Restoring Your Belongings: 5 Tips for Caring for Wet Items After Water Damage

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be frustrating, call SERVPRO for your water restoration emergency.

Water damage can be devastating for our personal belongings and items. Whether it’s a flood, burst pipe, or a leaking appliance, water can cause significant damage to everything it touches. The good news is that there are steps you can take to care for your items and belongings after they have suffered from water damage. In this blog, we’ll provide some useful tips to help you restore your items to their former glory.

Act quickly

The first and most important step when dealing with water damage is to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage the water can cause. The first 24-48 hours after water damage is crucial in determining whether your items can be saved or not. As soon as you notice the damage, start taking steps to remove the water and dry out the affected areas.

Remove the water

The first step in the restoration process is to remove any standing water. Depending on the severity of the water damage, you may need to use a wet-dry vacuum or a pump to remove the water. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as rubber boots and gloves, to avoid contact with contaminated water.

Dry out the area

Once you have removed the water, it’s important to dry out the affected area as quickly as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove moisture from the air. Open windows and doors to increase ventilation. If the weather is dry and warm, you may also want to use natural air circulation to speed up the drying process.

Clean and disinfect

After the area is dry, it’s important to clean and disinfect any surfaces that have come into contact with water. Use a solution of bleach and water to kill any bacteria or mold that may have grown in the area. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as a mask and gloves, when cleaning to avoid contact with harmful chemicals.

Restore your items

Now it’s time to restore your items. If your items have suffered significant water damage, you may need to hire a professional restoration company to help with the restoration process. For items that can be restored at home, such as clothing, bedding, and furniture, follow these tips:

• Wash clothing and bedding in hot water with detergent to kill any bacteria or mold.
• Clean and disinfect furniture with a proper cleaning solution
• Remove any wet or damp items from the area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

In conclusion, water damage can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can restore your items and prevent future damage. Remember to act quickly, remove the water, dry out the area, clean and disinfect, restore your items, and take steps to prevent future water damage. By following these steps, you can ensure that your belongings remain safe and secure for years to come.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes in your home or business, give the professionals a call today!

Water damage is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on property and lives. If you’ve experienced flooding or other water damage, it’s important to act quickly and call in the professionals at a restoration company. While there are many companies that offer water restoration services, choosing one that has years of experience in this field can make all the difference when it comes to getting your property back to normal.

Restoration Process

The restoration process is one of the most vital steps when it comes to recovering from water damage. If you don’t have a professional restoration company on your side, you could end up with an incomplete recovery or even lost money due to delays in insurance claims processing.

Restoration companies use specialized equipment that can help restore your property back to preloss conditions.

Cleanup Process and Equipment

Ask about their cleanup processes and equipment. Restoration companies use state of the art equipment to restore your property back after a water loss. Restoration companies use specialize cleaning products, chemicals and processes to restore your company safely.

Make sure you know exactly what makes up a good water restoration company's processes so you can make an informed decision when hiring the right company.

Does your restoration company offer a Project Manager?

A Project Manager is an important role in any restoration process. They oversee the entire restoration process, coordinate with insurance companies and homeowners, and provide technical expertise to ensure your home's health after water damage. Having a project manager will help keep the process moving along.

What kind of warranties do they provide?

Warranties are important for your peace of mind. Warranties protect you from future problems and can be for a certain period of time. It’s important that the contractor provides warranties because it ensures quality work, which will keep your house dry in the future.

As a homeowner, you’re probably familiar with the devastation that can occur when there is water damage in your home. You may have experienced it yourself or know someone who has. Water damage can be very costly and difficult to repair.

Restoration companies use specialize equipment and cleaning techniques to ensure your property is restored back to pre loss conditions.

It’s important to remember that even if you hire a great water damage restoration company, there may still be problems. You can take steps to minimize these issues by following this guide and hiring a professional company for the job. Give SERVPRO of Sunrise a call for your restoration needs at the first sign of water damage to your property.

How to Create a Fire Evacuation Plan

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Knowing how to escape quickly through your home's exits is essential for every household.

Fire is the most common cause of home-based injury and death. Many of these fires start in the kitchen but can break out anywhere in your home. Knowing how to escape quickly through your home's exits is essential for every household—especially if you have children and pets!

Know the Exits

The first step to creating a fire evacuation plan is to inform everyone in your home about what to do in case of an emergency. You should teach them how and where to exit from each room, along with any special instructions for children or pets that live in the house. It's also important to know how to use each exit, and that there is a clear route from each room in your building — there should be at least two ways out of every room.

Include Everyone in the Plan

The plan should include everyone, even pets. If you’re leaving your home, be sure to bring your pets with you. If they will not be able to walk, arrange for someone to help carry them out of the building and into a safe location.

The plan should also account for children, the elderly, the disabled, and individuals with special needs, all of who may require special assistance during an evacuation.

Involve children in the planning

When children are involved in the planning process, they have a greater understanding of what to do and where to go. They will also be less likely to panic and more likely to follow the plan if they’ve been given a sense of ownership over it.

Designate a Meeting Place

Once you know who will be evacuating and where they are going, choose a meeting place that is safe and easy to find. Keep in mind that the meeting place should not be near the area of the fire. Having a designated meeting place will allow for an easy headcount in the event of a fire.

Regular Smoke Alarm Maintenance

It's important to test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries annually. Make sure that all of your smoke alarms are in good working order and replace them every 10 years.

Practice the Plan Regularly

You should practice your evacuation plan regularly. The more frequently the better, but at least once a year. Make sure to include everyone on the property in the evacuation plan. After all, it's all hands on deck during an emergency situation!

Having a Fire Evacuation Plan can Help Save Lives

While having a fire evacuation plan in place may not guarantee that your family will escape unharmed in the event of a fire, it can certainly help. In fact, having one could be the difference between life and death.

The purpose of this guide is to help you create a plan for your home or business. You don't have to be an expert in fire safety, but knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.

Does Your Home Have Smoke Alarms? Should It?

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are devices that detect smoke.

Smoke alarms are a necessary part of any home. However, not everyone knows how they work, what they need to do to maintain them and when they should get them. In this article, we'll cover all of that and more!

What is a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are devices that detect smoke. When they detect the presence of smoke, they sound an alarm to alert you and your family members to danger. Smoke alarms can be battery powered or hardwired into your home's electrical system; this is known as hardwired with battery backup. Some models have a low-battery chirp that will notify you when the batteries need replacing.

If you have a wired or hardwired smoke detector, it is recommended that you test it yearly to ensure it's working properly and has enough power for when it really counts.

How does a smoke alarm work?

Smoke alarms work by detecting smoke in the air, which is why you want them to be located near a door or window. The sensor sends an electric current through a wire coil and interrupts the flow of electricity if it detects any kind of particle in the air (like smoke). This interruption triggers an alarm sound, which will warn you that there's danger nearby.

A battery backup is also standard on most models because they have a tendency to go off when they're not supposed to—like when you burn toast! The battery backup ensures that your smoke detector doesn't run out of power while you're sleeping or working away from home.

Is it required to have smoke alarms in my home?

No, it is not required to have smoke alarms in your home. However, we highly recommend that you do because it can save your life and the lives of your family members. The best thing you can do is check with your local fire department or fire safety codes to find out what kind of smoke alarms are required in your area.

If you don’t know what kind of smoke alarms to get, speak with an expert at a local hardware store or call the fire department for more information on this matter before purchasing any devices!

What type of smoke alarms are available?

There are three primary types of smoke alarms available: ionization, photoelectric and dual sensor.

• Ionization Smoke Alarms: These work by sensing airborne particles that ionize in the presence of heat or flame. This type of alarm is often the least expensive option but has a shorter lifespan than other types of smoke detectors. They should be changed every 10 years or so and can cost anywhere from $10-$15 per device.
• Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: These detect smoke via light beam sensors (photodiodes) that measure changes in light intensity caused by particles in the air—similar to how lasers work. It's important that you have at least one photoelectric device installed if you have pets because they produce more dust than humans do while they sleep on your bedding at night! Photoelectric devices are also more sensitive to smoldering fires than ionization models, making them ideal for detecting slow smoldering embers before they become major blazes like an out-of-control pile of leaves or trash cans close to your home.

What is the ideal number of smoke detectors for a home?

The number of smoke detectors you need depends on the size of your home. Larger homes require more units, while smaller homes may be able to get by with less.

The number of smoke detectors you need also depends on the type of smoke detectors you have. Some models can sense multiple types of fires and alert you accordingly, which can be useful if there are different threats in your home (such as a kitchen fire vs an attic fire).

Conclusion

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that every home should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of the house, including the basement and any attached garage. They also recommend replacing your alarms every 10 years to ensure they are working properly and can alert you in the event of an emergency.

Cleanup of Smoke and Soot

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at 954-748-7887

Commercial Water Damage

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

WATER DAMAGE EVENTS

Flooding and water damage events at Sunrise and Lauderhill commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Sunrise

SERVPRO of Sunrise 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.

Contact us at 954-748-7887

Wildfire Damage Event

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

DID YOU KNOW?

The active wildfires in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Sunrise monitors wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Sunrise can Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Sunrise

SERVPRO of Sunrise 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.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help  954-748-7887

8 Things to Consider When Filing Your Commercial Fire Damage Insurance Claim

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

If you’ve just had fire damage to your commercial property, there are some important points to consider.

There’s a lot in the handling of these situations that some insurance companies won’t necessarily bring to your attention on their own. Having a solid understanding of the process, will help ensure you protect your own interests in the fire damage claim.

Below are 8 some important points to consider:

1. Normally--for water damage--you send the insurance company documentation of the damages. But how do you do this for items or property that has been destroyed by fire damage? Are there good “before” pictures of the same space, on your phone or website, that you can compare with the “after” photos of the damage? Does your bank have record of the blueprint from when they helped you finance the property? Does your business account have record of furniture, equipment, etc that you purchased for the space? These would be good places to start-- but you’ll want to ask your adjuster/agent for more specific protocol and requirements.
2. Is it a good idea to make repairs and restorations yourself? (Your insurance company will pay less, but your premium may not increase as much. Weigh the costs and benefits of each option)
3. How did smoke--or water from fighting the fire--affect your electronics, equipment, and structural integrity; and how do you claim those damages to trigger better coverage?
4. When making repairs--make sure your insurance company does not cut corners by using companies or contractors that repair/restore with materials containing lead and asbestos. That could lead to greater costs--and health risks--down the line.
5. Find out how your policy addresses code coverage, and Green building upgrades.
6. If your coverage is limited, what can you do about it? How can your agent or a public adjuster help?
7. During the claims process, your insurance provider may engage a forensic accountant. Find out their role, which financial statements you are required to produce (and why). You should also ask if you can--and should--recast your financial statements. Don’t hesitate to get input from an accounting professional you trust, as well as your agent.
8. Find out what can be included as extra--and expediting--expenses, and what the difference is.

Source

We are here to answer any questions

954-748-7887 

FACTS of Hurricane Season

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

HURRICANE SEASON FACTS

• While hurricanes pose the greatest risks, tropical storms and depressions also pose serious threats due to flooding, rain, winds, waves, and tornadoes
• Slow moving storms produce more rain and flooding than swift moving storms
• Hurricanes mostly occur from June to November when seas are warmest. Peak season is August to October
• In the lead up to a storm, ask friends and relatives outside the storm's path if you can stay with them to avoid staying in large shelters
• Know your home. If your South Florida home was built after 2002, it's designed to withstand some hurricane force winds. In the event of a tropical storm or non major hurricane, sheltering in place may be your safest option
• Due to COVID-19, even under storm conditions, masks are not enough, continue social distancing if sheltering outside home and wash your hands often.

Storm or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today (954) 748-7887

When Storms or Floods hit Sunrise, SERVPRO is ready!

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

STORM DAMAGES

SERVPRO of Sunrise 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.

Our teams are prepared with equipment strategically located in case of flood or storm emergency in our area including Sunrise, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Plantation and Fort Lauderdale. Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today 954-748-7887