indicates nine crucial steps that people and organizations at the local, state and federal levels should take to create a strong and prepared youth community. Here's how you can help prepare young people for several types of emergencies and disasters:
Make it important. Elevating the importance of youth preparedness learning programs in schools and civic organizations allows children to recognize that being prepared is crucial throughout every area of the community.
Evaluate. If existing youth preparedness programs aren't up to par, develop guidance, tools and up-to-date protective actions in order to ensure that the children in your community are given proper direction.
Support. Communities, organizations and schools should be able to prepare children without facing unnecessary resistance or interference.
Create. Establish a relationship between local youth and the first responder community, so that your kids can understand how first responders react in emergency situations. Your kids can also learn from their own heroes what they can do to help in a disaster.
Link. Connect youth preparedness to family and community participation, so that your child can become an advocate in your area.
Make school preparedness key. Schools, by their nature, promote broad community participation already, so adding preparedness programs that include curricula, drills and exercises for all local disasters can help children understand what to do when faced with a crisis.
Build and strengthen. Creating and maintaining partnerships among stakeholder agencies and organizations allows your community to receive up-to-date information about youth preparedness best practices. Local leaders can also be advocates to discuss your community's needs, especially if your area is prone to certain natural disasters.
Identify. Find opportunities to insert youth preparedness education into youth culture, such as using social media or local ads to initiate a conversation about the importance and effectiveness of preparedness programs.
Design. Create a sustaining model that designs, develops and delivers valuable programs to train youth in your community. Since certain areas are known to have specific recurring natural disasters, it's important to create a plan that's unique to your community's needs.
By implementing these nine priority steps in your community, your children can receive training to help them feel confident when faced with a disaster. Giving them the tools they need to understand how to prepare for, respond to and recover from several types of emergencies – from fires to floods and more – can make all the difference when disaster actually strikes.
For kids, Halloween is often one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Dressing up, trick-or-treating, candy, parties, hayrides and corn mazes make for great fun and amazing childhood memories. Unfortunately, Halloween has become a holiday with increasing numbers of home fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations were the first item ignited in an estimated average of 860 reported home structure fires every Halloween between 2009 and 2013. These fires resulted in an average of 13 million dollars in direct property damage per year. At such a high cost, it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to help prevent a fire from igniting in your home this season.
To help you enjoy a safer holiday, follow these important Halloween safety tips from the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY: DECORATIONS
Use these tips to help prevent your Halloween decorations from catching fire:
Pumpkin Safety
The traditional jack-o-lantern features a smiling or spooky face that’s illuminated from within by a candle. Placing candles inside a cleaned-out pumpkin is a fire hazard. In fact, any lit candle left unattended is a Halloween fire hazard. If they’re inside pumpkins, they can tip over, ignite surrounding materials and cause a fire. To stay safe, use a battery-operated candle or LED light to illuminate your festive pumpkins.
Candle Safety
Using paper bag luminaries or lining a mantle, porch stairs or windowsills with lit candles can create an eerie effect for Halloween night. However, this type of decorating is a fire hazard and poses a risk of injury to you and your guests. To help prevent a fire from decorative candles, replace them with battery-operated, no-flame candles that still provide the same spooky ambiance.
Decoration Safety
Some decorations, both inside and outside of your home, can be dangerous if left near a heat source. Straw, hay bales, corn stalks and other dry materials are flammable. To protect your home from a fire, keep these decorations away from any kind of heat source, including fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles and outdoor fire pits.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY: YARD MAINTENANCE
Halloween has the potential to bring plenty of residents through your lawn. To help keep trick-or-treaters and their parents safe, check that your yard is properly maintained and has adequate lighting. Before night falls, complete these tasks:
Remove large amounts of debris, including leaves or sticks, to help reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Check that the exterior lights are working properly, including any path lights or Halloween decorations.
Ensure that steps and railing are secure, if necessary.
By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe. We hope you have a happy and fun Halloween this year!
Unfortunately, accidents still happen. In the event that a fire broke out in your home, call on the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln. We’re available 24/7 every day of the year to get your home back to normal after a disaster. With the proper expertise, tools and innovative equipment, we can restore your home fast. Learn more about our residential fire and smoke damage removal services before the unexpected happens.
A fire can sweep through a commercial building quickly. The sooner the flames are put out, the less damage there will be. However, water is one of the main ways to stop a fire, and water damage can sometimes wreak just as much destruction on a property as the fire itself.
Water damage after a fire can occur from the water hoses firefighters use, as well as the activation of the built-in sprinkler systems inside a commercial building. Find out how your business can recover from both types of water damage after a fire with help from the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER DAMAGE
Excess water can soak everything inside a building, including equipment, electronics, upholstery, flooring and building materials. The longer water sits, the greater the risk that your building's contents will be permanently damaged or destroyed. Beyond the physical damage water can cause, moisture can also cause mildew and mold growth. If mold has an opportunity to spread in your business, you could face additional damage or restoration costs in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. That's why immediate water extraction after a fire is crucial.
Whenever water damage occurs, take the following steps as soon as possible:
1. DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE
After officials have declared it safe to re-enter the building, document the fire and water damage. Create a list of all items that were damaged or destroyed, and take plenty of photos before attempting any clean-up. Provide your insurance with as many details as possible about your losses so they can properly adjust your claim.
2. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, and advise your agent about any repairs you intend to make immediately. The agent may advise you to wait for an adjuster to visit your commercial property before you make repairs or begin the clean-up process.
3. REMOVE EXCESS WATER
Open doors and windows to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate and dry your building. If possible, use a sump pump to remove excess water.
4. PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE
Mold and mildew can begin to grow within one to two days of water damage. To prevent extensive damage to your property, contact a professional water restoration company right away.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WATER RESTORATION SERVICES
In order to minimize damage, removing excess water as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. A professional water restoration company will work to save as much equipment as they can, including saving your business's electronics after water damage. They'll also restore your commercial property back to its former state to help you get back to business.
When you call for water restoration services, you can expect professional technicians to help in the following ways:
Use specialized equipment to quickly remove all water.
Thoroughly dry affected areas, including wall cavities, flooring and other building materials.
Get rid of remaining moisture in the building by dehumidifying affected areas.
Conduct an expert mold and mildew inspection and provide treatments, if necessary.
Conduct thorough bacteria inspection and treatment to ensure the building is safe to return to.
Restore the building and any items that are salvageable.
Dealing with water damage after a fire can be challenging and stressful. When you call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Lincoln, you won’t have to go through it alone. Our commercial water damage services use state-of-the-art equipment to get your business up and running again. With a commitment to be at your side every step of the way, we'll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that restores your building and helps you get back to business.
A flooded basement hits like an oncoming train. Whether the problem stems from a broken pipe, failed sump pump or the result of a heavy downpour that found its way inside, a flooded basement needs to be dealt with immediately to prevent long-term damage.
When dealing with basement floods, there are some things you can and should do immediately, some things you might want to consider doing in the future and times when you should really call in the professionals.
Flooded Basement: Safety First
Safety should always be a priority. Entering a wet basement can be dangerous and even deadly. Before stepping into a flooded basement consider the following:
Is there a risk of electrical shock? If it's safe to access the main breaker box, turn off the power before you enter the basement. If the breaker box is located in the flooded basement, contact your local power company or a trusted electrician to help first.
Do you smell gas? Gas leaks are deadly and dangerous. If you smell gas, get out of the house and alert your utility company.
Is the flood water contaminated? Sewage, chemicals and other pollutants in flood waters pose a health risk to humans and animals. Avoid contact with contaminated flood water and any items that may have been in contact with contaminated flood water.
Is the flooded basement still structurally safe? If there is any question regarding the structural integrity of the flooded basement or the house above it, do not enter. Call for professional help.
How to Clean Up a Flooded Basement
If it's safe to enter, there are several things you can do to begin cleaning up your flooded basement. Before you dive in, remember the first rule is always safety. Wear protective clothing, safety glasses and gloves as you clean and inspect the basement. Make sure the space is well-ventilated, which also speeds the drying process.
Retrieve and remove: The quicker your personal items can be removed from water, the better the chances for repair and restoration. You need to get items out of the basement and dry off any remaining dampness to reduce the likelihood of mold growth.
Extract water: If the water is just a couple inches deep, you may be able to remove it using a wet/dry vacuum or portable sump pump. Both of these items can be rented rather than purchased. If you're wading through several inches of water or more, though, you'll likely need to call in professionals like those at SERVPRO of Lincoln.
Remove rugs: Any area rugs need to be removed and dried out immediately. If possible, hang area rugs outdoors to dry or opt for a professional cleaning. If the basement was carpeted, you may have to remove the carpet. Water can damage not only the carpet fibers but also the glue, backing, padding and underlayment, leaving the carpet at higher risk for mold. However, do not attempt to remove tacked-down carpeting yourself, leave it to the professionals.
Run a dehumidifier and fans: To prevent the development of mold after a basement flood, it's essential to keep the level of humidity as low as possible. If the weather is favorable, open any and all windows you can, then run a dehumidifier and fans to increase ventilation and lower the humidity levels.
Clean and disinfect: After the water is extracted and the basement thoroughly dried, the whole space needs to be cleaned and disinfected. Carefully wash and sterilize anything the flood waters touched that you were able to salvage.
Keep an inventory list: As each item is removed from your flooded basement and treated for water damage, add it to an inventory list. Keep a record of all the details regarding what was damaged in the flood, and hold onto estimates and receipts from any restoration or repair procedures. These documents will support any insurance claim you plan to make.
SERVPRO has been helping homes and businesses cope with water damage for more than 54 years. When your basement floods, call SERVPRO of Lincoln to handle the water extraction, drying and any necessary mold remediation.
You’re probably familiar with that notorious sound that emanates from a constantly running toilet. While certainly annoying, a toilet that runs continuously can also be costly in many ways. From a huge water bill to potential flooding or a damaged septic system, running toilets are often more than just a nuisance.
It’s important to know what causes a running toilet, and what you can do to fix it before it becomes a much more serious problem. Read on to find out the basics of toilets that run too frequently, and why this is one repair you definitely don’t want to put off.
What Causes a Running Toilet?
A constantly running toilet is generally an indication that one or more internal components of the toilet tank has malfunctioned. Luckily, these issues can be easy to diagnose, and fixing a toilet that runs is something you can often do yourself. Remove the lid from the tank and inspect the following:
Fill Valve or Ballcock: Your tank will include either a cylindrical fill valve or a round ballcock that is designed to shut off water flow once the tank has filled up. If water is continuously escaping down the overflow tube, you may need to adjust the fill valve or ballcock to reduce the amount of water it allows into the tank.
Flapper: This part creates a seal around the flush valve, through which water flows into the toilet bowl. Ensure that the flapper is not worn, chipped or hardened. Make sure the chain coming off the flapper has not gotten caught or tangled, and that it has adequate slack to allow the flapper to close automatically after the handle is released.
Flush Valve: Like the flapper, this part can become rough or eroded over time, allowing water to slowly drain into the bowl and causing the tank to periodically refill.
Flush Lever: This includes the toilet handle and the arm inside the tank. Make sure they are tightly secured and in good condition.
The Major Risks of Minor Leaks
Whatever the cause, it’s a good idea to fix a running toilet as soon as you’re aware of the problem. For starters, a constantly running toilet can waste a substantial amount of water, setting you up for a nasty surprise when the next water bill arrives. Beyond that, a toilet that runs all the time is at greater risk of overflowing and causing substantial flooding damage, with overflow being among the leading causes of toilet failures, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
For those on septic systems, a running toilet introduces additional risks. Constant water flow can flood your septic tank and can eventually cause the drain field to saturate and fail. This can lead to health hazards as well as costly mitigation and repair efforts that, as with a flooded home, far exceed what it would have cost to repair a leaking toilet in the first place.
Tips for Preparing Your Business for an Emergency Situation
How to Prepare Your Business for an Emergency. If you own your own business, you understand the importance of planning ahead to set yourself up for success—but have you considered the need to plan ahead for an emergency scenario? The frequency with which disasters occur continue to rise, and being prepared for any scenario is the best defense business owners have against them.
Understanding how to prepare your business can help you recover far more quickly after an emergency and get your doors reopened faster after a disaster.
Review the details of your insurance policy. The average commercial insurance policy provides many standard coverages, but it also leaves quite a bit of scenarios out requiring business owners to purchase additional coverage for situations such as floods, income interruption and gaps in your policy. It is smart to review your insurance policy through the lens of disaster preparedness planning to learn about any gaps in coverage you may have.
Make sure your documents are backed up and stored well. Having the right documentation on hand after a disaster will make the recovery process much easier, but have you considered the correct way to store them? Many files are digital now, so you should make sure you have a cloud backup or hard copy in case your computer gets damaged in a disaster. If you have physical documents you may need, make copies of those and store them securely in a secondary location.
Be sure you have an evacuation plan. If a flood or other natural disaster is incoming, officials will normally recommend a rapid evacuation so that everyone can get to safety. Be sure you have an evacuation plan that includes well-marked evacuation routes and a headcount system to make sure everyone is accounted for, and make certain that you have rehearsed often with staff. This serves to reduce panic in the moment as well as your overall liability, and equips everyone to move to safety calmly and quickly in an emergency.
If your business is damaged due to a disaster or an emergency, we are here for you. You can contact us at any time to learn more about commercial restoration and how we can help.
Why We Approach All Damages With a Restoration-First Mindset
If you sustain damage to your home, whether it be due to a fire, a flood or some other type of scenario, it can be difficult to know what comes next. Many people who have never had serious damages before might assume that a damaged area must be completely rebuilt and that all items must be liquidated and replaced—but when you work with us, that is not necessarily the case.
When we approach household damages, we do so with a restoration-first mindset. After helping countless families in the area recover from various damages, we understand how helpful it is to have your items restored instead of replaced.
Not only are many things irreplaceable due to sentimental value, but being able to keep your belongings also saves you time and money as your family works on recovering emotionally from the event.
The Benefits of Our Restoration-Focused Approach
We can salvage many irreplaceable items. While an insurance adjuster can easily come in and provide you with a dollar value for everything in your home, we understand that it is not always that simple. Objects such as family heirlooms and photographs could never be replaced for any amount of money, which is why we will do everything we are able to restore them instead.
We are able to work with your insurance. If you are able to claim damages on your insurance, such as in the event of water damage, you certainly should—however, this can lead to a higher premium as a result. We will work directly with your insurance to lower the costs with restoration instead of liquidation to save you money.
We can make your items safe for use again. There are many things to consider when an object is damaged by fire and water, such as lingering smoke and soot odors or the possibility of mold beginning to grow. However, we have the technology to make sure your items are totally safe to use once more. We can clean, deodorize and sanitize your items so you can be certain they are safe for your family to use.
If you have sustained damage and are not sure what comes next, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to see how we can help you with every aspect of the restoration process.
Commercial Cleaners Create a Safer and Healtheir Workspace
Safety is a priority for a business owner for their employees and customers. The right janitorial company can play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. It can also help keep your business in compliant with health and safety regulations. When a customer or employee walk into a facility a key factor to prevent an injury or an illness is to make sure the following items have been done:
Help prevent slips, trips and falls inside and outside your building:
Parking Lots and Sidewalks – Check for potholes, uneven walkways, broken parking blocks. Properly mark any changes in elevation of walkways. Correctly mark all parking spaces.
Inside Building: Install non- slip mats in front of doors to wipe wet feet. Place same mats in front of ice machines, sinks and drinking fountains. If there are wet floors, place caution signs.
Proper Lighting and Electrical Components:
Make sure all emergency lighting is installed and checked regularly to make sure they are working. All exit signs are always visible and illuminated.
In bathrooms and kitchens should have ground fault breakers. Make sure workstation outlets are not overloaded which could cause a fire.
Cleanliness of Workspace:
Daily disinfecting of bathrooms and cafeterias to stop cross-contamination of the spreading of germs from colds and flu.
Emergency Fire Equipment:
Make sure all fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are hardwired with a battery backup and are checked on a regular basis.
Check fire escapes to make sure they are functioning and clear of any objects or debris.
Sprinkler System is up to code and has been inspected and records kept on file.
Portable Fire Extinguishers should be kept on each floor of the building and easily accessible. Teach each employee how to properly use an extinguisher. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
A safe workspace keeps employees productive, attract customers, and protects your business from potential lawsuits. Keeping employees and customers safe isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also important for your business.
Looking for a commercial janitorial company, please call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004
Ensure your drains and gutters are clear of debris to prevent blockages.
If safe to do so, check your pipes and water tanks are insulated to prevent freezing and that the release point of overflow pipes is not obstructed. Ideally, you'll have a regular maintenance program in place.
Cut back trees and branches to minimize the risk of falling branches.
Secure loose fences.
Check that roof tiles and aerials are secure if you can do this safely. It may be worth seeking professional advice.
Make sure garden furniture and ladders are secured in case of high winds or locked away in the shed or even inside your house.
When you know a bad storm is on its way with warnings about gale-force winds and floods, make sure children, pets and your family and neighbors are safe. Make sure you're indoors when it hits and don’t try and repair damage during a storm.
Always be cautious when undertaking any task that you're not fully familiar with as you could injure yourself or those around you, seek professional help where required.
So, this winter, make sure you're storm ready. Secure loose objects such as ladders and garden furniture. Close and secure all windows and doors. Check on loved ones before a storm strikes, but once it arrives, stay indoors. Do not try to drive or move around outside near trees or buildings that could collapse.
Storms can be severe and leave a trail of destruction in their wake from flooding, strong winds and lightning.
Insurance claim costs are estimated to have reached astronomical amounts, with households suffering millions more dollars of uninsured financial losses dealing with the aftermath of those violent storms.
Worryingly, changing weather patterns means these damaging wind storms could become a regular winter staple, sweeping into parts of the country even earlier in the season. Preparing your home to cope can help to limit the damage that a storm may cause, including from flooding.
Thankfully, weather forecasting has improved and knowing if bad weather is on its way can be helpful in getting your house storm ready.
Did you know?
The annual cost of storm damage can amount to millions each year.
Thunderstorms develop when the atmosphere is unstable – typically forming a ‘cumulonimbus’ (rain/storm) cloud.
These large clouds (often accompanied by large gusts of wind) can form in under an hour if the conditions are right – meaning there may not be much time before the storm hits!
Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire damage and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.
Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When various materials burn, the soot they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedures. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.
Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today -(402-466-4004)
Commercial Mold Remediation
Besides causing a major business interruption, mold damage can present a serious health risk for people exposed to your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water damage intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold damage problem, call SERVPRO of Lincoln, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today –(402-466-4004)
Commercial Water Remediation Commercial Mold Remediation
There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency arises in your business, SERVPRO of San Mateo we’ll be there fast with the help you need. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial to prevent further damages to your business. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the result of water damage.
Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (402-466-4004)
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (402-466-4004
When disaster strikes, delay in response time can cost thousands of dollars in loss of inventory, property and additional living expenses. Without quick and skilled restoration services, water damaged items become non-salvageable, costing you thousands of dollars in replacement costs. SERVPRO of Lincoln will accomplish your cost savings by using proper drying techniques that restore soaked structural materials to their original condition. We have years of experience dealing with water damage restoration and related repairs. SERVPRO of Lincoln also works to prevent future moisture problems and protect the unaffected areas from humidity damage. These techniques will save inventories such as: wall coverings, carpeting, furniture, documents, electronics, mold damage remediation, mildew, bacteria and other harmful pathogens.
Water Damage Clean Up Process:
Emergency Response – 24/7/365
Thorough inspection using state of the art moisture detection equipment
Contents protection and moving
Extraction/removal of water
Assess the flooring materials and determine best restoration method
Ventilate wall cavities to expedite the drying process
Removal of drywall (only when necessary)
Clean and sanitize affected area (depending on source of water)
Determine the most effective drying equipment to use
Set up drying equipment
Monitor drying equipment daily to quickly dry the space
Remove drying equipment after verifying that the affected areas have reached a normal moisture content
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Lincoln can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
SERVPRO of Lincoln proudly serves Lincoln and surrounding areas.
SERVPRO of Lincoln is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Large or small loss, whenever you are dealing with water damage immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today at 402-466-4004
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lincoln has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time.
What to Expect:
We will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us better assist you and determine what equipment and resources to take with us.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask:
Your name and contact info
your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the damage home or business
When did it occur?
What caused the damage?
Is there electricity available?
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a water, fire or smoke damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.
Lowering Your Risk for House Fires is Our Priority!
Our team is here to help you lower your risk for a house fire and provide you with helpful tips that you can implement into your family’s routine today.
Make sure you have working smoke detectors. Keep your smoke detectors in good, working order by changing your batteries regularly (twice a year), testing them monthly and changing the detectors completely every 10 years. It’s important to note that how often your detector should be replaced is dependent on the brand, so check the packaging for the most accurate information.
Do NOT leave your candles burning. This is easy, and it’s important because many house fires each year are the result of candles. Keep these decorations away from spots in your home where kids or pets can impact them. Also, consider switching to a battery-operated candle for a similar effect.
Make maintaining your home’s natural gas furnace a priority. A yearly checkup is important because sometimes natural gas furnaces may seem like they’re working well but have issues that you can’t see. Clogged vents and rusted blades can result in a fire.
If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. CALL SERVPRO OF LINCOLN TODAY!
As a restoration company, our aim is to be the trusted resource among clients. We ensure that we follow industry standard protocols. Our staff members go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) training to be best prepared for all the services we offer. They are also certified with OSHA, Lead, and Asbestos awareness. We maintain a large inventory of equipment for residential and commercial work. The extensive list was added to this past week with more equipment being sent to our team. Air movers, dehumidification equipment, air scrubbers, specialty drying equipment including desiccants and generators all help complete the work in a timely manner. Lastly, our team members utilize technology and client documentation to make sure that everything is recorded properly. Our proprietary software that documents and records all the essential information is needed to make sure that these pieces are easily accessible.
A heavy storm can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. Lightning can strike trees, causing them to fall on the house and tear up the roof. High winds that pick up debris can lead to broken windows. The main concern during a storm, however, is likely flooding. If a weather event in Colorado Springs, CO, leaves behind a lot of standing water in your home, flood restoration specialists may have to make a flood cut to remove all the damage.
When Is a Flood Cut Necessary?
A flood cut is the method the cleanup team uses to tear out materials that can't be salvaged. Technicians will probably need to use a flood cut if the water damage meets certain criteria:
High levels of contamination
Suspected damage in hard-to-reach areas
Compromised structural integrity of the wall
Flooding from a storm almost always leads to a flood cut because the water is contaminated. If the standing water in your home comes from a clean sources, however, technicians may try to save the wall, even if there is a lot of water.
How Is a Flood Cut Measured?
When removing drywall, the mitigation team wants to make sure that it tears out all the damage. Specialists typically make a flood cut at least 12 inches above the spot where the water damage ends. This ensures that any unseen damage is also removed.
What Happens After the Flood Cut Is Made?
Once the cut is made, the technicians remove the drywall. They take out all the damaged material, including any damp insulation behind the wall. Before they rebuild, they have to make sure the area is clean and dry so that no secondary damage occurs.
If a storm causes flooding in your home, it may take more than simply removing the water and wiping down surfaces to complete the repairs. Technicians may have to make flood cuts on your walls to remove all the damage.
The best way to avoid extensive water damage from frozen pipes is to prevent the issue from happening in the first place. There are a few places in your home where your pipes are the most vulnerable to freezing:
Right inside exterior walls
Connected to exterior faucets
Inside closed cabinets
In unheated areas such as attics and crawl spaces
There are several things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing. Insulate your pipes, particularly the ones that are near exterior walls or in spaces cut off from the central heating in your living spaces. You can apply electrical heating tape to pipes as well. Be sure to keep your heater on, even when you are not at home, if temperatures outside are below freezing. During the coldest parts of the day, it's a good idea to open your cabinet doors or allow your water faucets to drip for reliable pipe freeze prevention.
2. Detection
If you can catch a frozen pipe before it bursts, you may be able to save the pipe and the area around it from damage. A telltale sign that you have a frozen pipe is a significantly smaller flow when you turn on a faucet. Turn the faucet off, locate the pipe and slowly warm it up, allowing the ice inside to melt. The faucet should then flow normally again.
3. Solution
A burst pipe leads to water damage that can only be properly repaired by water mitigation experts. The technicians must tear out all ruined materials and rebuild the area affected by the flooding. If your insurance doesn't cover the cost, you may be looking at a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.
These pipe freeze prevention tips can protect your home from water damage. Make pipe protection part of your regular winter maintenance plan.
Wear and tear, damage from pests, missing roof shingles, and sagging doors and windows could all provide a way for moisture to get into your building. A visual inspection may be enough to find out how water is getting into the building. Inspect flashings, edges of doors and walls, expansion joints, and everywhere that one material meets up with another material. Remember that some water damage, such as black mold growth, can't always be found with a visual inspection. Once or twice a year, you should schedule professional inspections.
Contact Repair Professionals
Sometimes property owners are tempted to ignore leaks until substantial problems arise. This can become a very expensive mistake. Instead, it's best to contact professionals with the training and supplies necessary to repair existing rain damage and prevent more water from getting past the building envelope.
Improve Preventative Measures
One area of damage is usually a sign that there's widespread damage. It's rare that one spot of damage is an isolated occurrence. A single gap between the window corner and the exterior wall should prompt you to update the sealing around all of the windows. Make sure that routine maintenance and professional inspections are scheduled consistently throughout the year.
The best way to protect the protective envelope of your building from rain damage is regular inspections and repairs completed by water damage repair and reconstruction professionals. Be proactive when it comes to protecting your building from expensive damage.
5 Household Appliances that Can Cause Water Damage
When thinking about areas in your home that are prone to water damage, you should think about these 5 appliances that can cause the most leaks in your home.
1.Refrigerator- In terms of leaking coming from a refrigerator, there are two likely culprits. The first being a blocked defrost drain. This drain can be blocked with food particles or other debris and can eventually lead to water leaking from the refrigerator. Make sure to check this area of the refrigerator if you are experiencing a leak. Also, the water supply line that feeds water to your ice machine could leak. Make sure to check connections.
2.Dishwasher- Another appliance that is prone to leaks is a dishwasher. While there are many different mechanical problems that could cause leaks, like a faulty float switch or a clogged drain, a common leak from a dishwasher is when the wrong detergent or too much detergent is used.
3.Washing Machine- Washing machines have many things that could cause leaks. If you notice a leak coming from your washing machine, make sure to check all connections (inlet and hose) and also the floor drain, which could be clogged. Check your owners manual, unplug the washing machine and turn off the water main. Troubleshoot all possible areas where the leak could be coming from.
4. Water Heaters- The main leaks relating to water heaters are due to a malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve, a leaky plumbing connection or corrosion in the water tank itself. You can test the valve by flushing water through to clear any debris. If corrosion is the problem, you will need to replace the water heater.
5.Toilets- Toilets overflow because they have clogged drain or because the float is malfunctioning, which allows too much water into the tank. If plunging doesn’t solve the problem, the problem may be in the pipes outside, which would require a professional plumber.
If you have experienced water damage in your home, please contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at 1-402-466-4004.
SERVPRO of Lincoln Top 10 Fire Hazards in the Home
while the expert team of SERVPRO of Lincoln is here to help if you experience a fire disaster below you will find the top 10 Fire Hazards in the Home.
1. Electrical Outlet Issues
The top cause of House Fires in the United States stem from issues with electrical outlets. In 2020, we are using more electronic devices than ever, and doing so we oftentimes are using too many on a single outlet. To help prevent fires be sure to not exceed your voltage on a single outlet in your home.
2. Outdated Home Wiring
Household wiring should be checked routinely to avoid circumstances that trigger major fire damage in your home. Often times wiring that is outdated, worn, or even compromised from animals can cause fire hazards in and outside your home.
3. Decorative Lights
With Halloween and Christmas right around the corner, be sure to take the proper precaution when using decorative lights including outside lights, plugs, surge protectors, extension cords, and turning off your Christmas Tree Lighting when you are not home to minimize risks.
4. Hair Products
When in a rush, do not forget to unplug your styling products. A simple mistake can result in huge damages. Make sure that your curling iron and hair dryers are off and placed on heatproof material to help reduce the chances of a fire.
5. Toasters
Proper care of your toaster can help to prevent house fires. Crumbs inside the toaster can be dangerous as they can cause sparks which leads to hazardous problems in the kitchen. Make sure to clean your toaster routinely.
6. Candles
We all love candles and aromas however we need to be cautious of placement and be sure to put them out prior to going to bed or leaving the house. Always try to place candles in holders that prevent them from falling on surfaces or tabletops.
7. Washer & Dryers
Washer and Dryers are a leading cause of fires. Routine maintenance and cleaning can help to prevent fire hazards by cleaning filters and vents as well as the outside vents of the home.
8. Smoking
If you are a smoker or someone smokes in the home, try to do so outside. Always keep lighters and matchsticks out of reach of your children as this is one of the top causes of home fires.
9. Dust in Electric Sockets
This is a recurring process as the dust piles inside electrical sockets and if not cleaned regularly may ignite and result in fire hazards.
10. Electric Blankets
While they do wonders to keep us warm in the winter, Electric Blankets can cause fires. Be sure to use an electric blanket that doesn’t have too much wear and tear. When not in use, do not fold the blankets as it helps prevent electrical issues that lead to fire hazards.
Should you experience Home Fire Damage, let the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln help restore your home “Like it never even happened.” With our 24/7 emergency dispatch, we will have someone on-site quickly to access the damage and help you in your time of need.
Make Sure You’re Practicing Fire Safety Around the House | SERVPRO® of Lincoln
Practicing fire safety is one of the best methods that individuals can use to keep themselves and their households protected against a disaster. Fires can happen for a plethora of reasons, but by implementing prevention tips, their likelihood of occurring is significantly reduced.
There is an abundance of fire safety information around the internet, but much of it is in different locations. In order to make researching and practicing fire safety easier, we put it together in one place for your ease of reference.
What Tips to Know About Fire Safety
Frequently Check Smoke Detectors. Having a working smoke alarm system in your home is the top tip that experts recommend for fire safety. Smoke alarms significantly reduce the chance of becoming injured in a fire and can alert the entire household at once if it is time to escape.
Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher.Keeping a fire extinguisher stored in a convenient location and knowing how to use it will give you the power to put out a fire before it gets out of hand if it is safe to do so. Make sure to purchase the correct classification for the type of fire you are likely to experience.
Never Leave Flames Unattended. Many of us encounter open flames every day on a small scale, such as when a gas stove is turned on or a candle is lit. Though small, these flames still have a large potential for error, and they should never be left in a room unsupervised as they can quickly spread.
Keep a Closed-Door Policy. The most deadly fires are the ones that break out during the early morning hours, mostly due to the reduced reaction time of sleeping family members. However, one key way to combat this is by closing bedroom doors before going to sleep. The door can slow down flames, allowing more time for everyone to execute the escape plan.
Causes and Prevention Tips for Wintertime Fires | SERVPRO® of Lincoln
Practicing prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire, however if you do experience a loss contact SERVPRO of Lincoln.
Wintertime fires are a big concern for individuals due to their statistical likelihood of occurrence.
House fires occur the most in the winter, and the increased risk makes it important to understand the causes and prevention tips in order to stay safe and fire-free this season.
Reasons for the High Rate of Winter House Fires
An Increase in Cooking At any time of the year, cooking is found to be the leading cause of house fires in the country, but this holds especially true for the winter season. Because there are many holiday meals, occasions for baking and a general increase in cooking in the winter, it is important to exercise caution at any time the oven or stove is in use.
The Risk of Heaters Using extra heating methods in addition to the central heating unit is quite common, but it can increase the fire risk if safety precautions are not taken. Heating is the second-highest fire cause during the winter months, typically due to unsafe fireplace use and the use of heaters that do not have automatic safety switches to prevent a fire from starting.
Candles and Decorations While the safety of decorations is not something commonly thought of, during the winter months, it becomes gravely important. Open flames from holiday candles can quickly spread if left unattended, and electronic lights and other decor can overheat or spark if they are not well-maintained.
Preventing Winter Fires From Occurring
The many things that can contribute to a winter fire are important to note, not so that they can be avoided but so they can be completed safely. By understanding what is behind these fires and following the below prevention tips, individuals can do a better job at being fire-safe:
Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
Always monitor open flames.
Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.
The Importance of Proper Restoration After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Lincolm
Having a team on your side after a disaster can help relieve stress. SERVPRO of Lincoln is here to help when a fire strikes.
Fires are a concern for homeowners year-round, but with the approaching winter, this is a good time of year to ensure you are properly prepared. The rate of home fires peaks in the wintertime, so it is important to stay vigilant.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do in advance, such as practicing a fire evacuation plan with every member of your household and determining what restoration company you would like to work with to restore your home and belongings. That way you can call right away to get the process of restoring your home started.
The Types of Cleaning Fire Restoration Requires
Over the years, we have developed a cleaning system for fire restoration that handles your home, its contents and your air quality, ensuring the cleanup is thorough and your things are fully restored to their pre-fire conditions. These are the cleanings and services we provide:
Structural Cleaning
Structural damage in a fire can affect almost every aspect of a home, including floors, walls and ceilings. By performing initial testing, we can determine the severity of the damage and what equipment we will need to utilize for restoration. We can provide restructuring, cleaning and even paint preparation for most surfaces in the home.
Content Cleaning
Using wet and dry cleaning equipment, we are able to restore many of your home’s contents during the process as well. This is often more cost-effective than replacing your items and allows you to keep your belongings intact. We can fully clean and deodorize many items, such as kitchen wares, bedding, upholstery and more.
Deodorization Services
The lingering odors from a fire are not just a nuisance—they can be dangerous, too. Smoke and soot exposure are associated with negative side effects, making it vital that the air is scrubbed and purified properly following a fire. Thankfully, we have the technology and expertise to handle this for you, so you do not have to worry about the health of your family due to poor air quality in the home.
Yes, that soft light and aromatic fragrances that fill the room from a lit candle can be an easy way to create the atmosphere that you want in your home. However, candles can also become a safety hazard if they are not used properly. Candle fires are common, but the following tips can help you avoid them.
1. Don’t Leave Burning Candles Unattended: It may seem like an annoyance to extinguish a candle every time you leave the room. However, leaving it burning could result in a candle fire if something gets too close to the flame or if it burns too low. It is best to blow out candles before going to bed at night, even if the candle is in the same room you sleep in..
2. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items: When you are using a candle, you should be sure to have the area free of flammable objects. This can include papers as well as fabrics such as curtains and bedding. These types of items should be at least a foot away from any candles that are in use. Flammable liquids should be kept even further away.
3. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children: Both children and pets often come with an excess of energy and curiosity. For this reason, it can be easy for them to inadvertently start a candle fire. Keep burning candles in an area that are not within reach of a child or pet, especially unsupervised!
4. Use an Alternative: Perhaps the easiest way to prevent a is simply not to use candles at all. There are a variety of other ways that you can achieve a more relaxing home environment. If you are only interested in adding a nice scent to your home, a wax warmer is a great option. One great option is a diffuser. Diffusers are a great alternative to candles and make you house smell fantastic!
While these tips can help you prevent an emergency, accidents can still occur. Whether it is small or large, fires often require smoke cleanup and some repairs. If this happens, a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help return your home to its preloss condition making it "Like it never even happened."
If you have ever had a fire on your property and had SERVPRO come out to restore, you will know what an ozone generator is. For those who have not, an ozone generator is a machine that charges the air around it creating O3 out of the O2 molecules we breathe.
What We Use Ozone For
The primary function that we use an ozone generator for is the eliminate odors, especially odors caused by fires. We can use this technique of odor removal in many different cases such as, clothing, furniture, and entire rooms no matter the size. While the odor removal works great, there is a downside to using ozone in excess.
Precautions to Ozone
As stated earlier, ozone is different from the air we breathe. This reaction makes O3 poisonous if it is ingested in excess. This is why we close off the area that is being deodorized during the process. You can trust that we take every precaution necessary to keep our customers and employees safe.
If you have ever had a fire on your property and had SERVPRO come out to restore, you will know what an ozone generator is. For those who have not, an ozone generator is a machine that charges the air around it creating O3 out of the O2 molecules we breathe.
What We Use Ozone For
The primary function that we use an ozone generator for is the eliminate odors, especially odors caused by fires. We can use this technique of odor removal in many different cases such as, clothing, furniture, and entire rooms no matter the size. While the odor removal works great, there is a downside to using ozone in excess.
Precautions to Ozone
As stated earlier, ozone is different from the air we breathe. This reaction makes O3 poisonous if it is ingested in excess. This is why we close off the area that is being deodorized during the process. You can trust that we take every precaution necessary to keep our customers and employees safe.
The Christmas season is in full swing. During this time each year, the traditional Christmas tree fills the family room surrounded by presents. BE CAREFUL - Christmas tree fires are infrequent, but they can happen. Listed below are a few good measures that will help ensure your home’s safety:
• Make sure you pick a healthy tree; trees with brown needles indicate dryness. • Make sure your tree is placed in a sturdy stand to prevent it from falling over. • Make sure your stand has an adequate basin for water. • Make sure to check and water your tree daily. • Check your lights to make sure they are fire resistant and supported by a national testing organization. • Keep your trees a safe distance from any heat source. • Make sure that the lights and any extension cords used are in good working condition; look for and replace damaged wires. • Check all the bulbs to make sure they are working properly. • Make sure you have adequate smoke alarms in the area and they are working properly.
The SERVPRO of Lincoln team wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and joyous season. In the unlikely event that a fire were to occur, know that the SERVPRO team has your back!
Once the water migration edge is located, it is important to protect furniture from contact with wet carpet. Simple foam furniture blocks, foil, or plastic tabs accomplish this task. Blocking furniture accomplishes a number of important goals, including:
the prevention of color transfer between furniture and carpet (which causes staining)
the prevention of rust stains
the facilitating of effective and efficient drying by elevating furniture (especially low or heavy furniture such as bookcases)
In some restoration projects it is necessary to remove the carpet pad. This process will require the Project Manager to disengage stretched-in carpeting. Because carpet loses 80%-85% of its strength when it is wet, it is vital to treat carpet as gentle as possible until it dries.
Whenever carpet must be disengaged from the tack strip, a knee kicker and carpet awl must be used. The knee kicker is used to release the tension on the carpet and move it away from the tack strip. Then, the carpet awl is pierced through the carpet's primary and secondary backing and used to lift it up and away from the tack strip. This method of disengagement effectively reduces the possibility of delamination.
Carpet is disengaged around the perimeter of the room, then rolled back in one direction to expose the pad beneath. The majority of pad has a skin or mesh on the top side. The purpose of this skin is to ease carpet stretching during installation.
Seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas require adjustments to our daily routines as the thermometer drops in the region. With these changes come unwanted risks including fire hazards from additional holiday lights, candles and cooking. Below, we list some preventative measures you can take now in order to prepare for the colder seasons.
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process should be completed on an annual basis, preferably at Daylight Savings Time or the beginning of a new season to ensure your home and business is safe and prepared for potential emergencies.
Check your heaters and HVAC systems for signs of failure and damage. Heating systems pose a significant threat of fire damage during the fall and winter months, so preparation and HVAC system inspections are critical in order to eliminate the risk of fire or lack of heat in your home. Any space heaters should be also be placed away from items that pose a risk such as clothing.
Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose a risk, and combustible materials should be kept a safe distance away.
Clear your roof and gutters of debris that can collect and pose a risk if ignited.
Do not leave a fire of any kind unattended.
As colder weather ushers in to the metro-east region of Illinois, so does the risk of fires in your home or business. SERVPRO of Lincoln wants to remind you about safe practices and safety precautions this fall and winter. Along with many other preventative measures you can take, these steps are critical in helping to keep you, your family safe.
If your home or business does experience a fire damage event of any size, our team is here for immediate assistance. Our fire restoration professionals can handle the entire restoration and reconstruction process for you in order to help ease the stress that often comes with these types of disasters. For more information, give us a call at (402)466-4004.
Now that we are well into the fall season, SERVPRO wants to St. Louis homeowners about an important functioning item we tend to overlooked each year, your gutters. Although you may not think about it, the state of your gutters can affect many other areas of your family's property, which includes your roof and foundation. If your gutters fail to function they way they are intended to do they can wreck havoc on your home or business . The most common problem that homeowners face with their gutters is that they fail to drain or channel excess rainwater far enough away from your foundation. That excess water can back up under your home's foundation or into your basement. If rain water doesn't travel through your gutters freely, it's most likely because the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris. This is especially common during this season when trees are dropping their leaves. If you have clogged gutters it can often lead to costly foundation repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. Having your gutters regularly cleaned (at least once or twice a year) can prevent a major water damage from happening to your property.
if you are concerned about your gutters not functioning property, SERVPRO encourages you to have them inspected by a qualified company to avoid any future water damage from gutters that are clogged.
When water backs up into your basement our foundation, it very well may be a gutter system that is not functioning properly. Be sure and call the cleanup team that is "Faster To Any Size Disaster" in the event water damage strikes your home or business.
Winter is right around the corner and from the looks of it so far it is coming quicker than expected. With this being said you have to be prepared before the real cold weather arrives. Most people don’t think about preparing their home for the winter because it isn’t something that we normally think about, but it should be. If you and your house are prepared this winter you most likely will avoid damage but if you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk for a variety of things that could happen. Today I am going to list a few things that you can check so you can be ready for winter and whatever it brings.
Trim Tree Branches
Make sure tree branches are trimmed before the snow comes. Keep tree branches at least three feet from your home to prevent them from breaking and falling on your home.
Check the Roof
Inspect broken or missing shingles
Inspect rubber boots around vent pipes
Cracked caulk or rust spots
Check for moss or any decaying part of the roof
If you suspect this could be happening and don’t feel comfortable checking yourself, consult a specialized roof inspector.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Clean out gutters and downspouts, otherwise they could cause ice dams or damage your foundation due to improper draining. Late Fall is a good time to go up to make sure everything is clean and working properly.
Insulate Windows
It is always good to double check your windows before the winter, check if there is a draft coming through. If there is, you may need to seal up any cracks with rope caulk, shrink film, or weather stripping. Doing this can also lower your energy costs.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help during your time of need. When you call we answer even if it is 10 PM on a Friday, your call will be answered. We understand that when you have water coming through light fixtures or sewage backing up into your shower and onto the bathroom floor that you cannot wait until business hours on Monday.
That is why when you call, we answer. We are able to speak with you, get details about what is going on and dispatch a crew as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Any amount of unexpected water can cause a lot of damage, fast. We get calls from customers who have had water damage in their home or office all the time, often we are told the water has only affected a small area. But more often than not, that is not the case it is just the only water damage that is easily visible. Water runs across and down easily, it does not stay put in one area where a water loss has occurred.
We’re ready to deal with your water damage emergency day or night. When water causes damages in your home or office we are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you. Not only are we ready to help, but we are also ready to answer your call.
SERVPRO® of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Flooding can occur at any time of the year. We here at SERVPRO have a close relationship with that liquid sunshine we call rain. Even though it is a common sight for us it is important that we know common weather terms and what we need to do when we hear them.
For instance, do you know the difference between a “Flood Warning” and a “Flood Watch”? Although the two terms sound very similar they are different and need to elicit a different response. A
Flood Warning means that flooding will occur soon if it has not already. You need to move to higher ground or evacuate the area immediately.
Flood Watch means that flooding is possible. You need to listen to local radio or TV news stations and weather centers for more information. A Flood Watch can become a Flood Warning.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
When it comes to water damage in the U.S., almost 40% of homes have incurred losses due to this type of occurrence. Most of these problems are caused by a neglected or damaged roofs, old or faulty plumbing, broken washers and water heaters. Natural disasters such a flood events or hurricanes also ruin homes and businesses with their destructive forces.
During a water damage disaster, many homeowners and businesses feel hopeless, especially if most of the structure is still under water. The situation may appear bleak, but in most cases, there is a great chance of recovering your home or business from water damage quickly. The first step is not to panic. Keep calm and figure out where to begin. This is where an Emergency Plan should be considered before an event like this strikes.
Think Safety
The number one priority should be the safety of you and your family. If there is standing water, begin by switching off electrical power to the entire house or the flooded area. Live electricity and water are a lethal combination. Secondly, shut off the main water inlet valve to prevent any possibility of contaminating the water system. In a large flood, you may also need to cut off the gas supply also. Identify and dispose of any damaged food; this will prevent food poisoning by accidental consumption. Don’t wade through a flooded floor without proper protection, especially in murky water. Sharp objects may be lurking at the bottom of the water. Wear sturdy waterproof boots when walking in a flooded area.
Remove The Moisture
The next step is to get rid of the moisture. In a heavy flooding situation, wait till the floods dissipate before you can start drying out your house. if environment is safe to do so, use electric, gas or hand trash pumps to remove water. Locate the lowest part of the flooded floor and place the pumps there. Be careful with electric-powered pumps to avoid electric shock. You could dump the excess water into the sewage system, a tanker truck, or the backyard where it won’t cause any harm. After all the water is out, circulate dry air within the house. Open up windows and doors to let in the fresh air. If it’s safe to use the mains system, install electric fans to blow air to specific areas. Even better, if the heating system is still usable, power it up to warm the house and drive moisture away. Drying out the house can reduce mold from growing.
Pick Up Debris
Clear out any debris brought in by the water. Flood water is especially messy; there may be sediments, leaves, tree branches and even garbage. Identify anything that can be salvaged. This could be your precious heirlooms, rugs, furniture or drapes. Any salvageable belongings should be kept in a separate dry room if possible, or away from the house altogether. Anything that is severely damaged should be disposed of and documented for insurance purposes. Clear out as much debris as possible to reveal the extent of the water damage.
Assess Water Damage
With everything out of the way and visible, you can now assess the level of damage sustained. You may need to call in an inspector with an eye for details to examine the property in its entirety. Check for damage or mold on the floor, walls and plumbing system. Get a clear picture of the extent of damage, what needs to be done to repair the damages. This may be the time to call SERVPRO of Lincoln to put together a restoration protocol to put your Lincoln home back to its prelists condition.
Call Your Insurance Carrier
After a detailed assessment of the damage, call your insurance agent or carrier to find out how much of the damage they will cover. Your insurer will probably send a claims adjuster who will document all the steps you have taken so far and the valuation of damages. According to your insurance policy, the insurer could chip in a large part of the repair and restoration costs. Contact other insurers covering assets like your car or other valuables damaged along with the house.
Repairing Your Property
Now its time to begin repairs on your home. If only some rooms of the house are damaged, your family could still live in the safe parts of the house. However, if the house needs extensive repairs, you may have to find a temporal shelter. SERVPRO of Lincoln can carry out all the necessary repairs to your home or business from emergency mitigation and building stabilization to complete reconstruction of your property. Most water damage repairs include floor, walls and doors repairs or replacements. Check with the authorities whether certain repairs are allowed or require a city permit, SERVPRO can provide this for you also. The restoration period depends on the extent of the damage. Floor work usually takes a lot of time, so make sure you are prepared for that. After the repairs, make a few touch ups like paint jobs and restoring any peripheral systems such as plumbing and electrical systems in case they were damaged as well. Again, SERVPRO can provide all these different services to you since we are a "Full Service" contractor.
Ready To Move Back
After all the repairs are done, the house is finally back to its preloss condition, its now time to move back in. Bring in your furniture and belongings and prepare for things to go back to normal "Like it never even happened."
If you have had the misfortune of water damage striking, relax and follow a these steps for a speedy recovery.
Your first concern in every fire damage restoration disaster is safety. SERVPRO of Lincoln takes steps to make sure all workers entering your home or business after a fire are safe. It is important that the structure is safe before the evaluation and restoration process begins.
Also, keep in mind that, after a fire, indoor air contains floating smoke and soot particles. Smoke/soot particles are Products of Incomplete Combustion (PIC). These are carcinogens and are dangerous. When cleaning up smoke/soot, it is important to wear a respirator, such as an N-95 or N-100. Using gloves and other protective clothing will also protect against soot exposure. Ventilation is key to letting the contaminants in the air outside.
Evaluating Damaged Contents
The next step is to determine which items should be cleaned and where, as well as which items to discard. Cost and antique value are key consideration factors. SERVPRO inspects the affected items as quickly as possible, as soot can produce further damage or corrode contents and appliances in a matter of hours or days, depending on the material.
In many cases, contents that have been damaged directly by the fire or by excessive heat should not be discarded until inspected. SERVPRO knows how to clean smoke damage from salvageable items.
Most textile goods like draperies and bedding will be taken to our laundry division or dry-cleaning facility. Other contents that can be restored, such as furniture, may be cleaned within the home or sent to our facility.
Food items must be treated with caution. Any open items should be thrown away. Unopened items in original packaging that were away from the heat can be considered safe. If there is any doubt, throw the items away.
Keep in mind that melted or discolored plastic items can’t be restored, only cleaned.
Inventory Of Your Contents
If a “pack out” (removing contents out of the structure where damage occurred) is necessary, our SERVPRO technicians will keep careful records for items taken, location of the items, and condition of the items when removed. In other cases, we may determine that conditions allow for cleaning and storing the contents within the home, or perhaps a garage if property has one. An inventory of all discarded items is essential to receiving monetary reimbursement when filing an insurance claim.
Contents Cleaning
SERVPRO will perform testing to determine the appropriate product to clean your contents. Today’s restoration professionals will use environmentally friendly products for all cleaning and restoration processes. This is an important consideration when choosing a restoration company.
SERVPRO begins to remove soot from each restorable item — either in the home or at our facility. The cleaning method depends on the item, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, toys, clothing, bedding, draperies, and more.
Removing Odors
Pungent odors come with smoke/soot damage. After the cleaning process, most of the smoke odor will be eliminated. Yet, if there is still a small odor, we may add an additional step to the restoration process. This could include ozone or hydroxyl deodorizing.
For Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402.466.4004
When the contents of a home or business are damaged by smoke/soot, mitigating the fire damage, cleaning, and restoring the contents to its preloss condition is a job for restoration professionals. SERVPRO of Lincoln technicians know how to clean smoke damage from contents quickly, ethically and professionally. When you call us, we’ll mitigate the loss and restore your property using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
Give us a call, we will assess the situation like it never happened.
Winter Storms can bring many hazards
Many destructive impacts can come out of a single winter storm. Are you prepared for the coming winter? The array of hazards that can come from a winter storm are sometimes countless.
Ice: Accumulations of a half inch or more, because of it's weight can cause widespread destruction and power outages and can have a crippling impact.
Wet Snow: Much like ice accumulation, wet snow adds extra weight and stress, increasing the chance of damage. Moist snow sticks easily to trees and power lines.
Snow on Roofs: Several feet from one or multiple storms accumulating on a roof can add stress, causing them to collapse.
Flooding After the Snow: A rapid warm-up or rain following a winter storm with an expansive snow pack can set the stage for major flooding.
Melting snow and ice after a storm can also cause damage to the inside of your home or business. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lincoln to assess the situation and put you to Pre-Winter condition, "Like it never even happened."
Low Temperatures can freeze pipes, make sure you are keeping an eye on your home during winter.
We can’t control the weather frigid winter temperatures are here in the Midwest, the lower temperatures cause a new set of seasonal Nebraska property disasters including frozen pipes, ice dams and other frozen water damage concerns.
Every winter our SERVPRO of Lincoln professionals help countless homes with the restoration, cleanup and repair of their property following a frozen water property disaster.
Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?
When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home or business.
Since water expands when it freezes, it puts unwanted pressure on pipes.
As water freezes, the force exerted from the expansion can cause a pipe to burst, regardless of the strength of the material.
You may not know you have a burst pipe as the water has turned to ice. Once the temperature starts to warm and thawing begins, leaking and flooding can occur.
FROZEN PIPE WATER DAMAGE TREATMENT AND RESTORATION
The key to avoiding costly secondary damage is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property with proper mitigation. Our SERVPRO of Lincoln team has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. We begin removing the standing water from your property with extraction methods, and rapidly dry your structure and contents with dehumidifiers that lower the indoor humidity levels, so your building dries out quickly. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of Lincoln professionals will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.
FROZEN PIPE PREVENTION
Short- and Long-term solutions for low temperature plumbing problems include:
Locate and seal cracks and openings in the walls, attic, basement or crawlspace.
Weather strip and caulk around crawlspace doors and basement windows.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. Pay special attention to areas where pipes are located.
Insulate unprotected pipes and don't leave gaps. Pipe sleeves simplify the process. Keep the pieces tight against each other and seal the slits and joints with duct tape.
Install storm windows over basement windows or replace the old windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
Find your main water shutoff so you can turn off the water quickly if needed. Locations vary — look in the crawlspace or basement where the water supply enters the house, inside a water meter box directly outside the house or near the water heater.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air flow around the supply lines. Move any cleaners or other chemicals out of the reach of children.
Keep your thermostat at the daytime setting during the night. If you'll be away for several days during subfreezing weather, keep it set above 55° F.
SERVPRO of Lincoln has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients.
Moisture and high humidity can attract mold spores into your home, where they can grow across a variety of surfaces. While mold commonly grows on building surfaces like drywall and carpeting, it can also affect your belongings, such as clothing and furniture. Mold cleaning can be difficult; however, before you throw items away, you may want to learn about which could be saved by different types of professional cleansing processes and which cannot.
1. Throw Away Porous Items
Most porous surfaces can absorb water and encourage further mold growth. As such, some items like mattresses, thick rugs and stuffed toys that already show signs of mold damage are usually not salvageable. If your child has a favorite stuffed toy that you want to attempt to save, ask your remediation technicians if they have any mold cleaning processes that may help. You may want to remember, however, that porous items affected by black mold are usually considered unsalvageable because this type of fungus is particularly hard to eradicate.
2. Freeze Documents and Books
If you have important documents and books that developed mold, place them in sealable plastic bags and store them in your freezer. Freezing these items can inhibit further mold growth and protect them until they can be inspected by an expert mold remediation and restoration company. This can salvage items like original birth certificates, wedding albums and baby books.
3. Set Aside Moldy Clothing
If you have favorite items of clothing that have been affected by mold, ask your remediation technicians about what type of options you have for salvaging them. Wet, dry and immersion cleaning may all be possible, especially for leather jackets and shoes. Some companies have access to an Esporta Machine, which cleans soft contents by removing tough odors, dirt and mold in a way that even commercial-grade units cannot.
Mold can have a devastating effect on your home’s contents. However, professional mold cleaning processes may be able to salvage your treasured possessions, even if you believe they are beyond repair.
Autumn storms are right around the corner. The effect of these storms can be good or bad. As much as we love the sound of thunder, the jolt of lightning going through the sky and the smell of rain, there are bad things that can come along with it. Power outages are often a risk associated with storms. It’s good to know what to do in case you lose power, because you never know how long it could be out. It could be out for a matter of seconds, or for several hours. Here are some tips on what how to be prepared, and what to do during a power outage.
Keep flashlights available around your house. Avoid using candles when possible.
Keep the opening of freezers and refrigerators to a minimum. When kept closed, refrigerators can stay cool up to 4hours, and freezers can stay frozen up to 48 hours. If need be, you can put ice in a cooler to keep your food cold.
Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are running a generator, it should be used outside and at least 20 feet away from a window or door. Never use a gas stovetop, oven, camp stove, or charcoal grill to heat your home.
If it’s cold in your home, add more layers of clothes and blankets. Don’t use the oven or a grill as a heating source. If it becomes too cold, try to make arrangements to go to another location where heat is available.
Turn off and disconnect any appliances and electronics. The power may surge or spike when it is restored, and that may cause damage to the items.
If you have a sump pump, keep an eye on it so you don’t end up with a flooded basement.
If a storm occurs, the safety of you and your family is of the utmost importance. Be safe out there!
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
When your home has a fireplace, there is a lot of responsibility in maintaining it. Before you use it, make sure it is in good working order, and cleaned out properly. If it’s not maintained regularly, it could cause a structure fire, smoke could puff back in the house, or it could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. We’ll provide a few easy steps to take to make sure your fireplace is safe.
Your chimney should be swept inside at least once a year, and it should be at the beginning of the year. By sweeping the chimney, it will help remove soot and debris. When you’re sweeping you should look for any animals that may have crawled in and died.
Before you start the fire, check the structure of your chimney. You want to make sure there are no cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar. Also look for any deterioration. Cracks and spalling are signs of deterioration.
Use a wire-mesh cap on top of the chimney to keep the birds, squirrels, rain and other debris from entering.
Check the damper; the damper is a movable plate that sits above the fireplace before the flue. Make sure the damper is working properly. There should be no debris preventing it from opening and closing.
When cleaning the chimney, you want to keep an eye out for creosote buildup. Creosote is a chemical mass of carbon formed when wood, tar or fossil fuels are burned. Even though you can’t see it from the outside doesn’t mean that the buildup is not on the inside. When it’s not properly removed, it can build up in the flue and chimney, potentially causing a chimney fire.
Make sure there isn’t anything hanging over the chimney, such as tree limbs, flags, etc. They could be a fire hazard, and it could interfere with proper draft airflow.
Clean out ashes regularly. You should clean out the ashes from the last time you ran your fireplace. You can simply sweep or vacuum the cold ashes and dispose of them. Be aware that there could be hot coals in the mix. Hot coals can stay hot for up to 3 days.
If you don’t have experience in cleaning or maintaining your fireplace or know what to look for, call a local professional. They have the tools and resources to make sure that your chimney is up and running safely for the winter time.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
There’s a misconception that when hardwood flooring gets wet, it must be removed because it’s ruined. Frequently, that’s not the case. SERVPRO has the tools and training to evaluate and dry out hardwood flooring. We use specialized drying mat systems and balanced dehumidification to dry hardwood quickly, saving you the time and expense of flooring replacement. When evaluating water-damaged hardwood flooring, the length of time it has been wet is a critical factor. If the flooring is allowed to dwell in water for too long, it is possible for the boards to cup, warp, and possibly break. Rapid response is critical to success in saving hardwood.
When we respond to a water damage with affected hardwood flooring, we perform a preliminary inspection. What areas are wet? How long have they been wet? And specifically how wet is it? We use a combination of flooring extraction mats, and a powerful truck-mounted extraction unit to pull as much free water out of the flooring system as possible. After that’s done, we set up our drying equipment, and start the drying process. We return to the site daily to monitor the progress of the drying, using meters specially-designed for hardwood. Once the moisture level in the wood reaches an acceptable level, the hardwood flooring can be inspected by a flooring contractor.
What is the IICRC? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our SERVPRO team members study IICRC best practices guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. There are many certifications that our team members earn and our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals make sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material changes. Our team members take the certifications to be prepared for any situation and to properly address the problem and apply efficient and thorough mitigation for your business or property.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Situations such as vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting and overwhelming for homeowners and businesses. Vandalism and graffiti can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Here at SERVPRO, we have the capability to help with this property damage. We can do a board-up which is done after a storm, fire, or vandalism incident where the building is exposed to the elements. It is meant to prevent further damage from happening to the facility. It minimizes property loss by securing the building and taking care if restorable/reusable elements. A natural disaster can leave your facility vulnerable to problems such as vandalism, theft, and unwanted entry.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Sprinkler systems are commonly installed in commercial and industrial buildings. They save life and structure when a fire occurs. They do cause water damage though when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions. This is when SERVPRO is Here to Help. We come in and dry the structure when a system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid-filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke. They are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something. We are here to help when you need it most and want to help prevent issues before they arise. It is always a good idea to know where your sprinkler line shut off valves are located in case you have a malfunctioning system and know who services these systems for your facility.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
In the case of a storm, heavy rainfall can infiltrate a home or business very quickly. Most of the time it is a problem in the lower level or basement of a home or in a crawl space. Water can seep in and penetrate under garage doors, around improperly sealed windows, and through cracks in the cement foundation or walls. It is important to note that water will always travel the least path of resistance. If you find water where you don't want it and you don't know how to remove it, so we are Here to Help. ® SERVPRO has several different forms of extraction equipment and is ready for 24/7 with our emergency services. It is very important to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent further wicking into the structural materials of the building. It can be difficult to remove without the right equipment. This is where we, SERVPRO franchise professionals, come in. We will extract the standing water and then set drying equipment to remove moisture from the structure. Always remember to call right away when you see a problem for help. Water is something you want to clean up right away so further problems don't occur.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
As a business, it is your job to weather any storm that comes your way no matter the type or size. Sometimes physical storms are unexpected and can be quite devastating and detrimental to a business. Here at SERVPRO, our job is to give some peace of mind and help instigate water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are capable of traveling anywhere to help get the property back to preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals have access to a semi-trailer that is meant to stock up for any disaster that could strike your business. We make our services available 24 hours a day for 365 days a year for whatever could happen. We want to ensure you will be helped during overwhelming and unexpected times. We come ready for whatever disaster occurs. No matter the weather or time of day, we will be there to assist.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, many people are stocking up on fireworks. While this can be a fun activity to celebrate the holiday, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions when using fireworks. This is especially important for Central Oregonians as much of the vegetation that makes up our beautiful landscape is extremely flammable.
Did you know that fireworks are the cause of over 18,000 fires each year? These fires account for an average of 3 deaths and 40 injuries each year. Check out the tips below so that you can avoid becoming part of the statistic.
1.) Don't let young children handle fireworks.
Young children should definitely not be handling fireworks. Additionally, any older children should be closely monitored by an adult to ensure that fireworks are being properly used.
2.) Avoid using fireworks if you're impaired by drugs or alcohol.
It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can cause poor judgment. It is best not to take the risk of using fireworks when impaired for the safety of everyone around.
3.) Don't hold any fireworks that have been lit in your hand.
This may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Fireworks should never be held in peoples' hands once they are ignited.
4.) Don't light fireworks indoors.
The last thing that you want is to cause a house fire from lighting a firework inside. Stick to the outdoors when using fireworks.
5.) Don't light fireworks in a container.
Fireworks should never be lit in a container, including metal and glass containers.
6.) Soak fireworks in water for a couple hours after use.
It is a good rule of thumb to soak fireworks in water for a couple hours after they have been used. This will prevent any accidental fires.
7.) Always have a bucket of water nearby.
Fire spreads at an extremely rapid pace. Having a bucket of water ready is important to stop a fire while it is still manageable.
8.) Light fireworks in an area without fire hazards.
Find a clear area that isn't surrounded by vegetation when shooting off fireworks.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Keeping a clean office environment should be a priority for your company. This will prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthier year-round.
Here are four tips for disinfecting your office:
1.) Wipe surfaces in one direction.
If you wipe a surface one direction and then go back the opposite direction, you are going to spread the germs right back on the surface. A swift wipe in one direction will be most effective in removing germs from a surface.
2.) Make sure you're using the right chemicals.
Make sure you are using the right chemicals for disinfecting. Each cleaning product should be labeled with its intended purpose.
3.) Make sure you get to all of the high-tough areas.
High-touch areas should be at the top of your list for disinfecting. This includes things such as chairs, stair railings, telephones, restroom surfaces and coffee pot handles/dispensers.
4.) Make handwashing a priority in your business.
Stressing the importance of handwashing in your office will go a long ways in preventing the unnecessary spread of germs.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Cold winter weather can be hard on overexposed pipes. Water expands when it freezes, which can increase the pressure in pipes and cause them to burst. If a pipe bursts on your property, you'll want to act fast to prevent as much damage as you can.
1.) Turn off your water main.
The first thing that you should do if a pipe bursts is turn off your water main. This will turn off your water supply for the whole house, which will stop the pipe from causing any more water damage.
2.) Drain your faucets and toilets.
Once the water main is turned off, you should run your faucets to flush out any remaining water. Additionally, you should flush your toilets until the excess water is gone too. This will aid in relieving any pressure from your pipes to minimize any more damage.
3.) Turn off your heating system.
You will want to also turn off your heating system and drain the water from all of your hot water taps.
4.) Take pictures of any water damage.
At this point, all of your water should be shut off and drained. This will keep any further damage from occurring. You'll want to take as many pictures as you can of any damaged interior or items as you
5.) Clean up as much water as you can.
Dry up as much water as you can to prevent any further damage. Moist environments promote mold growth, so you'll want to be sure to eliminate any wet surfaces if possible. However, if the water is contaminated, you'll want to wait for a professional to professional (this can be a health hazard).
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.
Water Loss Potential
The first one being a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.
Fire Loss Potential
The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you do not hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
Lesson Learned
We know it’s tempting to get two things done at once, but this is one task that needs more of your attention and presence.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tablets. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Water problems are a nightmare for property owners, especially when vast volumes of water are involved. A washing machine leak or a burst pipe can cause water to pool in your home and damage the contents and structures in its path. Dealing with a water loss incident can be time-consuming and costly.
The sooner you perform water cleanup in your residence, the higher the chance of restoring it cost-effectively. You can seek help from SERVPRO to clean up and dry your home quickly. One component that water can ruin is furniture. It can cause the furniture to weaken or act as a food source for mold. Some types of furniture are sensitive to water and can turn white shortly after coming into contact with it. Other furniture can swell or become discolored after prolonged exposure to water.
If the water has saturated your carpet floor, removing it is more difficult because of the fabric composition. The carpet can become discolored depending on the material used to make it. Removing water from carpets requires the use of appropriate cleaning equipment and cleaning methods to prevent damage.
After a water intrusion incident, the walls can also sustain damage. Water-soaked walls tend to become discolored. Yellow spots can appear on white-colored walls after some time. When drying walls, one of the impediments restorers face is a water barrier. This barrier is a material that prevents moisture from evaporating from walls. We can remove the outer vapor barrier or perforate gloss paint to speed up the drying process.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Sustained rainfall can result in groundwater flooding of your property. Not only do high standing water levels exert significant pressure on your walls and flooring, but they can also carry high levels of contamination. As a homeowner, you may be able to deal with clean water emergencies yourself. However, floodwaters carry with them infectious waste, which can be harmful to your health.
You need professional assistance from trained technicians to overcome flood damage to your home. At SERVPRO, we run a unique out-of-hours emergency service for victims of groundwater, flash flooding, or storm-related events. We will ensure that your property and contents sustain as little harm as possible. We strive to reduce the expense of your claim by using our advanced equipment and professional expertise to repair the damages quickly.
In severe flooding scenarios, it may be necessary to store your contents at the separate facilities while work is undertaken. Separate storage can frequently mitigate against further losses while we work to restore the structure itself. When a pack-out service is necessary, SERVPRO technicians take an inventory of your possessions, their condition, and the rooms to which they belong. This ensures you are covered in the unlikely event of transit damages.
One advantage of a pack-out procedure is that it can significantly reduce the timeframe of your property restoration. Less furniture provides greater access to all areas of your home's structure. This access can be helpful should we need to perform structural or cavity drying as well as demolition of non-salvageable materials. Once your property has been returned to a sanitary condition, we can use our automated inventory to put furniture and possessions back where we found them.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Even though concrete flooring and steel building materials have a very low porosity for standing water and saturation, flooding in your warehouse can be a costly disaster. Addressing the migrating flood water involves the use of both our premier extraction tools, as well as effective drying solutions and cleaning products. Protecting your facility hinges on the fast and confident response of professionals like our SERVPRO team.
Invading water can move quickly across the warehouse floor, which can lead to widespread flood damage in structures. Surface water does not easily penetrate solid materials like concrete or metal, allowing it to pool at the floor level and get absorbed into inventory, boxes, crates, and pallets throughout this main floor of the building instead. With how readily moisture can affect stocked items and packing materials throughout the warehouse, removing this standing water is vital to protecting your stored products.
Our SERVPRO team has a warehouse of our own, one which can store and protect removed belongings and contents from your building until restoration and drying are complete. Our content management team can determine what items are in the direct path for water exposure or even in position for damage from elevated humidity and moisture content in the area. We can pack and move these items to our facility for safekeeping and focused drying, cleaning, and deodorization efforts before that.
Clearing out surface water often falls to the use of our portable electric sump pumps. However, when debris and other particulates can exist within this standing water, self-priming trash pumps can do the job more effectively. Both of these units offer discharge into drains and the exterior of the building with hoses, allowing our SERVPRO team to gain control of widespread flooding scenarios quickly.
Cleaning and disinfection of the warehouse are often necessary after potential contamination following flooding, but little reconstruction or controlled demolition is necessary. Threats and contaminants can remain at the surface levels of concrete and steel structural materials, allowing our team to clean and disinfect these surfaces where they stay installed.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Lincoln is trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers water damage we are here for you. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
Change the HVAC filter.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set a smoke odor.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Call us at 402.466.4004
It's Not Just Any Fire, It's a Fire That Affected You
Fires can happen in any home or office, but there are things we can all do to limit the risks of fires starting in the first place and take steps to limit the impact of a fire should one start. Do you know what the leading cause of winter fires is? It may not be what you think. Should your home or office be damaged from a fire starting in the microwave in the breakroom from forgotten food or in your home from bad wiring, we can help. We understand that when it comes to your fire, it is not just another job. It is the business you built from the ground up and have poured blood, sweat, and tears into. It is your dream home that you have spent time and money fixing and updating to make it the home your kids will grow up in and will hold memories and traditions. We walk with you through the process, guiding you with answers, advice, and experience through to the other side where life will come back together.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Activated oxygen machines, otherwise known as ozone machines, work in your home to clean the air of odor. One of the most common uses is for the decimation of smoke odor. These machines work by breaking down the oxygen we breath (O2), and converting it into ozone (O3).
These machines have a wide range of uses and be used in one room of a house or the entire floor of a building. Here at SERVPRO of Lincoln, we use them quite often when there has been a fire. The activated oxygen machine allows us to clean a room that smells of smoke without using any chemicals. These little machines are not limited to smoke odor cleaning! They can also be used for pet and food odors!
If you have any odors in your home, call SERVPRO of Lincoln to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remove odors in your home or business.
Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters! The majority of these disasters are home fires resulting in about 7 deaths and 36 injuries every day and over $7 billion in property damage every year. The Red Cross recommends keeping matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children. Only use lighters with child-resistant features in the home, as often times fire starters can look like a toy for children. Using these precautions can help not only keep everyone in your family safe but may save a life.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
After a disaster like a fire or a flood from a cooking fire or washing machine overflow you may not know what comes next after you have called for the initial clean up to start. One area that is often overlooked is your possessions or your contents after they have been inventoried they are packed out and stored in our secure, climate-controlled warehouse. We pack out the area that was effected, take it to our cleaning area, and then return it to the same place we took it from. We use a system of pictures and numbers to make sure your house is put back together “Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Did you know, there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Sooland are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers water damage we are here for you. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Fire drills are not just for schools, they should be practiced by businesses and families alike. It is crucial to the safety of all that everyone knows more than one way to exit your building or home. Important things to cover are a designated meeting spot (a safe distance from the structure where a head count can be taken to inform first responders of anyone left in the building), and what to do should you not be able to have an escape route. Here at SERVPRO we suggest that customers regularly perform a “fire drill” so that everyone knows what to do and how to keep themselves and others safe. If disaster should strike your home, we are ready 24/7, 365. Call us at 402.466.4004 to help walk with you through the cleanup and repairs to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.
A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Lincoln Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To learn more about our mold remediation process.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important in a disaster event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit, 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.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
With the winter season upon us and the temperature starts to drop, we often turn to anything that can keep us warm in our homes. From heating a certain room with our space heaters to cuddling up with your loved ones in front of a warm fire. All of which can be potentially dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe while turning up the heat.
Fireplace Safety Tips:
Before starting a fire, make sure the damper or flue is open. Keeping this open will draw smoke out of the house. Using a flashlight to look up the chimney can check the damper. Never close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
Use dry or aged wood in your fire. With dried wood, it burns with less smoke and burns more evenly. If you use wet or green wood, this cause more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney.
Smaller pieces of wood positioned on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
Make sure to clean out ashes from any previous fires. The levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less. A thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
You should get your chimney checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is very important to check for animal nests or any other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
The area around your fireplace should be clear of anything that is potentially flammable.
Never leave the fire in your fireplace unattended. Make sure the fire is out completely before going to bed or leaving the house.
Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
Peace of mind over the holidays and winter season can be increasingly difficult. Educating your family on these safety measures can eliminate the likelihood of a fire in your home and keep your family safe and sound.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Call us at 402-466-4004
Specialized and Unique Equipment – Large Loss Electric Desiccant
Using a Large Loss Electric Desiccant is a new way of drying that reduces the humidity in a building to the perfect climate within a building after a water disaster. This desiccant allows us to meet the needs of larger residential and commercial water restoration jobs, instead of having multiple dehumidifiers in the affected area we are able to bring in this machine to cover the whole space. This Large Loss Electric Desiccant acts as a high-capacity mobile dehumidifier, which allows us to dry large spaces faster and with less energy. These skid- and trailer-mounted units are perfectly manufactured for the most proper and substantial vapor pressure reduction and active temperature control management. The desiccant has already made a large impact on our drying process in large loss situations.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
The American Red Cross encourages that each household and car have a preparedness kit, but sadly only 51.5% of US homes reportedly have an emergency kit ready. Kits should include things like water, canned food, a can opener, flashlights and batteries, including enough food and water for each person in your household for 5 days. Start with a power outage kit, grab an old backpack or duffel and add in plenty of bottled water, battery-operated radio and clock, flashlight for each member of your household including extra batteries, non-electric can opener, list of emergency phone numbers including family and friends and a first aid kit.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Storms can come upon us without much warning. Yes, we watch the news, but bad weather is still unpredictable, so we need to take steps to keep our homes safe from storm damage.
An inspection of your home’s premises is a really good idea to conduct before inclement weather hits. A leaky roof or windows can cause big problems during extreme conditions such as a snow storm or heavy rains. Do all your exterior doors and windows fit correctly? When’s the last time you took a look at your roof to see how things are looking up there? These are all great questions to ask yourself.
Loose shutters and rain gutters can present a real problem in high winds, as can unstable large trees. It might be a good idea to trim back trees and bushes with large heavy branches that are not in good condition, so that windows and vehicles are not in danger of storm damage in windy conditions.
Many homes in older cities have drainage ditches at the front of the property. Take time to inspect this area and remove debris or dirt that might obstruct the flow of water from a heavy rain. A clogged drainage ditch can cause a lot of damage by flooding your property during, or even after, a storm.
Your family is very precious to you. In the event of a storm, do you have a system in place that will help you to get information to everyone in case of a weather emergency? Most of us use our cell phones to communicate these days, but in the case of a bad storm, your cell phone service could be at risk. You might consider installing a good old-fashioned landline, just in case. If you or a family member gets stuck at work or out doing errands, families will worry, so it’s vital that lines of communication stay open.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Whether your fire is on purpose (bonfire) or on accident is important to know your fire facts.
1. Earth is the only known planet where fire can burn. Everywhere else does not have enough oxygen. On Earth air consists of 21% oxygen.
2. Oxygen supply influences the color of the flame. A low-oxygen fire contains lots of uncombusted fuel particles and will give off a yellow glow. A high-oxygen fire burns blue.
3. Spontaneous combustion is real. Some fuel sources can generate their own heat—by rotting, for instance. Pistachios have so much natural oil and are so prone to heat-generating fat decomposition that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code regards them as dangerous.
4. Haystacks, compost heaps, and even piles of old newspapers and magazines can also burst into flame.
5. America’s deadliest fire took place April 27, 1865, aboard the steamship Sultana. Among other passengers were 1,500 recently released Union prisoners traveling home up the Mississippi when the boilers exploded. The ship was six times over capacity, which helps explain the death toll of 1,547.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Water damage can happen anytime and anywhere from things like dishwasher leaks or toilet clogs or wax ring failures on toilets. SERVPRO of Sooland is here to help when disaster strikes. We walk through the disaster with you, helping you to understand the sometimes complicated claims process and how to best advocate for yourself and your home, as well as the time line for when you can expect everything to be complete. After all your home is probably the biggest investment you have ever made, it is not just a collection of rooms and things, it is your home.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Call SERVPRO of Lincoln (402) 466-4004
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the US.
Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along a city streets, in the mountains, out in the country, or even in the desert, there is potential for flooding. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. In the past ten years, the average annual flood losses in the U.S. were more than $29. Billion according to floodsmart.gov. A variety of events can cause flooding, like: heavy rains, when ocean waves come onshore, if snow melts too fast, or when dams or levees break. A flooding event may occur over a long periods and could last days, weeks, or longer.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
It’s that time of year again, The pigs skins are flying, the sea of red is hoppin, kids are back at school, life takes over, and fall is right around the corner. Benjamin Franklin said it best. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
As fall approaches it is never to early to “water proof” your home for for the upcoming fall/winter seasons. These seasons can be very unpredictable in the Midwest. Whether it’s a downpour rain, rain/snow mix or an early Halloween snow all of these can create potential water damage issues to your home or business. Whether you are the DIY type or need to contact a local contractor the following are some useful tips to prevent these untimely and costly hazards from happening.
In preparation you should do the following.
*Have a licensed contractor do a thorough roof inspection on the following.
*Check and seal any exposed nails around vents and penetrations.
*Check roof for any low exposed nails.
*Inspect your attic for any existing slow leaks.
*Do a thorough gutter inspection, including mitres,hangers and spikes and seal any
Problem areas accordingly. Also be sure all gutters are clear of debris.
*Do a thorough window inspection and seal and draft or compromised areas.
*Contact a local sprinkler contractor to winterize your sprinkler system. As the ground begins to freeze unhook all hoses and lock spigots to the off position.
*Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know your alerts and summary’s for a summary of notifications.
*These a few of the key factors and readiness tips to storm proof your home or business.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Living in the Midwest can always be a challenge particularly in Lincoln and surrounding areas. There are many types of storm damage that can affect your home or business. Some of these include wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Here are some tips to consider should storm damage hit your home or commercial property.
Wind damage
High Wind are common occurrence in Nebraska. Your roof is particularly susceptible. Roof leaks can often lift shingles, cause cracks, and even remove portions or complete roofs. Flying debris can also cause cracks and holes in your siding or cause leakage through chimneys and soffit gable vents. All of these may factor into water invading your residence or business.
Roof Leaks.
Why are roof leaks from storm damage so hard to detect? Many storms may loosen flashing creating a problem that is not visible to the naked eye. Loose flashing can cause roofs to leak occur even up to weeks after the initial storm occurs. Even a small roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. Your best bet is to secure a repair immediately after the wind damage. Doing so can prevent long-term interior damage. Contacting a storm damage professional at SERVPRO of Lincoln will guarantee you a comprehensive damage assessment and repair of services needed to give you peace of mind and protect your home or business long term.
Flood damage and recovery
If Your home or business is near water or in a low lying area, flood water damage is a risk. Heavy rains and snow may cause water damage to your property.Many factors such as flood pump failures, and frozen pipes can factor in causing additional damages such as contaminated ground water invading your property.
By relying on a train SERVPRO trained Water Damage Restoration Specialist, you will obtain faster storm remediation. Our experts will recommend ways to help mitigate flood water damage in the future, for instance, by requesting back up flood pump installation.
Hail Damage
Hail may Be one of the most overlooked causes of major storm damage. Hail Can damage not just your roof but also your siding, roof decking, exterior walls, or any detached sheds or outbuildings. You may believe that you have escaped any damage to your home especially with damage that is not always visible to the naked eye. Hail damage can cause small bruises to your shingles that overtime will expand, becoming larger, therefore causing rain to penetrate through the base of the shingles and intrude your attic space. This can lead to moldy conditions and interior leaks to your property over an extended period of time. Again, at the smallest evidence of moisture issues after a storm it is wise to contact the SERVPRO of Lincoln to do a thorough inspection of your property and make necessary repairs to prevent long-term damages and mold issues.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
SERVPRO is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO of Lincoln and all SERVPRO locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors!
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
If extension cords are used at your workplace or job site, workers should be aware of a number of safety “do’s” and “don’ts” before plugging in a cord.
Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
Don'ts
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Call us at (402) 466-4004
Don't have to many things plugged into the same outlet.
Does the area under your desk or around your entertainment devices look like this picture? You are not alone! In 2014, electricity consumption in the United States totaled nearly 3,863 billion kilowatt-hours. Unless you are living "off the grid", you are using electricity to charge cell phones and laptops, wash and dry clothes, cook meals, brew your morning cup of coffee and heat your business. Electrical power keeps people connected and allows people to do what they need to do. Even though most Americans recognize the benefits that come with electrical power, they must also understand that there is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously to avoid injury or possible disaster. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 50,000 fires in the home are attributed to electrical fires. These have resulted in almost 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. The damage that has been done has totaled to more than $1.3 billion. Obviously, being careless with electrical power has very serious consequences. Below are safety measures that you can use in your business and home to reduce the risk of electrical fires: • Inspect your home and business for loose wires, faulty wiring, and shorts. If there are any issues, contact a qualified electrician. Also, use safety covers on outlets to protect children. • Make sure there are smoke detectors on each level of your home or business. Test them each month to make sure they are working properly.• If electrical equipment is making strange sounds or has a weird odor, turn them off. If there is water damage on your property, make sure that an expert inspects all electrical appliances. Do not plug them in or turn them on until they are safe. When water has damaged electrical appliances, they can be very dangerous.• Use safe cord practices. When cords are loose, frayed or cracked, repair them or replace them. Never place cords in high traffic areas, under rugs, or stapled to surfaces. Additional outlets can be installed by an electrician if necessary. Extension cords should only be utilized temporarily.• Light bulb wattage should be correct for the appliance being used.• During spring cleaning and while working near service meters or electrical lines, use caution. Consider hiring a professional to do the work if it is dangerous.• Flammable items should be kept away from electrical appliances.• Consider installing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to reduce the chances of electrical fire in your home.• Avoid using electrical power tools outside after it has rained, or the area is wet. Never operate electrical equipment while barefoot.• Do not allow children to climb trees near power lines. Reduce the risk of electrical-related injuries by keeping balloons, kites, and other items away from overhead lines.Prevention is the best method to keep your family and property safe.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
We all have that spot where we store our important documents, maybe its a few different places in your home. But it’s that place where you keep passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, wills, social security cards and many more documents you don’t always need but can never lose.
If you have experienced damage to important or beloved documents, let us help. Our team of trained production techs will come into your home or office, inventory through extensive lists and photos to document what documents or boxes of documents you have, then we can dry and help to restore them.
Documents can become damaged from various disasters like water damage in your home or office or even a fire that necessitates the fire department to use water or triggers sprinklers to go off. Either way, you are often left with lots of soaking wet documents, but we can help restore them and restore the peace of mind for you around such important items.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
AT SERVPRO of Lincoln we understand that keeping your guests satisfied is your top priority, and you can rest assured that you are ours. When disaster strikes at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible.
Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler head or a natural disaster, we work to efficiently isolate the damaged area so that basic functions can continue normally, and guests can enjoy your services with minimal impact. Our professionals are trained to work with your management and maintenance teams to prioritize spaces and make sure that all areas are restored to your complete satisfaction. Our experience in the hospitality industry has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following hospitality facilities:
Hotels
Convention Centers
Casinos
Resorts
Entertainment Venues
Banquet Halls
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Water damage can affect not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Lincoln understands that your home is more than a structure. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are important to you. We provide the following services to help restore and protect your belongings while we are restoring your home.
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in restoring contents damaged by water. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe - Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
If your home requires extensive restoration, SERVPRO of Lincoln can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:
A quicker remodeling process
Protecting items from potential damage
Protecting contents from further on-site damage
When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs.
On-Site Storage
We have in-house storage where we can keep your belongings safe from further damage, and can provide cleaning and restoration services for your belongings. We have a warehouse dedicated to storage where we can keep your items safe and secure.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Spring break in Nebraska and Iowa is rarely dry. If you are going to venture out you have to make sure you have a backup plan depending on how much rain we are getting in. Don’t forget to also make a plan on how to keep your home and property safe while you are away.
Follow these easy steps to help you have peace of mind and a real break over Spring Break.
Keep valuables away from windows
Set up times lights around your house
Have a neighbor watch your house
Turn your home phone ringer off
Don’t announce your upcoming vacation on social media
It’s important to have someone watch and check your home not just for the potential break-in and robberies but in the instance of a pipe break or a leak. We often get calls from people who have just returned home from a trip to find their home flooded and a disaster. We highly suggest having someone check in on your home and know who to call for various emergencies.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
1. Understand the fire triangle A simplified cousin to the fire tetrahedron, the triangle represents the three components that fires need to exist: heat, oxygen and fuel. If one of these components is missing, a fire can’t ignite.
2. Fire kills Every year more than 3,800 people die fire related deaths in the U.S. Approximately 18,300 people are injured every year in fires. Most of these fires could have been prevented by practicing proper fire safety and having fire alarms. On average more than 60 firefighters die every year in the line of duty.
3. It's in the kitchen Most house fires start in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often start from overheated grease and unattended cooking. Electric stoves are involved in more fires than gas stoves.
4. Leading causes of death Another fact about fire is that smoking is the primary cause of death by fire in the U.S. The second cause of fire deaths is heating equipment.
5. Arson Arson is the third most common cause of home fires. Arson in commercially operated buildings is the major reason for fire deaths and injuries in those types of properties.
6. Smoke inhalation More people die from smoke inhalation than flames. Fire can suck all of the oxygen from a room and replace it with poisonous smoke and gases before flames even reach a room. Many times people die from lack of oxygen before the fire reaches their room.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Winter can be freezing and snowy, more often than not it’s just rainy. But that does not mean that winter weather can’t still take a toll on your home and property. We at SERVPRO of Lincoln want to make sure you know the correct steps to take to prevent damages to your home and more importantly disruptions to your life. Ensure gutters are clean & secure, leaves & debris that accumulate damage gutters and can lead to roof problems & water damage. If winter and cold weather take their toll on your home, make sure to call the team with the knowledge and experience to make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Cold temperatures can take their toll on your home and property, it is important that you prepare your home for cold weather to limit risks and potential damages. When preforming maintenance and insuring that you are limiting risks of damage it is important to be thorough while inspecting your home. There are many easy steps you can take to help in the attic of your home; weather strip & insulate the access door from your attic into your home, seal around your chimney with metal flashing or a high temperature sealant, seal around plumbing vents, seal any holes between the heated space and the attic and insulate any exposed water pipes. If water damage occurs in your home due to extreme weather or anything else, make sure to call SERVPRO of Lincoln.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
When it comes to your business you strive to keep it clean and make sure it is a safe environment for everyone. That is no different after a disaster strikes, you want to make sure that everything is clean and that what is used to make the space clean is safe. SERVPRO of Lincoln is committed to using safe cleaning solvents and having our entire crew trained in best practices for each one; so when we use a solvent in your place of work you know it is safe and has been used correctly.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Mold is no match for SERVPRO of Lincoln, we have been its number 1 enemy. Our team of dedicated professionals who have years of experience in the industry use advanced water detection equipment to locate the source of the problem. Saving you time and money as we remediate any mold or water damage from losses like a dishwasher leak, pipe break, sprinkler head malfunction, toilet overflow or your washing machine that is on the second floor and was a huge selling point when you bought but now is your least favorite part of your home. Our team of technicians help walk with you through the process of having a disaster happen in your home or office, through speaking with insurance and supplying them with the documentation that they need to complete the claim process. We empower you to make decisions that are right for you, your family or business. We have been helping customers like you make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Water damage can happen anytime and anywhere from things like dishwasher leaks or toilet clogs or wax ring failures on toilets. Sometimes you are not even aware of a leak inside a wall or in your crawlspace until there is a musty smell or discoloration on sheetrock. We walk through the disaster with you, helping you to understand the sometimes complicated claims process and how to best advocate for yourself and your home. After all your house is probably the biggest investment you have ever made, it is not just a collection of rooms and things, it is your home; and we take care of it as if it was ours. If disaster should ever strike your home or office call us at 402-466-4004.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
One of the most common causes of fires is also perhaps the most preventable.
Dryer vents connect from your clothes dryer, and can build up lint. If not cleaned out properly, the air cannot flow properly, and a fire can result. This type of fire happens most frequently in homes, posing dangers to adults and children.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year. These fires cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. The U.S. Fire Administration also reports that the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them (34 percent).
Apart from cleaning your dryer vent, the U.S. Fire Administration has suggestions to enhance safety when using your clothes dryer:
Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
Don’t overload the dryer.
Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!
Indoor air quality/environmental professionals evaluate the quality of the air inside a structure. Some specialize and are skilled in testing buildings for the presence of molds. Using various testing devices, these professionals collect air and surface samples to compare the indoor mold spore count to the outdoor environment. If you have concerns about mold, SERVPRO of Lincoln can assist you in locating a qualified indoor air quality/environmental professional.
SERVPRO of Lincoln cares about proper restoration of your structure. In most water damage situations excessive mold growth is not a problem and SERVPRO of Lincoln can safely restore your building to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!
Mold growth can be a common result of flooding in your Lincoln, NE, home. Mold can grow on a variety of items, from furniture to walls to wood and flooring. When it comes to mold cleaning, however, you may be surprised about the number of objects that can be salvaged when you know the steps for cleaning them properly.
1. Leather Goods
Leather bags, jackets and other items may be salvageable if you remove them from the affected area quickly. Because mold tends to spread faster in areas with high humidity, you can perform mold remediation for these items by transferring them to a room that is cool and dry. Once the leather has dried, you can sponge the surface with diluted baby soap to wipe away visible mold. Suede goods may need to be treated by a mold cleanup and restoration company.
2. Clothing
While not all clothing can recover from mold damage, you may be able to salvage some items. An Esporta Machine, which is designed to clean cotton clothing affected by mold, smoke and other substances, can be effective in removing mold. You may be able to soak some fabrics in diluted vinegar to remove the mold, but this depends on how fragile the fabric is. Your restoration experts may able to advise you about other mold cleaning processes.
3. Paintings
Paintings affected by mold require special treatment. You may want to remove any wooden framing, as mold is attracted by wood fibers. Store the painting flat, away from humidity and sunlight, before contacting a professional artwork restoration company. Avoid bagging or sealing it in any kind of tight container, as this may create humid conditions that could encourage further mold growth.
When flooding in Lincoln, NE, causes mold to grow on your belongings, you may not know where to begin with mold cleaning. Contacting professional restoration technicians and removing your items from areas where mold is present can help you salvage irreplaceable items and proceed with the rest of the cleanup with confidence.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!
A fire extinguisher can be a life-saving tool when used correctly. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends individuals are properly trained in order to use and maintain an extinguisher.
USFA says an extinguisher should only be used if: • You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department. • The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket. • You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire. • You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the fire escape route. • Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.
Classes of Fire Extinguishers:
Class A: Use on ordinary combustible materials, such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.
Class B: Use on flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil.
Class C: Use on appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.
Class D: Use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.
Class K: Use on vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are suitable for the residential market.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!
The holiday season is upon us and Christmas decorating is in full swing. For many people it is a tradition to decorate for Christmas and is something that is shared with the family and many others. Whether you only decorate the interior of the home or you decorate both the interior and exterior, decorations and lights certainly add to the splendor of the Christmas season. According to the National Fire Protection Association fire departments responded to an average of 200 homes for structure fires related to Christmas trees between 2011-2015. Avoid Christmas tree and light related fires by following these simple safety tips.
Trees
When purchasing live Christmas trees, check for freshness and try to avoid dry trees. When you are cutting the tree, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk to ensure optimal water absorption. Live trees require plenty of water. Make sure that you are checking the tree daily and watering when needed. If you prefer an artificial tree, ensure that the tag reads “Fire Resistant”. When placing the trees in your home, ensure that they are placed at least 3 feet away from all heat sources.
Lights
Check all lights to ensure that there are no worn or broken cords or loose bulbs. If you find any damage, dispose of the damaged lights and replace. When purchasing lights be sure to check the label that shows whether or not they are for indoor or outdoor use and purchase accordingly. In addition, read the instructions included with the lights. Most recommend that you plug no more than three strands together so that you are not overloading the socket. Last but not least, turn ALL Christmas lights off when going to bed or leaving the home.
If you find yourself with a damage this holiday season, call our office at 402-466-4004. Our team will evaluate your damage and give you a clear explanation of the restoration process.
The winter holiday season is traditionally a festive and eventful time of year. Celebrations, family gatherings and house guests can increase in number during the season. However, statistics show that the incidents of home fires and electrical accidents also typically increase during this time of year.
Pretty lights, candles and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season. However, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:
Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
Keep anything that can catch on fire--pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from your stove top.
After a party, designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
Encourage family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to follow these simple safety tips. We want everyone to be safe and happy during this magical time of year.Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business during the holidays, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping keep homes merry and bright for more than 45 years.Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004
To most homeowners in Lincoln, NE, water damage is all the same. It is a nightmare situation that disrupts daily routines and makes life rather difficult. It is destructive, cruel, and costly to put right. Whether the flooding is from a burst pipe or a blocked drain, it’s all the same right?
Well, in reality, there are some crucial distinctions to be made.
The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.
Category One: Clear Water
This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sink overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.
Category Two: Gray Water
Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.
Category Three: Black Water
Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.
It is important to use experts like those at SERVPRO Lincoln East who are very skilled in the safe handling of black water and will use breathing filtration apparatus and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness. They will also contain the affected area so that no dangerous materials are allowed to escape during the restoration process.
Knowing what type of water is damaging your property or where it is coming from helps restoration experts to approach the situation in a safe way.
Please contact your local experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln for immediate action. 402-466-4004
We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
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 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
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 Lincoln 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.
Brrrrr… freezing temperatures are starting to spread throughout parts of Southeast Nebraska. Preparing your home or business for winter doesn't have to be hard, a little maintenance now can prevent a big headache later. Learn how you can prepare today for the cold weather that will be here before you know it.
One of the most important things you need to do is prevent freezing pipes! Did you know a burst pipe due to freezing weather can cost you more than $5,000 in water damage? Don’t let a burst pipe soak your wallet, take the time now to prepare to prevent costly damage this winter.
Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation.
Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.
Disconnect all hoses from hose bibs and install insulating covers over the hose bibs.
Keep all exterior entry, exit and garage doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months.
If the temperature drops lower than usual and any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes.
Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the home unoccupied.
Finish off the winter maintenance checklist by completing the following tasks:
Clean gutters to allow water to drain freely.
Seal windows with caulking or weather stripping.
Insulate pipes in bathrooms and laundry rooms with exterior walls.
Seal doors with weather stripping.
Insulate pipes in cabinets on exterior walls.
Add insulation in your attic.
Cut back branches from hanging over roof and gutters.
If you are leaving your home, do not turn the thermostat below 55 degrees???????
Winter is coming whether we like it or not Southeast Nebraska! We might as well be prepared.
It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.
If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:
Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.
Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.
Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.
If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Lincoln to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.
As the holiday season rolls around, it's likely that you'll be pulling your artificial Christmas tree out of storage. About 70 percent of Americans will celebrate Christmas this year, and of those who celebrate the holiday, only about 20 percent of trees are real! Many people recognize the benefits that come with artificial Christmas trees; namely, reliability, easiness, and attractive looks.
After eleven months in storage, however, many artificial Christmas trees both look and smell a little dusty. No matter how well you try to keep the dust out, it always finds a way in. Here are some tips for cleaning an artificial tree to keep it looking as good as the day you bought it.
Dust
One of the foremost necessities in cleaning an artificial Christmas tree is to remove any dust clinging to its branches and needles. Using a static cling cloth, gently wipe it along the branches. The static will pick up loose dust and stop your tree looking drab.
Shake with Salt
If your tree needs something a bit more intensive, salt can actually help! This is a method that is effective for small trees or larger trees that come apart into smaller pieces. Add small trees or tree pieces to a large bag with a handful or two of Kosher salt, then vigorously shake. The salt will act as an abrasive cleaner, scrubbing away any grime that's clinging on tightly.
A Seasonal Sponge Bath
For heavy cleaning, a light dusting won't be enough. At the start of every season, carefully wipe each branch down with a gentle, wet sponge. This will pick up the dust and dirt that settled between the needles while the tree was in storage. Sponging a tree, especially a larger one, can be time-consuming, so plan to tackle this at short intervals or enlist the help of others.
Deodorization
After your tree is clean, you'll still need to deodorize it periodically. You can hide a scented air freshener intended for a car in the branches of your tree to give it a seasonal scent, or periodically spritz the branches with an air freshener to keep them smelling fresh.
Professional Services
Sometimes, home cleaning just doesn't cut it. For more extensive cleaning services around your home, SERVPRO of Lincoln is locally owned and operated, and has expert solutions to keep every part of your house clean.
Rely on SERVPRO for Safe Biohazard Removal from Your Lincoln, NE Home or Business
Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Lincoln for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.
Avoiding Health Risks Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.
Preventing Legal Repercussions As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the Lincoln property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.
Focusing on Your Safety At SERVPRO of Lincoln, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately. Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of Lincoln for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our http://www.SERVPROlincoln.com/biohazard-cleaningservices and secure our help. (402)466-4004.
Cooler temperatures and pretty soon falling leaves serve as a reminder that the fall season is fast approaching. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer has just ended,it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. The weather can change quickly, especially if you live in a colder climate and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A bit of attention now will save costly repairs and aggravation later.
Interior Maintenance • Pipe Insulation. Your pipes are more susceptible to freeze damage when temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Wrap the pipes in insulation tubes made of polyethylene or fiberglass. Take extra care with pipes that have frozen during previous winters or have been repaired in the last 12 months, asthese pipes are more susceptible to damage.
Investigate and identify any musty smells and odors.They are often an indicator that there is a hidden moisture problem.?
Check the basement. If you have a basement, look for cracked basement windows that could allow cold air to make contact with pipes. Check for worn or missing insulation around garage and utility doors. Reducing the amount of cold air in the area minimizes your pipes' vulnerability.
Exterior Maintenance
Do a roof check for leaks.You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
Check the chimney and fireplace.Prevent chimney fires. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Fix Exterior Cracks. Note any cracks or holes along the outside walls and foundation of your home. Filling holes and cracks with spray foam insulation and caulking can help stop the cold air from coming into contact with your water pipes during extremely cold weather.
Clean the gutters. Prevent icicles and ice dams. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
Check water drainage.Rainwater downspouts need to be clear of obstructions and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
Turn off faucets and store hoses.Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
Service sprinklers and irrigation system.Depending on your climate, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
As you’re enjoying the last bits of summer, make sure that your home is prepared for the coming fall season. Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. When the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready.
Nothing can take the chill out of a cold room quite like a space heater, but they are also dangerous, 40-percent of home heating fires are caused by space heaters. Before purchasing a space heater, it is important to think about how you will be using it. Will it be used for supplemental heat in colder rooms or other areas, or will it be used for emergency heat? As a general rule of thumb, electric space heaters are typically safer than portable fuel-burning models (e.g. natural gas, propane, kerosene.) When choosing a unit try to find one that is listed or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as CSA (Canadian Standards Association), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), or ETL (Intertek). Doing this will ensure that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary safety standards. Continue reading for some tips for keeping your home or office safe while using a space heater. While some may seem obvious, others may surprise you:
Protect with Smoke Alarms -Make sure you have smoke alarms/carbon monoxide on every floor of your home and they are tested them regularly.
Keep it Level -Always make sure the space heater on a hard, level and non-flammablesurface
Use a Timer - Many models feature programmable timers that can be used to program automatic on and off times for when you sleep or head to work.
Area Free of Flammable Liquids- Do not put them on easily ignitable or combustible surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, or use them to dry wet clothing.
Don't Extend the Power Line -Avoid using an extension cord. Plug a space heater directly into an outlet with enough capacity.
Remember the 3 Feet Rule -Ensure the space heater is at least 3ft away from anything that isn’t non-flammable.
Keep it a Kid Free Zone -Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
Clean Your Space Heater -Be sure to clean your space heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection.
Don't Leave it Running -Never leave a space heater on when you leave.
Most space heaters will warm you up, but not all are created equal. The best space heater will included safety features like tip-over protection and UL certification. It should also be easy to move and operate, dispersing heat without wasting energy. Below is a great website you can use to find the best space heater for you and your needs.
Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping home and business owners for more than 45 years. ContactSERVPROof Lincoln at (402)466-4004 or SERVPROilncoln.com
The Large Loss Electric Desiccant is a new way of drying and reducing humidity for the perfect climate control in water disasters. It meets the demands of larger residential and commercial water restoration jobs with a large-capacity mobile dehumidifier. SERVPRO of Lincoln professionals can work more efficiently and with faster time-response. These skid- and trailer-mounted units are perfectly manufactured for the most proper and substantial vapor pressure reduction and active temperature control management. The desiccant has already made a large impact on our drying process in large loss situations.
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!
Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping home and business owners for more than 45 years. Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004 or SERVPROlincoln.com/
Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Once a tornado in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, carried a motel sign 30 miles and dropped it in Arkansas!
What Causes Tornadoes? Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the Central States and move east. During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.
How Do Tornadoes Form? Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the thunderstorm updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2 - 6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation
Tornadoes Take Many Shapes and Sizes Weak Tornadoes
69% of all tornadoes
Less than 5% of tornado deaths
Lifetime 1-10+ minutes
Winds less than 110 mph
Strong Tornadoes
29% of all tornadoes
Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths
May last 20 minutes or longer
Winds 110-205 mph
Violent Tornadoes
Only 2% of all tornadoes
70% of all tornado deaths
Lifetime can exceed 1 hour
Winds greater than 205 mph
Tornado Myths: MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes. FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain. MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead. FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage. MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage. FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year
In the southern states, peak tornado occurrence is in March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.
Note, in some states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the fall.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m. but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.
The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.
The total number of tornadoes is probably higher than indicated in the western states. Sparse population reduces the number reported.
What to Listen For...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
Remember, tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist. Environmental CluesLook out for:
Dark, often greenish sky
Wall cloud
Large hail
Loud roar; similar to a freight train
Caution: Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Some tornadoes are clearly visible while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds. It's Up to YOU! Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. This preparedness information, combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.
Overflowing Storm Drains Can Cause Flood Damage To Crete Homes
SERVPRO of Lincoln Remediates Flooding After Storms or Snow Melts
Rainfall and melted snow provide our lawns with the water they need to grow well, but not all of the water that falls on your property ends up soaking into the ground of your Lincoln property. Much of it runs off into the street where it travels down to the drainage system.
When a neighborhood contains many trees or other debris sources, homes in the Crete area can become flood damaged. When these drains become clogged, they force the water to either continue down the street or to overflow into yards and parking lots. This can happen in any neighborhood.
We at SERVPRO make sure that each one of our customers receives the level of service their own unique needs require. We understand that floods do more than just damage the interior of the home. Flooding also affects the exterior of the home, as well as the yard. No matter where flooding damages your property, or how severe that damage becomes, we handle all aspects of restoration and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Lincoln is always ready to help local families recover from flood damage and other catastrophes that affect their dwellings. Call us at (402) 466-4004 so we can help your family move forward after a flooding event.
SERVPRO Of Lincoln Assists With Winter Storm Cleanup
Cold weather, snow and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Lincoln has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather. A few examples are:
Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.
Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:
Outdoor hose bibs
Swimming pool supply lines
Water sprinkler lines
Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:
Basements
Crawl spaces
Garages
Ice Dams
An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.
Roof Damage
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.
Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm? Call SERVPRO of Lincoln 402-466-4004
SERVPRO of Lincoln Can Dry Your Beatrice, NE Crawlspace!
To dry out a Beatrice, NE crawlspace, we first have to remove the water. That is not usually a problem, but since this is a storm, the ground is going to be very wet and possibly damaged. SERVPRO technicians understand that means multiple, water-filled low spots. It can be difficult to bring in hoses even in a large crawl space to syphon out the pooling water.
The next step is to lower the humidity as much as possible. Bringing in a dehumidifier is not usually an option, just like pump hoses. We can set up dehumidifiers with flexible plastic conduits to direct the moist air from the space to the exterior. We can also place containers with chemical desiccants in the crawlspace to absorb water from the air. If possible, we set up an air mover above the crawlspace and blow in warm, dry air to displace the damp air we attempt to draw out using an exhaust fan.
Now that we removed the water, SERVPRO technicians encapsulate the crawlspace once the moisture level and soil dampness have been reduced to normal levels. We cover the dirt floor with polyethylene sheets and a polyester mesh for reinforcement. This 12 mil plastic guard covering prevents moisture from leeching up from the ground.
After a foundation expert finishes seal the walls, the polyethylene sheets and polyester mesh floor are sealed to them with waterproof, foundation tape.
Drying out a wet crawlspace is not an easy task. It takes a professional service to remove the water and prevent further intrusion from future storms. To see how we can protect your home, call SERVPRO of Lincoln (402) 466-4004 today. We are here for you.
A few things to keep in mind following storm damage:
Unfortunately, an increase in the number of storm-related claims may lead to an increase in the number of unscrupulous roofers and contractors who are willing to take advantage of homeowners. It is very important for you to be cautious when dealing with contractors who offer to repair your home. Some tips:
Only do business with licensed contractors with good references.
Always request a written, detailed estimate.
Never pay for work up front, nor make any payments in cash.
Never sign a contract with spaces left blank.
What is their business address? If the company has a PO Box or doesn't have a local address, they probably aren't a local company.
Ask about some references for work they have done in this area. Local companies should have plenty of projects you can see in the area.
If in doubt about anything you are being asked to sign by a contractor, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t feel pressured into signing anything. Take time to do your research, and if you are unsure about anything in the agreement, WAIT until you’ve had an opportunity to look it over more carefully and discuss it with your insurance agent or adjuster.
Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Humidity levels change throughout the day as changes occur in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so check the humidity levels more than once a day.
If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans, which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004 to remediate your mold growth.
Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Lincoln understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Lincoln technicians specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:
Step 1: Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln 402-466-4004
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our office. Our office will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
SERVPRO of Lincoln will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold.
Step 3: Mold Containment
SERVPRO Technicians use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.
Step 4: Air Filtration
Their specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Lincoln uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. 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.
A good containment will protect the surroundings from mold spores spreading.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:
Step 1: Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln 402-466-4004
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our office. Our office will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
SERVPRO of Lincoln will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold.
Step 3: Mold Containment
SERVPRO Technicians use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.
Step 4: Air Filtration
Their specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of Lincoln uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. 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.
Proudly Serving Lancaster and Surrounding Counties
SERVPRO® is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO® of Lincoln and all SERVPRO® locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors!
In addition to our restoration services, we also provide carpet and upholstery cleaning!
SERVPRO® of Lincoln is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 402-466-4004.
Have You Established An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)?
National Preparedness Month, which is in September, is a perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place.
The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.
Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet. Simply download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information anytime. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."
The ERP is a no cost assessment, all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save your business in the future. Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402) 466-4004 to start your Emergency Ready Profile.
Rely On SERVPRO of Lincoln to Help With Rental Property Water Damage
A common problem in Lincoln Nebraska rental properties is plumbing failure. It can be due to aging pipes or renters trying to fix a leak themselves. However it happens, the resulting damage to the structure can range from minor trim replacement to complete replacement of cabinetry.
If you have suffered water damage to your rental property, then you know much of the damage is to the areas immediately under the leak. SERVPRO of Lincoln has the experience and personnel to dry out any remaining moisture and restore or repair physical damage.
Most cabinets under a sink or tap are open in the back. This means that airflow is pretty good and can be used to help dry out water damage. If the leak is caught quickly, our technicians can extract any standing water and then place a fan pointed inside the cabinet to dry it out.
If the cabinet has its own back, then there is a space between the wall and the back panel where moisture is trapped and can eventually cause drywall to disintegrate and mold to begin to grow. Our technicians will drill one or more holes into the back panel to accelerate airflow and drain any standing water that may have gathered. These holes will be drilled as low as possible where they will be hard to see and can be easily patched once work is completed. If there is trim molding covering the area to be drilled, we will remove it and drill there to help keep the original appearance intact.
Restoring your rental property to its pre-flood state is not a quick process, but it can be done efficiently and in a manner to prevent further damage. Call SERVPRO of Lincoln to get started today. We are always ready to help
Call SERVPRO Of Lincoln For Commercial Cleaning Services
You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in SERVPRO of Lincoln. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Professionals to make your work space look its very best.
SERVPRO of Lincoln Cleaning Technicians will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:
Award-winning training
Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
More than 100 exclusive cleaning products
Specialty Cleaning Services
SERVPRO of Lincoln offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing bio hazard contaminants. Our cleaning services include the following:
Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of Lincoln offers 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year.
Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give our Professionals a call and they’ll be there fast with the help you need.
If extension cords are used at your workplace or job site, workers should be aware of a number of safety “do’s” and “don’ts” before plugging in a cord.
Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
Don'ts
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!
Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning? Check your knowledge below.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared!
Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Prepare! Don't Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise
Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radioto stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows. Prepare Your Home : Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure. Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.
What to Do During Severe Weather
Acting quickly is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
Stay Weather Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.
Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also put you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.
What to Do After Severe Weather
What should you do when the lightning and thunder stops and it looks likes the severe thunderstorm is over?
Stay Informed: Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. More severe thunderstorms could be headed your way.
Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you're okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
Assess the Damage: After you are sure the severe weather threat has ended, check your property for damages. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
Help Your Neighbor: If you come across people that are injured and you are properly trained, if needed, provide first aid to victims until emergency responders arrive.
Flooding and water damage events at Lincoln, NE 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.
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.
SERVPRO of Lincoln, NE
SERVPRO of Lincoln, NE 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.
Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.
What is mildew? Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:
Drywall
Insulation
Cardboard/paperboard
Wallpaper
Fabric
How is it different from Mold? Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
Differences in the Effects of Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew need to be taken care of in a quick and efficient manner as they can cause a lot of trouble over time:
Mildewusually affects plants and crops.
Mold can result in considerable structural damage when left unattended for a long time.
What is Mold and how many types are there?
Although the number of mold species that can live indoors exceeds 10,000, the most household molds belong to one of the following fivetypes:
Alternaria grows on walls, in showers, around windows, under sinks and in various other damp places.
Aspergillus is the most common type of mold found indoors. It can look grey, brown, yellow, green, white, or black. Aspergillus mold usually grows on walls, insulation, paper products, and clothing.
Cladosporium can grow in cool areas. It usually appears on fabrics, such as carpets or curtains, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards.
Penicillium can be found on various materials that have been in contact with water, including carpeting, wallpaper, insulation, and mattresses. It looks blue or green and produces strong musty odors.
Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as “black mold” because of its color, is the most dangerous kind of household mold.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew
The most efficient way to prevent mold and mildew in your home is to keep all the areas dry and moisture-free. Maintain a humidity level of about 40-50% inside the house (a dehumidifier provides the most advantageous solution for ensuring appropriate indoor humidity), have your heating and cooling systems regularly inspected, keep air ducts clean and in good condition, ensure good air circulation inside the premises, fix any leaks in the bathroom, kitchen or other areas, etc. Remove any mildew-affected plants and weeds as soon as you notice them in order to prevent mildew infestation.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew
Mildew is a surface fungus that can be efficiently treated with a commercially available cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Just make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear a facial mask to prevent inhaling mildew spores, as well as to avoid breathing in fumes given off by the cleaning product you use. It is also advisable to put on rubber gloves in order to protect your hands both from the mildew and from the cleaning agent. Clean all the surrounding areas carefully as well, to ensure that all the fungi have been successfully removed.
Mold, on the other hand, attaches to the affected materials with microscopic filaments that penetrate beneath the surface. The mold spores spread very easily and can survive in extreme conditions, so they can quickly affect large areas of your property and result in permanent damage. Despite its characteristic musty smell, mold is only visible to the eye when the colonies start growing, so early detection and prevention is very difficult. DIY remedies are rarely efficient because the fungus usually grows in areas that are very difficult to access and to treat
The Need for Mold Remediation
Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause long-term health issues and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem. To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold. The safest and most efficient way to get rid of a mold problem is to call a mold remediation company. An experienced professional will come to your home to assess the situation and determine the type of mold or mildew in your property, as well as the extent of the damage. Then, the most appropriate actions will be taken to remove the harmful fungi and prevent its appearance in the near future. The experts will help ensure not only the safety of your living environment, but also your peace of mind.
When you have a disaster in your home, SERVPRO of Lincoln is here for you. If you have rain water coming in through the roof or a dishwasher leak turning your kitchen into a swimming pool, we are here for you. SERVPRO® of Lincoln has been serving customers like you for 15 plus years. We know that when your home is affected and life is turned upside down, no one can come soon enough. The thought of having to leave voice mails and wait for someone to call you back is not what you need to be doing when disaster strikes. When you call SERVPRO® of Lincoln, even at 2 AM, your call will be answered and it will be answered by one of our trained managers if not the owner himself. When you call SERVPRO of Lincoln, you will know you are being taken care of. Call us at 402-466-4004. #SERVPROLincoln #SERVPRO #LikeItNeverEvenHappened
Winter has arrived, along with bitter cold and freezing temperatures. In an effort to keep living spaces cozy, many residents turn to alternative heat sources. The most common supplemental heat source is a portable space heater. These devices can generate a lot of extra heat, but if used improperly, can also create serious safety hazards. Consider the following tip to minimize risks of a heating related fire.
Always turn off portable heaters when going to bed or leaving a room.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a qualified professional.
Keep space heater at least 3 feet from and obstructions
SERVPRO of Lincoln 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.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. The Do's and Don'ts of using an extension cords. Do's
Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
Don'ts
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
Extended exposure to outdoor conditions can cause cords to deteriorate, so whether they're rated for indoors or outdoors, store all extension cords inside when they’re not in use. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!
When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction. While fire may be the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left untouched, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration. Also powerful lingering odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. This entire process is very detailed. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing everything to need restoration.
Smoke Migrates to Cooler Areas: The behavior of smoke during a fire is largely dependent on temperature. Smoke is typically hot and migrates to cooler regions of your home. Unfortunately, the cooler regions of your home are often hard to reach places, like cabinets and the underside of furniture. This makes the cleaning process much more difficult and is one of the major consequence of smoke damage.
Smoke Uses Plumbing to Migrate Through Your House: Smoke naturally travels through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to travel from floor to floor. This is the best way for smoke to travel throughout homes and buildings and cause further damage. Vents and plumbing systems are cleaned and often replaced if smoke damage is great enough.
Wet, Smoldering Fires Produce the Most Damaging Smoke: The type of fire and the type of smoke produced by the fire make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning smoke damage. Wet, smoldering fires produce highly volatile and noxious smoke, the effects of which can persist for years if not cleaned properly.
High Temperature Fires Produce Easier to Clean Smoke Damage: Contrary to what you might believe, high temperature fires tend to be less damaging than smoldering fires. That is because they burn very quickly and produce a different type of smoke that contains less damaging soot. As a result, even though the high temperature fire may seem like it would produce more damage, you may just get lucky.
A Very Damaging Component of Smoke is Invisible: While the billowing clouds of dark smoke may seem the likely culprit, it’s the invisible protein residues of smoke that can also cause server damage. These residues can break down metal, wood, paint, and even porcelain, and their highly volatile chemical make-up allows them to penetrate deep into almost any substance while remaining totally invisible. Beware of this invisible enemy!
Smoke Damage Can destroy Metal and Wood Items: You might think that hearty substance like wood and metal would not be affected by smoke as much as upholstery and textiles. You’d be wrong. The noxious protein residues in smoke can break down brass, copper, wood, and even stone, causing them to decay at an ultra rapid rate. Be sure to let a professional know about the exposure of wood and metal items to smoke and the duration of the exposure.
The Number 1 Rule to Prevent Lasting Smoke Damage: Get Air Moving: If you want to get a head start on cleaning up your home after smoke damage, follow the cardinal rule. Get air moving. Use fans and open windows to keep air circulating throughout your home. This will prevent any remaining smoke residues from penetrating even deeper into your house and property.
At least a couple of times a week, the owner of SERVPRO of Lincoln answers the phone in the middle of the night. That’s right, our OWNER answers the phone after hours. NOT A PHONE SERVICE. Usually within an hour of the call, we will on site with crews ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Since our phones are never sent to an answering service when you call in distress because your business has come to a stretching halt due to a water or fire damage your call will be answered by someone who knows what to do and has the authority to make decisions like dispatching crews to you. SERVPRO® of Lincoln is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 402-466-4004.
As a business owner your business is something you have sacrificed for time and time again. If fire damage should strike your business one sacrifice you do not want to make is the quality of work from the mitigation company you hire. There are countless companies in the area of southeast Nebraska who respond when a fire happens and claim that they have been called by the fire department. That is not true. As a customer you have the right to choose who helps with your fire damage clean up. SERVPRO® of Lincoln has been serving southeast Nebraska since 2000 and we seek to provide the very best in customer service, if disaster should strike make sure to call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004.
Protect Your Water Pipes From Freezing In Beatrice NE!
Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during very cold winter weather. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure over 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure is enough to rupture most any pipe filled with water which provides no place for the ice to expand. When the pipe bursts, it will spill several hundred gallons of water per hour, and that equates to thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when located:
In an outside wall
Under a sink on an outside wall
In an unheated crawlspace
Frozen But Not Burst? Then It's Time to Thaw!Pipe Thawing PreparationWhen pipes are frozen turning on the faucet may yield no water, or it will flow out in a trickle. As soon as you realize a pipe is frozen, you need to take immediate action.
Shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the water main.
Open the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe even if you do not yet know where it is frozen.
Identify the frozen water supply pipe and find the location of the blockage
Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas such as an exterior wall, unheated crawl space or in some cases an unheated basement if the pipe is near an outside wall.
Often the frozen area of the pipe will be frosted or have ice on it. If the situation is getting critical, the pipe may be slightly bulged or look slightly fissured.
When you find that the frozen (but yet un-burst) pipe serving the faucet is behind a wall or ceiling, you've got a challenge on your hands. You have three choices:
1. Turn up the heat in the house and wait.
2. Tear out the wall or ceiling section to get at the frozen pipe.
3. Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section in front of the pipe. Techniques for Thawing an Exposed Frozen Pipe
Hair Dryer
Heat Lamp
Small Portable Heater
Electric Pipe Heat Tape
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Leave the faucet drip slightly as a trickle. The dripping water will keep the water in the pipe from freezing.
Open kitchen base cabinet and let room air circulate.
Open kitchen base cabinet and place a small portable heater near or in it to heat the pipes
Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
Insulate the problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.
Temper the currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You just need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing, about 40°F.
SERVPRO of Lincoln 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 Southeast Nebraska, from Seward to Ashland to Beatrice, 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.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of Lincoln Today 402-466-4004
Thundersnow. Strong winter snowstorms and blizzards commonly produce lightning strikes, a phenomenon referred to as 'thundersnow'. More uncommon than spring and summer thunderstorms, thunder snows do occur in the Midwest, and they are bred by the same unstable weather conditions. Essentially, they are thunderstorms that occur in colder months, and they are accompanied by thunder and lightning. Lightning and thunder can occur with any type of winter precipitation - including snow, sleet ('thundersleet') and freezing rain.
The storm of Oct 1997 in Lincoln, NE was a thundersnow event and dumped over 13 inches of wet snow. If this event happens again, SERVPRO of Lincoln will be ready!
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.
How To Be Safe If You Suspect Mold In Your Bennet Home
Bennet, Nebraska residents, follow these mold safety tips if you suspect mold.
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 402-466-400
It is well known that mold and the process of mold removal can be dangerous. However, not many people are knowledgeable about the issue. Mold does not spontaneously develop; it is caused by other problems in homes, such as high humidity levels or excess water.
Additionally, only a physician has the qualifications to determine if someone's health is at risk. People have different tolerance levels, though certain people are at higher risk. The following are a few FAQs with potentially helpful answers.
Is it Necessary to Test My Home for Mold? You can determine your need for mold removal using different factors, such as visible mold, musty odors, and health issues with inexplicable symptoms. If any of these are observed, a Certified Indoor Environmentalist or Industrial Hygienist should be contacted for testing. You can visit www.iaqa.org or use the search engine of your choice to find a local Indoor Air Quality expert.
Is there a spray that I can use to kill mold myself? As earlier stated, there are particular conditions that foster mold growth; if these are not remediated, mold will keep growing or reappear. There are topical sprays that are capable of helping to eradicate mold, but an untrained individual should not use them without the appropriate training and equipment. Some contractors will use spray; as long as they have the training to know that it will be effective and permanent, this should work. However, spray can leave stains that will be indicative of a past mold problem, which could make it difficult to sell the home if you plan to do so.
Tips For Staying Safe in Lincoln NE During This Holiday Season
The winter holiday season is traditionally a festive and eventful time of year. Celebrations, family gatherings and house guests can increase in number during the season. However, statistics show that the incidents of home fires and electrical accidents also typically increase during this time of year.
Pretty lights, candles and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season. However, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:
Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
Keep anything that can catch on fire--pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from your stove top.
After a party, designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
Encourage family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to follow these simple safety tips. We want everyone to be safe and happy during this magical time of year.Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business during the holidays, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping keep homes merry and bright for more than 45 years.Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com
Brrrrr… freezing temperatures are starting to spread throughout parts of Southeast Nebraska. Preparing your home or business for winter doesn't have to be hard, a little maintenance now can prevent a big headache later. Learn how you can prepare today for the cold weather that will be here before you know it.
One of the most important things you need to do is prevent freezing pipes! Did you know a burst pipe due to freezing weather can cost you more than $5,000 in water damage? Don’t let a burst pipe soak your wallet, take the time now to prepare to prevent costly damage this winter.
Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation.
Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity.
Disconnect all hoses from hose bibs and install insulating covers over the hose bibs.
Keep all exterior entry, exit and garage doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months.
If the temperature drops lower than usual and any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes.
When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes.
Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the home unoccupied.
Finish off the winter maintenance checklist by completing the following tasks:
Clean gutters to allow water to drain freely.
Seal windows with caulking or weather stripping.
Insulate pipes in bathrooms and laundry rooms with exterior walls.
Seal doors with weather stripping.
Insulate pipes in cabinets on exterior walls.
Add insulation in your attic.
Cut back branches from hanging over roof and gutters.
If you are leaving your home, do not turn the thermostat below 55 degrees???????.
Winter is coming whether we like it or not Southeast Nebraska! We might as well be prepared.
SERVPRO of Lincoln provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in several areas of Southeast Nebraska.
SERVPRO of Lincoln s available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to help. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Today 402-466-4004
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lincoln has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Lincoln
SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
SERVPRO of Lincoln provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Lincoln NE.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa Barbara provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Lincoln arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 402-466-4004
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com/fire-smoke-damage-restorationWhen the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction. While fire may be the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration not to mention powerful lingering odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. This entire process is very detailed. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration.
1.Smoke Migrates to Cooler Areas: The behavior of smoke during a fire is largely dependent on temperature. Smoke is typically hot and migrates to cooler regions of your home. Unfortunately, the cooler regions of your home are often hard to reach places, like cabinets and the underside of furniture. This makes the cleaning process much more difficult and is one of the major consequence of smoke damage.
2.Smoke Uses Plumbing to Migrate Through Your House: Smoke naturally travels through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to travel from floor to floor. This is the best way for smoke to travel throughout homes and buildings and cause further damage. Vents and plumbing systems are cleaned and often replaced if smoke damage is great enough.
3.Wet, Smoldering Fires Produce the Most Damaging Smoke: The type of fire and the type of smoke produced by the fire make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning smoke damage. Wet, smoldering fires produce highly volatile and noxious smoke, the effects of which can persist for years if not cleaned properly.
4.High Temperature Fires Produce Easier to Clean Smoke Damage: Contrary to what you might believe, high temperature fires tend to be less damaging than smoldering fires. That is because they burn very quickly and produce a different type of smoke that contains less damaging soot. As a result, even though the high temperature fire may seem like it would produce more damage, you may just get lucky.
5. A Very Damaging Component of Smoke is Invisible: While the billowing clouds of dark smoke may seem the likely culprit, it’s the invisible protein residues of smoke that can also cause server damage. These residues can break down metal, wood, paint, and even porcelain, and their highly volatile chemical make-up allows them to penetrate deep into almost any substance while remaining totally invisible. Beware of this invisible enemy!
6.Smoke Damage Can destroy Metal and Wood Items: You might think that hearty substance like wood and metal would not be affected by smoke as much as upholstery and textiles. You’d be wrong. The noxious protein residues in smoke can break down brass, copper, wood, and even stone, causing them to decay at an ultra rapid rate. Be sure to let a professional know about the exposure of wood and metal items to smoke and the duration of the exposure.
7.The Number 1 Rule to Prevent Lasting Smoke Damage: Get Air Moving: If you want to get a head start on cleaning up your home after smoke damage, follow the cardinal rule. Get air moving. Use fans and open windows to keep air circulating throughout your home. This will prevent any remaining smoke residues from penetrating even deeper into your house and property.
Molds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. They can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material such as in soil, on foods and plants, and in people's homes. To reproduce, molds release spores, which can spread through air, water, or on animals.
What should I do to prevent mold growth in my Lincoln Nebraska home?
The key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mold spores are everywhere, including your home, and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.
Common sources of moisture are:
Roof leaks
Indoor plumbing leaks
Outdoor drainage problems
Damp basements and crawl spaces
Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
Condensation on cool surfaces
Humidifiers
Wet clothes drying inside the home
A clothes dryer venting indoors
Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
Flooding
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor. It may be necessary to look behind and underneath surfaces, such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mold growth. These are:
Bathrooms especially shower stalls, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains
Window moldings
The seal on the refrigerator door
Surfaces on and around air conditioners
How do I get rid of mold in my home?
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY CLEANING PRODUCTS
The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected.
Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).
All wet materials that can't be cleaned and dried thoroughly, should be discarded.
Hard surfaces that are not decayed (rotten) can be cleaned. Small areas can be cleaned with detergent and water. An experienced remediation company should do the work if it is a large (greater than 10 square feet) mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold. Rubber gloves and an N95 dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning.
In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, detergemt can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, cleaning should not be necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using any cleaner, ensure that enough fresh air is available to prevent eye, nose, or throat irritation.
Inspect the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth. These may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal. High moisture areas like bathrooms need extra attention to prevent excessive moisture and water problems from causing mold growth.
Will Extension Cords Cause Damage or Injury At Your Business?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. The Do's and Don'ts of using an extension cords. Do's
Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
Don'ts
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
Extended exposure to outdoor conditions can cause cords to deteriorate, so whether they're rated for indoors or outdoors, store all extension cords inside when they’re not in use. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!
Beware the unexpected cold snap or deep freeze! Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during very cold winter weather. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure over 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure is enough to rupture most any pipe filled with water which provides no place for the ice to expand. When the pipe bursts, it will spill several hundred gallons of water per hour, and that equates to thousands of dollars of damage to your home.Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when located:
In an outside wall
Under a sink on an outside wall
In an unheated crawlspace
Frozen But Not Burst? Then It's Time to Thaw!Pipe Thawing PreparationWhen pipes are frozen turning on the faucet may yield no water, or it will flow out in a trickle. As soon as you realize a pipe is frozen, you need to take immediate action.
Shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the water main.
Open the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe even if you do not yet know where it is frozen.
Identify the frozen water supply pipe and find the location of the blockage
Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas such as an exterior wall, unheated crawl space or in some cases an unheated basement if the pipe is near an outside wall.
Often the frozen area of the pipe will be frosted or have ice on it. If the situation is getting critical, the pipe may be slightly bulged or look slightly fissured.
When you find that the frozen (but yet un-burst) pipe serving the faucet is behind a wall or ceiling, you've got a challenge on your hands. You have three choices:
1. Turn up the heat in the building and wait. 2. Tear out the wall or ceiling section to get at the frozen pipe. 3. Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section in front of the pipe. Techniques for Thawing an Exposed Frozen Pipe
Hair Dryer
Heat Lamp
Small Portable Heater
Electric Pipe Heat Tape
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Leave the faucet drip slightly as a trickle. The dripping water will keep the water in the pipe from freezing.
Open cabinet and let room air circulate.
Open cabinet and place a small portable heater near or in it to heat the pipes
Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
Insulate the problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.
Temper the currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You just need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing, about 40°F.
Due to all the moisture that we have had in Southeast Nebraska, mold could be growing in your home!
What are molds and where do they grow?
Molds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. They can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material such as in soil, on foods and plants, and in people's homes. To reproduce, molds release spores, which can spread through air, water, or on animals.
What should I do to prevent mold growth in my home?
The key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mold spores are everywhere, including your home, and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.
Common sources of moisture are:
Roof leaks
Indoor plumbing leaks
Outdoor drainage problems
Damp basements and crawl spaces
Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
Condensation on cool surfaces
Humidifiers
Wet clothes drying inside the home
A clothes dryer venting indoors
Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
Flooding
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor. It may be necessary to look behind and underneath surfaces, such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mold growth. These are:
Bathrooms especially shower stalls, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains
Window moldings
The seal on the refrigerator door
Surfaces on and around air conditioners
How do I get rid of mold in my home?
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY CLEANING PRODUCTS
The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected.
Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).
All wet materials that can't be cleaned and dried thoroughly, should be discarded.
Hard surfaces that are not decayed (rotten) can be cleaned. Small areas can be cleaned with detergent and water. An experienced remediation company should do the work if it is a large (greater than 10 square feet) mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold. Rubber gloves and an N95 dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning.
In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, detergemt can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, cleaning should not be necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using any cleaner, ensure that enough fresh air is available to prevent eye, nose, or throat irritation.
Inspect the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth. These may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal. High moisture areas like bathrooms need extra attention to prevent excessive moisture and water problems from causing mold growth.
Across Seward, NE, we have experienced consistently high heat and humidity levels. This has wreaked havoc on the propensity of air handlers to keep up with customers’ demands. While a little dampness on a unit or a duct may sound harmless, the resulting effects on your insulation, drywall, and other building materials may be detrimental. Often times these issues go unnoticed and when they are discovered, mold growth is usually an issue. Please follow a few of these easy rules to make sure that you don’t end up with a larger problem.
Inspect HVAC units often. We aren’t just talking about taking a peak up at your vents every once in a while, take a ladder and go inspect your return and handler frequently. Note any discoloration, corrosion or standing water. Look for water staining around the area that may have been caused by condensation or faulty components. Also make sure the condensation drain line is open and flowing into a drain that is working.
Get Your AC Unit Serviced. Once a year, your unit should be serviced by an HVAC professional. They will be able to help identify any potential issues that you may encounter and curb water damage in your home or business.
Get a moisture inspection using a hygrometer. Testing your indoor air quality can often times be as easy as knowing the indoor relative humidity and temperature. Any sharp fluctuations in relative humidity are a large indication that there may be a problem with your system. Regardless of where you set your thermostat, if you have relative humidity levels higher than 60% you are putting your home or business at risk of secondary damage including mold or condensation.
Watch windows and vents. Mildew and condensation should not build up on these areas if your HVAC unit is properly sized for the area in which it is trying to condition. If you are seeing discoloration around your vents or noticing mold buildup on window caulking you may need to call a mold remediation specialist.
Don’t ignore your senses. If you walk into your home and smell an earthy or musky odor you may have a mold issue. If you walk into your business and your skin instantly feels sticky and wet, your AC system may not be operating properly. If you see staining or discoloration that wasn’t seen before, don’t turn a blind eye. Using common sense and listening to your instincts are often the best ways to prevent further damage.
SERVPRO of Lincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, 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 (http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com/disaster-recovery) that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 402-466-4004
What Causes Tornadoes? Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the Central States and move east. During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.
How Do Tornadoes Form? Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the thunderstorm updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2 - 6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation
Tornadoes Take Many Shapes and Sizes Weak Tornadoes
69% of all tornadoes
Less than 5% of tornado deaths
Lifetime 1-10+ minutes
Winds less than 110 mph
Strong Tornadoes
29% of all tornadoes
Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths
May last 20 minutes or longer
Winds 110-205 mph
Violent Tornadoes
Only 2% of all tornadoes
70% of all tornado deaths
Lifetime can exceed 1 hour
Winds greater than 205 mph
Tornado Myths: MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes. FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain. MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead. FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage. MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage. FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year
In the southern states, peak tornado occurrence is in March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.
Note, in some states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the fall.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m. but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.
The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.
The total number of tornadoes is probably higher than indicated in the western states. Sparse population reduces the number reported.
Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of:
10,000 severe thunderstorms
5,000 floods or flash floods
1,000 tornadoes
2 land falling deadly hurricanes
Approximately 98% of all declared disasters (by the president) are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage*. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking a few actions and being an example to others are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.
Know your risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communication plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.
Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit:
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
Manual can opener
Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Clothing
Dust masks or bandannas
Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Hygiene items
Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
Cash
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
NOTE: Statistics gathered from www.stormready.noaa.gov
Prevent Further Storm Damage By Using Certified Technicians
While storm damage may have happened on only one side or corner of your home, that damage can quickly spread. Water that has been able to enter during the storm through any openings created by falling trees or broken glass can evaporate and find its way into other rooms, and even onto other levels of your home.
Removing Storm Damage and the Mess it Makes Should be Done Carefully and Professionally
Storm damage can cause unexpected hazards. If your Lincoln home or small business has experienced storm damage, you should not attempt to clean the debris up yourself. We have professional technicians who are trained in clearing away the debris. We have experience in extracting standing water, cleaning water damaged items and structures, and can help prevent mold growth.
Cleaning alone is often not enough, as storm damage and subsequent rainfall will damage interior structures. We can prevent much of the damage, and repair what has already taken place. Repairs and restoration work can be done so that the new materials match the original ones. We have training and certification in restorative work that makes this possible.
From removing the debris to final restorative touches, we can quickly make things look “Like they never even happened,” ensuring you and your family can return to your home safely. The same goes for your small business or office. Don't let storm damage ruin your home or your business.
For storm damage clean up and repairs, call SERVPRO of Lincoln 24/7 at (402) 466-4004. We will respond to your emergency as quickly as possible to start cleaning up the debris and repairing the damage.
September Is National Preparedness Month. Do You Have A Plan?
How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.
Develop a Business Continuity Plan Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management. Review Insurance Coverage Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover. Prepare Your Emergency PlanYour employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee emails and/or other communication tools. Practice the Emergency PlanSome disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock. Secure Your Facility and Equipment?? Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment. Improve Cyber SecurityProtecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known a patches regularly. Emergency Ready Program (ERP)In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: emergency contact info., shut-off valve locations and priority areas. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.
How Fast Will Water Damage Affect Your Home in Lincoln NE?
There’s no such thing as a small disaster, especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria or can cause mold. Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home or business and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Lincoln arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and bio hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of Lincoln
SERVPRO of Lincoln has professionals that know how disruptive water damage can be for your home or business. They are trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, and that will help prevent secondary damage.
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. The thought process is “what is the likelihood it would happen to me.” We get busy in our work life and home life and just expect everyone to know how to handle an emergency situation. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Implement an ERP (emergency ready program {plan}
Show your employees emergency exits
Fire extinguishers
First aid
Water shut-off valve
Fire alarms
If you do not know where these are in your building, SERVPRO of Lincoln can do a free ERP program that links to your phone. Instantly giving you access to information you need in the event of a fire or water emergency. Designate one or two people to make sure emergency necessities are in date. Did you know items expire? Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, smoke alarms all of these things can go out of date. Make sure to set a schedule to monitor these things. A great tip is when your filters get changed check the dates or batteries in the smoke alarms. Don’t rely on the alarms to notify you when the batteries are low! Know who to call in emergencies. Make sure they know who to call in the event of a fire or water damage. That is another great asset of SERVPRO’s ERP app. You can list the names and numbers off all important contacts during and after emergencies. Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004 for a commercial ERP appointment for or talk to your rep the next time they are in!
Are you leaving home for vacation? Here are a few tips to ensure your home is secure and your possessions are safe when you return.1. Hire A House Sitter - Combined with a pet sitter, it can save kennel fees and a house sitter will be able to take care of many of the tasks mentioned here. 2. Stop The Mail - If you are going to be gone for longer than three days request that the local U.S. Postal Service hold your mail delivery until you return. 3. Stop Newspaper Delivery - Make sure you stop the service when you leave on vacation. Have a neighbor double check. Also beware of advertising circulars or packages that are left in driveways or at front doors. ?4. Arrange For Lawn Care - Don’t let uncut grass or untrimmed bushes make your home look neglected. Hire someone to do these chores in your absence. 5. Put Out The Trash Cans On The Designated Day – Have someone pull out your cans on trash day - and even put garbage in them to make it more realistic. Don’t leave cans out for the entire time you are gone. 6. Have Your Home Look Lived In - Invest in timers to turn lights on and off. Ask a neighbor or friend to park their car in the driveway for a few hours each day 7. Don’t Tell The World Your Plans - Talk about it and post pictures when you come back – don’t let a photo reflect that you are 500 miles from home. 8. Install Added Security Features - A home security system, surveillance cameras, exterior motion lights, and smoke detectors work whether you are home or not. 9. Unplug Your Electronics - Disconnect power to your most frequently used electronics: computer, coffeepot, television, and chargers. 10. Protect Your Pipes to Avoid Water Damage - Consider completely turning off the water supply if no one will be in the home for an extended period of time. If your home is heated by an older steam heating system, consult with your heating professional to determine if it is safe to turn off the water supply for your particular heating system. Also, if your home is protected by a fire sprinkler system, do not turn off the water to this system. 11. Put Valuables In A Safe Deposit Box - Prevent the worst case scenario if your home is robbed when you are gone. Take jewelry and other valuables and secure them in a safe deposit box. 12. Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outdoors - Collect any hidden spare keys from under the mat or potted plants. Burglars know the most popular hiding spots. 13. Tell the Neighbors - Let neighbors know when you are leaving and who they should expect to see (like a house sitter or landscaper) at your home. No matter what you do or precautions you take, it is still possible that something could happen while you are away. If this happens, it will probably not be a pleasant experience, but it hurts less if you are prepared ahead of time. You may want to go ahead and check your insurance policy and claim procedures before leaving. Create a home inventory and take lots of good quality pictures of everything in your house. This may take some time, but afterwards it is just a matter of keeping everything updated. Taking all of the precautions listed in this article will ensure that you have much less chance of a robbery or something bad happening while you are away. If the worst occurs, you will also be better prepared to deal with the situation.
If you have a basement in Lincoln, NE, chances are you know about sump pumps. A sump pump is much like a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, or your home’s security system; there is rarely a time when you actually need to use it, but it can be an essential tool if a dire situation occurs. Sump pumps help mitigate and prevent such situations by quickly draining flood water from the basement of a home through an external discharge pipe. And like most emergency equipment, it is important to make sure that your sump pump is well maintained and free of mechanical problems. Otherwise, you may one day find yourself with a flooded basement and thousands of dollars in damages. We hope to make sure you avoid these potential problems by identifying the 8 reasons that result in sump pump failure.
1. Power Failure
The most common cause of sump pump failure is not mechanical, but electrical. Stormy weather often coincides with a power outage and then the utility-powered sump pump fails to operate. The result: a flooded basement.
Thankfully, this problem can be avoided by simply purchasing and installing a backup generator for your sump pump. If you ever lose power during a bad storm, you can manually turn this generator on to ensure your basement does not flood.
2. A Stuck Switch
The most common mechanical problem that causes a sump pump failure is a stuck switch. This primarily occurs when the pump shifts inside the basin, causing the float that operates the switch to become ineffective by lodging itself against the side of the pump. It is also possible for debris to jam the float and render it useless. Both these problems can typically be fixed with a little cleaning and adjusting of your sump pumps position within the basin.
3. Overwhelmed Pump
Your sump pump can easily become overwhelmed by an influx of water if it is not the right size or capable of a required horsepower. Too big of a sump pump results in overwork and a shortened lifespan and too small of a sump pump results in underwork and a shortened lifespan.
Determining how much horsepower your sump pump needs can help you address the issue of size as well. Minimally, you need a 1/3 horsepower sump pump capable of pumping 35 gallons of water per minute to adequately tackle potential flooding. If your home rests on a high water table, it is advised that you purchase a 1/2 horsepower sump pump which can pump 60 gallons of water per minute.
4. Frozen or Clogged Discharge Pipe
If your sump pump’s discharge pipe is frozen or clogged with debris, flood water will flow back down the pipe and all over your basement.
While you cannot realistically prevent your discharge pipe from freezing, you can have a specialty discharge line installed that allows water to exit your basement even if your main discharge pipe is frozen solid.
To prevent your discharge pipe from clogging, make sure the opening of your pipe is protected with a grate. Installing a protective cover will prevent debris and small animals from entering your discharge pipe and causing a clog.
5. Lack of Maintenance
In many cases your sump pump just needs a good cleaning and some quarterly maintenance. You can accomplish this in just a few short minutes by running a vinegar solution through your sump pump, making sure your float is unrestricted, and cleaning all the vents on your sump pump and the air holes on your discharge line.
6. Old Age
Years of wear and tear eventually result in the inevitable failure your sump pump after 7 to 10 years of use. While some sump pumps can exceed well after this time period, it is recommended that you consider replacing your sump pump after 10 years to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.
7. Improper Installation
While the two remaining possible failures are typically rare, you may want to investigate them if none of the above help you fix the problems your sump pump is currently experiencing.
It is possible that your sump pump was initially installed incorrectly and has resulted in its current state of ineffectiveness. Several things could have been done incorrectly during your sump pump’s initial installation:
Did Not Install a Check Valve on the Discharge Line
When a check valve is not installed on your sump pump’s discharge line, a back flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. If this occurs, the motor in your sump pump will sound like it is running but it will not be pumping any water out the discharge line.
No Air Relief Hole in Discharge Line
An air relief hole should always be drilled between the pump and the check valve to prevent air pressure from building up within the discharge pipe. Without an air relief hole air pressure will build up with in the discharge line and force your sump pump for work harder to overcome this pressure. Forcing your sump pump to work extra hard will result in a shorter life span and possibly sudden failure.
Setting Your Sump Pump in Gravel or Dirt
Many individuals will attempt to pack their sump pumps in gravel or dirt to achieve a snug fit within the hole dug for the sump pump. However, the gravel and dirt will cause your sump pump to fail by interfering with your pump’s on/off switch and float arm.
If you ever feel uncomfortable installing a sump pump on your own, always play it safe and call in a professional to help you finish the job.
8. Product Defect
While unlikely, it is possible that your sump pump is defective. It is always important to immediately test your sump pump after installation to make sure it is in proper working condition.
We hope that by identifying the reasons that result in sump pump failure you will be able to keep your basement dry and some extra cash in your wallet.
While there are many differences between the two fungi, mold and mildew both develop and thrive in moist conditions. A leaking roof, a window that doesn’t seal properly, and a basement with water damage caused by a broken pipe can all lead to the growth of mildew and mold. In order to reduce the risk of health effects and damage to building materials, mildew and mold in the home or a business need immediate mold remediation. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between mold and mildew, and the danger both may present to your home or business.
Mildew vs Mold
Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as in soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.
What is mildew? Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like:
Drywall
Insulation
Cardboard/paperboard
Wallpaper
Fabric
How is it different from Mold? Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.
Common Mold Types
Although the number of mold species that can live indoors exceeds 10,000, the most household molds belong to one of the following fivetypes:
Alternaria grows on walls, in showers, around windows, under sinks and in various other damp places. It is often found in buildings that have suffered some kind of water damage. Alternaria mold can appear black, grey, or dark brown and has a wooly or down-like texture. Prolonged exposure to this kind of fungi can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks;
Aspergillus is the most common type of mold found indoors. It can look grey, brown, yellow, green, white, or black. Aspergillus mold usually grows on walls, insulation, paper products, and clothing. It can causes allergic reactions and respiratory infections, as well as inflammation of the lungs in people with weak immune systems;
Unlike many other molds, Cladosporium can grow in cool areas. It usually appears on fabrics, such as carpets or curtains, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards. It has a characteristic black or olive-green color and can cause a variety of respiratory problems;
Penicillium can be found on various materials that have been in contact with water, including carpeting, wallpaper, insulation, and mattresses. It looks blue or green and produces strong musty odors. Penicillium spores spread very easily and often result in allergic reactions;
Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as “black mold” because of its color, is the most dangerous kind of household mold – it produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins that can cause severe health problems, such as allergic symptoms, breathing problems, asthma attacks, chronic sinus infections, fatigue, and depression. The toxic black mold has a characteristic musty odor and usually grows in areas that are constantly damp – around leaky pipes, inside air conditioning ducts where there is a lot of condensation, etc.
Differences in the Effects of Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew need to be taken care of in a quick and efficient manner as they can cause a lot of trouble over time:
Mildew usually affects plants and crops. If it develops indoors, however, it can also pose health risks. When inhaled, mildew spores cause coughing, headache, sore throat, and respiratory problems;
Mold can result in considerable structural damage when left unattended for a long time. Prolonged exposure can cause a variety of health problems, depending on the strain of mold. Common health effects of mold include various allergic reactions (sneezing, skin irritations, irritation of the eyes and throat, nasal congestion, etc.), respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, coughing, pneumonia, asthma attacks), heart problems, migraines, inflammation and pain in the joints, dizziness, depression, and extreme fatigue. The mycotoxins produced by black mold are particularly harmful and may have severe long-term health effects, especially in younger kids and individuals with weak immune systems.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew
The most efficient way to prevent mold and mildew in your home is to keep all the areas dry and moisture-free. Maintain a humidity level of about 40-50% inside the house (a dehumidifier provides the most advantageous solution for ensuring appropriate indoor humidity), have your heating and cooling systems regularly inspected, keep air ducts clean and in good condition, ensure good air circulation inside the premises, fix any leaks in the bathroom, kitchen or other areas, etc. Remove any mildew-affected plants and weeds as soon as you notice them in order to prevent mildew infestation.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew
Mildew is a surface fungus that can be efficiently treated with a commercially available cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Just make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear a facial mask to prevent inhaling mildew spores, as well as to avoid breathing in fumes given off by the cleaning product you use. It is also advisable to put on rubber gloves in order to protect your hands both from the mildew and from the cleaning agent. Clean all the surrounding areas carefully as well, to ensure that all the fungi have been successfully removed.
Mold, on the other hand, attaches to the affected materials with microscopic filaments that penetrate beneath the surface. The mold spores spread very easily and can survive in extreme conditions, so they can quickly affect large areas of your property and result in permanent damage. Moreover, despite its characteristic musty smell, mold is only visible to the eye when the colonies start growing, so early detection and prevention is very difficult. Worst of all, mold can have a very negative impact on your health, so DIY removal attempts are not recommendable. Besides, DIY remedies are rarely efficient because the fungus usually grows in areas that are very difficult to access and to treat
The Need for Mold Remediation
Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause long-term health issues and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem. To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold. The safest and most efficient way to get rid of a mold problem is to call a mold remediation company. An experienced professional will come to your home to assess the situation and determine the type of mold or mildew in your property, as well as the extent of the damage. Then, the most appropriate actions will be taken to remove the harmful fungi and prevent its appearance in the near future. The experts will help ensure not only the safety of your living environment, but also your peace of mind.
The Category of Water Contamination Affects the Treatment Process in Your Lincoln Home
To most homeowners in Lincoln, NE, water damage is all the same. It is a nightmare situation that disrupts daily routines and makes life rather difficult. It is destructive, cruel, and costly to put right. Whether the flooding is from a burst pipe or a blocked drain, it’s all the same right?
Well, in reality, there are some crucial distinctions to be made.
The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.
Category One: Clear Water
This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sink overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.
Category Two: Gray Water
Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.
Category Three: Black Water
Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.
It is important to use experts like those at SERVPRO Lincoln East who are very skilled in the safe handling of black water and will use breathing filtration apparatus and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness. They will also contain the affected area so that no dangerous materials are allowed to escape during the restoration process.
Knowing what type of water is damaging your property or where it is coming from helps restoration experts to approach the situation in a safe way. Please contact your local experts at SERVPRO Lincoln for immediate action. 402-466-4004
Rely on SERVPRO for Safe Biohazard Removal from Your Lincoln, NE Home or Business
Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Lincoln for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.
Avoiding Health Risks Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Besides, you cannot assume the area is safe again just because the visible traces have been removed. If a space contaminated with blood or other biohazards is not appropriately cleaned, sanitized and restored, these unseen hazards can linger, posing a threat to anyone who enters it. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.
Preventing Legal Repercussions As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. The responsibility for cleaning up after a crime, trauma or death falls on the Lincoln property owner, and there are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.
Focusing on Your Safety At SERVPRO of Lincoln, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the presence of even a minute trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.
Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of Lincoln for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com/biohazard-cleaningservices and secure our help. (402)466-4004.
Space heaters can take the chill out of a cooler room, but they can also be dangerous, as 40-percent of home heating fires are caused by space heaters. Before purchasing a space heater, it is important to consider how it will be used. Will it be used for supplemental heat in colder rooms or other areas, or will it be used for emergency heat? As a general rule of thumb, electric space heaters are typically safer than portable fuel-burning models (e.g. natural gas, propane, kerosene.) Remember to choose a unit that is listed or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or ETL (Intertek). This will ensure that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary safety standards.Below are some tips for keeping your home or office safe while using a space heater. While some may seem obvious, others may surprise you:
Keep It Level Always place a space heater on a hard, level and non flammable surface
Remember the 3 Feet Rule Ensure the space heater is at least 3 ft away from anything that can burn.
Keep It A Kid Free Zone Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
Don't Leave It Running Never leave a space heater on when you leave.
Protect With Smoke Alarms Install smoke alarms/carbon monoxide on every floor of your home and test them regularly.
Don't Extend Yourself Avoid using an extension cord. Plug a space heater directly into an outlet with enough capacity.
Areas Where Space Heaters Are Used Should Be Free Of Flammable Liquids. Do not put them on easily ignitable or combustible surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, or use them to dry wet clothing.
Use A TimerMany models feature programmable timers that can be used to program automatic on and off times for when you sleep or head to work.
Clean Your Space Heater Be sure to clean your space heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection.
Any space heater will warm you up, but not all are created equal. The best space heater will included safety features like tip-over protection and UL certification. It should also be easy to move and operate, dispersing heat without wasting energy.
Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping home and business owners for more than 45 years.Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004 http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com/
The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family to enjoy fellowship and quality time. While you're busy with decorating and baking, it is important to remember safety.
Pretty lights, candles and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season. However, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening.
The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:
Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
Keep anything that can catch on fire--pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains-away from your stovetop.
After a party, designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires.
A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every 4 Christmas tree fires.
Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles with one-third of candle fires starting in the bedroom.
Contact Us If fire or water damage strikes your home or business during the holidays, give us a call. We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping keep homes merry and bright for more than 45 years.
Not Yet Winter in Lincoln, But Burst Water Pipes Lead to Flooding in Your Home
Busted water pipes make up nearly half of all in-home flood damage. This type of flooding is sudden and often due to hidden leaks, corrosion, or freezing. The cost and inconvenience of a busted pipe make it essential to start prevention while you still can. Flood damage in Lincoln can happen during any season. While most homeowners associate flooding with warmer weather, many of you know that the winter is a dangerous time for in-home floods as well. SERVPRO of Lincoln is well prepared to help you with your emergency during winter months as well as all other seasons.
Busted Pipes: Winter Prevention The freezing of a water pipe makes it burst due to the stress it puts on the metal or plastic. To reduce the chance of suffering a busted pipe, you can take a few simple steps.
First, it is crucial to know where to shut off the water. Now. If a pipe bursts in your home, the most immediate course of action is to turn off that main water supply. Most can be found inside, usually in the basement.
Second, make sure that your heating system is checked regularly. Also, inspect the insulation on all of your plumbing as well as your cold water tank. Units located in the attic and other vulnerable locations should be protected with insulated sleeves.
During severe cold snaps, open cabinets where pipes are located so warm air can circulate.
Third, keep your heat on throughout the winter months. We know that winter can make heating your home costly, but during harsh, cold months, the chances of your pipes freezing get greater as the temperature plummets.
Finally, make sure you shut off any external taps and disconnect water hoses outside.
What to Do if You Find a Frozen Pipe If you see that one of your pipes are frozen, don’t wait around for it to burst or “thaw.” It won’t. What you need to do is immediately turn your water supply off to your home and slowly thaw the frozen pipe by applying a gentle, low heat to the area. You can use a hairdryer, hot water bottle, or even a space heater to accomplish this (never leave a space heater unattended). Never attempt to thaw a frozen pipe by using an open flame or other dangerous methods.
Contact Us If you have run into an unfortunate flooding event due to frozen water pipes, we will take your call and help to minimize your anxiety. Our Emergency Services line means you can call us 24/7 when disaster strikes.
Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004
How To Recover From An Apartment Complex Water Damage
Mistakes can happen to anyone, but when one of your tenants has a lapse in judgment or attention that results in water damage to your apartment complex you have a lot at stake. Not only do you need to respond to the immediate problem your renter caused but you also must have the entire property inspected for water damage that may have spread to other areas and inconvenienced other tenants. In fact, it is common for another one of your lessees to be the first to bring the water damage issues to your attention. Flooding or seeping water from another unit initially may be noticed by dripping from a ceiling or down a wall into another apartment. SERVPRO is the company to call to ensure that you find the source of the leak and create a plan to repair the water damage throughout your commercial building.
Commercial water damage in Lincoln must be managed quickly and repaired completely to keep all your tenants and their personal property safe and to protect your capital investment in the building. Whether a renter lets a bathtub overflow or failed to tell you that a toilet or pipe under a sink was leaking, you are responsible as the owner to both that tenant and the other occupants of the complex. Our technicians are trained to follow the path of water damage wherever it meanders throughout a building. We can make certain that the leak is stopped and the damage repaired in every unit affected quickly and with as little disturbance to your tenants as possible.
Our SERVPRO team has the experience and the skills to restore commercial water damage no matter how severe. We have the specialized equipment and know how to minimize the inconvenience to your tenants while restoring the premises to its pre-water damaged condition. Especially for your renters who were innocent bystanders our promise to make it “Like it never even happened®” is a crucial reason to rely upon our track record when choosing us over other restoration companies.
When you get that panicked call reporting water damage from a tenant dial (402)466-4004 to get SERVPRO of Lincoln on board to inspect the problem. We have all the tools and training to restore water damage in commercial buildings for your tenants’ comfort and to protect your investment.
October is Fire Prevention Month! Do You Have A Plan in Lincoln, NE?
In 2014, fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 injuries, and $6.8 billion in property damage.
Three out of five house fire deaths happen in homes with no or non-working smoke alarms.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in half in reported home fires.
In fires large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 94% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated 80% of the time.
When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead.
One quarter of house fire deaths start in the bedroom. Another quarter start in the living room, family room or den.
One third of surveyed respondents thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time is often much less. Only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out.
CAN YOU EXIT IN UNDER 2 MINUTES?
Fire experts agree, people have as little as 2 minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out. Increase your chance of surviving by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan in Lincoln, NE.
Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Store them near the window where they will be used.
Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your house. Make sure to make the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
Practice your fire escape plan during the day and night time.
Escape Planning For Your Business
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan:
Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedures review with employees to go over your company's emergency plan.
Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.
Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a headcount.
Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold in Beatrice, NE
Beatrice, Nebraska residents, follow these mold safety tips if you suspect mold.
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln East for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Lincoln East specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 402-466-4004
Do You Have A Plan? September is National Preparedness Month
How quickly your company in Lincoln, NE can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.
Develop a Business Continuity Plan
Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.
Review Insurance Coverage
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.
Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Your employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee emails and/or other communication tools.
Practice the Emergency Plan
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.
Secure Your Facility and Equipment
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.
Improve Cyber Security
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known a patches regularly.
Emergency Ready Program (ERP)
In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: emergency contact info., shut-off valve locations and priority areas. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation. While each situation is unique, your organization in Lincoln, NE can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Restoring Your Lincoln, NE Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
Flooding and water damage events at Lincoln, NE 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.
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 Lincoln, NE
SERVPRO of Lincoln, NEspecializes 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.
Are Condensation and Mold Forming In or Around Your A/C Unit?
Across Lincoln, NE, we have experienced consistently high heat and humidity levels. This has wreaked havoc on the propensity of air handlers to keep up with customers’ demands. While a little dampness on a unit or a duct may sound harmless, the resulting effects on your insulation, drywall, and other building materials may be detrimental. Often times these issues go unnoticed and when they are discovered, mold growth is usually an issue. Please follow a few of these easy rules to make sure that you don’t end up with a larger problem.
Inspect HVAC units often. We aren’t just talking about taking a peak up at your vents every once in a while, take a ladder and go inspect your return and handler frequently. Note any discoloration, corrosion or standing water. Look for water staining around the area that may have been caused by condensation or faulty components. Also make sure the condensation drain line is open and flowing into a drain that is working.
Get Your AC Unit Serviced. Once a year, your unit should be serviced by an HVAC professional. They will be able to help identify any potential issues that you may encounter and curb water damage in your home or business.
Get a moisture inspection using a hygrometer. Testing your indoor air quality can often times be as easy as knowing the indoor relative humidity and temperature. Any sharp fluctuations in relative humidity are a large indication that there may be a problem with your system. Regardless of where you set your thermostat, if you have relative humidity levels higher than 60% you are putting your home or business at risk of secondary damage including mold or condensation.
Watch windows and vents. Mildew and condensation should not build up on these areas if your HVAC unit is properly sized for the area in which it is trying to condition. If you are seeing discoloration around your vents or noticing mold buildup on window caulking you may need to call a mold remediation specialist.
Don’t ignore your senses. If you walk into your home and smell an earthy or musky odor you may have a mold issue. If you walk into your business and your skin instantly feels sticky and wet, your AC system may not be operating properly. If you see staining or discoloration that wasn’t seen before, don’t turn a blind eye. Using common sense and listening to your instincts are often the best ways to prevent further damage.
Summer means travel and vacation for millions of Americans, whether it’s a week or two or just a relaxing day trip. However, if unprepared, homeowners may come home to an unpleasant surprise, such as burst pipes, leaky water heaters, hail damage or even a burglarized home, as criminals often look to take advantage of unoccupied homes during peak travel times in the year.
“Summer is a wonderful time of year with warmer weather, longer days and the chance to spend more time outdoors, but it’s important for homeowners to recognize that summer brings a number of unavoidable weather issues,” said Paul Quinn, head of claims customer experience with Farmers Insurance. “Our data shows that severe weather will take a toll on homeowners, who should look for ways to mitigate damage ahead of time, especially if they will be taking a vacation at any point during the summer and unable to take quick action to minimize damage before an oncoming storm.
There are a number of steps travelers can take before leaving and while away from home to reduce potentially unpleasant surprises:
Unplug anything that doesn’t need to stay plugged in (i.e., televisions and computers).
Schedule a friend or neighbor to stop by the house randomly (to avoid a pattern or anticipated time) to remove boxes from the doorstep, check the mail, get notices and fliers from the door, etc.
Consider shutting off the water for your washing machine, dishwasher and toilets if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time. This can help prevent unpleasant surprises when you get home. You can also install wireless leak sensors in flood-prone areas like your basement, laundry room or bathroom, to notify you of leaks before significant damage is done.
Keep expensive and irreplaceable items like old family photos, art work, electronics and stamp collections off the ground in case of water damage. Keep them up on shelves and water-proof containers.
If you have outdoor furniture, bring items like glass tables, chairs and umbrellas inside to avoid damage to yard items or the exterior of your home.
Avoid posting on social media while away on vacation. If the temptation to post is unavoidable, ensure that all possible security measures are in place on all social sites.
Today’s smart home technology means electronics and lights can be controlled remotely, often through an app. Schedule random timers for lights throughout the home to deter burglars and vandals.
Most hotels provide an in-room safe. Place items that will fit inside the safe. For larger items, hide them within your luggage or under clothing in the drawers. Avoid leaving items out and visible.
Due to all the moisture that we have had in Southeast Nebraska, mold could be growing in your home!
What are molds and where do they grow?
Molds, like most fungi, break down plant and animal matter in the environment. They can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material such as in soil, on foods and plants, and in people's homes. To reproduce, molds release spores, which can spread through air, water, or on animals.
What should I do to prevent mold growth in my home?
The key to preventing mold growth is to identify and control moisture and water problems. Mold spores are everywhere, including your home, and they can grow on any surface that has sufficient moisture.
Common sources of moisture are:
Roof leaks
Indoor plumbing leaks
Outdoor drainage problems
Damp basements and crawl spaces
Steam from the bathroom or kitchen
Condensation on cool surfaces
Humidifiers
Wet clothes drying inside the home
A clothes dryer venting indoors
Poor or improper ventilation of heating and cooking appliances
Flooding
How do I know if I have a mold problem?
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem. The best way to find mold is to look for signs of mold growth, water staining, warping, or to follow your nose to the source of the odor. It may be necessary to look behind and underneath surfaces, such as carpets, wallpaper, cabinets, and walls. There are some areas of the home that are always susceptible to mold growth and should be part of routine cleaning to control mold growth. These are:
Bathrooms especially shower stalls, bathroom tiles, and shower curtains
Window moldings
The seal on the refrigerator door
Surfaces on and around air conditioners
How do I get rid of mold in my home?
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY CLEANING PRODUCTS
The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected.
Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).
All wet materials that can't be cleaned and dried thoroughly, should be discarded.
Hard surfaces that are not decayed (rotten) can be cleaned. Small areas can be cleaned with detergent and water. An experienced remediation company should do the work if it is a large (greater than 10 square feet) mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold. Rubber gloves and an N95 dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning.
In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, detergemt can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, cleaning should not be necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using any cleaner, ensure that enough fresh air is available to prevent eye, nose, or throat irritation.
Inspect the area for signs of moisture and new mold growth. These may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal. High moisture areas like bathrooms need extra attention to prevent excessive moisture and water problems from causing mold growth.
Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today 402-466-4004
SERVPRO technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Their first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.
Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services
Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
Tear gas and pepper spray residues
Fire extinguisher residue
Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants
Common Trauma and Crime Scene Scenarios
Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.
Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.
Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Once a tornado in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, carried a motel sign 30 miles and dropped it in Arkansas!
What Causes Tornadoes? Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the Central States and move east. During the spring in the Central Plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.
How Do Tornadoes Form? Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the thunderstorm updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2 - 6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation
Tornadoes Take Many Shapes and Sizes Weak Tornadoes
69% of all tornadoes
Less than 5% of tornado deaths
Lifetime 1-10+ minutes
Winds less than 110 mph
Strong Tornadoes
29% of all tornadoes
Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths
May last 20 minutes or longer
Winds 110-205 mph
Violent Tornadoes
Only 2% of all tornadoes
70% of all tornado deaths
Lifetime can exceed 1 hour
Winds greater than 205 mph
Tornado Myths: MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes. FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain. MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead. FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage. MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage. FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year
In the southern states, peak tornado occurrence is in March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.
Note, in some states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the fall.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m. but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.
The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.
The total number of tornadoes is probably higher than indicated in the western states. Sparse population reduces the number reported.
What to Listen For...
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
TORNADO WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
Remember, tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist. Environmental CluesLook out for:
Dark, often greenish sky
Wall cloud
Large hail
Loud roar; similar to a freight train
Caution:Some tornadoes appear as a visible funnel extending only partially to the ground. Some tornadoes are clearly visible while others are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds. It's Up to YOU! Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. This preparedness information, combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.
When Storms or Floods hit Lincoln, NE, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Lincoln, NE
SERVPRO ofLincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, 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 (http://www.SERVPROlincolneast.com/disaster-recovery) that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 402-466-4004
Protect your Home and Business! How to prevent electrical fires.
Does the area under your desk or around your entertainment devices look like this picture? You are not alone! In 2014, electricity consumption in the United States totaled nearly 3,863 billion kilowatt-hours. Unless you are living "off the grid", you are using electricity to charge cell phones and laptops, wash and dry clothes, cook meals, brew your morning cup of coffee and heat your business. Electrical power keeps people connected and allows people to do what they need to do. Even though most Americans recognize the benefits that come with electrical power, they must also understand that there is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously to avoid injury or possible disaster. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 50,000 fires in the home are attributed to electrical fires. These have resulted in almost 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. The damage that has been done has totaled to more than $1.3 billion. Obviously, being careless with electrical power has very serious consequences. Below are safety measures that you can use in your business and home to reduce the risk of electrical fires: • Inspect your home and business for loose wires, faulty wiring, and shorts. If there are any issues, contact a qualified electrician. Also, use safety covers on outlets to protect children. • Make sure there are smoke detectors on each level of your home or business. Test them each month to make sure they are working properly.• If electrical equipment is making strange sounds or has a weird odor, turn them off. If there is water damage on your property, make sure that an expert inspects all electrical appliances. Do not plug them in or turn them on until they are safe. When water has damaged electrical appliances, they can be very dangerous.• Use safe cord practices. When cords are loose, frayed or cracked, repair them or replace them. Never place cords in high traffic areas, under rugs, or stapled to surfaces. Additional outlets can be installed by an electrician if necessary. Extension cords should only be utilized temporarily.• Light bulb wattage should be correct for the appliance being used.• During spring cleaning and while working near service meters or electrical lines, use caution. Consider hiring a professional to do the work if it is dangerous.• Flammable items should be kept away from electrical appliances.• Consider installing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to reduce the chances of electrical fire in your home.• Avoid using electrical power tools outside after it has rained, or the area is wet. Never operate electrical equipment while barefoot.• Do not allow children to climb trees near power lines. Reduce the risk of electrical-related injuries by keeping balloons, kites, and other items away from overhead lines.Prevention is the best method to keep your family and property safe.
The weather forecast is calling for much warmer days. Spring is on the horizon! Clean the gutters! Hook up the hose and wash the car! But wait; if you turn on the spigot and notice that there is not as much pressure in the hose as you remember, you might have a frozen sillcock. Immediately turn off the faucet and go to where the water comes out of the house. In most cases, this is your basement. Check to see if the ceiling, wall or floor is wet. If so, you may have a frozen sillcock. Investigate quickly in order to avoid significant damage to your home.
How does a frozen sillcock happen?
As shown in the picture below, the tube between the spigot on the outside of your house and the water shut-off valve still has water in it when the temperature outside drops below freezing. This causes the water to freeze and crack the tube. Because the crack in the tube is after the water shut-off valve, there is no water running through the tube until you use the outside spigot in the spring.
What can cause a frozen sillcock?
Not removing garden hose before cold weather sets in
Improper installation (angle of the sillcock)
Slow drips creating a frozen sillcock
Shifting of the house/foundation
Signs that you have a frozen sillcock
Low pressure in garden hose
Visibly wet ceiling, walls, and/or floor
How to avoid frozen sillcocks
In the spring, keep in mind that although the daytime temperature is warm, the nighttime temperature can still dip to freezing or below. When finished with daytime use, disconnect all hoses from house until the last freeze has occurred. In the fall before cold weather sets in, be sure to take the basic precautions to protect sillcocks from freezing: disconnect any garden hoses, close indoor shutoff valves if available, and open sillcocks to drain any trapped water. You can also invest in frost free sillcocks. These special frost proof sillcocks are designed to withstand colder weather, essentially by having a water shut-off valve inside your house. This helps to prevent any water left in the outer portion of the sillcock from freezing.
Are you a planning a long vacation? Relocating but your home hasn't sold yet?There are several things you can do to help protect your empty or vacant home. Take these steps to help protect your home from theft, water and/or fire damage, heating or electrical system malfunctions.1. Make Your Home Appears as Though It Is Continuously Occupied
Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a friend or relative to collect flyers or other items that may be left at your door.
Arrange for someone to remove snow or mow the lawn. Make sure they mail the invoice (do not take the chance that they will tape it to the door or put it somewhere that is a dead giveaway no one is home).
Put motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers.
2. Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Thieves
Confirm that your alarm systems are in working order and have been activated.
Secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks, security-type hinges and sturdy door frames that cannot be spread apart. Install slide locks or other equivalent security locks on sliding glass doors or French doors.
Store valuables that you are not taking with you in a safe deposit box or other secure offsite location.
Do not post your vacation or travel plans on social media sites, as potential thieves can use that information to learn that your house is vacant.
Standard homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for theft of personal possessions and damage to the home caused by the break-in. With replacement cost coverage, which is only about 10 percent more than actual cash value coverage, damaged property is replaced without deducting for depreciation.
3. Protect Your Pipes to Avoid Water Damage
Consider completely turning off the water supply if no one will be in the home for an extended period of time. If your home is heated by an older steam heating system, consult with your heating professional to determine if it is safe to turn off the water supply for your particular heating system. Also, if your home is protected by a fire sprinkler system, do not turn off the water to this system.
Drain your pipes of all water by opening the faucets, and flush your toilet to clear the water from the tank and bowl, then consider pouring antifreeze in toilet tanks and bowls to prevent any remaining water from freezing and cracking.* Always use non-toxic antifreeze rated for plumbing systems.
?4. Keep Your Home and Plumbing Warm if Your Water Supply Stays On
If you decide against draining your water pipes, keep the furnace running to help ensure the home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze.
Set the temperature at 55°F or higher to help keep the interior of the floor and wall cavities, where the water piping is likely located above freezing temperatures. Keeping room and cabinet doors open also helps heat to circulate and warm the areas where pipes are located.
Shut off the water to washing machines and dishwashers where possible, to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while you are away.
Turn off the heat source and water supply to hot water heaters (if separate from your boiler).
Consider shutting off and draining outdoor water faucets to prevent vandalism and freezing damage.
Have a water flow sensor and low temperature sensor installed on your main water supply pipe and hooked into a constantly monitored alarm system or your smart phone.
5. Perform Routine Maintenance Before You Leave
Have your heating system inspected and serviced before winter. Have your fuel tanks filled before you leave, and ask someone to check on heat and fuel levels regularly while you are gone.
Be sure to maintain electrical power if required to keep the heating system running. If electrical service to the home is to remain on, consider having a licensed electrical contractor inspect your main electrical panel, wiring and outlets, if necessary. This way, they can repair or replace anything that may be defective.
Have your roof inspected before you leave and clean your gutters to help prevent ice from building up.*
Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could damage your house.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances before you leave. Make sure you can retrieve messages on your home answering machine or voicemail so it does not indicate FULL or unattended when someone calls.
6. Be Ready for Emergencies
Notify the police department that the property will be vacant, and provide emergency notification numbers.
Make sure your homeowners insurance is paid and up to date and valid for an empty/vacant or partially occupied property.
Install smoke detectors on at least every floor (preferably tied to a constantly monitored fire alarm system so the fire department will automatically be notified in case of alarm), and confirm that the sensors and system are tested regularly.
In higher wind-exposed or coastal areas, install storm shutters (or other mitigation measures, such as 5/8” marine plywood) to secure windows. Properly anchor personal property that will remain outdoors.
Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or relative to keep an eye on your home and be available in emergency situations. Give them access to your home so they can regularly monitor heating, electrical and water systems.
If the weather turns frigid, have them also check the roof for ice dams and inspect for leaks inside. Make sure they have your contact information and a list of local contractors they can reach if repairs or service are needed.
No matter what you do or precautions you take, it is still possible that something could happen while you are away. If this happens, it will probably not be a pleasant experience, but it hurts less if you are prepared ahead of time. You may to go ahead and check your insurance policy and claim procedures before leaving. Create a home inventory and take lots of good quality pictures of everything in your house. This may take some time, but afterwards it is just a matter of keeping everything updated. Taking all of the precautions listed in this article will ensure that you have much less chance of a robbery or something bad happening while you are away. If the worst occurs, you will also be better prepared to deal with the situation.
While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own. Of course fire is always the immediate danger, but once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough.
Who is qualified to do this type of work?
There are many companies that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. The IICRC is the most respected certification organization in the remediation industry, and its certified technicians are held to a strict code of ethics designed to protect the consumer.
IICRC technicians stake their reputation on every job, so they excel at both the technical and service demands of the job. These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces.
Anything that is made of plastic, or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes.
Within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow.
After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery.
Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.
If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks.
Carpet will permanently discolor
Glass may be severely etched, which will necessitate replacement
Odors caused by the disaster may still be present and intense enough to be distracting
Ash is acidic. The longer it takes to hire experts, the more destruction it will cause.
Call in the Professionals
The first thing a trained, certified, professional company will do when on site is to identify all affected materials and the source of any odors. The experts will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces.
A thorough cleanup is the only way to completely rid the building of ash and debris, so the work is labor intensive.
Technicians will first inspect the property to gauge where cleanup is needed the most and start there, working over every surface that may have been affected by the disaster.
Professionals use special agents that are designed to neutralize ash and smoke, and apply them to walls, ceilings, counter tops, furniture, and anything else that may be under siege by damaging ash and soot.
Smoke odors are another issue that needs to be dealt with as it can seep through walls and deposit on inaccessible areas. Tearing down walls and ripping up floors to remove odor is not a preferred option, so technicians need something that can emulate the movements of smoke and soot. That’s where thermal foggers come in.
Thermal foggers produces a concentration of odor neutralizing particles that are similar in size to soot and smoke particles
A thermal fogger can disperse a blanket of these particles nearly everywhere in the home, including behind walls and inside the ceiling. The process ensures proper removal of lingering odors from fire damage.
It takes a lot of technical skill to effectively clean up the damage left behind by a disaster, and the best way for a technician to acquire this skill is by attaining certification. There is little time to waste when looking for a professional to clean up the damage, and certification can provide an effective shorthand method in tracking one down. Choose a company for fire and water restoration with the appropriate licenses and proof that they have the proper insurance. Their safety and health certifications should be up to date, as well as their specialized training. Look for technicians that have been trained formally in schools approved by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Beware the unexpected cold snap or deep freeze! Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during very cold winter weather. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure over 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure is enough to rupture most any pipe filled with water which provides no place for the ice to expand. When the pipe bursts, it will spill several hundred gallons of water per hour, and that equates to thousands of dollars of damage to your home.Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when located:
In an outside wall
Under a sink on an outside wall
In an unheated crawlspace
Frozen But Not Burst? Then It's Time to Thaw!Pipe Thawing PreparationWhen pipes are frozen turning on the faucet may yield no water, or it will flow out in a trickle. As soon as you realize a pipe is frozen, you need to take immediate action.
Shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the water main.
Open the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe even if you do not yet know where it is frozen.
Identify the frozen water supply pipe and find the location of the blockage
Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas such as an exterior wall, unheated crawl space or in some cases an unheated basement if the pipe is near an outside wall.
Often the frozen area of the pipe will be frosted or have ice on it. If the situation is getting critical, the pipe may be slightly bulged or look slightly fissured.
When you find that the frozen (but yet un-burst) pipe serving the faucet is behind a wall or ceiling, you've got a challenge on your hands. You have three choices:
1. Turn up the heat in the house and wait. 2. Tear out the wall or ceiling section to get at the frozen pipe. 3. Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section in front of the pipe. Techniques for Thawing an Exposed Frozen Pipe
Hair Dryer
Heat Lamp
Small Portable Heater
Electric Pipe Heat Tape
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Leave the faucet drip slightly as a trickle. The dripping water will keep the water in the pipe from freezing.
Open kitchen base cabinet and let room air circulate.
Open kitchen base cabinet and place a small portable heater near or in it to heat the pipes
Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
Insulate the problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.
Temper the currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You just need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing, about 40°F.
fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
On average, there is a 183% increase in fire
incidents on Thanksgiving Day.
Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast. If you don't practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires. Review the following safety tips to ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday. Some tips may seem obvious, but we all tend to get very rushed and that can lead to forgetfulness!
Never leave cooking food unattended-stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food.
Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
Keep the kids away from the cooking area.
Keep anything flammable--pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels--away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.
Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas.
Tips provided by the American Red Cross. Statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association.
Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
Our Clients Say It Best
The technician was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Very impressed! Thanks for the peace of mind and not having to worry about this anymore. Tony S. Lincoln, NE
Cooler temperatures and pretty soon falling leaves serve as a reminder that the fall season is fast approaching. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer has just ended, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. The weather can change quickly, especially if you live in a colder climate and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A bit of attention now will save costly repairs and aggravation later.
Interior Maintenance • Pipe Insulation. Your pipes are more susceptible to freeze damage when temperatures drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Wrap the pipes in insulation tubes made of polyethylene or fiberglass. Take extra care with pipes that have frozen during previous winters or have been repaired in the last 12 months, as these pipes are more susceptible to damage.
Investigate and identify any musty smells and odors. They are often an indicator that there is a hidden moisture problem.?
Check the basement. If you have a basement, look for cracked basement windows that could allow cold air to make contact with pipes. Check for worn or missing insulation around garage and utility doors. Reducing the amount of cold air in the area minimizes your pipes' vulnerability.
Exterior Maintenance
Do a roof check for leaks. You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
Check the chimney and fireplace. Prevent chimney fires. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Fix Exterior Cracks. Note any cracks or holes along the outside walls and foundation of your home. Filling holes and cracks with spray foam insulation and caulking can help stop the cold air from coming into contact with your water pipes during extremely cold weather.
Clean the gutters. Prevent icicles and ice dams. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
Check water drainage. Rainwater downspouts need to be clear of obstructions and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
Service sprinklers and irrigation system. Depending on your climate, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
As you’re enjoying the last bits of summer, make sure that your home is prepared for the coming fall season. Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. When the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready.
Your planning should see your family through a minimum of three days if you have to evacuate your home and fourteen days if you stay in your home.
Know what disasters you should plan for they can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like flood, blizzards, and ice storms. Fourteen days will statistically see your family through 96% of known disaster emergency situations. Seven days will only get you through 50% of known disaster situation. Consider more than fourteen days of survival for locally known situations where your area can be physically cut off from resupply for very long duration (seismic areas, land/snow/mud slide areas, below sea level areas, flood plains, low lying island areas and areas of difficult or single method access, for example by bridge, single road, boat, plane, trail, or by horse/mule access only). The 2004 Florida Hurricanes had some home areas without power for up to 22 days, but the area residents had access to vehicles and could travel to other towns for supplies. New Orleans' Hurricane Katrina demonstrated the good and the bad for planning and preparation. Here in Nebraska we do not have hurricanes but we do have other natural disasters that can occur, like tornadoes, floods, blizzards and ice storms. The list below is from Ready.gov web site. Please visit the web site for more information. You can also visit the Red Cross web site for additional information.
Things you should do.
Be Informed
Learn what protective measures to take before, during, and after an emergency
How to plan with your household and prepare in advance so you are ready
Signs of hazardous events that come with very little warning
How to protect your household during the disaster
Begin recovery following the initial disaster.
Make a plan
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes know in advance
How you will get to a safe place
How you will contact one another
How you will get back together
What you will do in different situations
Build a kit
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit.
Whistle to signal for help.
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
Manual can opener for food.
Local maps.
Cell phone with chargers.
Shutting Off Utilities
Gas
After a tornado, DO NOT USE matches, lighters, or appliances, or operate light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite gas and cause an explosion. If you smell the odor of gas or if you notice a large consumption of gas being registered on the gas meter, shut off the gas immediately. First, find the main shut-off valve located on a pipe next to the gas meter. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the valve to the "off" position.
Electricity
After a major disaster, shut off the electricity. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion.
Water
Water may be turned off at either of two locations:
At the main meter, which controls the water flow to the entire property. At the water main leading into the home. If you may need an emergency source of fresh water, it is better to shut off your water here, because it will conserve the water in your water heater.
Attach a valve wrench to the water line. (This tool can be purchased at most hardware stores.) Label the water mains for quick identification.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. The Do's and Don'ts of using an extension cords. Do's
Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
Don'ts
Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
Extended exposure to outdoor conditions can cause cords to deteriorate, so whether they're rated for indoors or outdoors, store all extension cords inside when they’re not in use. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!
Cleaning Smoke Damage From A Fire When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction. While fire may be the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention powerful lingering odors. ? The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. This entire process is very detailed. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. Things You need to Know About Smoke Damage1.Smoke Migrates to Cooler Areas: The behavior of smoke during a fire is largely dependent on temperature. Smoke is typically hot and migrates to cooler regions of your home. Unfortunately, the cooler regions of your home are often hard to reach places, like cabinets and the underside of furniture. This makes the cleaning process much more difficult and is one of the major consequence of smoke damage. 2.Smoke Uses Plumbing to Migrate Through Your House: Smoke naturally travels through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to travel from floor to floor. This is the best way for smoke to travel throughout homes and buildings and cause further damage. Vents and plumbing systems are cleaned and often replaced if smoke damage is great enough. 3. Wet, Smoldering Fires Produce the Most Damaging Smoke: The type of fire and the type of smoke produced by the fire make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning smoke damage. Wet, smoldering fires produce highly volatile and noxious smoke, the effects of which can persist for years if not cleaned properly. 4.High Temperature Fires Produce Easier to Clean Smoke Damage: Contrary to what you might believe, high temperature fires tend to be less damaging than smoldering fires. That is because they burn very quickly and produce a different type of smoke that contains less damaging soot. As a result, even though the high temperature fire may seem like it would produce more damage, you may just get lucky. 5. A Very Damaging Component of Smoke is Invisible: While the billowing clouds of dark smoke may seem the likely culprit, it’s the invisible protein residues of smoke that can also cause server damage. These residues can break down metal, wood, paint, and even porcelain, and their highly volatile chemical make-up allows them to penetrate deep into almost any substance while remaining totally invisible. Beware of this invisible enemy! 6.Smoke Damage Can destroy Metal and Wood Items: You might think that hearty substance like wood and metal would not be affected by smoke as much as upholstery and textiles. You’d be wrong. The noxious protein residues in smoke can break down brass, copper, wood, and even stone, causing them to decay at an ultra rapid rate. Be sure to let a professional know about the exposure of wood and metal items to smoke and the duration of the exposure. 7.The Number 1 Rule to Prevent Lasting Smoke Damage: Get Air Moving: If you want to get a head start on cleaning up your home after smoke damage, follow the cardinal rule. Get air moving. Use fans and open windows to keep air circulating throughout your home. This will prevent any remaining smoke residues from penetrating even deeper into your house and property.
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