Archived Blog Blog Posts
Remediation after the Storm
8/17/2020 (Permalink)
Storm Cleanup
Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation
When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety provoking situation. SERVPRO of Midland delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great.
Storm damage in Midland, TX can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition just “Like it never even happened.”
Placing your trust in SERVPRO of Midland for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling.
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of Midland. Dial (432) 620-0086 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.
Know The difference
8/17/2020 (Permalink)
Flood Watch or Warning
What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?
- Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
- Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
- Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
- Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/
Summer Fun The Grill
8/17/2020 (Permalink)
Charcoal or Propane
We here at SERVPRO know that we are still using the grill since the evening are now getting a little cooler. There is nothing like firing up the grill on a nice cool afternoon and throwing a couple of steaks on with some friends. Did you know that the backyard barbecue can become dangerous if safety precautions aren't considered. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals want you to have an enjoyable and safe fall. We have a few tips that could help with your safety.
> Propane and carcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
> The grill should be placed away form the home, deck railings, and out from the under eaves and overhaning branches
> Keep children and pets away from the grill area
> Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup form the grills and in trays below the grill
> Never leave your grill unattended
> When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing the coals in a metal container
Always enjoy yourself, but always keep an eye on what is going on around you and stay safe.
Dryer Vents
8/17/2020 (Permalink)
Cleaning Vents
According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.
To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, SERVPRO® of Midland can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. We would use our duct cleaning machine to run through the lines to get them looking new and keep you safe.
Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.
For more information on cleaning dryer vents, contact SERVPRO of Midland at 432-620-0086.
Stay safe please.
*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 15, Iss 4
Duct Cleaning
8/12/2020 (Permalink)
Ducts
The one thing that we as home owners kinda forget about is our duct system. SERVPRO can come in and clean the duct system to help with allergies and asthma. We have the machines to properly clean the ducts and we also ensure to clean the registers before placing them back up. How our machine works is negative pressure and agitation tools are used in combination to loosen dirt and debris and remove them from the HVAC system. We are able to clean 99.9% of all the dust from your lines. Cleaning services cam be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality. We can use chemicals inside the air duct system to help keep them smelling great throughout the whole house.
Mold
8/12/2020 (Permalink)
Mold Growth
In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.
Have a Mold Problem? Call Today SERVPRO of Midland Texas 432-620-0086
If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:
Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.
What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
Heat Stress
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
heat
On average, heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States.
Source: National Weather Service, nws.noaa.gov
As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick, and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.
According to the EPA, “the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50–90°F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces—often in more rural surroundings—remain close to air temperatures.” These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset “due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure.”
Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.
If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC). If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter.
Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov.
Contact us at 432-620-0086 if you have a service needs contact SERVPRO of Midland Texas.
Extraction of Water
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
water removal
Emergency Water Removal
Highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, they may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. This step helps to reduce drying time and helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage.
- Remove Excess Water
- Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums
Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals inspect the carpet and pad and determine if it should be removed to protect the subfloor.
- Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
- Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed
Water Removal Equipment
- Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
- Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
- Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
- Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
Covid-19 Cleanup
8/10/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Covid Cleanup
These procedures focus on the critical role cleaning plays in preventing the transmission of viruses, such as Coronavirus. Cleanup procedures may vary depending on the environment, but the general guideline includes [1] disinfectant selection, [2] cleaning and sanitizing of porous and non-porous surfaces, [3] disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, [4] cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, [5] post clean up evaluation, and [6] disposal of waste.
1. Disinfectant Selection
The CDC recommends usage of a disinfectant with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claim. As of the date of this publication, there are no disinfectants that have been tested specifically for use against novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the Cause of COVID-19. However, disinfectant manufacturers (including SERVPRO) are working with the EPA to have the emerging viral pathogen claim added to existing products that are designed to kill viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2.
2. Cleaning and Sanitizing of Porous and Non-porous Surfaces
The CDC describes cleaning as removing germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using a detergent and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.xx
Some materials cannot be cleaned with detergent and water without being damaged. For this reason, paper and paper products are not able to be cleaned and/or disinfected. Cleaning methods typically used on water sensitive materials such as vacuuming or dry sponging would not be capable of removing enough soil and residue to be effective.
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.xxi Surfaces that are not water sensitive, can be wet cleaned using a Hot Water Extraction or Deluxe Pre-conditioner and Rinse method. Upholstered items and carpets can be sanitized with certain disinfectants.
Affected laundry/linen items should be minimally handled. If the items can be laundered, SERVPRO of Midland Texas will launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely. Otherwise, SERVPRO will use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces.xxii
• SERVPRO of Midland Texas will wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and if possible, will launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.xxiv
• SERVPRO of Midland Texas will clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to the guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.xxv
Non-porous materials like hard surface floors, cabinets, countertops, doorknobs, and plumbing fixtures can be wet cleaned using a variety of SERVPRO hard surface cleaners (general-purpose cleaners) and cleaning methods. All cleaning procedures will be performed in such a manner as to minimize the splashing, spraying, spattering, falling, aerosolization, cross-contamination, migration, and generation of infectious material. We will avoid cleaning techniques such as pressurized air or water sprays, which may generate droplets or bio-aerosols.
3. Disinfecting of Non-porous Surfaces
The CDC describes disinfecting as killing germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.xxvi
The application method should be selected based on surface type, location of surface, amount of surface area, and manufacturer recommended application method. Disinfectants can be applied using a saturated towel, spray bottle, pump-up sprayer, electric sprayer, ULV Mister, or electrostatic sprayer. SERVPRO of St. Augustine follows label directions for application and maintaining wet contact or dwell time as indicated by the manufacturer, which is critical.
Our technicians will be careful to prevent the over-wetting of electronic items, such as phones and computers to prevent potential damage.
4. Cleaning and Disinfecting of Equipment, Tools, and/or Supplies Used for Cleanup Process
Any equipment, tools, and/or supplies used by SERVPRO of Midland Texas for the cleanup process will be cleaned and disinfected using the cleaning methods described in steps 1 and 2. This is to ensure that potential contamination is not moved to other parts of the structure.
5. Post Clean Up Evaluation
At the time of this publication, there is no available surface test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is currently no way to measure the effectiveness of the disinfection of SARS-CoV-2.
6. Disposal of Waste
SERVPRO of Midland Texas will follow all applicable federal, state, provincial, and municipal laws regarding the packaging, transportation, and disposal of medical waste. All disposable PPE (i.e. gloves, disposable respirators, coveralls), cleaning towels, and other waste will be bagged and sealed within the work area.
xx https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
xxi https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
xxii https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
xxiv https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
xxv https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
Covid-19
8/8/2020 (Permalink)
As states are beginning to reopen and lift some of the restrictions set in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are assessing how and when they’re going to reopen. Many are tasked with not only navigating the guidelines set forth by their state but are also working to establish an entirely new way of doing business. Regardless of industry, every business in America has had to make difficult but necessary decisions to develop a strategic plan of action for reopening.
For some, it’s allowing employees to continue to work from home for the remainder of the year. For others, it’s implementing a phased approach of reintroducing both employees and customers to their business environment. For all, a plan that involves a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation is of the utmost importance. Transparency and clear communication of reopening plans, both internally and externally, is proving to be critical for success and support during these trying times.
SERVPRO recently surveyed business owners and upper-level managers who work for organizations with 500+ employees. The questions covered how they are keeping their work environment clean and their employees and customers safe.
It’s clear that most businesses are listening to the CDC guidelines and recommendations and placing a higher emphasis on cleanliness and sanitation—for not only their employees to feel safe, but for the safety of their customers as well. These actions and higher standards are becoming the new norm in nearly every industry worldwide and will pave the way for the future of hygienic standards in business overall.
Are you interested in a free quote for our Commercial Services, or need to speak with our care center to get help with your cleanup?
Give us a call 432-620-0086 We’ll take the worry for you.