Archived Blog Posts

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

Name: SERVPRO of Monte Vista, Tobin Hill, Olmos Park
Telephone: (210) 348-2911

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you or your business has suffered a water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio hazard damage, odds are it has affected some sort of fabric or textile in your home. The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your home or business performed by a company that is IICR certified? SERVPRO of Olmos Park cleans: carpeting, upholstery for general cleaning, pet dander, rugs, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Why SERVPRO - SERVPRO of Olmos Park Mold Technicians are Mold Certified

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO - SERVPRO of Olmos Park Mold Technicians are Mold Certified

Are you smelling mildew or a musty odor in your home or business? Can you visually see mold growth? Have you obtained a mold protocol? SERVPRO of Olmos Park can perform your Mold Remediation using a Mold Certified Technician so you know it will be done right. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The mold remediation industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants. Don't hesitate to give us a call today to set up a time to start the mold remediation process. (210) 348-2911

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park has Great Reviews!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park has Great Reviews!

SERVPRO of Olmos Park works very hard every day to ensure a great customer experience.

The review below is from a customer in Olmos Park whose kitchen flooded with water due to a refrigerator leak. We were able to come out right away and remove the water and dry out the flooring, cabinets, and walls. The sooner the water is removed, the better - especially for wood.

Her review is below.

"Greatest experience in a very trying time. My house flooded from a broken ice maker line while I was at work. Angel was there within 45 minutes and had the water extracted lightning fast. He came back everyday exactly when he said he would and dried out my house perfectly! Thank you SERVPRO of Olmos Park!"

Thank YOU for the great review!

If your home or business has suffered from a water damage, please call as soon as possible. The first 48 hours are critical. (210) 871-9752

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO Uses Industrial Grade Equipment and Cleaning Products on your Home or Business

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has suffered a water damage event, simply cleaning up the water and opening up the windows will not completely dry the space, leaving your home or business vulnerable to future mold growth (known as secondary damage). SERVPRO of Olmos Park uses industrial grade dehumidifiers and fans to completely dry your home or business. SERVPRO of Olmos Park uses moister testing devices to make sure your walls, closets, and floors are dry before we leave your home and close out the job. In addition to drying, commercial grade anti-fungal treatments are applied in order to prevent mold from forming.

If your home or business has suffered a fire damage event, air scrubbers are brought in to the area to "scrub" the air clean and remove the chemical and smoke odor. In addition to air scrubbers, special cleaning agents are used to save as many smoke-affected items as possible in your home or business.

If your home or business has suffered a water damage, fire damage, or mold growth event, please do not hesitate to call us today.

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of Olmos Park Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in Olmos Park for Years

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of Olmos Park Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in Olmos Park for Years

The owner of SERVPRO of Olmos Park is a resident of San Antonio himself and has been helping home and business owners in the San Antonio area for over a decade. We have worked with all the insurance companies and know most of their agents. We are here to help not only you and your home or business, but Olmos Park as well. When Olmos Park is successful, we are all successful. We also service the surrounding areas of: Shearer Hills, Beacon Hill, Balcones Heights, and Tobin Hill as well. Each franchise of SERVPRO is individually owned and operated. Click HERE to view our team and HERE to learn more about us. SERVPRO of Olmos Park, Here to Serve the Olmos Park Area.

Water Filter Causes Leaky Fridge in San Antonio Area Home

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

A poor connection between the water filter and the water supply line can cause a leak in refrigerator models with a water filtering system. The filter may be installed improperly, the wrong size or model for the refrigerator, or it may be so old that the housing or seals are cracked, allowing water to escape. Either way, it can cause a refrigerator leak and water damage to your kitchen floors and cabinets. When a home owner in the San Antonio area came home from work to water all over her kitchen tile flooring, he called SERVPR of Olmos Park to come assess the damage and perform the water damage restoration process. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is open 24 hours for water damage restoration emergencies and is available now. Here to Help

Olmos Park Water Removal Experts

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever came home to standing water?
Perhaps you just enjoyed a long 3 day weekend out of town only to come home to find water gushing out of your front door?

Unfortunately, these things happen, and often times can come at the most inopportune times.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is here to help. We like to assure people that even if you aren't prepared for a water event to happen, SERVPRO always is!

We have the knowledge and experience to help in whatever the situation, so even if your kitchen is flooded, don't be afraid; give us a call and we'll take care of it all!

A water damage event is very stressful for any person, but be assured that when we arrive you can sit back and relax - we have it covered. Let us take care of the work and hardships so you don't have to. We'll be happy to make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold Found in San Antonio area Church

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Found in San Antonio area Commercial Kitchen

After moving large kitchen appliances, a church in the San Antonio area found mold growth in their commercial kitchen. The professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park were called in to inspect and remediate the mold. SERVPRO of Olmos Park strongly encourages any place with a commercial kitchen: church, hotel, restaurant, etc to have their commercial kitchens deep cleaned at least twice a year. When SERVPRO of Olmos Park deep cleans, we sanitize as well as remove any dirt and/or food particles. We will move the fixtures to the best of our abilities and clean in and around those as well - something that is not typically, frequently done. To schedule a deep cleaning of your commercial kitchen, call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today: (210) 348-2911

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

The Top Three Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Cooking remains at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires at 25% to 30%. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure full protection and prevention. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

Intentional

Intentional fires is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson. Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsons can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

Human Error/Unintentional

Human error, or unintentional fires, are also responsible for about 10% of fires. Because there are a vast number of reasons why a fire might occur accidentally, employee fire safety training is extremely important.

Source: Smoke Guard Online. 2017-2016 Data

Water Damage Restoration for Under the Kitchen Sink

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Olmos Park, we are often called due to water damage found underneath a kitchen sink. Often times, there is a slow leak that has occurred over time causing water damage and, in many cases, mold growth. Kitchen sinks with garbage disposals are especially prone to leaky pipes under the sink. In order to prevent water damage, it’s important to inspect your kitchen sink pipes and make sure everything is dry and working properly. What you find might surprise you. If you have discovered water damage underneath your kitchen sink or have discovered mold growth, please call us today at SERVPRO of Olmos Park as it is very important to restore and remediate the problem right away so the situation does not get worse and start warping your kitchen cabinets. Call today!

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

According to TheSpruce.com, below are the best water heaters of 2020.

Best Overall Electric Tank Water Heater: Rheem Performance 40 Gal at Home Depot

"You have plenty of hot water whenever you need or want it."

Best Overall Electric Tankless Water Heater: EcoSmart ECO 11 Tankless at Amazon

"Works quickly while giving you a fine degree of control."

Best Overall Gas Tank Water Heater: Rheem Natural Gas at Home Depot

"A frequent choice for larger homes or families."

Best Overall Gas Tankless Water Heater: Rheem Performance Platinum at Home Depot

"Heater offers continuous hot water straight from the pipes."

Best Electric High Capacity Water Heater: Westinghouse 52 Gal at Home Depot

"When it comes to meeting the water needs of a large family."

Best Gas High Capacity Water Heater: Westinghouse 60 Gal at Home Depot

"One of the largest tanks available on the market today."

Best Water Heater for RVs: Bosch Tronic 3000 at Amazon

"A multi-use water heater capable of being installed in many tight spaces."

Best Point Of Use Water Heater: InSinkErator HWT-F1000S at Amazon

"Designed to be used nearly anywhere there is a typical faucet hookup."

Best Portable Water Heater: Camplux 5L Outdoor Tankless at Amazon

"You can connect to a hose or water tap for bathing or cooking."

Flooded Home? Avoid the Dark Water

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Should you experience a flood in your home after a storm or otherwise, our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered. It's very possible you have 'black water" in your home that mustn't be touched.

"Black water", aka category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We have been a trusted name in safety and properly restoring homes and businesses for over 15 years! We are here to help.

Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings' Ventilation Systems

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the duct work or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Looking to have your duct work system cleaned? SERVPRO of Olmos Park is here to help! Give us a call today - (210) 348-2911.

Source: OSHA Jan 2019

Do you Receive Weather Alerts on Your Phone?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Do you receive weather alerts on your phone? If not, here is how to get them. Weather alerts can save lives. Be sure to receive them on your smartphone.

Search for "CMAS" or "WEA" in your phone's messaging settings. You can also dial "##2627##" (minus the quotes) on your phone to turn them on.

If neither of these do the trick, you might not have a phone that is WEA enabled, but you can still get emergency weather alerts with weather apps like the Weather Channel app or WeatherUSA.

For Android users, in order to meet the FCC standards, Android introduced “Emergency Broadcasts” features in all its mobiles. Through this service, you can get severe weather alerts instantly. Apart from these alerts, this feature also sends out an alert whenever there’s any emergency in your area.

Source: USA Today Online

Storm and Flood Maps Available Through FEMA

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and Flood Maps Available Through FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) partners with Tribal nations, States, and communities through the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program to identify flood hazards, assess flood risks, and provide accurate data to guide stakeholders in taking effective mitigation actions that result in safer and more resilient communities. This data is incorporated into flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), that support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and provide the basis for community floodplain management regulations and flood insurance requirements. Flood hazards are dynamic and can change frequently because of a variety of factors, including weather patterns, erosion, and new development. FEMA, through the Risk MAP program, works with communities to collect new or updated flood hazard data and periodically updates flood maps to reflect these changes.

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.

FEMA flood maps are continually updated through a variety of processes. Effective information that you download or print from this site may change or become superseded by new maps over time. For additional information, please see the Flood Hazard Mapping Updates Overview Fact Sheet

Source: FEMA online

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Learning how to use your fire extinguisher

First, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

To learn about fire restoration from SERVPRO of Olmos Park, click HERE.

Source: Nationwide

5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip

No matter where you live—house, apartment, dorm room, mobile home—one factor remains constant: There never seem to be enough power outlets. This may explain the popularity of multi-outlet power strips, which provide additional outlets and also let you control multiple components with a single on-off switch. There are some appliances, however, that should never be used with power strips because they could overload the circuit and cause overheating or even a fire…

Refrigerators and Freezers

Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. These devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to powering the appliance. If you try to plug additional appliances into the same outlet, you risk tripping the circuit.

Microwaves

The microwave is a miracle of modern food preparation, thawing, cooking, and reheating food in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional oven. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. Like a conventional electric oven, the microwave should have its own dedicated power outlet.

Coffee Makers

You may not think that your morning cup of joe requires that much energy to brew, but most coffee makers need quite bit of amperage to turn those roasted beans into a hot beverage. Plug your coffee maker directly into the outlet or you run the risk of waking up to a half-brewed pot of coffee.

Toasters

If you’ve ever peered into a toaster to remove a particularly stubborn piece of broken crust, you know that the inside is basically a bunch of wires that heat up to red-hot temperatures to toast the bread. The current draw that those wires require can easily cause a power strip to overheat. This same issue affects toaster ovens, electric skillets, and waffle irons as well.

Slow Cookers and Hot Plates

You might think you're one clever cook when you plug your slow cooker into a power strip to free up outlet space for other countertop appliances, but you'd be wrong. These cooking appliances require more juice over a longer period of time than a power strip can handle. And because the appeal of a slow cooker is that it can operate without supervision, you definitely want to make sure it is safely plugged into a wall outlet to minimize any hazardous outcomes.

Source: MSN online

The Importance of Proper Smoke Remediation after Smoke or Fire Damage to your Home

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Smoke Restoration

After a fire in a home it's very possible that contaminating smoke has touched every item and area in your home. In smoke, there are residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products due to burning plastics and other chemical-based items in your home that may have burned in the fire. Those residual chemicals have been transferred by the smoke and is now left on your walls, furniture, floors, personal items, and other contents in your home. Even things like your light bulbs in your lamps must be decontaminated or disposed of properly.

It's important to remove and remediate the items in the home that were exposed to the fire and smoke so that they do not further contaminate your home. The residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products can irritate: eyes, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.

SERVPRO® uses special equipment, techniques, and cleaning products to remove the smoke and soot from your home and salvageable contents. SERVPRO® will also remove the odors using our industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. In most cases, air ducts will need to be cleaned as well along with new HVAC filters installed.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park will help to make it "Like it never even happened."

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil
Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you and other members of your family must be able to use it properly.

If your home or business has incurred fire or smoke damage, please call the professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park today!

Source: Nationwide

SERVPRO Will Work Seamlessly with Your Business' Insurance

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

The owner of SERVPRO of Olmos Park has been a SERVPRO owner in the San Antonio area for over 20 years now. There is not much we haven't seen and restored. We have worked with nearly all the area's business insurance companies over the years and have developed great working relationships with each. When you trust your business to the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park, you are in good hands before, during, and after the restoration. Whatever insurance company you have: State Farm, Hiscox, Allstate, Hartford, Travelers, etc, SERVPRO of Olmos Park will make sure they have everything you need for your claim to go smoothly. Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today for restoration/remediation/clean up completed by certified professionals who are here to help. (210) 348-2911

SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your business? SERVPRO of Olmos Park cleans upholstery for general cleaning , pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more.

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

The IICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, the IICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Water Heater Sizes and Types

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

What kind of water heater do I need?

The installation of your home’s water heater is an important decision. There are many factors to consider:

Tanked vs. tankless water heater
The right water heater for your household size
Best location for your heater (installation)
Gas or Electric
How big of a water heater do I need

If you decided on a tank water heater, you may ask yourself, how big of a water heater do I need? Determining factors will be the size of your family and the utilities available in your home. Use this simple guide to determine your water heater size needs:

For 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons.
For 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons.
For 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons.
For 5+ people: 60-80 gallons.

Source: Zine Trip Online

Electrical and HVAC Fires in Commercial Buildings

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources. Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms and should also house a fire extinguisher.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring. Make sure your building is regularly inspected and that you keep fire extinguishers on each level.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

Leaky Roof After a Storm Causes Mold for a Home in Olmos Park

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

After heavy storms, it's important to check your attic for moisture. Mold can grow in a matter of days if an area has the right conditions. After a heavy storm in the San Antonio area, a home owner was hearing a drip coming from the roof into the attic. The drip caused just enough moisture to cause mold to grow in the attic. If a leaky roof that has caused water damage is not properly fixed, "secondary damage" (mold growth) can occur. The certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park were called in to address both the moisture and the mold issues. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is mold certified and able to perform mold remediation as well as the water restoration. In addition, we were able to work with the home owner's insurance! If you have experienced water damage and/or secondary damage due to an area storm, please do not hesitate to call right away. We are here to help.

What Secondary Damage can occur after Storm Damage?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

After roof leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected. SERVPRO of Olmos Park strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Olmos Park is here to help. Faster to Any Disaster

Contaminated Water after a Storm

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Is storm water dangerous?

Should you experience a flood in your home after a storm, our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Causes of a Leaky Refrigerator

WATER FILTER

If your filter is not installed properly, or the filter is old or doesn't fit correctly with your refrigerator model, chances are there is a poor connection between the filter and the water supply. To prevent your refrigerator from leaking, check to see if water is escaping due to holes in the filter. Also, check the size and model of both the fridge and filter to ensure it's the correct part for your refrigerator.

DRAIN PAN

Examine the drain pan for any cracks, which is located at the bottom of the refrigerator. If you notice a significant amount of pooling underneath, chances are the pan has a crack and that's what is causing the leak. Replace the pan immediately if you notice any damage.

DEFROST DRAIN

One of the most common causes of a leaky refrigerator is a faulty defrost drain. When the defrost drain is blocked by food particles or ice, it prevents the water accumulated during the defrost cycle to properly drain into the pan. Eventually, water will start to build up. Without anywhere to drain, water will begin to flow right onto your floor. Remove any blockage caused by food particles or ice by flushing the drain with hot water and removing debris carefully with a wire hanger.

If your kitchen has experience water damage due to a leaky refrigerator, please call SERVPRO of Olmos Park now - we are open 24 hours for emergency service. (210) 348-2911

Source: Roto-Rooter Online

Learning About Smoke Alarms

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Here's what you need to know:

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Source: National Fire Protection Agency

Fire Prevention Week 2021 - October 3rd - October 9th

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2021 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 3^rd and end on Saturday, October 9^th. This year’s Fire Protection Week theme is: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”. The National Fire Protection Agency is working to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

What do the fire alarm beeps mean?

A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special smoke alarms and alert devices that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarms sound. Products like pillow or bed shakers that are designed to work with smoke alarms are also available.

Source: NFPA.org

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Insurance

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

In the unfortunate event your home or business suffers: water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or bio-hazard clean up needs, SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work seamlessly with your insurance company. This means less hassle and less worry for you. Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for years and years, whatever property and casualty insurance you or your company uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past. If you need the job done right with less hassle for you, your boss, and your employees, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park. (210) 348-2911

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Faster to Disaster

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Olmos Park offers a 24 hour emergency service. Our office is open Monday through Friday, however there will always be someone to answer your call after hours and on the weekends. If the event is classified as an emergency, SERVPRO of Olmos Park will be out right away regardless of time or day. When hurricanes, floods, wild fires, and other disasters strike all around the country, SERVPRO franchises band together and travel sometimes thousands of miles to come to the disaster area to help restore homes and businesses affected. If there is a catastrophic event in your area, SERVPRO of Olmos Park will call in "extreme teams" that will arrive in your city or town to help cover more ground and to help more home and business owners. If your home or business has suffered a water damage or other emergency event, please do not hesitate to call. (210) 348-2911

Hot Water Leak Causes Damage in San Antonio Kitchen

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

We responded to an emergency water damage call in a San Antonio home. Summer had just begun, and mom along with her two children were enjoying the slower pace of life. The three had spent the morning in their pool and worked up quite the appetite. Mom decided to step inside to get food started for lunch while the kids stayed outside and dried off. Mom opened the backdoor and there in front of her was a flood in her kitchen and a hole in her ceiling. She shut off the water, called her children in to help, and then called us to mitigate the rest of the water damage. Shortly thereafter, she discovered her hot water heater was to blame for this disaster. The hot water heater, which was located in the attic above the kitchen, had sprung a leak. As more and more water was absorbed by the drywall, water began to pool and the kitchen ceiling started to bow. Eventually, the ceiling couldn’t hold the weight of the water any longer and the kitchen was flooded with water from above. Our technicians cleaned up the ceiling debris and extracted the standing water. They also cut and removed additional drywall that had been affected by water damage. It is important to get rid of drywall that has gotten wet as soon as possible because when it gets wet, it loses its structural integrity. In addition (and very importantly), removing water quickly will help minimize the potential for mold growth. After several days of drying, the moisture levels met our dryness goals. We were happy to say, "another home back to normal after experiencing a water damage emergency". With the help of our team, this disaster was "Like it never even happened."

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage to Ceiling

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

The homeowner of a house in San Antonio, Texas noticed round, yellowish, water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park, to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and this was disaster was now "Like it never even happened."

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Workplace

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. The main requirements for outdoor mold growth are moisture and shade. Mold does not like the sun and/or ultra violet rays. The main requirement for inside mold growth is simply moisture and it can occur in ceilings, attics, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothes, carpeting, bathrooms, and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill. Mold also grows in environments with a warm temperature. Mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of excessive moisture.

What you can do as a business owner to prevent mold growth from forming in your place of business:

Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor inspect for unknown leaks.
Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and/or well insulated.
Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.
Clean wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If your business has experienced water damage or mold growth, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today!

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to your Commercial Space

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Train all employees on the location of the water shut off valves and make sure they are easily accessible.
Find out if your business is located on a flood plain and if your area offers programs for business owners.
Conduct regular inspections of your HVAC units, roof, water heaters, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, and any other area you have that may have a water leak.
Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and you are insured.
Keep any documents, inventory, or anything critical to your business' survival at least a few feet off the ground.
Be prepared for a water damage event. The faster the water is removed and dried out, the better off you are going to be. Time is an important factor. Please save our number to your phone so you know who to call. SERVPRO® of Olmos Park: (210) 348-2911

Water Damage and Wood Floors

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

It doesn’t require a disaster of the scope of a spring flood or hurricane to damage a wood floor. Plumbing leaks, fire hoses and the upstairs neighbor’s overflowing tub might pose problems for porous wood floors and substructures. Whatever the cause, water causes warping, and can trigger mold and mildew growth that can ruin wood. Major flooding creates problems in foundations and walls that must be addressed, but the first step in mitigating the damage done by water to a building -- including its wood floors -- is to gently but quickly ventilate and dry materials.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park uses commercial-grade machines that extract the water from the wood flooring with a powerful force. If we are called immediately following a water damage event, there is a good possibility we can save your wood floors from buckling using the high-powered water extractors. Don't hesitate to call right away.

Source: Homeguides Online

Three Types of Contaminated Water

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Olmos Park also cleans up sewage backups?

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. Our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

Water from a clean source like a broken water line
If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

May contain bacteria and viruses
Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO of Olmos Park are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We have been a trusted name in safely and properly restoring homes and businesses for almost 15 years! We are here to help!

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call our office today (210) 348-2911

Olmos Park Area - Are you Storm Aware?

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

As we continue to see storms throughout our Olmos Park area cities, we at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens.

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® Olmos Park experts.

Things to Do to Be Prepared in the Event Your Home is Affected by a Hurricane

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Take inventory. “The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve been affected by a hurricane is to try to remember everything you had in the house. Having an inventory will make the process of getting through the claim and getting back to normal so much easier.” Keep the inventory list in a safe place away from your home like a safe deposit box.

Update your insurance. Make sure you have the right amount of insurance, and fill in a few key gaps in coverage. Call your Home Owners Insurance Agent for more information and to hear your options.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work with your insurance and try to make things go as smoothly as we can for you. 24/7 Emergency Service - Faster to Any Disaster

Source: Kiplinger

Roof Damage After Storm Sweeps through San Antonio

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

A home located near Olmos Park experienced storm damage when strong winds and heavy rains rolled through our area. A couple of shingles blew off during the storm, which allowed rain water to get inside the attic. The rain soaked the insulation and the drywall in the ceiling, causing the ceiling in this home to collapse. SERVPRO® of Olmos Park received the call and came out immediately. Our technicians applied a temporary tarp to the roof to prevent further rain from causing additional damage to the home until the roof could be repaired. Then, we began extracting any standing water and removing debris from the collapsed ceiling. We set up fans and dehumidifiers throughout the house to thoroughly dry the affected areas to help to prevent secondary damage or mold from forming.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will Deep Clean your Restaurant

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Obviously, a restaurant's preparation areas should be kept clean. But, besides the everyday cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances, it is necessary to perform a deep cleaning of kitchens at least once to twice a year.

Appearance

A restaurant's: atmosphere, attention to detail, and well-kept facilities are important for a customer's good first impression. The appearance of a restaurant's kitchen can bring in clients as well as scare them away.

Safety

A messy and unorganized look will affect guests' appetites as well as employee productivity. Daily mopping sustains a clean floor, but will not scrub deeply enough to remove certain bacteria. Sticky floors and unwanted objects can cause personnel or guests to slip. For a truly clean floor, it is important to remove: grease, oil, gum and even mold.

For a deep cleaning of your restaurant, please call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park today!

Source: Yahoo Finance

3 Myths About Fire Restoration

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Myth 1: Fire does the most damage

While the initial incineration from the fire can level homes and businesses in a matter of minutes, it is the aftershock of the smoke damage that in fact can be the most damaging. The aftershock of the residual water damage, soot, and smoke can continue to destroy structures and everything within them for days, weeks and months after the fire.

Myth 2: Just “air it out”

Once the initial fire event is over, the most frequent reaction for homeowners and business owners alike is to open all windows, doors and start the fans. Unfortunately, these initial reactions can often make matters worse as waterlogged furniture, flooring, and more can foster mold growth for years to come even if the surfaces do not seem wet anymore.

Myth 3: Everything must go

SERVPRO of Olmos Park knows how important your possessions are. We try our absolute best to salvage what can be salvaged. Adopting a “restore first” mentality is crucial to help lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This process relies upon specialized training and industrial equipment to restore your property and possessions back to pre-fire condition; something in which SERVPRO of Olmos Park specializes.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today.

Make Sure to Have a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home or Business

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Not only is it smart to keep fire extinguishers in your home, it’s also the law in many states.

It's important to make sure you have the right types of fire extinguishers on hand to put out common household fires. Read our fire extinguisher safety tips to learn how to stay safe and don't forget to make sure you have the right coverage if your home sustains fire damage.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

The first thing to do when choosing a fire extinguisher is to decide which rooms in your house need one. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage.

Source: Nationwide

Dryer Lint Fires

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage.

Facts and figures

Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 5%.
The leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was failure to clean, accounting for one-third (33%) of dryer fires.
A mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines.
Fires involving clothes dryers usually started with the ignition of something that was being dried or was a byproduct (such as lint) of drying, while washing machine fires usually involved the ignition of some part of the appliance.

Source: Report: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines"

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor Professionally

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes. The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is highly stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces in your home as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor? The short answer is that it's very difficult. ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, shelf items, clothing, and more. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process. It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park have done it many times and are more than willing to help you. In addition, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is IICR certified, so you can trust us with your textiles. Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air!

The Three C's of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. It is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us.

Below are the Three "C's" of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned:

Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you are walking around the Olmos Park area, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield sticker in the window, you know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work with your insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate. Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past. Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. Being proactive can save you valuable time in the future. SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO of Olmos Park is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Remediation

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of Olmos Park is not just for remediating disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home? We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean. Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization! Additionally, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is even available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door. Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

Do You Have a Hidden Water Leak?

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Think you may have a water leak somewhere in your home? Here are some good ways to tell when the leak is not obvious.

Pay Attention to Increased Water Bills

Monitor your water bill for sudden unexplained increases.

Check Your Water Meter

Pick a few hours when you can go without using the water In your home. Record your water meter before and after. Was there an increase?

Toilet Leaks

Put a drop of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. If within 15 minutes or less, the toilet bowl reveals that color, you may have a leak. Make sure to flush the toilet multiple times after performing this test so your bowl does not get stained.

Look for Mold

Where there is mold, there is moisture. Something is feeding that moisture. It’s possible there is a leak somewhere.

The First 48 Hours are Critical in Water Damage Restoration

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is Prepared for Storm Damage

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Olmos Park keeps an eye on the weather and is always prepared to restore home and business storm damage at any moment. In the event of a huge storm that affects many homes and businesses in the area, storm "Extreme Teams" are called in to help us so we can help out even more homes and businesses in the San Antonio area. Often times with storm damage comes water damage, and if not properly treated, comes mold damage. The first 48 hours of storm damage are critical in preventing further damage to your home or business. As always, SERVPRO of Olmos Park works with your insurance every step of the way. To learn more about storm damage restoration from the highly trained professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park, click HERE.

Protecting Your Roof During a Hurricane

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your roof. Consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is bolted to the rest of your house. And inspect your roof tiles or shingles to make sure they are secure. Use roofing cement to fix any loose tiles to prevent them from becoming lethal projectiles during a storm and damaging the underlying roofing material. Seal any areas where wires enter the home, minimizing the chance of water damage during heavy wind and rain.

Trim your trees. Broken limbs could land on your (or your neighbor’s) roof/house or become missiles that can break windows during a storm. If your tree damages your house or a neighbor’s house, your insurance cover the damages, but it may pay only a portion.

If your home is damaged during a San Antonio area storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park. Faster to Any Disaster

Source: Kiplinger

Fires from Lightning Storms

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Unlike other types of house fires, which occur more frequently in the winter months, fires in the home caused by lightning are more likely to happen in June, July and August in the late afternoon or early evening. From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes. Lightning is responsible for a number of wildfires as well.

Lightning during storms poses the greatest risk outdoors and frequently strikes the highest point on a structure.

Safety tips During Lightning Storms:

When possible, stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm as metal plumbing is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Like candle fires (the number one cause of fires in the home), Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights, and an abundant fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.

The most common causes are electrical failures (32%), having the tree too close to a heat source like a fireplace or wood stove (17%) or being too close to candles (7%).

Safety tips:

Keep live trees well watered and dispose of them before they become dry.
Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Hey, Olmos Park - It's Fire Prevention Week!

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4^th and end on Saturday, October 10^th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in 2020, we are home cooking more. In order to reduce the amount of kitchen fires in 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has named this year’s fire prevention week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!^TM”

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

3 Safety tips from the NFPA regarding kitchen fires:

Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.
Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.

Source: NFPA.org

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

First and foremost, we would like to thank our community’s medical professionals and essential workers for helping us all to get through this time together.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is HAZMAT and Bio Hazard removal certified. The industrial grade chemicals that SERVPRO of Olmos Park uses to clean, disinfect, and sanitize are high-grade and effective. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized, please give us a call today. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized after COVID-19 has infected your office, business, or commercial space, please give us a call today. Because we are HAZMAT certified, we are able to clean areas with known COVID-19 contaminations. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is available and here to help. For more information on Commercial Cleaning, click HERE.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Understands That When It Comes to Business, Time is Money

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Understands That When It Comes to Business, Time is Money

When SERVPRO of Olmos Park restores commercial spaces from water damage, mold, fire damage, and other damage, we understand that the longer a business cannot operate, the longer it cannot generate revenue. SERVPRO of Olmos Park will work emergency hours and around the clock to get your business back up and running as fast as possible while working with your insurance company the entire way. No commercial job is too big or too involved for SERVPRO. We are faster to any size disaster and are here to help. To learn more about SERVPRO of Olmos Park commercial restoration click HERE or call today to learn more: (210) 871-9752

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Employees are Well-Trained

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of Olmos Park Employees are Well-Trained

Back in 1992, SERVPRO Corporate developed a National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to franchise owners, employees, and insurance industry professionals.

The National Training Center offers employee training as a self paced program designed specifically for SERVPRO employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Training focuses include:

Water Restoration
Crew Training
Fire Restoration
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is an approved IICRC (Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning) Training School that offers year-around classes in the following categories:

Fire Restoration
Water Restoration
Carpet Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
Applied Structural Drying

In addition, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is bio hazard and mold certified as well. Click HERE to view our full list of certifications and affiliations.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is at the Forefront of Continuing Education for the Insurance Industry

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is at the Forefront of Continuing Education for the Insurance Industry

SERVPRO of Olmos Park offers complementary continuing education credits for insurance and real estate industry professionals. Call today to find out when and where the next class is.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park offers both credit and noncredit courses for: real estate professionals, insurance adjusters, insurance agents, and franchise staff. These programs are designed to improve knowledge of emergency mitigation. Courses include:

Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Restoration and Remediation
Restorative Drying for Loss Control
Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
(non-credit course)

When we all work together for our clients, everyone wins. Striving for the most efficient and cost-effective restoration process is always the goal. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is happy to offer CE credits in our specialty lines of business.

Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Water Damage Restoration

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Olmos Park, we often are asked if we can restore water damage to mobile or manufactured homes. The answer is, “yes”! Mobile homes and manufactured homes are treated for water damage very similarly to single family homes. Actually, the process is often times quicker. If the mobile or manufactured home is not often used, many times the water damage goes undetected for some time and has caused mold growth to form as well. Mold growth after improperly treated water damage is called “secondary damage”. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is mold certified and can treat the secondary damage in addition to the water damage if needed.

If you suspect water damage or mold growth in your mobile of manufactured home, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today. We will work with your insurance.

Area Prone to Flooding? Choose which Sandbags to Use

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Which Sandbags to Use for Flooding and Why

When the threat of a flood is close to your home, sandbags for flooding become as valuable as gold. There have been advancements with sandbags, which is great, thanks to water-activated sandbag which mimic the ability of real sand bags. Yes, they cost more, but are much quicker to implement in the case of a flood so the cost is negligible.

Sandbags for flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding. It is not advised to use other bags that are not intended for use as sandbags as they may not be as effective. Sandbags are constructed for the use of containing sand or soil to prevent or reduce the impact of water damage in the event of a flood. They are typically made with woven polypropylene or burlap sacks. Plastic garbage bags are slick and will not create a sturdy structure when stacked. Feed sacks, although made of similar materials to sandbags, are usually large and are also not practical for handling.

If your home or business has experienced a flood, please call the professionals of SERVPRO of Olmos Park right away – open 24 hours for emergency services and here to help! 210-348-2911

Source: Chainshaw Journal. Jan 2020.

How To Best Fill and Stack Sandbags

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Sandbags for Flooding are essential tools if you live in an area prone to flooding.

Filling Your Sandbags

It is recommended that you use sand to fill your bags with, however if it is not readily available soil will work too. When filling your bags, you want to fill them just slightly more than half-full so they lay flatter, are easier to stack, and are lighter to move. Bags are much easier to handle if they are no more than 40 pounds when filled, although this may vary depending on the size of the bag (typical bags for sand-filling are 24-26 inches long by 14 inches wide).

Stacking Sandbags

One factor to keep in mind when protecting your home and property in the event of a flood is that sandbags are simply meant to divert water and debris away from the home, but do not create a water-tight seal. Proper placement will, however, significantly reduce the amount of water that seeps in.

First, prepare the site where the bags will be placed. You should clear by removing debris such as large sticks, mud, etc... These may cause gaps in your structure. Your barrier won’t function well if the ground is too slippery and your sandbags all slide away when the water flows; you need to be sure there is enough friction to keep them in place.

If your home or business has experienced flooding, please call SERVPRO of Olmos Park right away, as time is a factor. The professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park offer emergency services 24/7. Here to Help.

Source: Chainsaw Journal Jan 2020.

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Be Storm Aware

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency alerts on your smartphone are a proven lifesaver.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) can save your life. Here's how it works: when the National Weather Service issues an urgent alert for a storm in your location, the system looks to see which cell phone towers are included in the storm’s area. All cell phone towers within the warning area send out an instant emergency alert to WEA-enabled devices. The alert plays the classic emergency alert tone and pushes a notification to your screen.

The great benefit to these alerts is that they only go off if you're in the area affected by hazardous weather. This helps remedy the problem of receiving false alarms for storms dozens of miles away on the other side of your county. If you receive an emergency alert on your smartphone, you know you need to take immediate action to keep yourself and your family safe. Wireless Emergency Alerts are pushed out for tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, hurricane warnings, dust storm warnings, extreme wind warnings, and local dangers such as AMBER Alerts and evacuation orders.

If your home or business has suffered storm damage, please call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park. We offer 24 hour emergency service and will work easilly with your insurance company.

Source: Forbes November 2018

5 Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

5 Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

The past decade, these five causes were identified as the most common reasons behind commercial fires.

Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Year after year, cooking fires remain at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires with 25% to 30% of those fires being cooking-related. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure they are more than adequately protected. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

Arson/Intentional

Arson, or an intentional fire, is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson. Unfortunately, this type of fire causes the most damage to buildings and the highest number of injuries or death in building occupants.

Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Fires during later hours of the day often do far more damage than ones started during working hours, as there is no one available to sound an alarm.

An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots. This is a great example of why you should take care to include fire detection and prevention systems in unlikely places, such as behind the building.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsons can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

Since an intentional fire can truly occur anywhere, there is, unfortunately, no way to plan for it. Instead, take the above precautions and focus on standard placement of fire detection and control products within doorways, atriums and elevators.

Human Error/Unintentional

Some examples of an unintentional fire include cigarettes being improperly discarded, employees leaving heating equipment too close to walls or flammable surfaces, forgetting to blow out a candle, keeping a messy workstation or improper use of electrical devices (e.g. extension cords).

Because unintentional fires, like intentional fires, can’t be easily predicted or avoided, it’s essential to educate employees on fire prevention and safety practices and install plenty of fire prevention systems, such as fire alarms and fire and smoke curtains.

HVAC System Malfunction

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources.

Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms. That way if the system does cause a fire, it can be caught and addressed as quickly as possible.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring.

However, building owners should also have a new building's wiring systems inspected by a professional as well. Having follow-up preventative checks every few years is also a good idea, especially for buildings that have heavy energy users.

Rooms housing significant electronic systems should have smoke alarms, but in many cases, water sprinklers should be avoided; alternatively, specialized chemical foam sprinklers can be installed. These function just like water sprinklers, but use foam instead of water, designed to extinguish fire in sensitive electronic equipment.

If your home or business has suffered a fire or smoke damage, please call today for the professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park. Here to Help.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

The Importance of Having a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home and Business

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Make Sure to Have a Fire Extinguisher in Your Home or Business

Not only is it smart to keep fire extinguishers in your home, it’s also the law in many states.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

To learn more about fire damage restoration with SERVPRO of Olmos Park, click here. If your home or business has had a fire damage or smoke damage event, please give us a call today to get started restoring!

Source: Nationwide

2019 Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6th - 12th

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6^th through the 12^th

Very Important - Plan and Practice Your Escape
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have,giving everyone enough time to get out.

Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

Source: NFPA

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

Brace your garage door to prevent more-extensive damage. Most garage doors are not reinforced, and when the wind gets into the garage, it creates a positive push at the same time that the wind swirling above the structure creates a negative pull. That push-pull combination can cause the roof to fly off. Find a kit that you can buy at home-improvement stores to brace your garage doors.

Secure your windows and doors. Broken windows can let in wind and rain, and they can also increase the pressure under the roof. Storm shutters provide the best protection, but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can help, too. Make sure doors have several locking mechanisms so they don’t fly open; deadbolts are best. And it’s important to secure windows and doors at all sides of the home -- not just the one facing the body of water where hurricanes could form -- because hurricanes can swirl in any direction.

Source: https://www.kiplinger.com

Keep an Eye on your Water Bill in Order to Detect Leaks

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has mold behind their dishwasher or mold behind their sink because there has been a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.

If your pipes clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

If your pipes clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: www.farmers.com

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

What Color is Mold?

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

What Color is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that consists of small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you're sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.

If you are concerned your home or business may be experiencing a problem with mold, please do not hesitate to call the certified professionals at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park.

Source: www.webmd.com

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Reducing Mold Growth in the Bathroom and the Laundry Room

In the laundry room:

Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:

Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary.
Open a window when showering.
Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

Source: www.webmd.com Jan 2019

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. Components that are exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans, coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers) require scrupulous maintenance to prevent microbial 10 growth and the entry of undesired microorganisms or chemicals into the indoor air stream.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Source: www.osha.gov Jan 2019

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

HUD Standards Regarding Fire safety in manufactured homes

Manufactured homes (sometimes called "mobile" homes) are transportable structures that are fixed to a chassis and specifically designed to be towed to a residential site. They are not the same as modular or prefabricated homes, which are factory-built and then towed in sections to be installed at a permanent location.

The federal government regulates the construction of manufactured housing. Since 1976, manufactured homes have been required to comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manufactured housing construction and safety standards, which cover a wide range of safety requirements, including fire safety. Post-1976 manufactured homes bear a label certifying compliance with these standards.

The HUD standard has been enhanced over the years and the HUD "Final Rule" for smoke alarms in manufactured homes is largely based upon NFPA 501. Today, new construction of manufactured housing is required to contain, among other provisions:

factory installed hard wired or 10 year battery source, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up (including alarms inside or immediately adjacent to all rooms designated as sleeping areas, top of the stairs and on the basement ceiling near the stairs)
provisions for special devices for hearing and visually impaired persons.

NFPA's national fire data indicate that manufactured homes built to HUD standards (post-1976 construction) have a much lower risk of death if fire occurs compared to pre-standard manufactured homes. The latest data (2007-2011) also shows that the overall fire death rate per 100,000 housing units is roughly the same for manufactured homes and for other one- or two-family homes.

Despite the federal requirements for factory-installed smoke alarms and the fact that eight out of ten manufactured homes now are and seven out of ten manufactured home fires now involve post-HUD-Standard units (based on 2007-2011 data), 51 percent of fires in manufactured homes were reported as having no smoke alarms present. This suggests a problem with detection devices being removed by occupants.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

Fire Safety in Manufactured Homes

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire safety in manufactured homes

Safety tips

To increase fire safety in manufactured homes, NFPA offers the following guidelines:

Choose a HUD-certified manufactured home
If you are in the market to purchase or rent a manufactured home, select a home built after 1976 that bears the HUD label certifying compliance with safety standards.
Keep smoke alarms working
Never remove or disable a smoke alarm. If you experience frequent nuisance alarms, consider relocating the alarm further away from kitchen cooking fumes or bathroom steam. Selecting a photoelectric smoke alarm for the areas nearest kitchens and baths may reduce the number of nuisance alarms experienced. As an alternative, NFPA 501 permits a smoke alarm with a silencing means to be installed if it is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the "test" button. It is not necessary to use smoke or a real flame to test the smoke alarm's operability, and it is risky to do so. Replace batteries at least once a year, and when the alarm "chirps," signaling low battery power. Occasionally dust or lightly vacuum smoke alarms.
Make sure you have enough smoke alarms
If your older manufactured home does not have smoke alarms in or near every sleeping room and in or near the family/living area(s), immediately install new alarms and fresh batteries to protect these rooms. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Plan your escape
Know ahead of time how you will get out if you have a fire. Develop an escape plan which includes having an alternate exit out of every room. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors. All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to provide windows designed for use as secondary escape routes for the bedroom. Familiarize yourself with their operation and don't block access to them. Immediately fix any windows that have been painted or nailed shut, doors that are stubborn or "stuck," and locks that are difficult to operate. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices installed inside, which allow you to open them in an emergency. Hold a fire drill twice a year to rehearse how you will react if the smoke alarm sounds.

Electrical
Hire a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, frequent blown circuits, or a "hot" smell when using electricity. Use extension cords for temporary convenience, not as a permanent solution. Avoid overloading electrical receptacles (outlets). Electrical cords should not be run under carpets or rugs, as the wires can be damaged by foot traffic, then overheat and ignite the carpet or rug over them. Ground-fault circuit interrupters reduce the risk of electrical shock and should be installed by electricians in kitchens and baths. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters monitor electric circuits for arcing and should be installed by electricians on bedroom circuits.
Cooking
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires in U.S. homes. Supervise older children who cook and stay in the kitchen when heating anything on the stove. Keep cooking surfaces clean and place anything that can burn well away from the range. Heat oil slowly and know how to slide a lid over a pan if you experience a grease fire. Read more cooking safety tips.
Heating
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. When purchasing new space heaters, select appliances with automatic shut-off switches. Kerosene heaters are illegal for home use in some jurisdictions. Check with your local fire department before purchasing a kerosene heater. Turn off portable space heaters before falling asleep or when leaving the room. Refill kerosene heaters outdoors, after the heater has cooled down. Supervise children and pets when space heaters are operating. Read more heating safety tips.
Walls
All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to have wall linings that do not promote rapid flame spread, with special protection around primary heating and cooking equipment, such as the furnace and cooking range. Presently, gypsum wallboard has replaced plywood wall paneling and wood based ceiling panels in the fabrication of manufactured housing walls and ceilings. This action has dramatically reduced the impact of fires in manufactured homes. Do not mount anything on the walls – such as paneling, drapery, or wall hangings – that would reduce this protection, especially near major heat sources.
Smoking
If you have smokers in your home, ask them to smoke outside. Wherever people smoke, set out large, non-tip ashtrays on level surfaces and empty them frequently. Thoroughly douse butts with water before discarding. Check around and under cushions for smoldering butts. Read more smoking safety tips.
Protect yourself from intruders
Install outdoor lighting to deter intruders, including would-be arsonists. Keep gasoline, charcoal lighter and other flammable liquids locked in an outdoor shed. Don't store items underneath your home. Store firewood away from your home and keep trash and other flammable debris cleaned up. Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/

Avoiding Water and Pipes in your Home During a Storm

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Avoiding Water and Pipes in your Home During a Storm

WATER & PIPES

People on or in or near water are among those most at risk for lighting strikes during thunderstorms, both inside and outside the home. Water is a good conductor of electricity, and many homes have metal pipes (themselves fantastic conductors ). Not only can lightning striking your home travel through your pipes but lightning can travel stealthily into your home through shared pipelines that have sustained strikes some distance away from your home. Do not take a bath or shower, wash your hands, do laundry, use an ice maker, or otherwise use running water when there is lightning danger in the area.

If your home has encountered an electrical fire, please call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park today to assess the damage and to begin restoring your home. Faster to Any Disaster.

Source: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Learning About Mold Assessment vs. Mold Remediation in the State of Texas

Mold assessment activities include an inspection, investigation, or survey of a dwelling or other structure to provide the owner or occupant with information regarding the presence, identification, or evaluation of mold, the development of a mold management plan or remediation protocol, and the collection or analysis of a mold sample. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services in Texas are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants.

If you suspect mold in your home or business, call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park today.

Source: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/mld.htm

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Mold on Your Patio Furniture

If you’re hoping to save your current furniture or you’ve bought a new patio set and want to keep it from falling victim to the same problem, you can take steps to prevent mildew and mold. When purchasing new furniture, look for water-resistant fabrics and materials and check to see if the dyes used are also weather-resistant. Acrylic and polyester are usually the most durable. You can also waterproof your patio furniture yourself by purchasing a waterproofing kit at your local supply store.

Note that sunscreen and bug spray are known to soak into cushions, so always use a towel to sit on as added protection, and never sit down directly after coming out of the pool. If you do spill water or otherwise soil the furniture, clean it immediately, and do routine cleaning every few weeks. If you do not use your patio furniture year round, consider using furniture covers, or find a shed, garage or storage unit to house it during the off season.

Now that you know how to remove mold and mildew from patio furniture, you can clean up your chairs, table and umbrella to return it to good condition. You’ll be back to lounging out in the summer heat in no time.

Source: https://learn.livingdirect.com/patio-furniture-mold-removal/

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

A fire can cause severe damage to business equipment, materials, and structures. As a business owner, focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and staff education can help reduce your chance of fire and smoke damage. Here are three tips to help:

Assess the risk of fire hazards : The National Fire Protection Association offers handbooks and other publications on the fire safety code in place for businesses. If your local government offers it, a visit from a fire marshal is a great step for your fire prevention plan. If a marshal visit isn't available, ask for workplace fire risk assessment guidance from your building's property manager.

Have fire protection equipment : If you have an automatic sprinkler system in place, this will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices call for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Your best bet is multipurpose extinguishers, which will douse most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol.
Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs.
First Aid : In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Source: www.statefarm.com

Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed.

Source: www.farmers.com

Reducing Moisture in Your Home and Mold Growth

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Reducing Moisture in Your Home and Mold Growth

It's impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores can't grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If there is already mold growing in your home, it's important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold but don't fix the problem, the mold will most likely return.

Following is some advice for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific tips for the areas most prone to dampness and mold growth:

Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
Keep indoor humidity below 60% if possible. You can measure relative humidity with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument available at many hardware stores.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly.
Keep the house warm in cool weather. As the temperature goes down, the air is less able to hold moisture and it condenses on cold surfaces, which can encourage mold growth.
Add insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls, floors, and windows to reduce condensation.
Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Fix leaks and seepage. The ground should slope away from your house. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing.
Have a heating and cooling contractor check your heating and cooling system to make sure it's sized and operating properly to remove humidity.
Open doors between rooms to increase circulation, which carries heat to cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners.

Source: www.webmd.com Jan 2019

Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Top Tips Reducing Mold Growth in the Kitchen

In the kitchen:

Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside (not into the attic) whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl spaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
Be sure crawl spaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed in outside walls if necessary.
Consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet in basements. If you plan to install carpet over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
Have your basement floor checked for leaks and have them repaired if necessary. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors or walls.
Make sure gutters are working properly and that outdoor landscaping causes water to run away from -- not toward -- the house.
Do not finish basement walls with insulation and wall board unless your basement is very dry.

Source: www.webmd.com Jan 2019

National Fire Prevention Week

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

National Fire Prevention Week

October 7th - 13th is National Fire Prevention Week.

In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Source: National Fire Protection Association, http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week-2

Managing the Mold Remediation Process

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call (210) 348-2911

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Olmos Park. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection and Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO® technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Your local SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Franchise Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Establishing an Emergency Ready Profile for your Business

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Establishing an Emergency Ready Profile for your Business

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened. So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring (it happens to the best of us), you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of Olmos Park comes in. We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
A Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time (and from one more headache) if you ever need it.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
Establishes SERVPRO of Olmos Park as your emergency mitigation and restoration provider.You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is located right here in San Antonio.
Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of Olmos Park a call today! (210) 348-2911

Remediate and Restoration Services to get your Business Back in Business FAST

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Remediate and Restoration Services to get your Business Back in Business FAST

If your San Antonio business is affected by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, boarding up to secure the building, and removing debris and standing water.

After protecting and securing the structure, our highly-trained remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Olmos Park begin the restoration process. Your business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

Our professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time, keeps costs low, and can save you from one more headache.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

Board Up
Carpet Repair and Installation
Document Drying
Dry Cleaning
Drywall Installation
Drywall Removal
Electrical
Electronics Restoration
Fine Art Restoration
Furniture Restoration
General Contracting
Hardwood Floor Repair
HVAC Services
Linoleum Floor Repair
Move Out
Painting
Plumbing
Portable Power
Roof Tarp
Roofing Services
Scalable Resources
Temporary Fencing
Temporary Warehouse Space
Tile Floor Repair
Tree Removal

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration standards.

Call us today at (210) 348-2911

Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your family or your employees is by having a weather radio in your home or office. Did you know having a NOAA Weather Radio in your home is just as important as having a fire alarm?

A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts. It is designed to alert you to dangerous weather situations such as an approaching tornado, allowing you to be warned ahead of approaching storms providing time to seek shelter. In 2012, a new nationwide text emergency alert system was launched, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The WEA systems is a huge step toward keeping our nation informed in crisis situations, however it does not alleviate the need to own weather radios. The new WEA system relies on cell towers to send alerts- if cell towers are knocked out during bad weather or are no longer sending a signal, you will not receive alerts. Television and radio broadcasts can also go down during a destructive event. Having a back-up such as a weather radio is critical to ensure you still receive information in the event media outlets can no longer broadcast or you are unable to receive the broadcast.

When selecting a weather radio, ensure it includes SAME alert programming- sounds an alert only when specific counties are threatened (allowing you to only receive alerts for your county) and reviewable alerts (allowing you to turn off alerts you do not want to hear).

Contact your local San Antonio National Weather Service Office for assistance programming your weather radio, or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit the NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Tips to De-Clutter your Office

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to De-Clutter your Office

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park knows how important clean is so to help with that we thought we would bring you some tips and tricks to help de-clutter your office.

Divide Your Workplace Into Zones:Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

Keep Only What You Need At Arm's Length: Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter by pairing down the items to the top essentials only. Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've established for them.
Create A Daily Paper System: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read," "To Do," and "To File." Establish sheet days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.
Sort Your Catchall Drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
Eliminate Digital Clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files- with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.
Disinfect Regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains, and fingerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park is dedicated to taking the stress out of your daily business lives whether it be through cleaning tips or through our 24 hour response to a office full of water or smoke.

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (210) 348-2911

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (210) 348-2911

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Needs the Right Environment to Grow

We are constantly exposed to thousands of different types of fungi in our everyday lives. Certain types of fungi tend to exist naturally in soils, plants, fruits and textiles. Exposure to these fungi in naturally occurring doses is generally not harmful.

Mold can grow on areas with the following:

· Water, moisture or high humidity

· Food (any organic substance)

· The right temperature (generally 68-86 degrees F, but some can grow in 30 degrees or colder)

· Lack of ventilation

· Mold presents greater challenges to young children, the elderly and other immunosuppressed people.

· Some molds can produce toxins if the environmental conditions are right.

If you suspect you have mold, please contact SERVPRO® of Olmos Park at: (210) 348-2911.

An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

An Ounce of Mold Prevention Can Help Protect You

The most important step you can take is to identify humidity, moisture or water damage problems before they create bigger problems such as mold growth or structural damage.

§ Periodically inspect your building or home inside and out

§ Look for any water or moisture. Pay special attention around pipes, in basements and crawl spaces. If you see a problem, call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park to identify the extent of the damage. Sometimes moisture in ceilings or wall cavities cannot be seen. This provides perfect conditions for mold growth.

§ Your nose knows! Musty and moldy odors may be an indicator of growing molds. Your sense of smell may alert you to potential problems you cannot see. Remember, the key to protecting your home or business is to identify a problem early, before it gets worse.

§ Control humidity in bathrooms and wherever water is repeatedly used. Exhaust fans, proper caulking, and effective cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product will keep problems away.

§ Business: make sure your Emergency Response Plan includes vendors that have the proper personnel and reserves and guarantees response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This especially includes plumbers and restoration vendors like SERVPRO® of Olmos Park.

§ Regularly have your HVAC system and air conditioner inspected to identify moisture problems or drain clogs.

San Antonio Business Affected by Memorial Day Storms

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

San Antonio Business Affected by Memorial Day Storms

The crew of SERVPRO® of Olmos Park was called out to this commercial building located in San Antonio, Texas when a terrible storm blew in over Memorial Day Weekend. The rain was heavy and the wind was strong. So strong, in fact, that it managed to blow in a window, sending shards of glass throughout a lawyer's office causing damage to a couple pieces of furniture that were in the room. Not only did this office experience damage due to the glass breaking, but the rain caused an extensive amount of water damage as well. Since the storm hit over a holiday weekend, it went unnoticed until Tuesday morning. By the time we were called, the water damage had spread throughout the entire fifth-floor office. Additionally, water had dripped to several floors below it. There was a lot to clean up, but no job is too big for our awesome team of technicians who made this disaster "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO® Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Comes to the Aid of Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Fortunately, the Olmos Park area received only a handful of inches of rain due to Hurricane Harvey.

Unfortunately, Corpus Christi was hit hard by Harvey's strong winds and high rain totals. Immediately, Austin Tonroy, owner of SERVPRO® of Olmos Park responded to the owners of the homes in Corpus Christi. Windows were shattered, roofs were torn off, and water had flooded in from every direction in some cases. Our SERVPRO team was able to bring in generators to power the: pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers that helped us to remove the water and dry the homes. As in most cases with water damage, many homes were in need of mold prevention applications as well. There were many, many long work days and meals on the go.

In the end, we at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park were immensely proud to have helped our fellow Texans during one of their most desperate times of need.

If you are ever found in the same situation with terrible storm damage, please know we are Faster to Any Disaster and are always happy to help.

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.

Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.

Safety tips:

Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
Don’t throw water on a grease fire, put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.

Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Sources: http://www.propertycasualty360.com and National Fire Prevention Association

Candles and House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Candles and House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association.

Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. There are more candle fires in December and January; the top three days for fires are: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items.

Other causes of candle fires include leaving them unattended in a room or someone playing with the candles. Even something as simple as knocking a candle over when someone bumps a table they're sitting on or a pet brushing against one is enough to light a fire.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

How to Decrease Your Mold Exposure

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

Specific Recommendations:

Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

Antique shops
Greenhouses
Saunas
Farms
Mills
Construction areas
Flower shops
Summer cottages
Lake Houses

Source: cdc.gov

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires According to the National Fire Protection Association

The cold weather often means that people are spending more time at home and all of this time indoors increases the risks of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 360,000 home structure fires each year, resulting in about $6-8 billion dollars in damage.

The causes of these fires range from food left unattended on the stove to candles left burning. From the moment a fire starts to the point where the structure is fully engulfed is usually less than two minutes, which is why it is so important for occupants to get out of the home as quickly as possible and not try to put out a large fire themselves.

Here are the eight most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

Cooking
Electrical and Lighting
Lightning Strikes
Smoking
Dryers and Washing Machines
Candles
Children Playing with Fire
Christmas Trees

What are molds?

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

What are molds?

One of the most common questions we receive at SERVPRO® is: what exactly is mold. What kind of mold do I have? How do I keep it from spreading?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. In addition, mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

Cladosporium
Penicillium
Alternaria
Aspergillus

SERVPRO® can help to remediate the mold in your home. In addition, SERVPRO® will bring in air scrubbers that will help to remove the mold spores in the air in order to prevent any additional mold from forming. In most cases, the contaminated area will be sealed off in order to contain the mold spores in the air while the air is being "scrubbed" by the air scrubbers.

In many cases, the mold can simply be remediated. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

What would you do if your business suffered: Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination? Do you have a plan in place? SERPVRO® offers at no charge a business "Ready Plan" app for your phone that will walk you through a preparedness plan that could save your business $1,000's.

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. In general, the faster the response time to a disaster, the less secondary damage can occur. SERVPRO is "faster to any disaster" and works with you and your employees every step of the way.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan app will guide you through a: Water Damage event, Fire Damage event, Mold, Bio-Hazard contamination, and more. Pre-planning and having this app on the ready can help to give you tremendous peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

What to Do if you Suspect Mold

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do if you Suspect Mold

Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in places with high levels of moisture, such as leaks around pipes, windows, or roofs. If flooding has occurred and saturated your home, mold will also grow in drywall, dust, upholstery, and carpet, just to name a few. This is why it is of utmost importance to reach out to SERVPRO® of Olmos Park immediately if any water damage has occurred - these specially trained professionals will ensure your home and belongings are properly cleaned and dried to inhibit mold growth.

Mold can be many different colors, smell musty, and will often look like spots. Regardless of what type of mold it is, it needs to be removed. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it by attempting to clean the area yourself, touching the mold, or blowing air across affected areas. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home. If you suspect mold, keep loved ones out of the area, turn off fans and the HVAC system, and contact SERVPRO® of Olmos Park.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park specializes in mold cleanup and restoration; In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO® of Olmos Park – (210) 348-2911

Call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park to Prevent Secondary Damage

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park to Prevent Secondary Damage

You have heard it said again and again: Time is money.

The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business. Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into secondary- or even permanent damage. That's why emergency response matters.

Secondary water damage occurs when the moisture from the primary event (flood, leak, etc.) begins to evaporate on its own into the air. Over time the air will no longer be able to hold the moisture from the evaporation. The moisture will have to go somewhere and a very basic principle behind psychometrics is that wet goes to dry. The moisture may go into your drywall, cabinetry, sheetrock, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, etc. Once the moisture is allowed to sit, mold can then begin to grow. This is why emergency action is so incredibly important.

Let's face it: Floods, burst pipes, and leaks simply don't abide by the 9-to-5 workday. So why should your restoration provider? SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Professionals are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the state-of-the-art equipment and proven methods to get the job done right as quickly as possible.

Immediate Action is Crucial if you Experience Water Damage

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Although it is something that none of us ever want to deal with, flooding will happen at one point or another in your home. Flooding can occur many different ways in your San Antonio home -- a malfunctioning appliance, a pipe that burst, a family member who walked away from a filling bath tub for a little too long. When your San Antonio home experiences water damage, immediate action is crucial in minimizing the extent of the damage done to your property. SERVPRO of Olmos Park responds quickly; we make it a priority to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Our highly-trained professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to remove water efficiently. SERVPRO of Olmos Park will make it "Like it never even happened."

If your home experiences flooding or water damage, don't delay - Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park

(210) 348-2911

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (210) 348-2911

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