Why Local Disaster Cleanup Is Fast and Effective

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial clients know that SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for both national and local insurance companies.

Why Local Disaster Cleanup Is Fast and Effective

Commercial emergencies such as flooding, storm damage and fire often require a rapid response from a team of experts. When it comes to disaster cleanup, SERVPRO is the number one choice of most insurance companies. At any hour of the day or night, these pros are Faster to Any Size Disaster, outshining the competition in all of the following ways:

1. Locally Owned and Operated
When emergency water cleanup is needed in Summerland Key, FL, business owners want to work with a local company that has a good reputation. Supporting local businesses is a top priority for most business owners. Likewise, professional work and results are a major concern. Commercial business owners are more likely to use a water damage restoration company in their community such as SERVPRO that can boast these important credentials:

• Trained professionals
  
• Experienced staff
  
• Proper equipment
  
• Local management
  
• Timely services
  
  

2. Nationally Recognized
Although SERVPRO branches operate at a local level, the brand and services are nationally recognized by the average commercial establishment owner who knows they are Faster to Any Size Disaster. With over 1,700 franchisees across the nation, there is no doubt that the company is considered the best in the business. Along with the well-known company name comes a reputation for dependability and unsurpassed disaster cleanup.

3. A Preferred Vendor for Most Insurance Companies
When working with their insurance provider, commercial clients know that SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for both national and local insurance companies. As business managers go to file an insurance claim for flooding, fire, mold, or other damages, they want to choose a restoration company that is recognized by their insurance provider and that gets the job done right.
As a locally operated facility, employees live within the community they serve. This means SERVPRO professionals can get to the disaster site more quickly to resolve the problem. Learn why these franchises are both trusted and revered by local clientele because of the ability to be Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Steps To Keep Mold Out of Your Rental Homes

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Busted pipe ruins wall in Homestead, FL

If you have rental units in Homestead, FL, you of course want these units to look their best and to offer a pleasant living space for your clients. Plus, this makes the rooms easier to rent and for a higher price. The presence of mold in a rental unit could turn off prospective customers and could even chase away current renters. The good news is mold prevention is relatively easy and shouldn't cost a lot of money. It begins with doing your best to prevent leaks or unwanted water in the apartment complex.

Easy Steps To Prevent Mold Growth

Following this simple checklist is a good way to make sure mold does not gain a foothold in your building. About every six months, going through these steps can help avoid fungus problems:

• Quickly fix all plumbing leaks
• Make sure the roof system is in good shape
• Take care of water damage at once
• Inspect areas for mold colonies
• Stay alert to musty odors

One key to mold prevention is remembering that mold loves to grow in damp conditions. It can spread quickly, too, as microscopic mold spores are experts at moving into new areas. They can colonize new rooms in as little as 72 hours.

Successful Measures To Fight Mold
Mold is more difficult to deal with than mildew, which can often be wiped away with a good cleaning. Once mold has formed into colonies, it is usually best to work with a professional mold mitigation company in your area. A team of knowledgeable technicians can come to your building and develop a plan of action. They will address any moisture issues and then contain the mold with physical barriers and other methods. The technicians can use special disinfectants to kill the mold spores and then clean away the residue.
Avoiding mold in your properties is the best strategy. However, when mold prevention fails, a quality mold cleanup is the next step.

3 Reasons To Skip the Home Mold Testing Kit

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Skip the home mold testing kit and contact a certified mold removal professional

Why Skip The Mold Testing Kit?

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home or suspect your house might have a mold problem, the DIY mold testing kits at your local Key Largo, FL, hardware store might seem like a good place to start. However, these kits are limited in scope and are unlikely to supply the answers you need.

1. “Do I Have Mold?” Is a Trick Question
Before calling the professionals, many homeowners buy home mold kits to answer the question, “does my home contain mold?” That’s a bit of a trick question, however, and the answer will always be “yes.” All homes contain mold spores; it’s the reason bread left on the counter will eventually get moldy. DIY mold kits always yield positive results for the presence of mold.

2. Home Kits Leave the Real Questions Unanswered
The real questions you need to ask about a mold problem are things like:

• Is the mold in my home harmful?
  
• What’s causing it?
  
• How can I remove it?
  
• How can I keep it from coming back?
  
  

Unfortunately, mold testing kits can’t answer any of those questions. You’ll need to have a home inspection by a mold remediation specialist.

3. DIY Kits Yield Questionable Results
Your mold kit may include an option to send your results to a lab for further testing (for an additional fee). Unfortunately, the results of this testing are consistently unreliable. Relevant trade industry organizations and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued statements advising against the use of these kits. Consumer Reports has consistently rated them “Not Recommended.” Courts, insurance companies and medical professionals have rejected the results of home kits due to their lack of credibility.
If you’re concerned about mold because you can see mold spots, or smell a musty smell, your home likely has excessive mold growth. Skip the home mold testing kit and contact a certified mold removal professional to eliminate the problem at its source.

3 Ways To Keep Mold From Growing in Your Bathroom

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your shower clean

Avoid Moisture Problems That Lead To Mold And Mildew

Most homeowners have experienced bathroom mildew. If you have not had a mold problem, you are one of the lucky few. Whether you are dealing with mold and mildew for the first time, have tackled it many times before, or are looking for ways to keep from ever seeing it, there are preventative measures you can take. By following the three tips below, you can be well on your way to avoiding moisture problems that lead to mold and mildew.

1. Maintain Your Swamp Cooler
Since mold can build up inside of a swamp cooler, clean the drip pans, ducts, and other areas on a regular basis. Swamp coolers can release extra moisture into your home, adding to the problems in your bathroom. Running a dehumidifier when the moisture level gets too high can help.

2. Switch To an A/C Unit
Swamp coolers use evaporative moisture to cool down your house. Mold and mildew can easily take hold anywhere there is a humidity problem. If you live in an area that has high humidity most of the summer, you may need to consider switching to an A/C unit.

3. Keep Your Showers Clean
Once bathroom mildew takes hold, the spores can spread out and attach to other moist places. When cleaning your shower, remember to clean the tiles and the grout between the tiles. If you already have mold in your grout, a cleansing agent, grout scrub brush, and some elbow grease will get rid of it. Once it is gone, regular weekly cleanings should be all that is needed to keep the mold away.
Bathroom mildew is unsightly but can be remedied with some work. If your mold problem in Long Key, FL, is more than you can handle by yourself or it has spread to other areas, call a professional mold remediation company to get your home back to its pre-mold condition as quickly as possible.

How a Roof Leak Can Lead to Mold in Your Business

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth on ceiling due to water damage

How A Roof Leak Can Lead To Mold Problems

When you have a roof leak in your Tavernier, FL, business then you may be worried about the possibility that there may be black mold. Fortunately, a local mold remediation service can help answer any questions you may have, as well as help clean and repair damages. Here’s what they recommend you know about how a roof leak can lead to mold problems.

1. It Allows Water To Get Inside

One of the important things to remember about a roof or ceiling leak is that it exposes the interior of your business to the outside elements. This means like weather such as rain, hail or snow has the chance to seep inside and cause problems.

2. Water Keeps the Space Damp and Humid

This water can keep the area exposed to the leak damp enough that mold can begin to grow. If left unchecked it can then turn into black mold, The longer mold is left to grow the more damage it may cause. This is why it's important to contact a local remediation team as quickly as possible if you believe you may have a mold problem.

3. Mold Thrives in Wet Environments

Because mold is a fungus it grows best in dark and damp environments. This is often the type of habitat that's created by water leaks. The water seeps into the surrounding area and can soften organic material such as wood or drywall allowing the mold to gain a hold. The remaining water from the leak also fuels its growth.

If you have a leak in the roof of your company building it's important to remedy the problem before black mold can occur. Understanding how the water leads to mold damage can also help you mitigate potential issues. Remember that a leak allows the water to get inside which can make the space humid. This then creates a habitat in which mold likes to grow. If you do have mold on your company property a mold remediation service can help.

Saving Your Plants From Mildew

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

You may have plant with mildew in your Brickell Key, FL

Tips For Saving Your Plants From a Fungus Infestation

Houseplants can make your home in Brickell Key, FL, more inviting. If you notice white or powdery spots on your ivy when you are watering it, however, you may have plant mildew. Mildew can weaken and kill your plants. Here are some tips for saving your plants from a fungus infestation.

Prevention
Mildew growth is unlikely to spread from plant to plant, so you don't necessarily have to isolate the plant with the problem. However, there are likely several conditions that led to the growth in the first place:

• Poor air circulation
  
• Overwatering
  
• High humidity
  
  

Like all fungus, mildew needs moisture to thrive. Once you take these problems out of the equation, your plants are much less likely to develop a mildew problem.

Relocation
A fast way to stop plant mildew in its tracks is to move it to a sunny, dry location. If you have a spot outside, it's best to move your infected houseplant there so that the problem doesn't worsen while you are trying to save it.

Pruning
If mildew is only on part of the plant, you may be able to fix the problem by cutting away the leaves where it appears. Prune the plant and keep an eye on it for a few days. If the mildew doesn't reappear, your plant will probably survive.

Cleaning
Many fungicides on the market are harsh and may kill the plant you are trying to save. Mold remediation experts recommend that you find a formula that is specifically made for plants to take care of the mildew. Use sparingly to clean leaves before you move the plant back inside.
Plant mildew is not necessarily a death sentence for your plant, particularly if you catch it early. While prevention is best, there are still several things you can do to save a plant with mildew on its leaves. With a little tender loving care, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and free of fungus.

The Steps of SERVPRO Response

6/20/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of when the disaster occurs, SERVPRO will be there to help in a timely manner

The Steps of SERVPRO Response

Storm damage can interrupt your clients' businesses and make it difficult for them to get back on track. When you need fast, professional mitigation services in Design District, FL, you can recommend SERVPRO with confidence. Its 24-hour service ensures that no matter when you call, you can depend on quick service. With one call to the corporate hotline, you set in motion a response that's Faster to Any Size Disaster.

1. Respond Within the Hour
When you contact SERVPRO for emergency restoration, you can count on a fast response within an hour of your call. When the responder calls, he or she will gather information to plan how to approach the restoration of your client's building:

• Location of building
  
• Type of damage
  
• Extent of damage
  
  

Local technicians use this information to gather the appropriate supplies and equipment and to enlist any extra help they may need to address the problem.

2. Arrive Within Four Hours
Disaster doesn't wait for a time that is convenient for your client. That's why it's so important to choose a company that operates on a 24-hour basis. No matter when the damage occurs, the SERVPRO team arrives on-site within four hours of the initial call. The team members assess the damage to your client's building and compile a list of the repairs that need to be made. They can then estimate the overall cost and time it will take to complete them.

3. Brief Within Eight Hours
Because SERVPRO is always open, the restoration team that will complete the work on your client's billing will be ready to brief him or her on what is needed to get it back to normal within eight hours of the initial call. Technicians give building owners an overview of what to expect from the process and answer any questions they may have.
You and your clients can depend on SERVPRO for professional, 24-hour response. Regardless of when the disaster occurs, SERVPRO will be there to help in a timely manner.

Why Are Your Mold Spots Reappearing?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Why Are Your Mold Spots Reappearing?

Mold growth occurs when fungal spores interact with moisture and organic matter. As they begin to spread, these little beings create blackish spots, signaling you have trouble. As a business owner in Key West, FL, you certainly don't want moldy walls, so upon seeing the unsightly blemishes, reaching for a common household cleaner seems wise and efficient. While that may appear effective for a bit, it doesn't really work. The eyesores will most likely return, revealing you still have a hazard. Why? Here are three reasons your problem still exists.

1. The Water Source Wasn't Fixed
Somehow water infiltrated that room, establishing a high humidity. Microbes thrive in this environment. Your cleaning actions attempted to kill the first outer layer; however, as long as the fluid is still present, the formula for breeding still exists. Find the initial source and have it fixed, cutting off the supply chain.

2. The Contamination Wasn't Removed
The mold growth goes much deeper than surface level. Fungus penetrates into porous objects, seeping into walls, ceilings, and flooring. As the organisms multiply behind the shower tiles or walls, they only become visible over time. At that point, the situation is more severe. When this occurs, bleach and other products don't get to the root of the infestation. For that, you'll need to work with a mold remediation company. The experts can test the building, determining the level of exposure. Then you'll need to remove much of the infected materials.

3. The Microbe Count Is Too High
With the water damage fixed and heavily ruined materials torn out, the structure and your assets still need attention. Spores will always be in the establishment, but you want to minimize the exposure. At this point, the count is elevated from the spread. Thus, have content cleaning specialists sanitize your nonporous items and have the experts use air scrubbers to purify the air and vents.
Your mold growth reappears because it never went away. It was only diminished for a bit. Get to the root of the issue, then discard tainted substances.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help you through!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Brickell, (305) 643-0710.

5 Tips To Keep Mold From Spreading

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Run an air purifier

Keep The Spreading To A Minimum

Do-it-yourself mold remediation can be tricky. One of the biggest concerns is spreading mold spores throughout your home during the cleaning process. This can lead to mold growth in other, previously non-affected locations. Fortunately, the following tips can help you keep the spreading to a minimum.

1. Turn off HVAC. While you are working, mold spores may float into the HVAC vents. Turn off the unit and seal the vents with tape and plastic sheeting to keep the spores from being carried into other areas of your home.

2. Run an air purifier. Turn on an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap airborne spores while you are cleaning. Make sure the purifier is correctly sized for the area where you are working.

3. Direct air outside. If the room you are working in has a window, place a box fan on the sill facing outside. This way the mold spores that become airborne will go outdoors. When you have the box fan in place, use plywood or plastic sheeting to seal off the area around the fan to keep the spores from floating back inside.

4. Throw away mold-infested materials. All items that cannot be fully remediated should be thrown away. Place the items in doubled-up garbage bags and tie securely to prevent spreading mold to other areas. Moldy carpet should be wrapped in 6-mil plastic sheeting and taped securely before being thrown out.

5. Wash or throw away work clothes. When you have completed the mold remediation, make sure to properly launder your clothing and shoes using detergent and hot water. Items that cannot be properly cleaned should be thrown away.
Many homes experience mold infestation, and homeowners can often address the problem themselves without spreading mold. However, if the infestation is large or if you suspect toxic black mold, a certified restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.

Document Restoration

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offer document restoration

If you have experienced a disaster in Summerland Key, FL, you may find yourself in need of a document restoration company. Even if your important paperwork, files, photos, or blueprints sustained damage during a disaster, it does not necessarily mean they are lost forever. SERVPRO regularly restores these types of documents, regardless of whether harm occurred by fire, water, mold, or other substances. They have access to state-of-the-art equipment and over 40 years of experience restoring damaged items.

Types of Documents

Many important or favorite items can be damaged during fires and floods. Often, a favorite painting or photograph receives water damage from a flood. Business-critical documents residing in a file cabinet can become damaged in a variety of situations. Depending on the level of damage, specialized techniques may be able to be used to restore your paper possessions. Document restoration is commonly performed on many types of media:

• Books
  
• Magazines
  
• Photographs
  
• Blueprints
  
• X-rays
  
• Parchment
  
• Manuscripts
  
• Business documents
  
• Maps
  
  

The Restoration Process 

SERVPRO uses only HIPPA Master-certified technicians and specialized techniques to recover paper goods, including the same freeze-drying method that is currently used by the Library of Congress. Your professional consultant will devise a specific plan for your scenario, but document drying is often the first step. Since floodwater can contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances, sterilization may be performed using a gamma irradiation process. Your documents may also be rejacketed. Deodorization may be used to remove the smell of smoke or other odors. SERVPRO converts all your paper documents to digital files so that you will always have a digital backup copy, in case it is ever needed.
Document restoration helps get your business operational and running smoothly as quickly as possible after a disaster. With the help of a professional restoration company with a specialized paper restoration facility, you may be able to restore your important documents to their original condition.

Eliminating Undesirable Odors From Your Washing Machine

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Does your washing machine stink? There may be mold growth in the drain.

Eliminating Undesirable Odors From Your Washing Machine

Laundry can seem endless and frustrating, especially as the piles accrue. It is especially irritating when you pull out the clothes only to realize that rather than smelling fresh, they reek of a funky odor. When this happens, grab some supplies. Washing machine cleaning can help eradicate . Here are three ways to handle it.

1. Scrub It

Do you see little bits of frays when you open the door? If small pieces of cloth get caught in the tub, they are attracting water and, thus, developing a mold smell. The longer it sits, the worse it gets. Find a typical household sponge and some white vinegar. Pour out an even amount of each into a small plastic bowl. Scour away, removing as much as possible.

2. Cleanse It

Washing machine maintenance includes removing any soap and dirt buildup; therefore, taking some time to eliminate the contamination may help knock out the stench. Go to the cabinet and locate some baking soda and white vinegar. Both agents have the ability kill mold and mildew. Add a half cup of baking soda and an equal amount of water to the detergent container. Then, pour two cups of vinegar into the drum. Finally, run an empty load on hot. After the cycle, it will hopefully be stink-free. If, however, you can't remedy the situation, contact a mold remediation company in Downtown Miami, FL, to evaluate the room, inspecting pipes and walls.

3. Empty It

Life gets busy, and sometimes dirty laundry gets moved to the bottom of the list. You may have thrown clothes in at the beginning of the day, letting them sit and fester for most of the afternoon. In fact, you probably thought it couldn't cause any harm. You'll dry it when you can, right? The reality is, though, that when anything damp sits for a while, it can develop mildew or mold. The longer it stays put, the more likely it is to grow foul. Try and set a goal to remove loads as soon as possible, preventing this from developing.
Washing machine care is important. Make it a routine to sanitize the appliance regularly, preventing undesirable scents.

SERVPRO Metro Mover - Moving our Downtown Community!

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO branded Miami Metro Mover Car number 59.

HAVE YOU SEEN IT!

SERVPRO of Brickell is proud to be serving our local downtown commercial Property Managers, Chief Engineers, HOA Boards and Rental Community Manager and our local City Housing Authority with all their water, fire and mold cleanup and restoration needs!

If you work downtown or use the Miami Metro Mover, keep a sharp eye out for the SERVPRO of Brickell Flaming Metro Mover Car!

 If you have the MDT APP on your phone check all the loops for CAR 59!

Remember their are three loops, the Onmi, Inner and the Brickell Loop and the Flaming SERVPRO Mover rides on all three loops!

HERE IS YOUR CHALLENGE!

Keep a sharp eye out for the SERVPRO METRO MOVER CAR, remember it is CAR 59 on the MDT Mover APP on your phone! Check all three loops for real time location information!

 If you spot the SERVPRO METRO MOVER CAR, take a picture of it and its location and comment and like the post on our Facebook page and you will be automatically entered into this months contest to win your very own Apple iPad Air loaded with the SERVPRO ERP APP.

 What is the ERP APP? 

Read more about the Emergency READY Profile ERP APP and how it can benefit your properties or facilities in the event of a large water or fire loss!

What is Black Mold?

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

This mold was found after a water damage.

You may have seen sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of “black mold” or “toxic mold”. These reports can be alarming and confusing so it’s beneficial to get the facts to better understand mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called black mold, and it does produce allergens and irritants. However, many other types of mold can also produce allergens and irritants. Treat any mold with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

If you spot any signs of mold, don't be afraid to call the professionals at SERVPRO for a free estimate. Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by visiting Mold Damage Tips. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (305) 643-0710

Understanding Why Mold Grows in Your Home

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Homestead, FL

When it comes to most households, black mold is a forbidden word. It's one of the last things anyone wants to see. Worst of all, it seems like no matter how much you wipe, it just keeps coming back. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re wondering why mold keeps growing in your Homestead, FL, home, the answer may be as simple as understanding just what mold is, how it thrives and what you can get rid of to banish it for good.

What Are Molds?

The easiest way to think of molds are as insidious microorganisms that can take up residence just about anywhere. More specifically, molds are types of fungi that spread through little seed-like spores that are floating in the air all around us. Because black molds thrive in moist, warm environments, they replicate most easily in:

• Attics
• Bathrooms
• Crawlspaces
  

Why Mold Gets Into Homes

Mold loves moist environments and those are perhaps nowhere more concentrated than in the average house. Things like taking a shower, using humidifiers or hanging clothes to dry all produce more of the moisture molds like. Outside your home, storing wet firewood or even excessively watering many plants can create the perfect breeding ground. Once spores land on a moist surface, they start growing.

Getting Rid of It

Whether you can get rid of your mold depends a lot on the depth of the problem. Small areas of mold on solid surfaces can often be removed with a sponge and specialized cleaner. But because black mold can be potentially dangerous to inhale, removing extensive mold should be left to specially trained mold cleanup companies.
Mold is the bane of the homeowner’s existence, but you can fight back. Start by contacting a mold removal specialist to get an idea of the depth of your moisture problem and you’ll soon be on your way to having a mold-free home.

Is Cleaning Your Air Ducts Necessary?

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

At some point in every homeowner’s life it’s essential to clean your air ducts, as they directly affect the air quality, circulation and even the energy usage in your home. Dirty air ducts can contribute to health issues like respiratory infections or allergies because they can circulate contaminants and air pollutants (such as dander, dust and chemicals) throughout the home throughout the day. While the air ducts being dirty doesn’t mean unhealthy air in your home, it can contribute to health issues to individuals who already have allergies or asthma. Also, the pollutants cause your HVAC system to work harder and shorten its lifespan. When the HVAC system is clean it will waste less energy while running causing the monthly rates cause to go down.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

2/3/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner, and while there is some time before spring arrives (March 20^th) we are already trying to help your prep for your spring cleaning, because here at SERVPRO we would much rather be ready ahead of time. Spring cleaning will eliminate any unnecessary clutter and will leave your home feeling brand new. You could always give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help you with your spring cleaning, but we have composed a short checklist to make sure you are ready for your spring cleaning:

• Clean Room-By-Room
• Organize and Clear the Clutter
• Get the Family Involved
• Tackle the Seasonal Chores
• Keep Cleaning Products to a Minimum
• Establish New Cleaning Habits

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (305) 643-0710

What to Do After Sewage Backup?

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

A sewage backup is one of the most unpleasant incidents that can occur inside of a home; it can cause property damage and health problems. Also, it is extremely difficult to deal with. Cleaning up sewer backup requires a lot of time and effort, as well as specialized disinfecting products and purification techniques. Raw sewage cleanup is especially risky as it not only causes a lot of hassle and inconveniences, but also presents a variety of health hazards (sewage spills contain contaminants that can cause serious diseases) and sanitation issues. Professional help is your best option in these situations, but you can do a few things to limit the extent of the damage before the experts arrive.

There are important measures to take after a sewage backup in order to prevent the damage from spreading:

• Keep children and pets away from the affected area
• Wear protective equipment – i.e. rubber gloves, rubber boots, impervious coveralls, protective eye wear, and a face-mask
• Switch off the electrical power to your home.
• Turn off any running water
• Open doors and windows to allow fresh air inside
• Take any un-contaminated items away from the affected area
• Add small amounts of chlorine bleach to standing water to ensure some disinfection
• Notify your insurance company that there has been a sewage spill in your home
• Call a professional water damage restoration company. The quick and efficient intervention of the experienced technicians will save you a lot of time and effort and will provide the most appropriate, safest, and cost-effective solution to the problem. Besides, most sewage cleanup companies offer not only water extraction, but also quality repair works, odor removal, and content cleanup, so you will have all the aspects of the restoration process taken care of when using professional sewage cleanup services.

Generator Safety

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

If you own a generator for power outages during severe weather storms, follow the safety tips below from the American Red Cross:

Never use a generator, grill, stove, or any other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.

To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

Opening doors or windows and using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.

Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

Fall Allergy Guide

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we are a professionals when it comes to restoration and remediation. What we really care about is helping people. So, we have come up with a quick guide on how to get through this allergy season:

• Check the pollen count when you wake up.
• Try not to walk through leafs, they attract moisture that lets mold flourish.
• Make sure to drive to work with your windows up and the AC on.
• Wash your hands to clean out any remaining pollen from your hands.
• Keep your work station uncluttered and clean of any dust.
• Shower and change clothes as soon as you get home.
• Don't let the temperature get above 72 degrees overnight; mold grows in warmth.
• Wash your sheets to remove any lingering pollen.
• Keep your windows closed overnight.

Ready 24/7

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

We are ready for disaster whenever it strikes.

SERVPRO OF BRICKELL AND WYNWOOD IS READY TO ANSWER THE CALL 24/7

On the call 24/7:

            As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent loses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Brickell!

Hurricane Michael

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Michael is quickly approaching the Northern Florida Coast. Set to make land fall at either category 3 or 4 on Thursday October 11^th. It would be a great idea to be prepared for this storm. Florida is the state where hurricanes make landfall the most during the month of October. In the link above you will find what you need to be prepared for the storm. Hurricane Michael seems to be coming with enough force to do some serious damage to any city. Make sure to be stocked up all the essentials you will need during a hurricane of this caliber. If your home is in the surge zone, leave the water removal to the professionals and call up your local SERVPRO they will not hesitate to help.

October is Pink

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research. Research holds the key to a future where all that changes. A future where women get to watch their children grow up, creating a lifetime of memories with the people they love. With about 266,120 new cases of breast cancer is diagnosed every year, and about 40,920 women will die from breast cancer in that same year. If you would like to learn more on the disease or donate/fund-raise head over to The Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation website. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. They provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis and survivor-ship.