Emergency Kit Preparedness for Businesses

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Check your kit in Finley, WA, once a month for any missing items.

Protect Yourself And Others With A Well-Designed First Aid Kit

Are you ready in case a storm causes your office's windows to shatter and someone gets cut? What if the roof caves in with someone working underneath? Having a first aid kit on hand is essential to making sure you are able to handle these as well as any other perilous scenarios. Use the following information to properly assemble and maintain one for your business.

Emergency Kit Inclusions
Prestocked kits are available for purchase, although some office managers elect to put one together on their own. If you choose to create one, make sure yours includes:

• Multiple size gauze pads
• Variously shaped bandages
• Medical tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Splints
• Wound cleaners
  
  

This list does not include many other items that should be included. Perform further research on what belongs before deciding if your first aid kit is complete.

Emergency Kit Management

Diligent emergency kit management is absolutely essential. Pick a smart location where yours will be stored. Make it an obvious spot that isn't prone to experiencing extreme temperatures. Inform everyone where it will stay and provide instructions on easily accessing it during a crisis.

Check your kit in Finley, WA, once a month for any missing items and swiftly replace anything that has been removed. Perform this chore on the first of each month and become proactive about what other components you think should be added.

Have an emergency medical plan in place. Train staff on the best ways to respond to these stressful situations. Emphasize that injured workers remain a priority over fixing structural damage to your building. Only after a wounded individual has been treated should you call a commercial storm restoration service to conduct an assessment and make repairs.

It is impossible to thoroughly eliminate the peril that comes with extreme weather conditions. You can, however, protect yourself and others with a comprehensive, well-designed first aid kit. Make sure your workspace has a good one in place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Your Insurance

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

A home suffered from fire damage in Richland, MA

Your insurance will cover most of the damage from a home fire on your property. Most homeowners and renters will receive sufficient coverage through their standard insurance policies. However, those with a higher risk may be excluded and need to take other measures.

What Coverage Is Offered To Protect Against Fire and Smoke Damage?

Your insurance policy will cover many of your expenses due to a home fire. The most common expenses they cover include:

• Repairing your home
• Replacing your personal belongings
• Expenses related to lawsuits due to a spreading fire
• Additional living expenses
  
  

Is Standalone Fire Insurance an Option?

You can purchase standalone fire insurance for your home. These policies offer additional coverage that protects you financially in the event of a home fire. They cover damage strictly related to fire, smoke, or explosions. While they don't cover as many perils as standard insurance policies, fire coverage is often cheaper. Therefore, this is a good option for people who live in older homes or those with a history of claims. It is also a great option for your secondary residence which is vacant for most of the year.

What Happens When Your Home Doesn’t Qualify for Standard Insurance?

If your house in Richland, WA has a high risk of catching fire, you may find that your home doesn't qualify for standard insurance. You may be denied some common reasons: living in an arson zone, being too far from the fire department, or living near a brush or a canyon. Fortunately, many homeowners who cannot receive coverage for fires can apply for government-backed insurance policies that have fewer qualifications.

You can expect your standard insurance coverage to pay for you to hire a fire restoration company and start getting back to normal after a fire. Additionally, standalone policies are an option for people looking for cheaper options. They are also great for protecting your vacation home from a vacant home fire. If you cannot get a standard insurance policy, there are government-backed options that are easier to qualify for.

The Many Benefits of Operating a SERVPRO Franchise

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO franchise may be your best option if you want to be a part of a successful business model.

The Numerous Advantages Of Owning A SERVPRO Franchise

If you are currently looking to become part of a successful business model, a SERVPRO franchise offers a lot of potential. It begins with being part of a team that helps people in trouble all across the North American continent. Highly-trained specialists respond to companies and homeowners who have experienced a flood, fire or some other type of disaster.

You will be part of a valuable community resource. Also, you will be part of a company that offers many benefits to you personally. As emergency restoration services go, this franchise is always at the top of the cleanup and restoration industry's top places to work.

A List of Benefits

Operating a SERVPRO franchise in Richland, WA, means that you will always have meaningful work for your community. Weather disasters, fires and mold outbreaks are a part of life. You will also belong to a company that offers many significant advantages:

• A positive company culture
  
• A team of professional workers
  
• A company that is locally owned
  
• A critical mission to help others
• A successful business model for 53 years

While you will have flexibility, you won't be on your own. You will have access to wide-ranging corporate resources that contribute to your success.

A Variety of Options

You can decide which role is best for you, whether it is working as a certified specialist, taking on the role of a manager or owning your own franchise. Each option brings you into a company that started in 1967 and is still going strong. Perhaps one of the best things about the franchise is the strong relationships that have been developed over the years with customers, homeowners, insurance companies and other organizations. These relationships have been strengthened by a focus on excellence and adherence to best practices in the restoration industry.

Opportunities to become part of the SERVPRO franchise mission can be a positive step. You can decide which role suits you best.

Candles: Safe Burning Practices and Comparable Alternatives

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

A burning candle is an open flame that could easily ignite its surroundings if left unattended.

Candles: Best Practices for Burning and Comparable Alternatives

Over the years, candles have remained common in homes across the world, but it's essential to understand how important it is to practice using them safely in your home to avoid a candle fire. A burning candle is an open flame that could easily ignite its surroundings if left unattended, increasing the need for fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup in Richland, WA. Additionally, there are several candle alternatives on the market that could serve the same purpose without the safety risks.

The following guide can help you avoid accidentally starting a house fire.

Safety Tips To Avoid a Candle Fire

Taking precautions is the only way to stay safe when using candles. Here are some ways to ensure a lit candle doesn't cause a fire:

1. Lit candles should be kept a safe distance away from anything flammable. 
2. The candle wick should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch to ensure that the flame remains small.
3. Candles need to be extinguished if there is no one in the room to attend to them.
4. Candles should not be burning within reach of young children or pets.
5. All lit candles must be placed on a stable surface.
6. Drafty areas such as near air vents, fans, or open windows are not optimal places to burn candles.
7. Candles should be extinguished before bedtime.

Alternatives to Traditional Candles

While candles can be safely used with caution, utilizing alternatives is a great way to have a similar experience while avoiding a candle fire. Taking advantage of safer options will still provide people with the scents or ambient light of candles without the risks. A few worthy substitutes include flameless candles, essential oil diffusers, incense, air freshener spray, lanterns, plug-in air fresheners, and electric wax warmers. These alternatives can be powered by batteries or electricity, making them ideal for a safe environment for all people and animals in the home. 

Utilizing the safe candle burning practices listed and trying replacements to traditional candles are ideal ways to decrease or eliminate the chances of a fire in your home. 

Document Restoration for Your Business

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

When documents need to be dried, SERVPRO is a document restoration company that will respond quickly

Document Restoration for Your Company

Every business has sensitive documents it must protect. If a commercial building is damaged by fire, storm, or flood, it is crucial to respond quickly so that documents can be saved.

When documents need to be dried, timing is crucial. SERVPRO is a document restoration company in Kennewick, WA that will respond quickly to any disaster and treat your documents with professional care.

Here are some of the benefits of a professional restoration service.

1. State-of-the-Art Technology

SERVPRO uses the latest technology, including document freeze-drying and gamma irradiation. With these tools, technicians clean, dry, and deodorize documents. The freeze-drying process has been approved by General Services Administration (GSA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

2. Transportation to a Document Restoration Facility

In the aftermath of an emergency, a team of highly trained professionals will arrive at your building and safely transport all damaged documents to a restoration facility. The facility features 24/7 surveillance and digitizing technology to ensure that the contents of the documents can be recorded in an electronic system.

3. Emergency Service Any Time

A professional restoration service with 24/7 availability ensures that even if an emergency happens in the middle of the night, you will be able to respond quickly. While waiting for the team to arrive, it is a good idea to collect all the damaged documents so that the pack-out process will go smoothly. Do not lay the documents flat or re-moisturize them.

4. Lower Recovery Costs

Professional document drying ensures that you are saving as many documents as possible. Attempting to dry or restore documents yourself may result in a lower number of documents that can be saved, which means that more time and effort must be spent replacing the documents and recovering from the situation.

Ultimately, a professional document restoration service can help your business get back on its feet as quickly as possible.

Why SERVPRO Makes the Best Choice for Business Restorations

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO because their crews are well-versed in all types of recovery situations and can begin work at any time.

Why Is SERVPRO The Best Choice For Commercial Restorations?

In the event your company suffers a catastrophic loss, you need a team of recovery experts to start the journey back to normalcy as quickly as possible. That’s what makes SERVPRO’s 24-hour service and more than 1,700 locations throughout North America so advantageous. Besides their competency at bringing offices back to life, the ability to arrive at any site in a timely fashion pushes these disaster restoration specialists above the rest.

Types of Disasters

SERVPRO handles the aftermath of many emergency scenarios in Kennewick, WA, including:

• Flooding
• Storm damage
• Mold infestations
• Electrical fires

As restoration experts, they possess the capability of making your office look “Like it never even happened.” Before you know it, your catastrophic loss will be a mere distant memory and everyday operations will have resumed.

Types of Damage Repairs

Whether the cause is a leaking roof or a broken pipe, SERVPRO’s repair wizards know what it takes to dry your location and make it safe again. Their deep cleanings provide assurance that harmful substances lurking in floodwaters have been completely removed. Rugs soaked with contaminated water will be professionally discarded. Soaked walls and floors may see mold within as little as a day. SERVPRO’s fungal-removal professionals can help keep your business free of harmful spores.

Fires can be triggered by faulty wiring, lightning strikes or nefarious activity. Computers and business records are vulnerable to fires no matter how they begin. Limit data loss by allowing SERVPRO’s electronics gurus to preserve hard drives and dry saturated documents. The value inherent in saving hard-earned data may be enough on its own to make hiring SERVPRO a worthwhile decision.

If your office is affected by a disaster and subsequent catastrophic loss, you need a fantastic repair service working on your behalf. Select SERVPRO, as their crews are properly versed in all sorts of recovery conditions and able to start work at any hour.

5 Things To Consider When Choosing a Restoration Company

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available 24 /7 to respond quickly to your emergency, including Fire damage Restoration. Call us!

5 Things To Think About When Selecting A Restoration Company

After the smoke has cleared and the soot is clean, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your Richland, WA, has received proper fire damage restoration. Lingering smokey odors, hidden mold growth and potential structural issues could still be lurking. Proper cleanup requires a professional fire restoration company. Instead of just guessing if you have picked the right one, there are five key components that are essential to making an informed decision.

1. 24/7 Availability

Fires and other disasters can happen at any time. Unfortunately, that means the unexpected may happen outside of business hours. Knowing that interruption means additional losses, ensure the service provider is always available to get the cleanup process started.

2. Licensed and Insured for Fire Damage Restoration

While a quick search may bring up many companies, not all are created equal. A professional company will gladly tout that is licensed and insured to perform the work.

3. Open Dialogue About Cleanup Processes

After a commercial fire, you deserve to have a complete understanding of how the restoration process will work, especially if it may require closing the doors during the process. The right restoration company will provide a detailed report that includes the assessed damage, and all the steps involved in getting your business back to how it was, including smoke cleanup.

4. Proven Understanding of Insurance Claims

Fire damage alone is a headache. The last thing you need is added pressure from having to juggle the cleanup and claim. An experienced cleanup provider will have a solid understanding of the insurance process. Many also have already built long-lasting relationships with insurers, helping to ensure the claims process goes faster and smoother.

5. A Solid Reputation

As a business owner, you know how important reputation is. The same should apply to any contractor hired to complete a job.

Getting your business back on track after a fire means having the fire damage restoration done by a professional. The five elements are key ways to tell if you have picked the right one.

How To Expedite the Fire Insurance Claims Process

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

If smoke and flames harm your business, filing a fire claim can get your company back up and running.

How To Quickly Handle Fire Insurance Claims

If a blaze damages your commercial property in Kennewick, WA, you will need to work hard to keep your business running. You will be busy checking inventory, calling your suppliers and updating your customers. You thus do not want to spend all of your time dealing with your insurance company as you make a fire claim. Here are some tips to expedite the claims process.

1. Secure the Premises

A fire can cause additional harm to the property once the blaze is extinguished. If the flames burned a hole in the roof, rainwater could then enter the premises and destroy your equipment. While fire restoration professionals should handle the bulk of the cleanup, you should take basic steps to cover any openings in the property and secure the windows and doors. This will mitigate further damage and reduce the remediation time.

2. Collect Records

The more quickly you provide damages estimates to your insurance provider, the earlier your fire claim will be settled. Gather any records that demonstrate how much each piece of destroyed property was worth. If you have business interruption insurance, you will also need to show proof of your company's income. You will thus need to collect financial statements and tax returns.

3. Take Photos

Ideally, you should keep all destroyed items on the premises until the insurance adjuster has had a chance to survey the fire damage. Sometimes, however, you may have to dispose of certain things in the building. Before you throw out those assets, take photos or videos of them. You can then submit these images online or give them directly to the adjuster.

If smoke and flames harm your business, filing a fire claim can get your company back up and running. The above tips should help you get reimbursed more quickly, allowing you to quickly re-open your business' doors.

3 Preferred Vendor Program Advantages

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Franchise owners and employees who participate in the SERVPRO Preferred Vendor Program receive numerous benefits.

3 Benefits Of The Preferred Vendor Program

Many advantages accrue to franchise owners and employees who participate in the SERVPRO Preferred Vendor Program. Program participants are more likely to obtain approval for jobs from leading insurance agencies. Whether you are an insurance agent or prospective investor considering opening a franchise in Richland, WA, here are three advantages of partnering with or becoming a Preferred Vendor.

1. A Large Franchise Network

An extensive network consisting of more than 1,700 franchise locations across North America provides Preferred Vendor Program participants with the support necessary to deliver the highest quality of cleanup and restoration services for any commercial or residential property. When it comes to calling on specialists or summoning reinforcements for large loss events, this network enables the trusted franchises to provide a consistent level of service.

2. Established Insurer Relationships

An insurance agent can count on a straightforward dealings with a Preferred Vendor. Property owners can also rest assured that more of the total estimate calculated by this restoration franchise and provided to insurers is likely to be covered. An electronic claims center makes it easy for representatives to access information on new, in-progress and past jobs and compare costs to national industry averages.

3. Marketing Resource Access

A SERVPRO franchise that becomes a Preferred Vendor gains access to a full suite of marketing and promotional materials. Furthermore, the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification program, which is one of the most trusted bodies in the restoration industry, also has a longstanding relationship with this national company and partnered franchises.

When a restoration company in Richland, WA, is accepted into the Preferred Vendor Network, the owner and employees stand to benefit from a connection to other franchises across the continent. On the other hand, an insurance agent can count on participants in this program to provide the highest level of service for commercial and residential restoration projects.

3 Damage Mitigation Tips for Commercial Roof Leaks

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial roof leak can ruin insulation and lead to interior damage within a matter of hours or days.

3 Commercial Roof Leak Damage Mitigation Tips

A commercial roof leak can ruin insulation and lead to interior damage within a matter of hours or days. These mitigation tips are helpful for any leak that occurs at a building in Kennewick, WA, whether roof damage is minor or major.

1. Collect Dripping Water

A leaking roof can introduce gallons of water into a structure. Depending on the size of the breach in the roof and rapidity of flow, this accumulation may take place over time or occur suddenly. Protect the interior of a structure that is experiencing a rapid roof leak by collecting water in one or more containers. Mop buckets or trash cans that have wheels can be easier to maneuver for the purpose of extraction or dumping.

2. Tarp Over Damage

The owner of a property should contact a commercial roofing company and have an expert determine the source of a leak. If it is not possible to repair a roof leak immediately, an area with missing shingles or other damage should be tarped over until repairs take place. In addition to laying out tarp to cover the entirety of the damaged area, it is also necessary to use anchor boards to secure the covering.

3. Schedule Roof Repair

It is a good idea to repair a damaged roof sooner rather than later. Mitigation measures may temporarily serve to reduce some of the urgency, but high winds or another storm may undermine tarps and allow a leak to resume. Once the roof has been repaired, storm damage restoration can get underway in the interior of a structure rather than merely pursuing mitigation to limit the severity of damage.

It is important to act quickly and pursue mitigation as soon as a roof leak becomes apparent. Commercial building managers or owners may want to check for signs of roof damage after severe weather in [City, State].

The Dirty Reason Why Taking a Shower Can Cause Toilet Overflow

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is highly trained and experienced in water damage cleanup and restoration and we are always here to help, no matter the day or hour.

The Unsavory Reason Why Taking A Shower Can Lead To Toilet Overflow

If you have a home or business, sewage cleaning may be the farthest thing from your mind. However, something as simple as toilet overflow during showering could be costly. Most people don't have the extra time or funds to go through an unexpected loss like this. If you're in Kennewick, WA, working with a preferred clean up and restoration vendor of your insurance agency can mitigate this threat.

Steps to Take When a Shower Causes Toilet Overflow

Residential houses, and some commercial businesses, usually have a shower that is frequently used. If, say, the showers in the gym you own are running and, simultaneously, the adjacent toilet starts gushing water, it's time to look into the root of the issue. This is almost always due to a clogged pipe between the toilet and sewer.

The shower is connected to waste waterlines, and if there is a clog, the toilet will be the first place it shows! Everything is connected. What do you do now that you know a clog is causing the back up? Here are some sewage cleaning options that may need to be taken by professionals using a commercial-use snake tool:

• Running the snake directly through the toilet.
• Taking the toilet out from the floor and snaking the drain from there.
• Heading to the drain cleanout in a crawlspace area, lifting the heavy cap, and snaking the opening.
• Or repairing/replacing the entire pipe.

Make Sure your Insurance Works with the Right Professionals

The outlined steps above gradually increase in difficulty, and they should always be performed by a professional. If the snake is noncommercial, it likely won't be long or tough enough to reach a clogged pipe causing the toilet overflow. After each step, the professionals will test the clog status by running the shower again.

In the worst case scenario, it's possible that something such as the roots of a tree or a rusted pipe collapse caused the blockage. In this case, step four of repairing or replacing the entire line is the only option. In order to get the job done correctly and save money, it's best to have already made sure that your insurance works with trusted sewage cleaning professionals.

Tips for Sewage Cleanup

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

No one expects to find their home flooded from a simple flush of the toilet, but occasionally such problems do occur.

Sewage Cleaning Suggestions

No one expects to find their home flooded from a simple flush of the toilet, but occasionally such problems do occur. Sewer cleanup experts in Kennewick, WA, assess the problem in your home and take the appropriate steps to get it back to normal again.

Identify the Source

The source of the water informs the entire cleaning process, so identifying where it came from is typically the first objective. Water from a sewer backup requires a more intense cleaning process because it is likely contaminated with various substances that you don't want to remain in your home:

• Bacteria or other microbes
• Feces
• Harsh chemicals

Remove Water and Materials

Before they can disinfect the area, technicians must remove the excess water and any materials that it has destroyed. This may include tiles, drywall or any other porous materials that cannot be salvaged. It's important to tear out damaged materials so that secondary problems such as further saturation or mold growth don't set in and spread.

Disinfect Affected Spaces

A key step in sewer cleanup is making sure the bacteria from the backup are eradicated. Specialists use strong cleaners to get rid of any microorganisms that remain. To get the cleaning solution into some of the smaller cracks and crevices, they may need to use special equipment. After a thorough cleaning, the specialists test the area to ensure that the microbes are gone.

Restore the Room

The whole area around the flooded toilet must be cleaned and dried, but the remediation process isn't complete until everything is back in place. New walls and flooring that match the existing patterns are installed. The issue that caused the toilet to back up in the first place must be resolved so that there are no more issues.

The sewer cleanup process is pretty straightforward, but it's important that no step is skipped. Experienced specialists complete the process as efficiently as possible.

3 Things To Know About Renter's Insurance Coverage of Storms

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Typically, renter's insurance is a requirement for tenants under property management. One of the coverage areas includes storm damage.

Three Things You Should Know About Renter's Insurance Storm Coverage

Rental properties aren't immune to damage. Unexpected weather events happen. What exactly are property managers responsible for covering? What does renter's insurance cover, and what do tenants owe? Regardless of what type of commercial property you own, if you rent it out, this information is for you.

1. Damage from Certain Weather Events May Not Be Covered

Typically, renter's insurance is a requirement for tenants under property management. One of the coverage areas includes storm damage. Do you know the extent of this coverage, however? Generally, this insurance coverage spans issues that arise from natural disasters, including:

• Hail storms
• Wildfires
• High winds
• Rain storms
• Snow and ice
• Lightning strikes

However, there are certain weather events that aren't usually covered. Floods and earthquakes are often excluded. Always check for the local laws and regulations in Richland, WA.

2. Property Owners Are Responsible for the Structure

It's a common misconception that if you are renting, you aren't responsible for any damage that occurs. That is false, especially if you cause the damage. What about natural occurrences that are inevitable? In this case, property owners are only responsible for mitigating damage to the structure. Exterior damage caused by storms calls for local remediation experts to be brought in by the property management.

3. Tenants Are Responsible for the Contents

Renters are required to purchase insurance for a reason. This protects them from unexpectedly losing personal property due to a storm or other natural weather event. While the limits and deductables may vary, most insurance coverage reimburses tenants for:

• Damage to personal belongings
• Temporary housing expenses
• Interior debris removal
• Food spoilage from power outages

Always check the fine print to determine what the property manager and tenants are responsible for, respectively. Work with remediation specialists that are in tandem with your chosen insurance. You can never fully predict a natural disaster, but knowledge of renter's insurance can help lessen the impact when something does occur.

How Restoration Companies Improve Fire Restoration Efforts

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your emergency occurs in the middle of the night, you need a company that is there for you. You need a company that has 24/7 services like SERVPRO.

How Restoration Companies Can Enhance Fire Restoration Efforts

In minutes, sparks can fly, quickly consuming most if not all of a commercial building. Fire crews battle the flames, attempting to control the situation and salvage what they can for owners. What happens, though, when the smoke clears and blaze dissipates? Proprietors in Kennewick, WA must face the destruction and hazards, swiftly working to secure and restore the premises. A fire restoration company is pivotal in easing the stress and burden of fire cleanup. The establishment is a customer's one-stop-shop for repair and insurance aid.

1. Around the Clock Response

Like much in life, disasters happen at the worst times, usually when most people are home sleeping. Commercial owners cannot afford to sit and wait for help with a fire rebuild; instead, they require assistance at the moment, even if it's in the middle of the night. Vendors such as SERVPRO understand this need, so they maintain a call line and an emergency crew, capable of working with proprietors at any point in the day and any day of the week.

2. Project Management From Start to Finish

Returning the space to normal isn't simple. It's a complex process that involves numerous parties and efforts. A fire restoration crew has a project manager that coordinates everything. Proprietors won't have to keep up with multiple numbers and companies. Insurers rely on one place to provide information and documentation.

During fire cleanup, this relationship is invaluable. Owners and insurers must expect to take care of all of the following stages:

• Board up windows, doors and holes
• Tarp weak areas of the roof
• Extract moisture left from the fire hose
• Eliminate smoke odor
• Assess for mold and mildew
• Tear out structurally damaged materials
• Clean the air units
• Scrub walls and floors
• Perform content cleaning
• Replace ruined structures

3. Invaluable Experience

Because so much is looked at with rebuilding services, owners and insurers benefit from collaborating with knowledgeable staff. With IICRC certification to meet national standards, both parties can feel good about sanitizing the property.

Fire restoration is a sophisticated, systematic effort. With the assistance of a professional group, owners are reassured that issues are handled correctly and timely.

5 Steps To Clean Your Personal Items After Water Damage

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has team members ready 24/7/365 to assist you after any kind of water damage. Call us!

Following These 5 Steps Will Help You Clean Your Personal Items After Water Damage

Few things cause more destruction than water in a home, and your entire structure, along with many of your personal belongings, can be affected. The good news is that emergency restoration services are available to help you with the cleaning and drying process. If your home in Kennewick, WA, has suffered water damage, there are steps that can help you save furniture, clothing and other valuables while you wait for the professionals.

1. Safety First

Whether you are experiencing damage from a broken pipe or a natural disaster, standing water in the home can be contaminated and dangerous. Wear protective clothing and footwear to avoid exposure. Disconnect power if water is present near any electrical appliances.

2. Lower the Humidity

Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and you can combat their growth by reducing humidity. Open all the doors and windows, and utilize fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air.

3. Move Items to Higher Ground

Relocate any movable objects, such as furniture, clothing, carpets and rugs, to a dry area. Rinse any items that are still wet with clean water, and gently wipe them free of dirt and debris. Dry cleaning for upholstery and fabrics may be necessary.

4. Care for Fragile Belongings

Pictures, books and documents should be handled with care. Try to avoid touching wet surfaces as much as you can, and allow items to air-dry if possible. You can place books and photographs in a freezer to avoid further deterioration until they can be professionally treated.

5. Preserving Antiques

When it comes to expensive antiques or other collectibles, consider the worth of each piece before deciding whether to care for it yourself or to take it to a professional. Items made of wood or leather will likely need to air dry naturally, as heat can cause further damage.

When you are dealing with water in the home, time is of the essence, so act quickly to clean and salvage your items while you wait for professional assistance.

What You Should Know About Flood Damage as a Tenant

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

The tenant is responsible for any personal items that were damaged in a flood, but renter’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing those items.

As A Tenant, Here's What You Should Know About Flood Damage

When a storm or flood affects the home you’re renting in Kennewick, WA, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, knowing what renter’s insurance will and will not cover can help to eliminate some of the stress that comes with the restoration process.

1. Landlords Can Help Prepare for Floods

Mitigating the amount of damage that a flood can cause can help to protect your home. Before a storm or flood occurs, the landlord of a property can often take steps to prevent major damage from occurring, such as using tarps on roofs and boarding up windows. Additionally, your landlord can provide you with important information about how to evacuate if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home.

2. Tenants Cover Property Losses

Although it’s helpful to move important items, such as legal documents or items of sentimental value, in waterproof containers before a storm or flood, you may not have much warning before a flood occurs. As a result, valuable items may become damaged. The tenant is responsible for any personal items that were damaged in a flood, but renter’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing those items. It can be helpful to document the damage so your insurance company can give you fair compensation.

3. Landlords Cover Structural Damage

While the tenants’ insurance coverage will cover the cost of personal property damage, the landlord is responsible for fixing any structural damage that occurs as the result of a storm or flood. Structural damage can include damage to your home’s roof, pipes and more. However, if your items become damaged as a result of structural damage, you as the tenant are still responsible for replacing those personal belongings.

As a tenant, it can be useful to know that landlords can help to prepare you and your home for floods and storms; it’s also useful to know what your renter’s insurance will and won’t cover. If your home has been affected by flooding, it may be helpful to contact water damage restoration experts.

How To Use an Extinguisher During a Fire

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

A large house fire is a job for firefighters, but small fires can usually be handled with a fire extinguisher.

When A Fire Occurs, Here's How To Use An Extinguisher

Being able to protect your home in Richland, WA, can give you peace of mind. While you want to leave large fires to the fire department, every home should have at least one fire extinguisher on every floor that is easy to access in case of a minor emergency. It's not enough to own the devices, however. You and your family should know how to use them properly by following the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep) technique.

1. Pull

Every extinguisher comes equipped with a pin and a seal. When these items are intact, you know that no one has discharged or tampered with the device. In order to use it, you need to pull the pin out by gripping the tab and yanking it. This breaks the seal and prepares the extinguisher for use.

2. Aim

The nozzle of the fire extinguisher needs to be aimed at the right portion of the fire to work well. It may seem right to aim at the top so that the discharge rains down on the fire, but this is unlikely to put out a small kitchen fire. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze

Once you have the nozzle pointed in the right direction, squeeze the handle to release the contents of the extinguisher. Don't be afraid to use all of the extinguishing agent if that's what it takes to avoid as much fire damage as possible.

4. Sweep

The entire base of the fire should be covered. To accomplish this, you will need to sweep the nozzle back and forth from end to end of the fire. If you release all the contents and the fire is not out, fire mitigation specialists recommend that you call 911 to enlist professional help so that the fire doesn't get out of hand.

A large house fire is a job for firefighters, but small fires can usually be handled with a fire extinguisher. Knowing how to use it can help you put a fire out in a hurry.

What Kids Need To Know About House Fires

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Parents should teach kids safety measures in case of a home fire.

What Every Child Should Know About House Fires

Parents should teach kids safety measures in case of a home fire. Here are several steps that can prepare children to safely evacuate a burning structure.

What Fire and Smoke Alarms Mean

Fire and smoke alarms make loud sounds that are intended to get the attention of the occupants of a residence and wake anyone who may be sleeping when a fire starts. Familiarize kids with these noises and what they mean by testing alarms during fire drills. These drills should cover several fire escape basics:

• Rolling out of bed
• Pursuing evacuation routes
• Exiting the house

It is a good idea to do home fire drills several times a year to teach kids safety measures. Develop a plan to increase family fire safety awareness.

How To Evacuate

A fire safety strategy should include primary and secondary evacuation routes. Work with a simple floorplan or play a game in which kids find the fastest ways out of a house from each room. Determine which evacuation routes are best given the age and physical condition of all family members.

Where To Go

Another important part of a fire escape plan is identifying a safe place to meet after evacuating. Parents should make sure that a meetup location satisfies several criteria:

• Far enough away from a burning structure
• Known to all family members
• Not located downwind from smoke

Kids should know to go to this location and wait for other family members or help to arrive. Make reaching this location a part of regular fire drills.

Parents may want to practice evacuation maneuvers such as bed rolls, fire crawls, and door temperature tests during fire drills or turn preparedness practice into games. Teaching kids safety measures is an important part of a family fire safety plan. If fire damages your home in Kennewick, WA, rely on the expertise of mitigation and restoration specialists.

3 Ways Engineers Can Prevent Flooding in Urban Areas

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Many countries use various types of technologically advanced water barriers to stop high water in its tracks

Engineers Can Prevent Flooding In Urban Areas In Three Ways

Many cities throughout the world are aware of how devastating the damage caused by flooding can be. Whether they are located near large bodies of water or experience heavy rain on a consistent basis, there are several flood prevention methods engineers have used to protect the entire city. If your business in Kennewick, WA, has seen its fair share of damage caused by high water and is only back in business due to the work of skilled storm damage restoration specialists, you might be wondering what tactics are actually effective at preventing floods. Here are three ways engineers have used to help prevent flooding in urban areas around the world.

1. Water Barriers

Many countries use various types of technologically advanced water barriers to stop high water in its tracks. Water gates, dams, storm surge barriers, and dikes are all methods used to keep the ocean from flooding the nearby city. Various advancements like aqua-drive motors and movable gates are increasingly efficient at stopping floods in their tracks.

2. Enhanced Drainage Systems

Since typical rigid draining systems are unable to deal with a large amount of water runoff or rainfall, one way to address urban flooding is to enhance these draining systems and make them more flexible. Some cities have even adopted sustainable drainage options by replacing impermeable surfaces like concrete with soil and plant life.

3. Constructing Flood-Proof Businesses

Cities who experience frequent high water issues and flooding have begun to rethink how they construct buildings. From constructing buildings far above flood levels to using materials that are designed to withstand contact with water for long periods of time, there are ways to help businesses and homes better withstand the damage flooding causes.

It is important that cities develop ways to stop flooding in order to protect its citizens and allow growth within the city. While there are many unique ways cities have battled flooding around the world, these three methods are a good place to start!

How Water Damage Can Complicate Fire Cleanup Efforts

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Depending on the intensity of the blaze, completing a thorough fire cleanup may require numerous steps.

How Water Damage Can Make Fire Cleanup More Difficult

A fire can destroy or damage numerous aspects of your Richland, WA, business. Depending on the intensity of the blaze, completing a thorough fire cleanup may require numerous steps. In addition to addressing soot and smoke damage, you may also have to conduct an extensive water cleanup. Although potentially time-consuming, failure to accomplish this task may cause additional destruction, which may compromise restoration efforts.

Forms of Damage

Flames, smoke and intense heat can contribute to numerous forms of destruction:

• Charred debris
  
• Dry or oily soot residue
  
• Lingering aroma necessitating a smoke cleanup

Water damage is often another issue that requires prompt attention.

Origins of Water Damage

To combat a blaze, the responding fire-fighting team may employ an abundance of water. Your building’s fire sprinkler system may also engage. As a result, the affected area, including essential equipment, may become saturated and require a comprehensive water cleanup.

Assessment and Restoration

To minimize the risk of secondary mold contamination, it’s essential to promptly remove every wet object from the site. Items not burned by the inferno may be salvaged. To help achieve this, saturated equipment and furniture should be dried as quickly as possible and evaluated by a trained professional.

Preventing Mold Contamination

Because mold thrives in moist environments, contamination may be a serious concern. To help minimize the risk of extensive growth, it’s essential to remove wet building materials that may harbor spores, such as carpeting, drywall and insulation. It’s also important to ensure the space is completely dry before finalizing repairs.

A Comprehensive Cleanup Strategy

Recovering from a blaze may be both time-consuming and challenging. Although it can be a vital fire suppression tool, water can also compound the situation by causing additional destruction. To fully restore your building and protect it from mold contamination, you may need to take a comprehensive approach that includes soot and smoke damage repairs as well as an efficient water cleanup.

Watch For the Hidden Signs of a Leaky Bathtub or Shower

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Keep An Eye Out For The Signs Of A Leaky Bathtub Or Shower

If you are like many citizens of Finley, WA, you love to take a relaxing bath or shower. If you have a leak, however, your otherwise calming bath could turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, you do not have to wait for a shower or bathtub leak to sneak up on you.

Understanding the Consequences of a Bathroom Leak

As you probably know, bathroom leaks can cause a mess. You may not realize, though, that leaks often contribute to extensive damage inside your home. Specifically, following a bath or shower pan leak, you may notice damage to the following areas:

• Tile
  
• Drywall
  
• Fixtures
  
• Subflooring
  
• Paint
  
• HVAC systems

Finding Hidden Bathroom Leaks

When there is water on the bathroom floor, a leak can be easy to identify. Hidden leaks, however, often take weeks, months or longer to show themselves. As such, you must watch for some warning signs to know you may have water in place it isn’t supposed to be. Specifically, keep an eye out for the following:

• Mold growth
  
• Musty odors
  
• Floor weakness
  
• Stains

You may also not realize you have a shower or bathtub leak until you open your monthly utility bills. If your water bill spikes despite normal usage, you could have a hidden water leak somewhere in your home.

Repairing Water Damage

If you catch a bathroom leak immediately, you may only need to stop the leak and wipe up excess water. For leaks that last more than a few hours, however, damage may be extensive. To be certain your bathroom returns to its pre-leak condition, consider working with an experienced flood-mitigation technician. Specialists have the knowledge and equipment to identify leaks, clean belongings and repair damage.

You don’t want to ignore a shower or bathtub leak. While finding hidden leaks can be challenging, watching for their warning signs is usually worth the effort. With a bit of work, you can likely repair leaking fixtures and mitigate water damage.

Watch For the Hidden Signs of a Leaky Bathtub or Shower

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your local water, flood, and fire damage restoration professional. Call SERVPRO today to learn more about how we can help!

Keep An Eye Out For The Signs Of A Leaky Bathtub Or Shower

If you are like many citizens of Finley, WA, you love to take a relaxing bath or shower. If you have a leak, however, your otherwise calming bath could turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, you do not have to wait for a shower or bathtub leak to sneak up on you.

Understanding the Consequences of a Bathroom Leak

As you probably know, bathroom leaks can cause a mess. You may not realize, though, that leaks often contribute to extensive damage inside your home. Specifically, following a bath or shower pan leak, you may notice damage to the following areas:

• Tile
  
• Drywall
  
• Fixtures
  
• Subflooring
  
• Paint
  
• HVAC systems

Finding Hidden Bathroom Leaks

When there is water on the bathroom floor, a leak can be easy to identify. Hidden leaks, however, often take weeks, months or longer to show themselves. As such, you must watch for some warning signs to know you may have water in place it isn’t supposed to be. Specifically, keep an eye out for the following:

• Mold growth
  
• Musty odors
  
• Floor weakness
  
• Stains

You may also not realize you have a shower or bathtub leak until you open your monthly utility bills. If your water bill spikes despite normal usage, you could have a hidden water leak somewhere in your home.

Repairing Water Damage

If you catch a bathroom leak immediately, you may only need to stop the leak and wipe up excess water. For leaks that last more than a few hours, however, damage may be extensive. To be certain your bathroom returns to its pre-leak condition, consider working with an experienced flood-mitigation technician. Specialists have the knowledge and equipment to identify leaks, clean belongings and repair damage.

You don’t want to ignore a shower or bathtub leak. While finding hidden leaks can be challenging, watching for their warning signs is usually worth the effort. With a bit of work, you can likely repair leaking fixtures and mitigate water damage.

What To Do When a Toilet Overflows During a Shower

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home, you can count on SERVPRO, we offer our cleanup and restoration services around the clock, 7 days a week

When A Toilet Overflows During A Shower, What Should You Do?

A toilet overflow that occurs during a shower is a clear sign of a clogged pipe. If you own a toilet snake, you may be able to clear the clog. Otherwise, it will be necessary to call a plumber. Use the following sewage cleaning methods to clear clogs that form between the toilet and sewer.

1. Snake the Toilet

Use an auger or snake designed for use in toilets. Models are available with hand cranks or adapters that fit a power drill. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may want to run the snake through the toilet or remove the toilet and insert the snake directly into the floor drain.

2. Clear the Drain Cleanout

If snaking does not work, try clearing the clogged pipe at the drain cleanout. This cap on the main drain is located in the basement or crawlspace of a home. Use a long pipe wrench to remove the cap. Keep in mind that sewage cleaning may be necessary if the backup flows out of the uncapped cleanout. Run the snake through the cleanout opening.

3. Call a Plumber

If snaking the toilet, floor drain, or drain cleanout does not clear a clog, it will be necessary to call a plumber. Professionals have tools that can reach further than consumer-grade snakes and can also help with issues such as a sewer line that has become blocked by tree roots or that has collapsed.

The best way to test whether each measure is working is to run the shower and see if another toilet overflow occurs. If you are not sure how to use a snake, you may want to call a professional as soon as you notice the toilet overflowing during a shower. If your residence sustains sewage damage, you should also call a sewage cleaning and water damage restoration service in Kennewick, WA.

Nonstop Flushing: Solving the Flushometer Toilet Enigma

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

To avoid overflow or a possible toilet flood, you should first shut off the water to the affected toilet.

Nonstop Flushing: The Mystery of the Flushometer Toilet

A flushometer is a device found on most commercial toilets. While it works well, it does occasionally get clogged, leading to water continually flowing into a toilet and causing nonstop flushing. When this happens, property owners may grow concerned about toilet overflow or flooding. Thankfully, for manual flushometers, there can be an easy fix to this problem.

1. Shut Off the Water

To avoid overflow or a possible toilet flood, you should first shut off the water to the affected toilet. There should be a flathead screwdriver slot on either the left or right side of your flushometer. Turn the screwdriver to shut off the water supply. On some models, the groove may be hidden under a cover.

2. Remove Flushometer Lid and Flange Cover

Once you have eliminated the worry of toilet overflow by turning off the supply, you can remove the flushometer lid followed by the flange cover. To do this, you will need a wrench. You do not need to remove the top nut, only loosen it. The lid and flange cover should screw off easily. However, be aware that water may spill out when removing the cap.

3. Remove the Gasket and Clean

To stop a toilet from continually flushing, you must resolve the main issue, which is likely a dirty gasket. Once the cover is removed, you will see the gasket, likely with a lot of built-up sediment. Remove the gasket and clean it thoroughly, remembering to clear any debris from the weep hole.

4. Return Elements and Test the Fix

Once everything is clean, replace all the parts and turn the water back on. Hopefully, the cleaning worked, and your toilet stopped flushing. If not, you may want to contact a plumbing specialist in the Richland, WA, area to take a look.

A continually running and flushing toilet can lead to toilet overflow, so it is vital to resolve the issue quickly. Try the steps above to clean the gasket, but if that doesn’t work, then shut off the water supply and call in a professional.

Two Simple Chores That Can Prevent Fires

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

This was the aftermath of the Living Room area of a home that had a fire near the Living Room/Kitchen

Two Simple Tasks That Can Help You Avoid Fires

Learning about common sources of house fires can arm you with a little knowledge that can lead to a little change, and that change can lead to a big impact. Clothes dryers, for example, are one such common origin for many residential fires - about 2,900 per year according to the National Fire Protection Association. Learn how to reduce the chance of a dryer fire in your home in Finley, WA, with simple steps you can do yourself:

1. Clean the lint trap with every use. Clear the lint screen every time you start a load of clothing. This is an important, routine step that removes the source of tinder and keeps the vent clear from blockages. This is critical to reducing your chance of a lint fire. Never operate your dryer without a screen.
   
   
2. Do a deep lint removal once per year. The lint screen is the first line of defense, but the frequent use of your machine will certainly cause lint to accumulate in the vent pipe. It’s critical to do a deep cleaning of that pipe once a year.

Deep Cleaning Details

Deep lint removal is critical to preventing a lint fire, and it’s really easy to do. Just remove the screen and brush out the entrance of the vent pipe. Next, unplug your dryer and vacuum any visible lint from the backside. Disconnect your exhaust hose and clear it by snaking it, or take it outside to blow out dust with a shop vac or simply shake it out. Lastly, clear lint from the outside vent flap. Make sure air can flow freely in the hose by laying it out, so it is not kinked when you reconnect it.

Assessment

Cleaning your dryer is one of those small things that can make a big impact. If a lint fire causes damage to your home, it can be helpful to have a fire damage assessment done by a professional recovery company. Unlike general contractors, they specialize in damage recovery from major incidents like fires, floods and other major events.

Do I Have To Worry About Flood Damage If I'm a Tenant?

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

While not legally required to, landlords are also urged to let renters know about the potential for flooding in the area.

Do I Have To Be Concerned About Flood Damage As A Tenant?

Mitigating the risk of home flooding can be nerve wracking, and doing so in a landlord/tenant scenario brings its own set of unique worries. Both renter and tenant may wonder about practical things like who handles flood cleanup or whether renter’s insurance covers flood damage. Be prepared by understanding the responsibilities of renters and tenants in Kennewick, WA.

Landlord’s Responsibilities

Unfortunately for tenants, landlords are not responsible for insuring their tenants. It’s for this reason that so many rental properties insist on tenants obtaining a renter’s insurance policy to cover their belongings. The good news is that such policies are cheap and plentiful. In general, the landlord’s responsibilities when it comes to flood damage extend to:

• The building structure itself as well as flooring, wiring, plumbing, and appliances
• Repairs required to make a space legally habitable

While not legally required to, landlords are also urged to let renters know about the potential for flooding in the area. Doing so can shield landlords from liability suits.

Tenants' Responsibilities

Tenants have limited responsibility in the face of flood damage to a rental house or apartment. That responsibility generally extends only to the things that are inside a unit. Personal items are typically addressed by tenant insurance coverage, as is the cost of temporary relocation and normal living expenses if the building is unlivable.

With that said, flood insurance policies are indeed available to renters. Tenants can buy a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to cover contents up to $100,000. Like standard tenant insurance, this type of policy covers personal property and contents during a flood.

The decision to purchase flood insurance is up to the individual renter. In most cases, renter’s insurance is enough, but flood insurance can put your mind at ease. Use the above to inform your decision, or contact a local expert in flood damage cleanup to help you choose.

Grill Safety: Avoiding Fires

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Clean your barbeque on a regular basis to lessen your chances of starting such a fire.

Grill Safety: How to Avoid Fires

If you are a grilling enthusiast, the risk of starting a grill fire may have crossed your mind once or twice. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure better security while barbequing outside in Richland, WA. You just need to learn what those steps are. Here are 3 safety tips to keep in mind when cooking with your propane or charcoal grill.

1. Grill Placement Is Important

Never place your grill too close to your house. Keeping it away from hanging branches, rails and eaves is also a very good idea. The main thing to remember is that you want to keep as many flammable objects and surfaces as far away from the grill as possible to avoid a far-reaching barbeque fire that could cause extensive damage.

2. Clean Your Grill

Grill fires sometimes start because grease and other types of buildup have been left to sit on the grill’s trays and surface. Clean your barbeque on a regular basis to lessen your chances of starting such a fire. You will likely be pleased to have a cleaner piece of equipment, as well.

3. Stay by the Grill

A lit barbeque should never be left unattended. Stay very close to it during the entire time that you are cooking. You also need to make sure that no children or animals come near it at any time, as they will be unable to prevent an incident and may even cause one. Any time you are not watching your grill, a fire and subsequent smoke damage can occur.

Now that you have some ideas about how you can keep your home and family safer while grilling, you can cook some barbeque favorites with an easier mind. A grill fire is not fun, but taking the right precautions allows you to avoid many disastrous accidents outside of your Richland, WA, home.

My Toilet Leaks Every Time It Is Flushed

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you have problems with a leak in your house, call SERVPRO. We are specialists ready to help you with any water damage in your home.

Every Time I Flush My Toilet, It Leaks.

Nobody wants a leaking toilet. The biggest problem is that the leaks can be difficult to find. However, if a toilet leaks when flushed, that narrows the possibilities considerably. There are three toilet components that need to be examined on a toilet that leaks when flushed. They are the:

• Flange that is attached to the drain.
• Closet bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
• Wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the flange.

Try the Simplest Fix First

For the wax ring to do its job, it needs to be tightly compressed between the toilet and the flange. This compression is delivered by the closet bolts that attach the toilet to the floor. If these bolts are loose, water can leak around the wax ring when the toilet is flushing. You can tighten the bolts as follows.

1. Remove the caps covering the bolts.

2. Tighten the first bolt a little and rotate through the rest of the bolts doing the same. Repeat the process until all the bolts are snug. Do not overtighten the bolts or you may crack the toilet’s base.

3. Place the caps back on the bolts.

The Next Step Requires Removing The Toilet

If tightening the closet bolts didn’t stop your leaking toilet, the next step is to remove the toilet and examine the wax seal, the flange and the toilet. You are looking for:

• A broken Flange.
• Toilet damage where it meets the flange.
• A dry or damaged wax ring

If the toilet and flange seem undamaged, replace the old wax ring and reattach the toilet to the floor. Hopefully, the new wax ring eliminates the leak.

Leaks You Don’t See

The only thing worse than a leaking toilet is a toilet where the leak is out of sight. By the time such a bathroom leak is discovered, the damage can be significant. That’s when you call in water and sewer cleanup specialists located in the Finley, WA, area.

4 Ways To Bolster Your Business Against Flood Damage

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always ready to respond to any flood damage in your business.

4 Ways To Protect Your Business From Flood Damage

Even if you’ve never dealt with the issue personally before, you know that flooding is no joke, especially when it involves a business like yours. While being aware of the intensity of flood damage is important, it’s critical to take some precautions within your business in Kennewick, WA, to mitigate damage to your property if the issue ever does occur. Some effective steps include:

• Contracting a team of professionals ahead of time for faster responses during emergencies
• Backing up tech and databases
• Investing in the right insurance policies
• Preparing for damagesç

1. Seeking Professional Help

Regardless of how well you prepare your business, you’re still likely to see some sort of damage if the flood is bad enough, especially if you’re dealing with a threat like black water. Having a chosen team of professionals contracted and on hand means you’ll get faster response times during floods, meaning you’ll receive better damage mitigation thanks to more timely efforts.

2. Uploading Information to the Cloud

Not only do you run the risk of losing computers and other tech during floods, but also the important records and data that they hold. Take the time to back up your data on discs or to a cloud service so you have one less thing to worry about when and if flooding occurs within your business.

3. Adding Extra Insurance Coverage

Of course, having the right insurance can go a tremendous way towards recovering your business after flood damage has occurred. However, you may also want to check into adding business interruption insurance to your policy in order to have the best security possible during renovations.

4. Taking Preventative Measures

Prevention is often the best medicine, and the same can be said for keeping flood waters out of your business. Upgrade your weather stripping, have professional plumbers inspect your waterworks annually and take a few other steps to decrease the likelihood of flooding occurring in the first place. Dealing with floods is never simple, but following these 4 steps can help to mitigate the damage and make the cleanup process easier and less stressful.

How To Handle a Flood in the Basement

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you to handle any flood damage in your home.

How To Handle A Basement Flood

There are many factors that can contribute to the flooding of your home’s basement. While there are some things you can do to lower your risk of damages, at some point in the life of your house in Richland, WA, the presence of unwanted water in your basement is almost inevitable. When it happens, experienced water restoration specialists can help get it dry and functional again.

Causes of Water in the Basement

No matter how vigilant you are to waterproof your basement, you may still find the occasional puddle or even standing water on the floor. Excess water can have myriad causes:

• Rising water table after a heavy rain
• Cracks in the foundation that allow groundwater to seep in
• Intense runoff from gutters and downspouts
• Broken or leaking pipes
• Overflow from appliances
• Malfunction of sump pump or flood control devices

The first thing restoration technicians will want to do is find the cause of the flooding. They may have to perform pipe repair or some other task to keep the water from entering. Once they have taken care of the source, they can begin the repairs.

Dealing with Damage

When you experience a basement flood in Richland, WA, it is important to take the advice of the professionals you hire. Once they have removed the excess water and repaired or replaced the flooring and walls affected by it, they can finish with the drying process. These technicians can also be rich sources of information on how to control the humidity level in your basement so you can avoid mildew or mold problems.

While flooding in your basement is likely to occur at some point, do not let the threat of floods stop you from maximizing the space. As long as you keep a watchful eye on it and call experienced professionals when you need water restoration services, you can enjoy your basement for years to come.

3 Ways To Prevent Mold From Growing Inside Your Home

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

For any mold growth in your home, SERVPRO is always ready to respond.

3 Ways To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

Protecting your Finley, WA, home from mold can prevent costly repairs and the time it takes to treat it. While mold spores are naturally present in the air, they can multiply during times of high humidity or after a residence suffers water damage. However, there are ways you can prevent mold from taking hold inside your home, whether you are dealing with the aftermath of flood damage or simply want to protect your home from unwelcome fungi.

1. Maintain Your Plumbing System

Leaky pipes under sinks, old toilets and corroded plumbing in your basement or attic can all cause conditions ripe for mold growth. Leaky pipes and appliances can keep surfaces constantly moist, and since mold spores are attracted to moisture, this can cause them to latch on and multiply. Maintaining your plumbing and having a flood cleanup and restoration company come in to find trouble spots if water damage occurs can keep your home free of the moisture that attracts mold spores.

2. Use an Air Filter

One way to practice mold prevention in your home is to invest in an air filtration unit that captures mold spores. Consider using one with a HEPA filter and carbon cartridge to keep your home's air safe and fresh. There are many different models available, and some include a programmable system that allows the unit to run without daily adjustments.

3. Maintain From the Outside In

Keeping your property free of pooling or stagnant water and maintaining your home's drainage system can prevent water from seeping into your basement, where mold is commonly found. Mold spores do not need sunlight to grow and can thrive in dark, moist environments, so keeping your basement dry and ensuring moisture drains away from your home can control mold growth.

While mold occurs naturally, keeping it from encroaching on your Finley, WA, home can prevent costly treatments and the spread of different species of fungi. Maintaining your plumbing and drainage systems and cleaning up water damage quickly are the best ways to keep it at bay.

Mold Growth After a Water Leak

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage leads to mold growth.

Misconceptions about mold abound. One is that mold inside a business in West Richland, WA, is an unusual and disastrous problem. In reality, mold is a natural organism that thrives from moisture and is everywhere; therefore, it is only natural that it so commonly grows inside of building structures, especially in basements and crawlspaces. However, mold growth is accelerated after water damage, including water leaks. Though naturally occurring, an overabundance of mold can be damaging to building structure and air quality if left untreated.

Most Common Sources of Water Leaks

Here are some of the most common sources of water leaks that often result in mold buildup and spread in as little as 48–72 hours:

• Corrosion – If you notice any rusting, warping or discoloration of your plumbing pipes, there is a high risk that they are or will be leaking.

• Clogged drain lines – Severely clogged lines can lead to overflowing or burst pipes. Examples include obstructed gutters and air handler drainage.

• Broken seals – Seals exist around all water connectors, such as those attached to appliances. As they age, seals may wear or break. If you notice condensation or water damage anywhere around an appliance, it may be a broken seal.

• Excess water pressure – Though it may make for good showers, pipes can become strained and leak from high water pressure.

• Intruding tree roots – This is one of the most unexpected yet common causes of water leaks. If there are trees close to your business, the roots can restrict and even break the water lines. This can result in excess moisture on your grounds, leading to excess moisture in your basement or crawl space and fueling mold buildup.

• Extreme temperature changes – Pipe expansion and contraction occurs with sudden and severe temperature changes. This can crack the pipes, especially with freezing temperatures.

Keeping these situations in mind will help you notice any problems much more quickly.

What To Do Next

If you notice any sort of water damage from a leak, consider contacting mold prevention and remediation specialists. Because mold spreads quickly, treatment is often more effective if done quickly.

Water Damage: The Unexpected Result of a Fire

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Firefighters must extinguish the fire fast to prevent your home from being fully burned. To do so, they saturate the affected area with water.

Water Damage: An Unexpected Fire Result

Fire damage in your home can be extensive, even if firefighters catch it before it consumes the whole house. What many people often don't consider is that significant water damage is often part of the aftermath of a house fire. If a fire breaks out in your home in Finley, WA you will probably need to hire restoration experts who specialize in both fire and water remediation techniques.

Damage From the Fire

Smoke and soot are likely to be your main problems during restoration. Fire creates both issues, and they permeate any space the fire touches. Fire can also cause flooding, however. High temperatures rage during a house fire. It doesn't take a long time for heat to cause other problems:

• Melted or damaged pipes
• Melted supply lines
• Cracked toilets

Once the heat starts to melt pipes and supply lines, the water inside them leaks out and wreaks havoc. If your home is equipped with a sprinkler system, this can minimize the fire damage, but it also increases the likelihood that your home and its contents will be damaged by water.

Damage From the Rescue

In order for your home not to be completely consumed, firefighters must put the fire out quickly. To do so, they release a large amount of water into the affected area. Water can come out of a fire hose at an alarming rate, and that water can add to the damage already plaguing your home. It can seep into the floor, causing floorboards to buckle. It can saturate the walls and the insulation behind it. If left unchecked, it can lead to a mold problem.

Remediation services in Finley, WA can tackle both water and fire damage after a fire ravages your home. Knowing what to expect may not make the problem go away faster, but it can lessen a little bit of the stress if you know the professionals you hire can address the whole issue.

Best Ways To Drain a Flooded Basement

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

A sump pump can get volumes of water out of your home.

How Do I Stop My Basement From Flooding?

In some settings, water offers the perfect opportunity for fun, games, play and relaxation. Of course, it’s never good to find it on the floor of your Finley, WA, home. A basement flood can cause severe problems, and these incidents can start from many sources. No matter what the culprit may be, it’s essential to get rid of the water as soon as possible so you can avoid further health and safety issues.

Call a Trained Professional

A flooded home can be a daunting task to tackle. Luckily, you don’t have to combat it on your own. If you’ve had water damage, you need to contact a qualified restoration specialist right away. The professionals have the knowledge and tools to remove the water.

• The pros will use a heavy-duty pump to remove standing water.
  
• For saturated carpets and for smaller problems, the technician will use a wet vac.
  
• The professional will then thoroughly dry the area to prevent mold growth.
  
  

Pump Method

If your basement flood has brought a significant amount of water into your home, you’ll need more than a simple water extractor to get rid of it. This is why the professionals use waterproof pumps to get large volumes of water out of your home. The technician will use different sizes of hoses, depending on how much water is in your home. The person will pump the water out of your home so it will slope toward the storm drain outside.

Wet Vacuum

Even minor floods require intervention. If you neglect this step, mold could grow in your home, and you may have a problem with insurance coverage as well. Wet vacuums are easy to operate and can suck out up to 5 gallons of water per tank from your floor.

As basement flood is nothing you should take lightly. Make sure you hire competent help that will use these effective methods.

Can Odors After Flooding Be Removed?

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Restoration services in Benton City, WA.

The Path To An Odor-Free Building

Have you noticed a strong odor coming from your commercial building in Benton City, WA, after it was affected by flooding caused by a storm? Bad smells can be associated with sewage backup and mold growth. Thankfully, a commercial odor removal team can help you get your property back to its former glory. The path to an odor-free building may be different depending on the cause of the smell.

Sewer Smells

Sewage loss can cause your entire building to smell like the sewer. This strong smell can drive away customers and make it hard for your employees to go to work. Removing this type of strong odor may require a vigorous cleaning process that includes the following steps:

1. Removing standing water.
2. Throwing away items touched by the sewage.
3. Ripping out flooring, fixtures and walls.
4. Cleaning remaining surfaces.
5. Replacing any items that had to be discarded.
   
   

Your cleanup crew may also use a deodorizing agent to get rid of the unappetizing smell. However, this deodorizer is only helpful after the source of the smell has been cleaned.

Musty Aromas

Flood water can also cause mold to start to grow in your commercial space. This is especially true for floods caused by rain water and sewage backup. The smell of mold growth can only be removed by getting to the source of the problem. You can try to cover up the aroma, but it will likely keep coming back unless you completely remove the growth. A mold remediation crew can find the fungus colony, remove it and fix the moisture problems that allow it to thrive. Once these steps are completed, your commercial space may start to smell normal again.

No one wants to walk into a commercial building to smell the unmistakable odor of mold growth or sewage backup. Removing these smells from your space requires serious cleaning, disinfecting and restoring of the property. If you skip any of the necessary steps, the odor may resurface when the problem returns.

How to Properly Clean Your Belongings After a Fire

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Richland, WA.

Content Cleaning

If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a fire in your Richland, WA, home, you may now be focused on the aftermath of it all, which involves salvaging your belongings. Some people assume they must throw out their clothes, books, and other items simply because they smell like smoke, but that isn’t always the case. Although the smell is bothersome, dry cleaning is one of several ways to remove the odor and restore items.

Have Your Clothes Professionally Washed

If you’ve tried washing clothes in laundry detergent and the scent still lingers, you may want to consider enlisting help from professionals. Rather than attempting to remove the odor and any stains from your shirts, pants, and other accessories, bring the items to the dry cleaning company where experts can use various products that are meant to clean and deodorize clothes.

Use a Scrub Brush

When you’re trying to complete a thorough content cleaning of some of your other belongings, consider using a scrub brush to scrub away at any of the soot that may be left behind on items. It’s possible to use a scrub brush on many products, such as:

• Tables
  
• Chairs
  
• Bureaus
  
• Nightstands
  
• Hardback books
  
  

Before you start scrubbing, it’s wise to put a mask on that will cover both your mouth and your nose so that you’re not breathing in the heavy scent of smoke while focusing on the cleaning process.

If there are a lot of items that must be cleaned but you don’t have time to take care of it all in one day, you could consider checking out content storage options in Richland, WA. Storage facilities may allow you to put those items away until you’re ready to give them the thorough cleaning they need.

After experiencing a fire in the home, you may now be focused on salvaging items and restoring the home back to its original condition. If you’re worried you’ll have to throw away some of your clothes and other valuable, important items, consider other cleaning alternatives, such as dry cleaning for clothes that currently smell like smoke.

Professional Technicians

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Tri Cities West/Franklin County for your restoration needs!

SERVPRO Technicians in Kennewick, WA are always professional and maintain a file process, whether you’re paying out-of-pocket or insurance is covering your loss, you can be assured that there is a detailed record and pictures of the events of each job that meets the standard in the Insurance industry.

The job file forms include:

SERVPRO first notice of loss FNOL documents proper identification of the loss which is important for proper preparation of the job, including the appropriate technicians, tools and equipment.

Authorization to Perform Services must be signed by the customer before work begins and signifies the official hiring of a SERVPRO franchise to perform services. We won’t trick you into services: You always get to choose. 

SERVPRO Customer Information Form - Water Damage provides answers to commonly asked questions and alleviates potential misunderstanding, give you a clear expectation and helps answer your questions.

SERVPRO Water Damage Emergency Services Report provides a record of the emergency work done to mitigate the loss.

SERVPRO Water Damage, Equipment Validation and Drying Report tracks the usage of drying equipment and the progress of the drying process to ensure quick and effective drying results that comply with IICRC standards.

Certificate of Satisfaction provides written evidence the job was performed to the customer’s satisfaction. It is our way to ensure perfect customer service.

SERVPRO is the brand you know and trust

Flooded Basement? Here Are Some Key Tips

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

We can dry your basement quickly

A basement can flood at any time; although this is the season we see the most flood damage because flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall and snow melt. Basements are naturally prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a structure and are generally built partially or completely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Kennewick, WA basement could flood, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer pipe
• Heavy rain causing exterior water to collect near your structure
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage damage
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (509)943-9290

If flood water is not controlled rapidly and correctly, it can endanger your health and safety, and cause extreme damage to your building. Remember, If you act fast then there is a good chance you can restore the property and damaged materials instead of replacing them; saving you money and time.

KEY SAFETY TIPS:

1. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
2. Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
3. Use no open flames (there may be gas escaping from ruptured mains).
4. Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
5. Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters
6. Return only when authorities indicate it's safe.

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 Tri-Cities West/Franklin County 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 and we are confident that we can earn yours too.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (509)943-9290

Fire and Smoke Cleanup 101

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage

Tips That Can Help You After Fire And Smoke Damage

Fires, even small ones, create a great mixture of cleaning challenges because of the ways smoke and flames interact with the environment. The materials being burnt, heat, oxygen, moisture and gases interact to form smoke residues, unique chemical reactions and unique soot. SERVPRO is the expert in the proper cleaning techniques for each unique item damaged caused by a fire.

Here are some great cleaning tips and tricks for you after you have suffered from fire and smoke damage.

Do:

• Call your insurance agent as soon as possible
• Restrict movement in the area to avoid soot from being ingrained into carpet, upholstery and fabric.
• Use gloves when touching items. Sometimes the ash and chemical reaction with oils from your fingers will leave a permanent fingerprint on items.
• If your electricity is off, remember to remove all your food and brace the doors open to help avoid strong odors
• If it’s winter and your heat is off, winterize your pipes as soon as possible to avoid frozen pipes
• Keep your HVAC system off until it can be cleaned and serviced by a professional

Don’t:

• Don’t attempt to wash walls, painted surfaces, shampoo carpets, clothing, fabrics or upholstery without first contacting your SERVPRO professional. Sometimes using wetting items will actually permanently set the soot and smoke.
• Don’t turn on fixtures, appliances or electrical switches if there is water in the structure from the fire rescue attempts. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock. First consult with a trained and reputable fire restoration technician.
• Don’t consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Don't toss out items even if they seem destroyed. SERVPRO can often restore these items using state of the art techniques and equipment, including irreplaceable documents and pictures.
• Don’t wait to call SERVPRO; your local experts on fire damage restoration. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back.

SERVPRO... The brand you know and trust.

Can An Air Filtration System Remove Mold From a Home?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage

Air filtration systems often make many claims. Some assert that they can remove mold from a room, but is it true? The answer is both yes and no. Here’s what you need to know before you purchase one.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi. Mold spores are in all the air that you breathe and in general, are entirely harmless. This includes inside air, which typically contains hundreds of mold spores per cubic meter.
The problem isn’t the spores, it’s what they need to survive that can become an issue. Black mold needs three things to thrive:

• A food source
  
• A water source
  
• A restricted airflow.
  
  

Why Is Mold Bad?
Black mold rarely finds a hospitable environment outdoors. But homes are filled with its favorite food: cellulose. Wood, drywall and paper are a feast to it. It also grows on textiles, such as carpets and couches. Plus, once established, it tends to spread everywhere. It also eats away at the materials your home is made of and emits a disgusting odor that can fill a home.

Can an Air Filtration System Eliminate Mold?
While they can’t actually remove established mold, an air purifier with a certified HEPA air filter can reduce mold spores in the air. Nothing short of expensive, laboratory-grade filtration will eliminate spores, but a HEPA filter is the gold standard for home air purification and most experts recommend getting one.

How Can You Get Rid of Established Mold?
Black mold is extremely tenacious once it settles in. It requires sophisticated techniques, disinfectants and equipment that only the top local mold restoration experts have access to. The impacted area must be contained to prevent further spread, and the source of the excess moisture will be identified and corrected. Indoor mold always indicates a problem with moisture intrusion.
Mold cleanup includes cleaning the contents of your home. In most cases, it’s cheaper to replace heavily mold-damaged items, but if they are valuable or sentimental, they can often be saved by experts.
Air filtration is one way to reduce the number of spores in your indoor air. However, it’s not going to be effective at eliminating established mold.

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Odors? Get Rid of Them For Good!

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems. Water and mold damage or other issues can also be a culprit for funky smells and odors.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) SERVPRO professionals can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire, smoke, water or mold damage.

SERVPRO professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance: they seek out and remove the source of the odor.

Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

Ask a SERVPRO professional to explain the various deodorization methods available and which one works best for you.

If you or someone you know recently suffered fire damage or some other accident that requires deodorization services, Contact SERVPRO immediately for a free scope.

Whether it's fire, water, or mold damage or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, We’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold Weather Killer

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes.

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (or CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and propane burn incompletely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning with some groups including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or repertory problems being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages. Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters. Fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.
• Open a damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home
• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for the exhaust clear and unblocked.
• If you need a warm vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueling motor or engine indoors even if the garage door is open. Make sure the exhaust of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the door is open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

With every flood comes a flood of emotions. With every fire, a momentary spark of uncertainty and loss of control.

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

With Every Flood Comes A Flood of Emotions.

With every fire, a momentary spark of uncertainty and loss of control.

And when it’s your home, your business or your belongings that become damaged, you don’t just want things clean; you want your life back as well.

And that’s where SERVPRO comes in... like a hero to the rescue.

A company with over 40 years of experience in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO professionals are faster to any size disaster. Our #1 goal is to turn items back to pre loss condition. Doing all we can to help homeowners and business owners regain control following a disaster.

SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help you when you suffer from water, fire or mold damage. We blend customer service and high knowledge and education of water, fire and mold damage. The result is a 24 hour emergency medication damage restoration, and a quality job you can be assured with.

We use documented, measured performance to improve the value for you. You can be assured will do our very best to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Flood Damage in Kennewick, WA

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to your commercial property, we mean business.

A property in Kennewick, WA was flooded and filled with contaminated water from the creek and storm runoff. A small local company tried restoring it however the job was just too big and complex. When the sun rose on the 3rd day without any progress they called in SERVPRO. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team had the 3 feet of water in a 36,000 sq ft building gone just 6 hours after starting the job, contents were removed on day 2 and demo started on day 3. We are faster to any size disaster because we understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity for your business. 

Flooding and water damage events at Tri Cities 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 Tri Cities West 

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West/Franklin County 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.

Here's To Our Youth!

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Donations make these amazing programs for our youth possible!

The countdown is on! 

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West is participating to raise money for our community youth with Junior Achievement of Washington Southeastern Region at their annual fundraising Rodeo Bowl.

Junior Achievement is a program designed to help our youth with work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to face real world experiences.

And donations make these amazing programs for our youth possible! Without the generous supporters, JA could not meet the growing demand for their high-impact programs.

JA's K-12 programs provide relevant, hands-on education and reach nearly 11,000 youth in the Tri-cities region and more than 75,000 students annually throughout Washington and Northern Idaho.

SERVPRO of TRI-CITIES WEST supports JA because we understand the tremendous need for a well-educated workforce, and appreciate the value in our youth. We believe that education is the essential component of success for young people and their future.

Restoring Your Tri Cities Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

We are commercial cleanup experts.

Flooding and water damage events at Tri Cities 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 Tri Cities West 

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West/Franklin County 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.

5 Reasons To Choose A Fire Damage Mitigation Professional To Do the Whole Job

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration in a Port Kelley, WA.

Here Are Five Reasons Why

When your business gets fire damage, hopefully, it’s extremely isolated. However, once smoke has filled a room or spread into multiple rooms, you’re probably going to need professional assistance.
One option is to hire different companies for different jobs. For instance, you could hire a soot damage specialist to remove the smoke residue and a carpet cleaning company to restore your carpets and fabrics. However, most insurance adjusters in  Port Kelley, WA, prefer you to hire a single full-service fire restoration company to handle everything. 

Everything Is Done One Way

Using a one-stop shop to handle all the fire mitigation means consistency throughout the job. They’ll be able to ensure the results aren’t a jumble of different styles or methods.

Greater Flexibility

When one restoration company handles the whole job, they can respond to your specific needs better. Each restoration project is different and choosing a company dedicated to restoring versus replacing when possible will help save your possessions and reduce the cost and time of completion.

Breadth of Knowledge

Fire mitigation can be highly complicated. Instead of hiring individual contractors for each job, hiring a single fire damage restoration expert means they understand the idiosyncrasies of fire and smoke damage.
Plus, the water damage from firefighting efforts can exceed the damage from the flames. Water can cause long-term damage to the building materials and foundation. Black mold colonies frequently form if the excess moisture isn’t removed from a building.

Due Diligence Is Easier

You should check the verified reviews and licenses of contractors before hiring. This is much simpler with a single restoration company than multiple ones. Plus, if you choose a Preferred Vendor, they can work more closely with your insurance to make sure everything is done right.

No Shoddy Subcontractors

Some repair contractors will take your money and hire cheap subcontractors. Choosing a Preferred Vendor means you’re guaranteed satisfaction from both the restoration company and your insurance adjuster.
When you choose a single expert, you’re much more likely to get the job done right and quickly. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What To Do Before an Insurance Adjuster Arrives at Your Home

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

The insurance adjuster works closely with our team from start to finish.

Follow The Below Steps

If your Kennewick, WA property suffers water damage following a storm or plumbing issue, you should file an insurance claim right away. A home adjuster will then come to your house to assess the loss. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, follow the below steps.

1. Identify the Damage
The inspection will go much more quickly if the adjuster knows where to look once he or she arrives. You should thus walk around your home and note any damage ahead of time. Do not forget about exterior structures such as the pool and garage.

2. Get Proof of Your Losses
Your word alone is not enough to substantiate your losses. Make an inventory of everything that was damaged and locate the receipts for those items. You could also take videos or photos of the destruction and show them to the adjuster.

3. Understand How Claims Are Determined
The home adjuster may give you an estimate that is lower than you expect. This could lead to tension or a fight with the insurance company. It thus helps to know before the adjuster's visit what factors he or she will use to calculate the value of claim.
The details of your policy will play a big role. Find out if your policy includes replacement costs or actual cash value. Replacement cost policies do not deduce for depreciation when giving you money to replace damaged items.
If you have an older home, it may not be up-to-date with the latest building codes. When cleanup and restoration professionals rebuild your property after the loss, they will have to comply with these codes. This extra cost is not always included in homeowners' policies.
Before the home adjuster arrives to your property, make note of all the damage that occurred. You should also read over your policy so you will know exactly what is covered. This way, you should not be surprised by the adjuster's estimate.

4 Things To Do After a Disaster

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Your insurance policy is a contract.

Steps To Filing An Insurance Claim

If you are filing an insurance claim for your business, you will start working with an adjuster. This person will meet with you over the phone or in-person to settle your claim. Either way, you will need to follow a certain set of steps to get through this process.

1. Read Your Policy
Your policy is a financial management tool. View it as the contract between your business and your insurance company. This document explains your coverage amounts, what items are covered, and how you will be compensated for an insurance claim. For instance, this document can tell you how much you can spend on hiring a remediation company, such as SERVPRO. Knowing your policy is crucial.

2. Inventory Your Items
Take inventory of your items in Island View, WA, before disaster strikes. This will be extremely helpful when facing a stressful situation and can't remember what was in your building.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company
After a loss occurs, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. If the disaster happens during working hours, you can call your agent directly. Otherwise, most companies have a 24-hour insurance claim line for disasters that occur overnight. You can find this information by calling the voicemail of your agent. You may also have the number in your policy.

4. Get a Claims Check
The goal is to make your business whole again. Every insurance company will get to this goal differently. Most companies have an agent contact you and discuss the damage. They can help you reach an agreement on how much the company needs to pay you for property damage, inventory losses, and costs associated with disaster restoration professionals.
Your insurance policy is a contract. This is the key to recovering from a disaster financially. The claims process is what your insurance agent will use to fulfill this contract. To get through this successfully, make sure you know key information. Then, be sure to notify your insurance company promptly. This can help you get your check quickly.

How To Avoid Secondary Water Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Take quick action and call professionals to avoid the expense and inconvenience of secondary issues.

After a pipe breaks or the toilet backs up, your first efforts will involve cleaning up the water and then cleaning and drying your home. Sometimes, however, those initial efforts aren't enough to prevent secondary damage. The best way to avoid black mold and other trouble related to the initial water damage is to clean as thoroughly as possible, sometimes with the help of South Highlands, WA, professionals.

Understand the Damage Possibilities

There are several types of secondary harm that can cause serious damage:

Mold growth is one of the most common types of damage after you've had water damage in your property. The high humidity that develops during flooding allows moisture to develop behind the walls, and this creates a welcoming environment for black mold.
Water damage also invites intruders such as insects and rodents. A small drip of water moistens building materials enough that it is easy for mice or insects to chew their way inside.
Dry rot happens when wood holds onto moisture for a prolonged amount of time. This weakens the integrity of the structure.
If moisture is allowed to rest on metal pipes, nails, and other building materials, it isn't unusual to find signs of rust or corrosion.

Other types of damage could include vinyl peeling up from the floor and swollen walls. Unfortunately, this damage may not be covered by your insurance.

How To Avoid Secondary Issues
It is possible to avoid secondary damage. Start by opening windows for ventilation and removing water as quickly as possible. Move any furniture, rugs, and other water-logged items outside or into a dry room. Next, contact water damage and restoration professionals. These crews of technicians have specialized equipment to dry your building thoroughly, sanitize building materials and furnishings, and test for hidden pockets of humidity and potential damage.
Don't wait until you notice black mold before you get help after a burst pipe or other water-related emergency. Take quick action and call professionals to avoid the expense and inconvenience of secondary issues.

The PPE Worn During Mold Removal

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Mold removal in Port Kelley, WA

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is necessary to protect the workers from a remediation company when removing mold from a business in Port Kelley, WA. There are several pieces of equipment they will wear for any job, and there are several pieces that they will only wear for severe cleanups.

Standard PPE

Several PPE pieces are mandatory to protect workers and prevent the spread of spores during the mold remediation process. This includes:

• A hard hat
  
• Safety goggles
  
• Disposable gloves
  
• Shoe covers
  
• A respirator or face mask
  
  

Additional PPE
If a site is larger than 100 square feet, there is excessive mold or a substantial amount of dust will be generated, additional PPE pieces are required to protect workers. These should be worn over the standard PPE. One requirement is a more substantial face mask, with N, R, or P 100 filters. In the most severe cases, workers may also choose to use a charcoal infused filter to prevent odors from lingering in their mask. They should also consider abrasive blasting respirators to prevent certain particles from being inhaled.
Another enhancement that can be made to standard PPE is non-vented safety goggles so that no debris or spores can get around the eyes. If harsh chemicals are being used, workers may also be encouraged to wear longer disposable gloves to reduce their exposure risk further. Aside from these upgrades, workers on more severe mold cases should also wear a disposable Tyvek suit to reduce their chance of coming into contact with spores and chemicals. They may also choose to upgrade their disposable clothing further by looking for suits that cover the head and feet.
Professionals who are removing mold growth must take several precautions to prevent contact with spores, chemicals, and other debris. For small tasks, this includes wearing standard PPE. For larger or more dangerous tasks, this includes standard PPE plus any additional PPE required.

Secondary Damage is a Sign of Underlying Concerns

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Kennewick, WA home

Secondary Damage is a Sign of Underlying Concerns

When your body suffers from a cold, you develop outward symptoms. You may cough or sneeze. Fevers might develop. Congestion sets in. A home is no different. It too shows exterior signs of something being wrong. Black mold, peeling paint, unusual smells, and rusty pipes are indicators that the property has an underlying condition. Known as primary damage, something is off, allowing moisture to penetrate into the building. Homeowners must tend not only the visual signs but also the source. Only then can the premises get back to proper order.

What Causes the Trouble?

Your residence's high humidity or dampness is arising from something. Ask a water restoration company in Kennewick, WA, to investigate. Their team of knowledgeable crew has the technology and testing ability to determine what is off. It could be any of the following:

• Broken pipe
• Appliance malfunction
• Sewer backup
• Air conditioner leak
• Irrigation trouble
• Missing Shingles

Locating this problem is important and must be done to stop the overall harm.

Are Secondary Concerns Really Important?
Water, while quite good for the body, is not beneficial to the house. When it lingers, various conditions may occur. Black mold, a lover of moisture, may set in. The flooring can become ruined. Drywall may be drenched. These are usually more expensive and time-consuming to fix because they mean an overhaul of the space.
Secondary damage requires tearing out saturated materials and drying out procedures. Porous objects are hard to sanitize. If they become soaked, the team often resorts to removal. That means drywall and carpeting are pulled out and belongings must be evaluated. Left alone, the situation could exacerbate.
When your eyes begin to see something is wrong, act quickly. Delays can complicate cleanup, permitting other complications to arise. Black mold and expensive repairs may be prevented when you fix the primary source and react swiftly to the secondary conditions.

6 Things to Look for When Choosing a Restoration Company

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Look for a qualified company, look for SERVPRO!

6 Things to Look for When Choosing a Restoration Company

As a business owner, you need to know how to choose a remediation company after your company sees fire damage. Whether you are dealing with excessive flames and smoke damage or water damage from the extinguishing process, there are several key things to look for when choosing your fire mitigation and restoration company.

1. Location
Companies near your business in Richland, WA can quickly arrive at the scene and assess your situation. Companies that are far away could take longer to get to your location, delaying the restoration process. Therefore, you want to choose a local company.

2. Credentials
Look for a contractor that has the appropriate license and insurance. A licensed company means that they are qualified to perform the work. It also means that the company is free of any unresolved complaints.

3. Availability
Restoration teams need to be at a site quickly. If your building is suddenly unusable because of fire damage, you want to have a company with the availability to take your project immediately.

4. References
Check with past clients for references about the company's professionalism. You can also check the company's social media sites and third-party review sites for insight from past clients.

5. Insurance Policies
A reputable company is willing and able to work with your insurance company. Look for a contractor who negotiates your claim with your insurance. They will be able to discuss the source and the damage from the fire. They should also make sure that your insurance will cover the damage.

6. Industry Standards
The restoration industry has certain standards that contractors must abide by. You can find overviews of these industry standards online. Make sure that the company you choose can meet these standards.
If your business is engulfed in fire damage, you will need to find a remediation company quickly. Look for a qualified company that will work with your insurance adjuster for you. Also, make sure that they can arrive and perform the work quickly.

Why You Want To Use A Water Restoration Company

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians.

When you suffer flood or fire damage

it is time to think about the Water Damage restoration. This is a multi-faced task and it involves drying the excess water in your home/business while at the same time repairing the water damaged material. It is important that you should start with restoration, repair and clean up as soon as you can after the damage so that you can prevent further water damage, mildew and the mold growth. It is recommended that it should take place in 24 hours after the event.

The best way to deal with the water damage is to call the water damage restoration company in your area. They will get rid of the water in effective and safe manner and it is the best resources without damaging the property further.

You should consider the SERVPRO of Tri Cities West because they will be able to do the restoration, repair and the clean up fast and thoroughly. The water damage restoration company has trained employees, moisture sensing equipment that can sense if studs and insulation are wet, and a team who will work together to ensure that they get rid of the problem as fast as they can and prevent the problems of secondary water damage to the home.

The companies will also help you prevent the growth of the mildew and mold in the home by making sure that there is no excess water. When there is mold in the home, SERVPRO of Tri Cities West will also use industrial grade disinfectants with cleaners to make sure that it does not pose any secondary damages.

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West is the best source if you want to restore your Kennewick home without putting your home/business or family at risk. When you get the services of this company, you will be able to move back into your home faster since the company has the right tools to make sure that they get rid of all the water

Tri Cities West 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

When your Kennewick home has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.

Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Tri-Cities, WA.

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 509-943-9290

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 Tri-Cities West 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)?

Call Us Today! (509) 943-9290

This Is a Drill: How To Teach Your Escape Plan to Your Employees

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

An unexpected disaster can cause fear and panic in your employees. A solid emergency plan for escaping that disaster, however, can increase their confidence and thus the likelihood that they will conduct themselves calmly and rationally when a problem arises. If a situation that requires evacuation comes up during the workday, you will be glad you made a plan and trained employees to carry it out through the use of practice sessions such as a fire drill.

Making the Plan

As the business owner, you are the best equipped to devise the escape plan for your business in Kennewick, WA that will work the best for your employees. Each plan should contain the following elements:

• Alarm procedures
• Evacuation routes and meeting areas
• Chain of command and division of responsibilities
• Emergency kit containing water, flashlights and first aid items
• Contact list of employees for confirming their safety
• Clear reporting structure
• Contact information for insurance company and restoration specialists

The time to plan for a natural disaster or fire is before it happens. After you have the plan, it's time to train your employees.

Training the Staff

Whether you are staging a fire drill or testing storm procedures, the information should always precede the practice. Include evacuation plans in your yearly training. Impress upon your employees the importance of understanding the plan and encourage questions and concerns during the discussion. At some point, you can test the plan with a drill. Only a handful of personnel who will be assisting with key elements of the procedures need to know when the drill is planned. That way, employees can actually experience the surprise they may feel if the real situation should ever arise. During the drill, take note of what goes right and what needs improvement so that you can tweak the plan or training as needed.

Planning how you want your employees to respond in a disastrous situation and training them to implement the plan can keep them safe. Each fire drill brings you closer to a calm, smooth resolution.

When Storms or Floods hit Tri Cities, SERVPRO is ready!

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm hits your Kennewick home or business, you need help immediately.

Storm and Flood Damage Restoration Experts

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West 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 and located in the Tri-Cities area, 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 Tri Cities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 509-943-9290

Water Damage? A Quick Response Is Crucial

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

A Slow Reaction To Water Damage Can Cause Irreparable Damage. Don't Wait. SERVPRO Will Help 24 Hours A Day and 365 Days A Year.

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Tri-Cities, WA, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 509-943-9290

We understand that when you call us after a water damage, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West 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 to serve you.

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)?
• Is there standing water?
• Number of floors/rooms affected?
• Type of floor affected?

Call Us Today! (509) 943-9290

Smoke and Soot Cleanup After a House Fire

12/20/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up Smoke, Soot And Odors After A Small House Fire

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 509-943-9290

Are You Storm Ready?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Be Prepared With The Free SERVPRO Emergency Ready App

The Tri Cities might be a desert and boast 300+ days of sun per year but, as we experienced last winter, we still get some tough storms, flooding and snowfall. And with that, many people experienced some major problems from frozen and busting pipes to ice dams and leaky roofs this past year. Take a proactive approach and be prepared for storms, floods and other natural disasters before they happen.

Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is key to lowering cost, saving time and lowering your stress during and after disasters. 

The good news is that SERVPRO has a free Emergency READY app established for anyone to use.

It is important to have a fire escape plan and most people do however, what about after the fire fighters leave or the flood waters go down? Do you have a restoration plan? With SERVPRO’s Emergency READY App and plan you can be prepared for whatever happens. It is a tool that helps people at their business and at home by clearly marking shut off valves, having key contact information with just a flick of a finger, establishing your preferred service providers such as your electrician, plumber etc for quick response, minimize business and personal life interruption, save money from secondary damage, among other things.

You can find the app for android or ios on your app store. You can also call us and set up a meeting so we can complete it for you at NO COST to you. Yes, I said it! It’s a 100% FREE service we offer to our local community.

Call us today for your free Emergency READY Profile

House Fire? What You Can Do Until Restoration Help Arrives

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Restoration By SERVPRO Experts. The Premier Fire Restoration Company

A house fire can be devastating and leave you in a panic to put things back together. Many people start trying to clean up the mess right away but sometimes trying to clean it can cause more damage.

Here is what you can do until restoration help arrives

• Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas.
• coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs or wet carpet.
• DO NOT wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• DO NOT shampoo carpets or upholstery.
• DO NOT clean any electrical equipment.
• DO NOT send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems, restore your contents and help you get your home cleaned up.

SERVPRO professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration. SERVPRO has state of the art equipment and highly trained technicians to restore property. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

Call SERVPRO for a FREE scope

Only 50% Of Businesses Reopen After A Disaster

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has the Team, Resources and Equipment For Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage events at Tri-Cities 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 isolate and restore the damaged area.

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 and resources you need.

Have questions about commercial restoration?

Give us a call today! (509)943-9290

Tips From FEMA When A Wildfire Threatens

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

When a wildfire threatens your home or business

We are getting into the wildfire season and it is best to be prepared. Print this out in case you ever have to evacuate your home or business because a wild fire threatens your property. Keep it with an emergency supply kit. Always evacuate if you’re in question but if you have plenty of time you can follow this list to try to prevent damage.

• Close windows, vents, and doors
• Shut off all utilities if possible
• Seal attic and ground vents with precut noncombustible coverings
• Turn of propane tanks
• Place combustible patio furniture inside
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above ground fuel tanks/lines
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the structure
• Turn on your in-ground or lawn sprinklers if possible
• Wear protective clothing
• Take your emergency supply kit
• Lock your home or business
• Tell someone when you leave and where you are going
• Choose a route awhile from fire hazards

If your property suffers fire, smoke or soot damage from a wildfire SERVPRO of Tri Cities West is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”®

SERVPRO Offers FREE Professional Advice And Scopes

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here in our community. Here to Help®

As water, fire and mold restoration professionals we see the stress each flood or fire puts on you. Most people don’t know what to do after an incident. They don’t know if they should open an insurance claim, start cleaning up themselves or how much damage there really is under the layers of material. All of it is overwhelming for most people but don’t despair because SERVPRO is here to help.

We don’t respond to situations; we respond to people that are in situations

When you call us, a trained water, fire and mold restoration SERVPRO expert will come to you with our state of the art equipment, moisture meters and thermal imaging if needed and give you 100% free advice. You can ask us any and all questions you may have about your water or fire damage and we can even give you a general direction on what to do next as well as a plan of action if you decide to hire us to do the restoration and mitigation work.

SERVPRO... Here in our Tri Cities community. Here to Help® 

Call us today for your free professional advice and scope

509-943-9290

The Science of Drying

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the science, equipment and technology to help you after a water damage incident.

Did you know there is actually a science behind drying out wet material after a water damage or flood mishap? Having the knowledge of physychrometrics 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 professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold or mildew. If your home or business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to the drier air in the surface of the material – but only if the air is drier.  The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West has the tools, training and equipment to help Mother Nature along, Including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

It’s not only the equipment but the technology too! SERVPRO has developed DryBook™, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook™ Mobile, you have the ability to know where your property is at in the drying process.

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Tri Cities West has the training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened.” 

Severe Storm Damage?

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Storm, Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes... No job is too big. SERVPRO is Here to Help

As we seen on Saturday here in the Tri Cities Region, severe thunder storms can do a lot of damage. Storms can be anything from lightning strikes to flooding. It can tear out crops and plants, blow over mobile homes and rip trees right out of the ground. Some storms can produce hails the size softballs and can cause structure damage to homes and businesses, cars, people and other property.

It is important to be prepared and to stay safe before, during and after a storm.

• Sign up for weather notifications
• Create a family emergency plan. You might not always be in the same location when a sudden storm hits. Have an emergency meeting spot.
• Prepare your home and put away any outside objects that can turn into a flying hazard during strong winds
• Help your neighbors and make sure they are safe and secure.
• Go indoors and stay away from windows. A basement is usually the safest place to hole up while the storm is raging.
• Prepare an emergency kit with candles, drinking water, medications and some food in case the power goes out for many days.

You can find a lot more tips and tricks at https://www.weather.gov/

If you have storm damage, SERVPRO can help you make it "Like it never even happened."®

Call us today for a free scope. 509-943-9290

Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."®

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West can help provide a solution to your property's fire and smoke damage needs. 

Structural cleaning – After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO of Tri Cities West will pretest to determine the extent of the damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, SERVPRO may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning, eliminating the expense and hassle of replacing, repainting or refinishing the items.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable smoke damaged contents in the structure will be professional cleaned and deodorized including area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO begins by carefully inspecting and testing each material to determine the appropriate cleaning methods and products to be used

Deodorization – SERVPRO of Tri Cities West provides specialized service the rid your structure of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the source of the odor and remove it using special equipment.

If you have smoke, soot or fire damage call us today for a free scope! 509-943-9290

Mold Worries? Not When SERVPRO Is On The Scene!

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

A hot water line leaked inside this Pasco home, causing damage and the perfect situation for mold to grow.

A hot water line started leaking in this Pasco, Washington home. When the homeowner noticed a puddle of water in the bathroom, they did the right thing and called SERVPRO of Tri Cities West right away.

When a plumbing line leaks inside a wall, especially a hot water line, it is imperative to get it fixed and dried as soon as possible. A hot, dark and humid area, such as in the wall, is the perfect situation for mold to start growing and spreading in less than 24 hours.

If you experience a water leak call us as soon as you can. We will have a IIRC Certified technician out to mitigate the water damage quickly and make sure any possibility of mold is remediated.

WE are open for emergency’s 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Even on Holidays we have a 1-4-8 policy for our customers. We will have a professional contact you within 1 hour of notice, Be on site to mitigate the damage within 4 hours and have a file prepared for your insurance within 8 hours of your call.

That’s why SERVPRO is not only the brand you know and trust but also known to be “faster to any size disaster”

For more information visit our "What to do until help arrives" Brochure