SERVPRO is the First to Return Your Call in an Emergency

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners in North Richland Hills can rely on us for immediate assistance whenever disaster strikes.

Disasters have absolutely no sense of timing, right? Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst time too. 

A flood, tornado, heavy rainfall, or plumbing issue like clogged sewer lines, broken water pipe, cracks in valves, etc., lead to water pouring down the ceilings and walls and pooling in your basement. When not taken care of instantly, mold and mildew take root. 

If you’re dealing with any type of home emergency, whether it’s damage from a grease fire, mold growth, or ceiling leak, all you want is a quick response. 

When tragedy strikes, you can count on SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. 

With more than 50 years of combined experience in cleanup, repair, and restoration services, we’re a top-rated company with a proven record of satisfied clients. At SERVPRO, we’re always the first to return your call. 

Act Now: Call Our Fort Worth Mold Remediation Service 

Mold growth is one of the greatest unseen hazards for homes in Fort Worth. The uncontrolled growth results in poor indoor air quality and can weaken the home's structure. Moreover, mold can quickly spread to other areas of your home if not contained in time. And if you’re looking to sell your home, mold issues can severely impact your ability to sell it quickly and for top dollar. 

Call a full-service remediation company to stop mold in its musty tracks. And no one’s better at remediating mold like SERVPRO. Our technicians understand mold and offer proper mold removal services instead of simply covering it up. 

From customer Kelly M:

During one the most difficult times of our lives, SERVPRO showed up and helped us navigate through the wreckage the tornado created to our brand new home in Preston Hollow. We are so thankful for the professionalism and swiftness of Rebecca, Melanie and Robert. Team ServoPro made an amazing difference during a trying time for our family. Thank you!

Mold Inspection and Abatement Process

Mold remediation involves identifying location, the extent of damage, safe removal, and finally, sanitation of the space. In cases where moisture has penetrated within the structure or where the material can’t be dried thoroughly, it's essential to tear out the moldy parts and then perform a repair or restoration.

It isn’t a DIY job because it requires trained expertise that SERVPRO mold specialists can deliver. Our services include mold cleaning, sanitization, mold odor removal, and restoration.

From customer Stephanie M:

Arthur and Patrick ROCKED setting everything up and ensuring the process would save the flooring if possible.  Not only were they good at their jobs, they were friendly, polite, and courteous--things lacking in today's customer service industry.  Hands down, I will absolutely speak praises for SERVPRO NRH, especially in regards to Arthur and Patrick and Jeremy.

Call Now for 24-Hour Mold Removal and Remediation 

Fast, decisive action is the key to mitigating the damage caused by mold. 

Homeowners in North Richland Hills can rely on us for immediate assistance whenever disaster strikes.  

Timing and quality of service matter, which is why SERVPRO is offering 24/7 Fort Worth Mold Remediation and restoration services. Call us anytime day or night for your free consultation. 

Is it Safe to Use Baking Paper Under the Grill?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Baking paper is generally not used for grilling because it doesn’t withstand extremely high temperatures.

Baking paper is useful when cooking to prevent food from sticking to baking trays and grill grates. Usually, baking paper or parchment paper is used when roasting vegetables or fish in the oven. And you can also use it to line baking tins so that cakes, bread, brownies, and cookies don’t stick. 

But what about using baking paper if you are grilling meat or vegetables? Is it safe to use baking paper under the grill? After all, paper ignites easily, and you don’t want to risk starting a fire in your kitchen when using an indoor grill. 

What is Baking Paper?

Baking paper is a grease-proof paper that is heat-resistant and creates a non-stick surface to bake on. The paper is processed and coated with silicone to develop resistance to heat, grease and create a non-stick surface. Baking paper is typically used for baking, roasting, and steaming.

Using Baking Paper Under the Grill — Is it Safe?

In some circumstances, you can use baking paper under the grill. This is because baking paper can withstand temperatures of 450°F. However, there’s a risk of hot grill temperatures causing the baking paper to catch fire. So if you use it for grilling, you must ensure the baking paper is well away from hot coals. 

To prevent the risk of fire, it’s generally best to stay away from using baking paper for grilling. 

Tips for Using Baking Paper Under the Grill

Are there safe ways to use baking paper under the grill? Remember that baking paper is safe up to temperatures of 450°F. So, to be on the safe side, you should never cook with temperatures above 400°F. Also, direct heat such as a flame or glowing coals will ignite the paper instantly. 

Here are a few tips on using baking paper when grilling food. 

• Use baking paper to create a wrapping parcel to cook delicate ingredients like vegetables or potatoes. However, always remember to keep the parcel away from direct flames or burning coals.
• Use baking paper to cover ingredients if you use a frying pan on the grill. 
• Always avoid using baking paper for lengthy roasting in the oven or grilling. When under high heat for a long time, the baking paper turns black and breaks down, impacting the flavor of food. 

Alternatives to Grilling with Baking Paper

Baking paper is generally not used for grilling because it doesn’t withstand extremely high temperatures. Therefore, to prevent food from sticking to grates and pans, you can spray oil on the grates before firing up the grill. Alternatively, you can use aluminum foil to protect meat and vegetables from extremely high heat.

Due to the risk of fire damage in the home, baking paper is not recommended for use under a grill. However, if your home has been damaged by fire, contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today at (817) 589-1499 to learn about our Fort Worth fire damage restoration services. 

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Using Humidifiers

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

A high level of water vapor in the air can create the perfect environment for mold spores to multiply.

Humidifiers are helpful appliances to increase moisture levels in the air. Household air is typically extremely dry and cranking up the heating in winter reduces humidity even more. Many people like to increase indoor humidity levels if they suffer from allergies, dry coughs, dry skin, or have flu symptoms. In addition, water vapor from humidifiers creates a suitable indoor environment if you care for many tropical houseplants.

However, humidifiers are only good if you use them properly. Unfortunately, common mistakes when using humidifiers can cause issues. For example, stagnant water can develop bacterial growths, and overly humid environments can cause mold in rooms.

Mistake #1: Not Changing Water Often Enough

It’s a mistake to leave water in a humidifier for too long. Stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. This means that dirty water could release toxins into the air the next time you use the steam unit. To avoid this mistake, always empty the unit after use.

Mistake #2: Not Paying Attention to Humidity Levels

When using a humidifier, don’t make the mistake of ignoring relative household humidity levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. So, before switching on a humidifier, use a humidity meter to ensure the air is not too dry or too damp.

Mistake #3: Using Tap Water in a Humidifier

Some humidifiers like ultrasonic humidifiers require using purified or distilled water in the unit. For example, using tap water to humidify a room could create white dust from the mineral particles in the water. This dirty mist can clog filters and cause a white film to form on furniture. 

Mistake #4: Not Cleaning the Humidifier Often

A common mistake is to forget to clean the humidifier. Admittedly, cleaning the enclosed tank can be a chore. However, doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that a dirty unit allows allergens, mildew, mold, and bacteria to accumulate. Therefore, the recommendation is to clean the unit weekly. After cleaning, rinse it with water to remove any chemical residue. 

Mistake #5: Not Placing a Humidifier on a Flat Surface

Placing your humidifier on an even surface is essential because it could easily tip over and spill. A humidifier only works efficiently when the unit is placed correctly on a raised, flat, stable surface.

One issue when using a room humidifier is that it can encourage mold growth. A high level of water vapor in the air can create the perfect environment for mold spores to multiply. The result is musty air and unsightly black patches on carpets, walls, floors, and upholstery. 

What should you do if you notice mold growth in your home? It’s vital to act without delay to remove the mold and the cause of excess household humidity or moisture. Contact SERVPRO at (817) 589-1499 to learn about our Fort Worth mold remediation services.

How to Prevent Damage from Frozen Pipes

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

After stopping the water flow, it’s vital to call in water damage restoration experts.

Frozen water pipes can cause disruption to your household and a tremendous amount of damage. Apart from blocking the water flow, a frozen pipe can burst when the ice blockage thaws. This can spew gallons of water into your home, resulting in extensive water damage. In addition, if you ignore water damage restoration, you could face severe mold problems in your home. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a water damage restoration professional who can also deal with mold remediation.

There are several steps you can take to prevent damage from frozen pipes. First, it’s a good idea to learn what happens when water freezes in a pipe. Then you should take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing. And lastly, it’s necessary to know how to thaw a frozen water line safely.

Simple Ways to Prevent Damage from Frozen Pipes

Here are some ways to avoid property damage that can occur if plumbing pipes freeze in winter.

1. Identify Pipes at Risk of Freezing

The most common pipes that freeze when temperature plummets are outdoor hose bibs, water sprinkler lines, and swimming pool supply lines. Indoors, uninsulated water pipes in basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages are also at risk of freezing. 

When the water in pipes freezes, two things can cause them to burst. First, water expands when it turns to ice, and this can cause cracks in plastic and metal piping. Second, pressure on pipes builds behind the blockage. 

2. Insulate Water Supply Lines and Indoor Spaces 

The best way to prevent plumbing damage from frozen lines is to insulate hot and cold water pipes. Pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive compared to paying for costly water damage restoration. In addition, it’s crucial to add insulation to basements, crawl spaces, and attics. 

Not only will insulation prevent pipes from freezing, but you will save money on energy costs. 

3. Drain Outdoor Supply Lines During Winter

A simple way to prevent outdoor pipes from freezing is to drain water from them. First, close the supply valve to sprinkler systems, garden hoses, and hose bibs. Then open the bibs to let water drain. 

4. Take Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

During a particularly cold snap, it’s vital to ensure indoor areas are warm enough. Keep the thermostat at least 65°F day and night. It is also a good idea to open internal doors and kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. This allows warmer air to circulate throughout the house and keep pipes warm.

Another handy tip to prevent pipes from freezing is to run a trickle of water from faucets when there is a risk of a hard freeze.

5. Learn How to Unfreeze Pipes

If a water pipe freezes, it’s vital to thaw the ice blockage gently to prevent extensive damage. Here is what to do:

• Shut off the main supply of water 
• Open the faucet to allow the thawing water to flow freely.
• Locate the frozen section of the pipe.
• Apply heat using a hair dryer, electric heating pad, or portable space heater. 
• Continue applying gentle heat until regular water pressure returns. 

What happens if the pipe bursts and causes a flood? After stopping the water flow, it’s vital to call in water damage restoration experts. In Dallas, SERVPRO has years of experience restoring properties after a flood. Contact us today at (817) 589-1499 to find out about our Fort Worth water damage restoration services. 

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for Odor Removal

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

A professional odor removal service like SERVPRO knows how to safely get rid of unpleasant odors.

Odor removal is one of the most challenging aspects of damage restoration. Foul stenches can linger for a long time after a fire or flood. The problem with getting rid of bad odors after a disaster is that the source of the unpleasant smell is not always apparent. In these cases, you should call SERVPRO — your local experts in odor removal.

Getting rid of foul odors isn’t connected with water damage or fire damage restoration. Instead, a pungent smell or malodor can result from rodent infestations, pet urine, gas, blocked sewer lines, cigarette smoke residue, or mold growth. 

In some cases, the presence of rancid or funky odors can indicate the air is unhealthy to breathe. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that large mold infestations can cause a stale, musty smell. A report in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives warned that if you see or smell mold, you must clean it out immediately. 

Your Trusted Odor Removal Experts

There are several reasons to call SERVPRO if you live in North Richland Hills and require odor removal. Here are three reasons to choose us if your home has a severe odor problem related to an emergency.

1. Save Money

First, trusting professionals to handle odor removal is cheaper in the long run. You could waste money on various cleaning agents, only to have the foul smell remain. Also, you may have to buy more chemicals than you need to remedy the odor issue. 

2. Eliminate Odors for Good

Our trained professional technicians have experience in knowing how to remove stubborn household odors at the source. For example, we don’t use masking methods like air fresheners to deodorize a building. Instead, we only use high-quality absorption, adsorption, disinfectants, and sanitizers to eliminate foul smells at the source.

3. Avoid Handling Toxic Chemicals

Extreme care is necessary when handling certain chemicals for odor removal. Additionally, it’s vital to have the required protective gear and equipment to protect your health. Also, cleaning up toxic waste after a flood can be risky when dealing with unknown biohazards. A professional odor removal service like SERVPRO knows how to safely get rid of unpleasant odors.

Four-Step Odor Removal Process 

You can rely on SERVPRO for water and fire damage restoration because our odor removal techniques use a trusted four-step process:

• Remove the odor at the source and improve air quality.
• Clean all surfaces from contaminants.
• Use odor penetration techniques to deodorize porous materials and remove bad smells.
• Seal surfaces to prevent offensive odors when removing them is impractical or too expensive.

Odor removal is a part of our Fort Worth fire damage restoration services. If your property has been damaged by fire, you can call us on (817) 589-1499 for a free inspection and no-obligation quote. Or contact us online. Additionally, SERVPRO also specializes in all types of odor removal, whatever the source. 

Three Myths About Water Damage Cleanup in Fort Worth

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in need of professional Fort Worth water damage restoration services, then look no further than SERVPRO.

Homeowners can save about 10 percent on their water bills when they quickly fix water leaks. But fixing the leak is one thing. Often, the bigger issue is the water damage left behind. 

Regardless of the severity of the water damage, you should always call for local Fort Worth water damage restoration services. SERVPRO will ensure that your property is quickly restored, fresh-smelling, and mold-free after a plumbing leak. 

Below are three myths about water damage cleanup you should know.

Myth #1: You Can DIY It

DIY has become a popular solution for many issues today, the main reason being that people can easily save money just by doing it themselves. The problem with this, however, is that DIY-ing can’t solve all issues. In fact, trying to DIY something can often make water damage worse. 

In the case of water damage, trying to perform restoration yourself will only cause further problems. For this reason, it’s always highly recommended that you hire professional Fort Worth water damage restoration services.

Myth #2: It’s No Big Deal

Many people tend to think that water damage is only a matter of just drying up the moisture and the problem is resolved. Truth be told, there are deeper problems with water damage that most property owners don’t realize. 

When water damage occurs, dehumidification will be needed to completely dry the area. And this can only be done with state-of-the-art equipment that most professional services carry. Also, knowing what is salvageable is something that only the experts can determine. 

Without professional help, your property can suffer from mold growth and structural collapse. Fort Worth water damage restoration services will ensure that no such issues persist.

Myth #3: Insurance Won’t Cover It

In most cases, property owners think because their water damage is minor, the insurance company won’t help pay for the damages. This, however, is not always true as your insurance company may decide to cover all damages.

Each situation is different, though, and your provider won’t always offer coverage for all damages. SERVPRO will work with your insurance provider to make sure you save as much as possible on water damage restoration. 

What You Should Do Instead

Given the information above, if water damage has occurred on your property, don’t hesitate at all in contacting Fort Worth water damage restoration services.

Such services have industry experts who are trained to restore salvageable items and areas of a property that were afflicted with water damage.

Get Water Damage Restoration From SERVPRO Today

If you find yourself in need of professional Fort Worth water damage restoration services, then look no further than SERVPRO. With our 35+ years of experience, we feel confident we can help you.

For any inquiries, call us at (817) 589-1499. Or visit our contact page.

Protect Important Documents from Disasters with Our Safety Tips

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Natural disasters can occur at any given time, sometimes, even without warning. If one has damaged your home, don’t hesitate in calling SERVPRO.

Since 1980, the US has sustained 308 weather and climate disasters, causing many losses for American citizens. And while these losses included property damage and certain valuables, some of the most devastating amongst them were important documents.

We rely on certain documents to carry important information and prove our identities. So when they’re destroyed in a natural disaster, it can be stressful trying to recover lost data. 

But if you’re worried about important information being damaged from a flood or a hurricane, don’t worry. 

SERVPRO can provide you with the best Fort Worth fire damage restoration around. But moreover, they also have the best tips you can follow to protect important documents from disasters. 

Tip #1: Create Backups

In today’s advanced technological age, it’s much easier to protect your important documents than ever before. This is mostly due to the invention of digital backups, allowing people to save files with crucial data in the Cloud or other devices.

If you possess important information that’s sealed within digital documents, you should consider making backups if you haven’t already. Doing so will guarantee an extra measure of security in the event that your computer or other storage device has been damaged due to a natural disaster.

Tip #2: Purchase a Strong File Cabinet

If your important documents are actual physical copies, you should invest in a strong filing cabinet if you haven’t yet. Filing cabinets are a great way to protect important documents and keep things organized.

Don’t just purchase any filing cabinet though. Buy one that is highly durable. Remember, you want to protect your physical copies as much as possible in the event of a natural disaster, so don’t get a cheap or flimsy filing cabinet.

If you own a durable filing cabinet that has been damaged by a fire recently, call SERVPRO right away. Our Fort Worth fire damage restoration team will save your filing cabinet if it’s still salvageable.

Tip #3: Make Copies

Backups are truly a lifesaver in many situations. But if you want that extra measure of protection, make copies of your important documents. Create extra files on your PC and place them in another storage device that’s safe from harm’s way. Also, make physical copies and place them in your filing cabinet or another form of storage.

When making physical copies, place them somewhere where you think they will be most safe from floods, fires, or other natural disasters.

Has a Natural Disaster Devastated Your Home? Call SERVPRO

Natural disasters can occur at any given time, sometimes, even without warning. If one has damaged your home, don’t hesitate at all in calling SERVPRO. We’re known far and wide for our Fort Worth fire damage restoration. But besides that, we can also help with water damage and mold remediation.

Call us at (817) 589-1499 or visit our contact page.

Roof Repairs and Replacements with SERVPRO

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your roof has suffered damage lately, has leaks, or just needs a replacement, pick up the phone and call the experts over at SERVPRO.

Out of every component of your home or business, your roof probably takes the worst beating of them all. Roofs are designed to take on the strongest of the elements, whether it be the pounding of heavy rainfall or extensive exposure to the sun’s rays. 

No matter what it is, in due time, your roof will become damaged to the point where repairs — or even a total replacement — will be needed. And when you’re in need of quality repairs or a replacement, look no further than SERVPRO of North Richland Hills.

SERVPRO has been providing its services for 35+ years, making us one of the most established businesses around. Regardless of whether you need Fort Worth water damage restoration or fire damage restoration, you can best believe that we’ll get the job done to your liking.

Why Trust SERVPRO?

For 35+ years, SERVPRO has been providing its quality services to numerous patrons of North Richland Hills. And this is mostly thanks to our team of industry experts.

SERVPRO is a highly established damage restoration company, which is why many look to us for our roofing services. But besides our many years of operation, SERVPRO also houses a staff of professionals who are completely devoted to helping each and every single one of our clients. No matter the time of day, we are always readily available to assist you with our 24/7 emergency services.

We carry an amazing track record of reversing the damage done to roofs as well as restoring them to pristine condition. Since 1980, 308 weather and climate disasters have afflicted the US. And while we haven’t been able to help all property owners, we’ve certainly done our part in helping restore our community.

How Can SERVPRO Help Your Roof?

At SERVPRO, we’re recognized for our myriad of reliable, efficient damage restoration services. While we’re widely known for our Fort Worth fire damage restoration, we also offer work in water damage and even mold remediation.

When we visit and inspect your property, we will apply different damage restoration methods tailored to your unique situation. Generally, though, we will always inspect, clean, and restore whatever is salvageable.

When it comes to your roof, you can trust that you’ll be in good hands. We’ve repaired and replaced countless roofs in our years of business and we feel confident that we can do the same for yours as well.

Restore Your Roof Today with SERVPRO

If your roof has suffered damage lately, has leaks, or just needs a replacement, pick up the phone and call the experts over at SERVPRO. With our expert’s handiwork and professionalism, you can trust that you will be in good hands.

For any inquiries, you can call us at (817) 589-1499 or visit our contact page.

24/7 Emergency Services for Those Experiencing Disaster in Fort Worth

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters can come and go at any given moment, sometimes even without warning, often leaving behind a trail of devastation and financial strife. Since 1980, in fact, damage costs have exceeded $1 billion from the 308 natural disasters the US has sustained. 

But while it can be frustrating to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters, you can still make it easier on yourself with the professional services of a local damage restoration company.

SERVPRO is known far and wide for our Fort Worth water damage restoration as well as a myriad of other services. And the best part is, you can always count on us any time of day as we’re always readily available 24/7. Whether a fire, flood, or mold has damaged your home or commercial building, SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop for all disaster restoration. 

SERVPRO is Available 24/7 

SERVPRO is devoted to helping each and every single one of our clients get through tough times. We understand how devastating it is to deal with damage dealt to your property, which is why we waste no time in assisting in any way we can. And that means offering our work whenever possible.

Accidents — let alone, disasters — occur randomly, and at the least convenient or expected times. With that being said, if one occurs on your property, whether it be day or night, don’t hesitate at all in contacting us.

Our team will arrive at your property in a timely fashion and will be ready to provide the damage restoration you need. Even if it’s something as destructive as a fire, SERVPRO will gladly provide you with its Fort Worth fire damage restoration services.

How Does SERVPRO Help?

SERVPRO applies different methods of restoration to each unique situation we work with. For each job we’re hired for, though, we will always apply the following procedures:

Inspection and Assessment

When we arrive at your property, the first thing our team will do is thoroughly inspect and assess the damage. In most cases, the damage that has occurred is more severe than it appears. By doing a proper inspection, we can determine which methods and tools to use.

Cleaning and Sanitization

Cleaning and sanitization are incredibly important parts of the restoration process. No matter if we’re dealing with smoke or flood damage, we will apply every bit of our power to ensure the valuables and components of your property are pristine. 

Restoration

We will take whatever is salvageable, such as carpets and pads, and restore these damaged items to the best of our ability. With our expertise, we feel confident that we can restore just about anything you own to pristine condition.

Burdened With an Emergency? Call SERVPRO Right Away 

If you should ever be burdened with the aftermath of a natural disaster, you can count on SERVPRO to help you. 

If you’re in need of Fort Worth fire damage restoration, you can call us at (817) 589-1499. Or visit our contact page for immediate assistance. 

Common Sump Pump Problems Homeowners Face

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

With the dangers that can happen with a broken sump pump, it’s very likely that water damage will occur in your home.

Between 1996 to 1999, 99% of US counties suffered a flooding event. In Fort Worth, Texas alone, nearly 600 flooding events have devastated the city during this time period. While sump pumps in homes have helped to ease the issue of basement floods, some homeowners were likely burdened with common issues pertaining to sump pump problems. 

Sump pumps serve as the first line of defense against basement floods. But if they have faulty functioning, then you might end up with a destroyed basement that will require Fort Worth water damage restoration.

To get familiar with common sump pump problems, continue reading below.

Why do Sump Pumps Fail?

Before you learn about the common sump pump problems, it’s important you understand why your sump pump is failing to begin with.

Sump pumps are composed of many intricate parts that are prone to malfunctioning. And because there are many different models and types sold on the market, it’s probable that you will own one that’s cheaply made. Also, besides use and brand type, improper installation can also cause a sump pump to break.

So What Are the Common Sump Pump Problems?

There are quite a few common issues that can occur with sump pumps. They include:

Overwhelmed Pumps

No matter their design, a single sump pump is not powerful enough to take on a flooded basement. Because of this, they can be overwhelmed due to the large amounts of water pouring in.

No Water Entering the Pump

If your sump pump isn’t taking in any water, this is often a sign that your pump wasn’t installed correctly. Or it can even be because your sump pump isn’t linked to a drainage system.

Clogged Pump

It’s important that your sump pump has a lid. Without one, it will become clogged and dirty over time. Eventually, your pump will become slow or it will stop working entirely.

Power Loss

A sump pump that loses power can leave your basement vulnerable. 

When a powerful rainstorm happens, it has the potential to knock down power lines. As a result, your home loses power and your sump pump will not function.

Sump Pump is Continuously Running

If your sump pump is running too much, no matter how harsh the weather, you should consider hiring a professional right away for assistance. An overworked pump can burn out due to consistent flooding or because of a broken or missing valve.

Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines

Discharge lines are what allow a sump pump to function properly as they dispel collected water. When these lines are frozen or clogged, your pump’s system will begin failing.

Call SERVPRO for Our Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration Services

With the dangers that can happen with a broken sump pump, it’s very likely that water damage will occur in your home. But don’t worry, SERVPRO is more than happy to provide its Fort Worth water damage restoration services. With our 35+ years of experience, we feel more than confident that we can help you.

Call us today at (817) 589-1499. Or fill out our online form.

What Can Cause Commercial Fire Damage?

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always available to provide the Fort Worth fire damage restoration you need.

Fires can cause tremendous losses for property owners. In fact, 2020 saw an estimated $21.9 billion loss from fires in the US. But while this is a significant number, this doesn’t mean you have to succumb to the problems of fire damage as well.

Understanding what can cause commercial fire damages will serve as the fine line between saving your property and paying a lot of money for repairs. 

While our Fort Worth fire damage restoration services are cost-effective, we always do our best to help clients know how they can stay safe. Continue reading below to know what causes commercial fire damage and how you can prevent them.

What Causes Commercial Fires?

Fires can be caused by just about anything these days. For commercial fires, however, the most common causes include:

Cooking

Some commercial properties are designed with cooking areas for employees or other occupants to whip up a meal. During the day, when cooking something, it’s likely that some individuals will leave the stove or oven to tend to something else. 

When that happens, the possibility of a fire starting increases exponentially. So, you should always advise your occupants to be mindful when cooking and to never leave food unattended. 

Electrical Malfunctions

While they are the least likely to cause commercial fires, electrical malfunctions are still common in commercial properties. These can occur due to faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. 

On a regular basis, make sure to inspect the wiring in your commercial property. Even better, hire a professional to inspect for you. They will provide you with a list of areas you should address. 

Smoking

If anybody in your building is smoking a cigarette or a cigar, make sure to dispose of those items properly. It’s common for employees to want to take a smoke break, but make sure they’re aware of how to safely extinguish and throw away their smoking materials. 

Typically, ashtrays are the best way to dispose of smoking items. So, you may want to have some available at your business if your property isn’t a smoke-free facility.

Heating Equipment

Some commercial property owners will use heating equipment depending on the surrounding climate, including:

• Furnaces
• Radiators
• Boilers

Regardless of their design, these types of equipment can overheat from time to time, which can cause a fire.

The best way to prevent heating equipment fires is just to simply maintain them and turn them off from time to time. Also, it’s best to keep combustible items far away from heating equipment.

What Should I Do After a Commercial Fire Occurs?

The aftermath of a fire can be devastating. Fire damage can destroy expensive merchandise, furniture, walls, floors, and even textiles. But the damage can be corrected when you hire Fort Worth fire damage restoration services.

Such services can provide the restoration you need. And after their work is done, your commercial property will look as good as new.

In Need of Damage Restoration? You Can Trust SERVPRO

SERVPRO is always available to provide the Fort Worth fire damage restoration you need. When you’re in need of our service, call us at (817) 589-1499. Or visit our contact page.

Choosing Cleanup and Restoration Company: Top 3 Tips

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re in need of the best cleanup and restoration company in North Richland Hills, look no further than to SERVPRO.

According to the EPA, the average household’s leaks can cause a near waste of 10,000 gallons of water every year. With such leaks occurring in a home, it’s vital that homeowners are aware of the potential dangers of water damage — even after the leak is fixed.

Water damage can devastate a home’s structure and weaken its foundation. Just as much (if not even more destructive), is the occurrence of fire damage as well. But no matter the issue at hand, you can always rely on the professional service of a cleanup and restoration company. The only problem is knowing which company to choose.

How Do I Know Which Company to Choose?

Finding the right restoration company can be difficult. When water damage occurs, choosing a Fort Worth water damage restoration company can become a mission in and of itself. 

For this reason, SERVPRO has provided three tips below for you to keep in mind when looking for the right contractor.

1. Experience

Experience is probably the most important factor you have to look out for when choosing a cleanup and restoration company. Experience will show you how well a business has thrived due to their services as well as how knowledgeable they are.

Say you’ve found two different Fort Worth fire damage restoration companies. But one has been in operation longer than the other. You would likely choose the one that’s been operating for longer. As you’re looking for a cleanup and restoration company, however,  you shouldn’t just look at how long they’ve been in business. 

Make sure to also look into what services they provide and how often they provide those services.

2. Pricing

When it comes to the price, you don’t want to end up with a company that’s too expensive. On the flip side of that coin, you also don’t want to choose a company that’s priced too low.

While you do want to save money, choosing a cleanup and restoration company that’s priced too low can turn out to be a mistake. Low prices are often an indication that certain companies won’t provide the best work. With that being said, be on the lookout for a company that offers its services at a reasonable price.

SERVPRO always offers its services at reasonable rates when it comes to Fort Worth water damage restoration. Give us a call today at (817) 589-1499  to find out. 

3. Client Testimonials

What is arguably the most important thing to look out for in a cleanup and restoration company are client testimonials.

Testimonials will provide insight into how well a company treats its clients. More so, they will also explain how exemplary a certain company will perform a specific job. 

If, for example, you find yourself needing Fort Worth fire damage restoration, looking into reviews and testimonials for a company you found can show you how well they perform their job.

Looking For The Right Contractor? Look No Further

If you’re in need of the best cleanup and restoration company in North Richland Hills, look no further than to SERVPRO. We’ve been in business for 35+ years and offer a myriad of services ranging from fire to Fort Worth water damage restoration.

If you wish to inquire about our services, call us at (817) 589-1499. Or visit our contact page.

How to Keep Your Furniture from Molding in Self-storage Units

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills mold remediation experts are more than happy to provide these services.

Mold is a home and business owner’s worst enemy that grows practically anywhere year-round. And the worst thing about mold is that you can never eliminate it entirely. 

Mold spores and particles are always present in the atmosphere. No matter how much maintenance or restoration you do, there will still be some deposits lingering in your home or commercial business. More so, there will always be some lingering on your furniture that you put in self-storage units.

It’s easy to forget about your belongings once they’re safely tucked away in storage units, simply because we tend to think they’re protected from the elements.

The truth, however, is that your furniture can be susceptible to damage in ways you may not think possible inside a storage unit. In some cases, that damage can include mold. Before you realize it, it will spread all across your stored furniture. By then, you’ll need to hire someone for Fort Worth mold remediation.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills mold remediation experts are more than happy to provide these services. But to make sure mold will never strike again, continue reading below to see how you can keep your furniture from molding in self-storage units.

How Do You Control Mold?

It’s said that you can’t really control Mother Nature. But that’s not necessarily true. When it comes to mold, you just need to control the moisture inside your storage unit to prevent its growth. 

Moisture is what allows mold to develop and spread. When moisture is in your storage unit, mold will easily grow across your furniture. So, to prevent mold from growing, keeping a dry environment in the unit is a must. 

How Do You Control Moisture in a Self-Storage Unit?

There are a few things you can do to control the moisture in your storage unit. They include:

Installing a Moisture Barrier

You can add extra protection to your furniture when you install a moisture barrier inside your storage unit.

By just placing a tarp or plastic sheet on the floor, you provide a barrier that prevents moisture in the floor from seeping into your belongings.

Use Moisture-Absorbing Products

Certain products can absorb moisture from the air and surfaces, such as charcoal briquettes and silica gel packs.

By taking these products and placing them in a fabric pocket, you can place them around the storage unit where they will absorb moisture and help prevent mold growth. Remember to change them periodically, though.

Further Steps You Can Take

Besides controlling the moisture, other steps you can take involve cleaning your furniture and drying it before storage. 

You can also store your furniture away from the door and walls since moisture will likely seep in through small crevices under doorways and cracks.

Lastly, another way you can prevent molding on your furniture is by placing items in a way that allows optimal airflow. When choosing a storage unit, choose one that’s fairly big enough and provides enough airflow around your furniture pieces. 

Molded Furniture? Call SERVPRO Right Away

If your furniture has too much mold for you to handle, let our professionals take care of it. Our staff is trained to provide expert Fort Worth mold remediation services and when we’re done, we feel confident you’ll be satisfied with our work.

Call us today at (817) 589-1499 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.

How to Prevent Mold in Your Attic

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

In Fort Worth, storm season brings increased moisture into homes which can sometimes lead to mold. Here's how to prevent it.

After storm season in Fort Worth, water and moisture in walls can sometimes lead to concerns about mold in your home. The idea of mold in your attic can lead to immediate concerns about what this means for your home and your family. 

The good news is that it doesn't mean you have to live with mold for the rest of your life. There are certain steps you need to take in order to get rid of the problem once and for all.

At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we want you to feel safe and happy in your home, which is why we have prepared the following information you need to know about mold.

What is Mold?

To sum up, mold is a type of fungus that grows on wet surfaces and releases spores into the air.

How Do I Recognize it?

Even though mold can appear in various colors, usually, it is black, grey or green. It should be noted that you might find it on other objects as well, because mold can affect many parts of your house.

What to Do When I Find Mold in My Attic Space?

First of all, you need to find the source of humidity. The best way would be to identify and repair possible leaks in your home – roof, windows, etc.

Mold damage can be identified by the presence of visible mold on surfaces or discoloration. 

It is important to act quickly because mold can damage your walls and floors, making them weak. Moreover, if your home is left untreated for an extended period of time, it might lead to serious complications in the long term.

If the problem is not eliminated yet, we recommend that you call our professional mold removal service and ask for help.

How is Mold Treated?

There are many ways to get rid of mold. First, you might want to get rid of the source that causes humidity. For example, if there is a leak in your roof, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Secondly, you should use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to remove the excess moisture in the air. Also, make sure you use fans if it is possible!

If the problem persists, we recommend that you contact our local professional mold removal and odor removal specialists for help.

Just like every other type of treatment, know that there are two methods used by SERVPRO franchises:

Air Spore Treatment (AST). It includes unique equipment that diffuses a microbial agent during the process of mold growth. The best part is that the spores don't damage your property or furniture!

A Life-Cycle Mold Treatment (LCMT). It implies small holes in the drywall and filling them with a sealing compound. If there are bigger damages, you might need to replace some parts of the wall.

While mold can be a serious issue, rest assured that there are ways to remediate any problem areas in your home. Whether you need an initial mold inspection or are ready for remediation services, you can rely on our professional Fort Worth Mold Remediation service team to take care of it so that you can enjoy a healthy and safe living environment. We offer a variety of services, including water damage restoration as well as fire and smoke damage repair. Call (817) 589-1499.

How to Prevent Space Heater Fires

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you don’t have a space heater already but want to buy one, consider getting one with an auto shut-off feature.

According to the NFPA, heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. Your space heater could likely cause a fire more than anything else in your home. We implore you to continue reading below so that you know how to prevent space heater fires.

Whenever a fire occurs in your home, contact the experts over at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. Our team can provide you with reliable and fast fire damage restoration services in Fort Worth. 

Inspect Your Heater’s Power Cord

Examine your space heater’s power cord and look closely at the rubber casing wrapped around the wiring. Also, look for any signs of fraying at the cord and do not touch any exposed wires without protective gear (i.e. rubber gloves).

Check Your Power Supply

Take a close look at the electrical socket that’s used to power your space heater. If there are any signs of damage, charring, or discoloration on the socket, don’t use it to power your heater.

 A damaged outlet may have a technical fault that will cause space heater fires and can be a shock hazard.

Refuel Your Space Heater Outside

Some space heaters will need fuel — such as kerosene — to operate. When you need to refuel your space heater, do it outside and away from your home. Even better, refuel your heater in an area with no flammable objects nearby. 

As you are fueling, always wear thick gloves and a mask so you don’t inhale any harmful fumes.

If a fire does occur and damage is dealt to your property, call us right away for our fire damage restoration services.

Buy a Space Heater With Auto Shut-off

If you don’t have a space heater already but want to buy one, consider getting one with an auto shut-off feature.

The best way to prevent a space heater fire is to get one that will recognize the potential danger. Space heaters with an auto shut-off feature will activate when overheating or a malfunction occurs.

Give Your Space Heater Some Room

Keep your space heater away from clutter and with plenty of space around it. 

While your space heater’s exterior plastic will protect it from burning, flammable objects nearby can be set ablaze. For this reason, it’s best you keep your space heater away from anything even remotely flammable.

Use a Space Heater Appropriately to Prevent Fires

Each space heater model is designed to operate differently. Besides following the aforementioned tips, the best thing to prevent a space heater fire is to learn how your unique device works. Thoroughly read the instruction manual so that you know how to operate your heater correctly to prevent fires. 

If your home has been damaged in a fire, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817) 589-1499. With our expertise, we can provide you with the fire damage restoration services you need.

Quick Tips for Storm Safety in DFW

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

By following these tips, you'll be able to stay safe during any storm DFW throws your way.

Storms are a natural part of life, but they can also cause lots of damage to your home. You might be able to get through a hurricane or tornado safely, but that doesn't mean you're in the clear yet. 

If you live in or near North Richland Hills, TX, SERVPRO is here to help you with any water damage restoration issues that may arise from a storm. We have been serving this community since 2006 and we're proud of our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Here are some tips for staying safe during the next storm in DFW!

Tip #1: Find shelter

One of the most important things you can do during a storm is getting to safety. If you're at home, go to an interior room on the lowest level that doesn't have any windows - like your laundry room or small bathroom. If you're working or just don't have access to one of those rooms, head for an interior room on the first floor with no windows. Keep in mind that a second-story room is even safer if you have access to it.

If you're outside during a storm, stay away from trees and telephone poles, as the strong winds could cause them to fall over. Finally, remember that high water areas are dangerous - if you see water rising around you, move to higher ground immediately.

Tip #2: Turn off your power

It may seem like common sense, but you need to shut down all electronic devices before the storm hits if you want to avoid water damage. Even if it's sunny outside, leave your electronics unplugged until everything has dried out. That includes your lights, television, radio, computer, and whatever else you have in your home.

Any device that gets wet should be unplugged immediately. Generally speaking, if it's plugged into an outlet or connected to a power cord - leave it alone until you're absolutely sure the storm is over.

Tip #3: Move your car

If you have a garage, try to park your car inside. If that's not possible, move it as close to the house as you can during the storm. The last thing you want is for it to get damaged by debris or flooding!

Tip #4:  Use a disaster relief kit

In the event of a storm, you want to have everything you need right in front of you so it's easy to grab and go. SERVPRO recommends having a disaster relief kit filled with necessary supplies for your family. Remember that you can't replace sentimental items - but if they've been damaged, call SERVPRO anyway and we can help you work around that.

You should have a disaster relief kit that includes water and non-perishable foods, cash and credit cards, first aid supplies, blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight and extra batteries, copies of important documents in a waterproof container, prescription medicine if needed, pet food and leashes or carriers for your animals, and copies of family contact information.

By following these tips, you'll be able to stay safe during any storm DFW throws your way. Get in touch with SERVPRO Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration experts if you notice any water damage after the storm has passed! Call us today at (817) 589-1499 for more information on our restoration services.  

Suspect Mold? Follow These Mold Safety Tips for Your Fort Worth Home

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes, the only way to get rid of a mold problem is to reach out to a professional mold removal contractor.

Mold doesn’t need perfect environmental conditions to get started and is very common in and outside homes. Supplied with just a little warmth, water, or moisture, it can quickly begin to spread throughout your house. And, once it gets started, safely removing mold can be challenging. The three tips we’ll share with you will help you deal with mold without putting your health in danger. Use Proper Equipment When Cleaning

When removing mold, use a half-face respirator paired with a proper mold filter. As you remove mold from your walls, spores will get into the air and your lungs unless you wear a mask. Wearing the appropriate mask and filter can eliminate up to 99.9% of mold particles. 

If you want to go a step further, you can purchase a full-face mask, but this is a more expensive and often unnecessary choice. Additional protective equipment includes rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and full-body clothing.

Inspect Your HVAC System Before Cleaning the Mold

When cleaning the mold, especially with harsh chemicals like bleach, you want to have proper ventilation. That said, don’t use your HVAC system unless you are entirely sure that it’s not contaminated with mold. 

In mold-infested households, HVAC systems are seldom free from mold. Most often, mold appears near the intake to the system. So, before cleaning the mold or applying any harsh chemicals, check if your HVAC can run without potentially spreading mold throughout your entire household.

Don’t Vacuum the Mold.

Vacuuming can temporarily increase your exposure to mold spores. As the spores can pass through an ordinary vacuum bag, they’ll instantaneously end up in the air and can stay there for hours, sometimes days. Only vacuum the mold if you have a central vacuum that vents outside or a regular vacuum with HEPA filters that trap mold spores. 

Need a Mold Specialist? Contact Us Today

Sometimes, the only way to get rid of a mold problem is to reach out to a professional mold removal contractor. If you’ve found yourself in such a situation, the mold removal experts at SERVPRO North Richland Hills can help you tackle your mold problem.

With extensive mold removal experience and the latest equipment, our professionals can take care of your mold problems and restore your home to a healthy, mold-free condition. 

Don’t expose yourself to the detrimental effects mold can have on your health. Contact us today at (817) 589-1499 for prompt and efficient mold removal.

The 5 Levels of Hoarding and How to Recognize the Disorder

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Depending on the severity, hoarding can impact a person’s physical and emotional health, relationships, financial and legal stability.

An estimated two to six percent of the US population suffers from hoarding disorder. Hoarding can create unsafe conditions for people and pets who live in the household. 

At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, our cleaning and restoration professionals understand the sensitive situations involved in hoarding. Contact us day or night for a free estimate on our emergency cleaning services at (817) 589-1499.

What Are the Levels of Hoarding?

People with hoarding disorder have a compulsive drive to find and keep objects, animals, and even trash — regardless of need or the item’s value. Some of the most commonly hoarded things are:

• Magazines and newspapers
• Photos
• Clothing
• Boxes 
• Food
• Paper
• Bags
• Furniture
• Appliances and electronics

Depending on the severity, hoarding can impact a person’s physical and emotional health, relationships, financial and legal stability. The disorder is categorized into five levels, with five the severest manifestation of the condition. 

Level 1 Hoarding

Hoarding level one is the least severe form of the disorder and can be difficult to recognize until it reaches more severe levels. At this level, you’ll find:

• Some clutter and no discernable odors
• Doors and stairways are accessible
• Three or fewer areas with animal waste in the home 

The lack of odors and clutter can be misleading. But in this level of hoarding, the individual may have trouble throwing away items and excessively shop. 

Level 2 Hoarding

At this level, there is more visible clutter, odor, and grime in the home. 

• Light odor
• Animal waste on the floor
• Evidence of rodent or insect infestation
• Overflowing trash bins
• Unclean food preparation surfaces
• At least one blocked exit 
• Non-working appliance for at least six months

Hoarding level 2 sufferers are often embarrassed at the state of their home and avoid visitors. They may also be anxious or depressed.

Level 3 Hoarding

Level 3 hoarding involves clutter outdoors, typically broken appliances and furniture.  

• At least one unusable bedroom or bathroom
• Spills and stains on floors and surfaces
• Excessive dust and debris
• Dirty towels, clothing, and sheets
• Tangled cords from blocked electrical outlets
• Noticeable odor
• Pest infestations
• Animal feces throughout the home

Poor personal hygiene is often present in level 3 hoarding.

Level 4 Hoarding

Homes in this hoarding level will have noticeable mold and odor, along with structural damage. Sewage backup is also a possibility. Animal hoarding may also be an issue with hoarding level 4. 

• Rotting and expired food
• No clean dishes or eating utensils
• Rodents and bugs
• Unusable bedrooms and bathrooms
• No clean bed sheets or no bedding present
• More than one blocked doorway and blocked exits
• Unsafe substances stored in living areas
• Excessive odor
• Noticeable animal waste

Sadly, people with level 4 hoarding will often experience health problems related to unsafe and unhygienic living situations. They may not bathe or shower for weeks and have worsening mental health. 

Level 5 Hoarding

Structural damage to the house is typically present in the most severe manifestations of hoarding disorder. Lack of electricity and running water, and fire hazards are also common in level 5 hoarding. 

In addition to the signs present in level 4 hoarding, other symptoms may include:

• Animal and human waste throughout the home
• Clutter throughout the house, resulting in narrow pathways
• Unusable kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms
• Non-working appliances, including HVAC and refrigeration

People with level 5 hoarding can also suffer from clinical depression. 

Hoarding Aftermath

Hoarding is a severe disorder, and homes in these conditions typically require professional biohazard cleanup and restoration. 

At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we can repair and restore homes to livable condition. Contact our Fort Worth at (817) 589-1499 24/7 for a free cleaning bid on our Biohazard Cleaning Services. 

What’s the Difference Between Mold Removal and Mold Remediation?

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is a pervasive organism that can be tough to remove but not impossible.

Uh oh. Those aren’t stars you’re seeing. They’re mold spots on the wall. Mold is a pervasive organism that can be tough to remove but not impossible. If you’re looking for professional help to get rid of stubborn mold, you’ve probably come across the terms mold remediation and mold removal in your search. 

So, what’s the difference? And how will it impact your wallet and time spent waiting for a mold-free building? We’ll explore the difference between mold removal and mold remediation below. 

Let’s Get This Mold Myth Out of the Way First

Mold is everywhere. It plays an important role in the breakdown of organic material. So the bottom line is, you can never completely get rid of mold in the environment. 

If a company tells you they will completely get rid of the mold, and it will never return, they’re not being entirely honest with you. Mold is all around us. If you have mold professionally cleaned and removed from your property, you have to do your part to ensure that it doesn’t regrow. 

What Mold Needs to Grow

Mold needs high humidity levels and an organic food source to grow. You’ll need to keep humidity levels below 50% to prevent mold from forming a colony and impacting your indoor air quality. 

Spills, leaks, and floods must be cleaned asap — within 48 hours — to prevent mold from forming. Unfortunately, mold also likes to munch on paint. Use a mold-killing primer to stop mold from growing on the walls. 

The bottom line is, a professional company like SERVPRO North Richland Hills can clean and remove mold from your home or commercial building. But if you don’t keep humidity levels low, then the mold will return. 

The Main Difference Between Mold Remediation and Mold Removal

These terms are often used interchangeably in the restoration and construction industry. But essentially, mold removal is the physical process of removing mold spots and colonies. Mold remediation focuses on returning mold to normal levels that don't impact air quality. 

Bear in mind that complete removal of mold spores is impossible. This is because spores are microscopic and are prolific in indoor and outdoor air. But keeping humidity levels at an acceptable level will prevent the mold spores from taking hold and forming spots and colonies where they start to break down materials, causing further damage to your property. 

Professional Mold Remediation and Removal

If you were to contact a professional company for mold remediation and removal, what they’ll do is engage in the process of cleaning the mold, restoring any damaged materials, and returning the mold to acceptable levels. 

This may include disaster cleanup after a flood or water damage from extinguishing a fire. Or cleanup from plumbing and roof leaks. 

Mold Remediation in North Richland Hills

Are you dealing with unsightly mold spots in your home or commercial building? Our professional mold remediation services can get your building restored to a mold-free state in a jiffy. 

We’re available 24/7. Give us a call at (817) 589-1499 for a free estimate.

Top Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home for Good

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Tobacco smoke is a stubborn and stinky villain that can make a home unpleasant.

If you or someone who previously lived in your house smoked, removing that stubborn cigarette odor can seem overwhelming. But you can do it with these top tips for removing cigarette odor from your home. 

Why is Cigarette Odor so Pervasive and Stubborn?

Smells are molecules. And smoke smells are some of the smallest odor molecules in the world. So removing them can be difficult. In addition, these tiny molecules can dig deep into porous materials like wood and upholstery, making them incredibly difficult to eliminate, but not impossibly so. 

To permanently and effectively remove cigarette and smoke odors, you have to attack them on a molecular level. Burning candles and essential oils will only mask the smell temporarily. Ventilating a house can dilute the odor, but again, that’s not a permanent solution. 

Key  Tips:

• Don’t use odor-masking cleaners. Use disinfectant cleaners that actually kill the smoke molecules. 
• If you can’t stand the smell of white vinegar, mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in it. 
• Baking soda will naturally remove odors. Sprinkle it liberally on textiles, mattresses, and wood furniture. Let sit for at least 24 hours, then vacuum. You can also place bowls of baking soda throughout the home to absorb odors. 
• Placing activated charcoal around the house can also absorb the odors. 

Tips for Removing Cigarette Odor From Your Home

• Wash and scrub the walls and windows, including screens, with a white vinegar solution. 
• If your budget allows, prime the freshly washed walls with an odor-killing primer and paint. 
• Wash all interior, hard surfaces, such as countertops, tiles, backsplashes, trim, etc., with mild soap and then rinse with a vinegar solution. Remember to tackle the insides of cabinets and drawers. 
• Wash all clothing and drapery. Add one cup of white vinegar to the wash to help remove lingering smoke odors in the fabric. 
• Wash and clean all decorations and knick-knacks with a vinegar solution. 
• Disinfect and deodorize all textiles, such as carpets, furniture, and mattresses with steam or other cleaning equipment. 
• If your budget allows, remove carpets and replace them. Don't replace it with new carpeting until the smoke odor is effectively removed. Otherwise, the new carpet will trap the odors and begin to smell too. 
• Have all ductwork and HVAC equipment professionally cleaned. Change filters once per month for one year. 

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor FAQs

I cleaned my wood furniture, but the smell keeps returning. What should I do?

Wood is a very porous material and absorbs odors like a sponge. When it's hot and humid, the wood will expand and release any smoke molecules trapped inside. Unfortunately, it can take a long time for these odors to completely dissipate. 

Consider sealing the wood furniture with a clear primer designed for odor removal to trap the smell inside. 

Can spraying Febreze remove smoke smells?

Yes. Febreze includes a chemical called cyclodextrin, which is effective at absorbing odors. 

Should I use an ozone generator to remove cigarette odor?

An ozone generator can reduce smoke smells in the home. But these are pricey products, and if you misuse them, they can be dangerous. So it’s worth it to pay a professional who is trained in using ozone generators if your DIY smoke removal hasn’t worked.

Removing Cigarette Odor from Your Home: Key Takeaways

Tobacco smoke is a stubborn and stinky villain that can make a home unpleasant. If you’re looking to sell your house, then you’ll want to do your best to remove any lingering odors, so you protect its value and get it off the market quickly. 

It’s not a matter of using one odor-killing product and washing walls. Instead, you’ll need to use all of the tips on this list to thoroughly remove the smoke. 

We’re always here and happy to help. If you don’t have the time or energy to tackle smoke smells, we’re here for you. 

Contact us today at SERVPRO North Richland Hills at (817) 589-1499 for a free estimate on our full suite of cleaning and odor removal services.

Preparing for Summer Storms in Texas: Top Tips from the Pros

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Texas is the second-largest state in the US, and summer is the peak storm season in the Lone Star State.

Texas is the second-largest state in the US, and summer is the peak storm season in the Lone Star State. Such a large area means a diverse climate that can cause wind, hail storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes. With that said, here are our top tips for preparing for summer storms in Texas. 

Preparing for Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning in Texas

Before a severe storm hits, think about where you would seek shelter.

• Shelter in a sturdy building
• Stay inside and away from windows and glass doors.
• Do not drive on roads covered in water
• Steer clear of metal objects, wiring, and any surfaces that conduct electricity

Preparing for Hurricanes

June to December is hurricane season in Texas. Take these tips to prepare if a hurricane heads your way. 

• Board up and shutter windows and doors
• Make sure you have your emergency kit or bug-out bag ready to go. 
• Turn off and secure your utilities and electronics.
• Know where to evacuate and how to get there safely
• Stay away from flood-prone areas.
• Shelter in a sturdy building away from windows until the storm passes

Preparing for a Texas Hailstorm

Severe Texas storms can bring on hail. Prepare for a hailstorm with these tips:

• Stay inside and away from the windows and glass doors.
• Park your vehicles in a garage
• If you don’t have access to a garage, shelter in a parking garage. 
• Do not park under a bridge or an overpass to protect your car from hail. These areas do not protect from the strong winds seen in hailstorms. 

Preparing for Tornadoes and Strong Winds

On average, 132 tornadoes hit Texas every year. 

• Secure outdoor objects before the tornado hits
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building asap. Do not shelter in a mobile office or a trailer. 
• Shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of the building.
• Typically, closets and bathrooms are the safest places to shelter.
• Don’t shelter under a bridge or overpass. 

Tips for Preparing for Droughts and Wildfires

Unfortunately, all areas in Texas are at risk of drought. When droughts occur, wildfires are a severe risk for Texas residents. Keep these top preparation tips in mind if a drought or wildfire occurs. 

• Keep landscaping and decking five feet or more away from your house or business. This creates a wildfire barrier. 
• Make sure fire hydrants are located 250 feet or less away from your building. Install a cistern or water storage tank on your property if you don’t have access to a fire hydrant. 
• If renovating, use fire-resistant materials
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your house handy at all times. 

Preparing for Summer Storms in Texas: The Bottom Line

Summer is a time for fairs, amusement parks, vacations, and fun. But volatile summer weather can also bring dangerous storms. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Adequately prepare your property and keep your loved ones safe with these top tips. 

Has your commercial building or home been damaged in a flood, fire, or storm? We’re available 24/7 to assist. 

Contact us at (972) 690-1414 day or night for a free estimate on your damage restoration services. 

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Fort Worth: Our Top 5 Steps

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO North Richland Hills, we help people clean up disasters and restore their buildings to clean, safe conditions.

June to November is hurricane season in the US. For Fort Worth property owners, there are several things you can do to prepare your property for a hurricane. Failing to get your home or commercial building adequately prepared for high-force winds, rain, and falling debris can seriously damage your property and cost thousands. 

At SERVPRO North Richland Hills, we’ve been helping people clean up disasters and restore their buildings to clean, safe conditions. Give us a call today at (817) 589-1499 for a free estimate on our storm and Water Damage Restoration Services. 

Preparing for a Hurricane 

Step #1: Stock Your Emergency Kit

If you haven’t yet, get your emergency kit stocked with the essentials. Include:

• Drinking water
• Flashlights
• Non-perishable foods
• First-aid supplies
• Extra batteries/external battery pack
• Phone chargers
• A radio
• Several days worth of medication for each family member

Step #2: Devise Your Emergency Plan

When a hurricane hits, where will everyone go? Who’s in charge of the pets? Make sure you devise a plan, so everyone in the family knows what to do, where to go, and when. 

Step #3: Secure Important Documents

Collect and secure your important documents, such as:

• Birth certificates
• IDs and passports
• Marriage licenses
• Deeds 
• Insurance policies
• Mortgage statements
• Medical files

Also, consider gathering and securing family heirlooms and other valuables such as jewelry or antiques. Store everything in a safety deposit box or a fire and water-proof safe. 

Be sure to include in your emergency plan the steps you’ll take to move your valuables and who’s job that is if a hurricane strikes. 

Step #4: Check-in with the Emergency Management Agency

Know where to go if the area gets evacuated. The American Red Cross offers a free app you can download to keep informed and connected with your loved ones during a natural disaster. FEMA also has an app with information on free resources you can use if a hurricane hits Fort Worth. 

Step #5: Secure Your Building

Hurricane-force winds can knock down gutters and blow loose items around your yard, damaging your house and even shattering windows and glass doors. So, remove loose furniture, ornaments, and other items from your yard and store them in a secure place. 

Do a last-minute check of your gutters and remove debris that could become water-logged and tear away from the house during a storm. 

We’re Ready 24/7 When Disaster Strikes.

Hurricanes move fast, and usually, you have between 24 to 36 hours to get ready before the storm makes landfall. That’s not the time to be heading to the store, securing your valuables, and devising your emergency plan. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and do it long before a hurricane starts forming. 

At SERVPRO Fort Worth, we’re faster to any size disaster. Hurricanes can cause severe wind damage and flooding to your commercial building or home. We’re ready and available 24/7 to clean the mess, fix the damage, and restore your property to its former condition. 

Contact us online or call us at (817) 589-1499 for a free consultation. 

4 Fire-Safety Tips for Preventing Holiday Fires

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Has your property been damaged in a fire? At SERVPRO Richardson, our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration experts are always here and happy to help, 24/7

Nothing says Happy Holidays like a festive fireworks display, cozy hearth, or colorful Christmas tree. If you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, you want to do it safely. Here are our top tips for preventing holiday fires. 

Has your property been damaged in a fire? At SERVPRO Richardson, our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration experts are always here and happy to help, 24/7. Give us a call at (972) 690-1414 for a free estimate. 

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a staple for New Years' and Independence Day celebrations. If you'll be lighting fireworks at home, keep those tips in mind for fire safety:

• Choose a location far away from buildings, brush, and trees
• Be sure that pets and children stand back from the fireworks
• Keep a supply of water or a fire extinguisher nearby

If there's a drought, consider doing something else to celebrate that doesn't involve a flame. A stray spark landing on parched grass and leaves can get out of control fast. 

Fireplaces

Nothing illuminates the gloom of long, winter days and nights like a lighted hearth. Keep these fire safety tips in mind for fireplaces:

• Get the fireplace and chimney inspected
• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from open flames
• Install a fire screen to keep embers and sparks where they belong
• Be sure to extinguish all embers before leaving or going to bed

Also, refrain from burning wrapping paper in the fireplace. These items burn quickly and intensely and can start a flash fire. Only burn seasoned wood in the fireplace. 

Christmas Trees

If you prefer a real tree, be sure to water it every day. Dry needles and wood can quickly spark and become an out-of-control house fire. 

Do not plug in more than three light strings to each other. Use a power strip and throw out broken or old light strings. Never leave the lights on if no one will be home. 

Candles

Keep all flammable items, such as curtains or holiday decor, at least three feet away from an open candle flame. Put the candles on non-flammable surfaces. And be sure to include a tray or aluminum foil-lined dish underneath that will collect the wax. 

Keep the candles out of reach of curious pets and small children, and do not leave a burning candle unattended. 

Preventing Electrical Fires

Faulty wiring causes an estimated 51,000 fires every year. Keep these holiday fire safety tips in mind to prevent a devastating electrical fire:

• Always use extension cords for their intended use
• Plug outdoor lights into circuits protected with GFCIs
• Secure outdoor lights to supports that keep them from blowing in high winds
• Keep extension cords free of snow and water
• Do not pinch extension cords in doorways or windows
• Turn off all holiday light decorations when leaving 
• Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines when hanging holiday decorations
• Don't overload the outlet with too many decorations

Fire Damage and Restoration: We're Here 24/7

A stray spark can quickly become a raging fire in a matter of minutes. At SERVPRO Richardson, we've been cleaning and restoring fire-damaged buildings for decades. We're here 24/7 for your damage and restoration needs. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Business Interruption Insurance in Fort Worth, TX: What You Need to Know

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance covers you from financial losses incurred during, well, a business interruption.

Insurance from natural disasters, fires, and floods should be enough to protect your commercial property from monetary losses fully, right? But unfortunately, commercial property insurance isn’t always the most robust safety net. 

What about the money you’d lose while you wait to get back on your feet and operations running again? That’s where business interruption insurance comes in. 

Business interruption insurance covers you from financial losses incurred during, well, a business interruption. So, for example, while commercial property insurance would pay for roof repairs from hurricane damage, it wouldn’t cover the money you'd lose waiting for the roof to get repaired. 

That’s where business interruption insurance comes in. 

Here's what else you need to know about business interruption insurance in Fort Worth, TX. 

How Business Interruption Insurance Protects Your Fort Worth Company

Commercial property insurance pays out claims for direct damage to your property. Say your business was flooded, and you have damaged equipment that needs replacing. The insurer would cover the costs of replacing the equipment. But the policy wouldn’t cover your losses from waiting for that equipment to arrive and employees to learn how it works and operate it. 

While it’s essential to carry a commercial property insurance policy, this type of insurance wouldn’t help you recover losses from interruptions to your operations. 

Business interruption insurance would protect you from these types of financial setbacks:

• It covers profits you’d have earned during a temporary closure
• Pays for operating expenses (wages, utilities, maintenance, repairs, etc.)
• Covers training costs for staff that need to learn how to use replaced equipment

Also, business interruption insurance in Fort Worth protects your finances from disruptions that aren’t the result of property damage. For example, a business interruption policy would pay for your operating expenses and profits lost from forced closures, like street closures from public events or evacuations from natural disasters. 

How Long Does Business Interruption Insurance Last?

This particular type of insurance policy is not meant to cover long-term financial losses. Usually, a business interruption policy lasts for a few weeks or months. The policy is intended to help businesses weather a temporary interruption and isn't designed to carry a company during an economic downturn. 

What’s Typically Covered in a Business Interruption Policy?

Most business interruption insurance policies cover the following financial losses:

• Losses from sudden, personal incapacitation
• Losses from unforeseen natural disasters or local government mandates (e.g., flood and fire damage, storms, road closures)
• Monetary losses from theft or vandalism
• Disruptions from technological failures

Unlike other types of commercial property insurance, business interruption insurance doesn’t insure tangible goods. Therefore, for an accurate assessment of potential losses due to business interruptions, you’ll need a firm and quantifiable grasp of how much your company earns.

Fully Protect Your Commercial Property and Business From the Unforeseen

A robust business owner's policy that includes coverage for business operations can fully protect your company from financial setbacks due to disasters and forced closures. 

At SERVPRO North Richland Hills, we’ve been helping commercial property owners restore their buildings to pristine, safe conditions after fires, floods, and storms. If your business has been damaged, contact us today or call us at (817) 985-4815 for a free estimate on our Damage Restoration Services.

Hurricane Categories and Disaster Restoration in Fort Worth

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or commercial building sustains water damage during hurricane-induced flooding, we’re here to help.

Fortunately, Fort Worth is in a low-risk zone for hurricanes, but they do still occur. Knowing the different hurricane categories can inform your disaster restoration needs. 

At SERVPRO in North Richland Hills, we’ve been restoring flood and hurricane-damaged properties in the area for decades. Contact us today at (817) 589-1499 for a free estimate on our disaster restoration services. 

How are Hurricanes Categorized?

In 1971, civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson developed the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale acts as a rating system and establishes five categories of hurricane strength based on sustained wind speed. 

How is the Saffir-Simpson Scale used?

Meteorologists use the scale to estimate how much impact the hurricane will have on a given area and the type of damage likely to occur from it. The rating system gives meteorologists examples of damage that can occur from different wind intensities. 

Do the Different Hurricane Categories Estimate Flood Damage?

The Saffir-Simpson Scale only estimates damage from wind intensity. The hurricane categories do not assess things like flood damage or storm surges. 

What the Hurricane Categories Mean

Category 1 Hurricanes

A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph and will cause minor damage to roofs, gutters, and siding of frame houses. Small trees can be uprooted, and tree branches snapped. 

Power outages are also common in this hurricane category. Falling debris can lead to injuries, and unanchored mobile homes are at risk of toppling. Coastal flooding is also a risk in Category 1 hurricanes. 

Category 2 Hurricanes

In a category 2 hurricane, all the damage present in a Category 1 hurricane applies, but the damage is more extensive. Serious injury is also a risk, and flooding in low-lying areas is likely to occur.

Category 3 Hurricanes

Wind speeds measure 111 to 129 mph, with significant property damage and injuries to people and animals present in a Category 3 hurricane. Sometimes, a total loss of power for several weeks can result. Safe drinking water is often hard to find, and available water is usually contaminated after these storms hit. 

Category 4 Hurricanes

Even homes built to withstand a hurricane can be severely damaged in a Category 4 storm. Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds from 130 to 156 mph. Significant flooding, water damage, power outages, and road blockages are commonplace in Category 4. Mobile homes and poorly built structures can collapse. 

Category 5 Hurricanes

These storms are the most powerful and destructive on the Saffir-Simpson scale. In a Category 5 storm, wind speeds are 157 mph or above. Significant life loss and property damage often result in a Category 5 hurricane. 

Roofs fail, and walls collapse, with most buildings entirely destroyed. Water shortages and power outages can last for months after the storm passes. 

Hurricane Disaster Restoration 

Even a Category 1 hurricane can result in severe damage and flooding to structures. If your home or commercial building sustains water damage during hurricane-induced flooding, we’re here to help.

Contact us 24/7 for a free estimate on our hurricane disaster restoration services.

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning in Fort Worth

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Our Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Services are available 24/7.

The average person spends 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, harmful contaminants in indoor air can be 5X higher than in outdoor air. For commercial building managers and owners, ensuring a clean and safe environment is a top priority. 

It’s one of our top priorities, too. At SERVPRO North Richland Hills, we’ve been leveling up the indoor air quality of Fort Worth businesses for many years. Our Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Services are available 24/7. 

Give us a call today at (817) 985-4815 for a free estimate.

Why Poor Indoor Air Quality is a Serious Health Issue

Your HVAC system works hard all day and year-round to keep your building a comfortable environment for customers and employees. Unfortunately, dirty air ducts can wreck the party and spoil the atmosphere. 

Air ducts can trap many contaminants and irritants. When the HVAC is running, dirty air ducts move pollutants around the building, kicking up allergy-inducing dust, pollen, dander, and unpleasant odors. 

Indoor air pollutants and particulate matter can cause the following:

• Itchy eyes, nose, and scratchy throat
• Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes
• Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue

For occupants with asthma, unclean air ducts that move pollutants around the building can trigger attacks. 

To prevent health effects and keep occupants safe and comfortable, we recommend Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Services for your Fort Worth building every three years. For facilities where occupants smoke inside or house pets, we recommend more frequent cleanings. 

What if Your Building is Being Restored?

If your building has been damaged in a fire or a flood, we highly recommend air duct cleaning as well. 

Smoke particulates and mold from water damage can become trapped inside the air ducts. Turn those on once you’re open for business, and you’re inadvertently pumping harmful contaminants into the building and people’s airways. 

While you’ll want to conduct a regular, routine air duct cleaning about every three years, you’ll need to clean the air ducts after damage occurs. 

If your building is undergoing mold remediation, we also recommend additional air duct cleaning. Mold spores hang out in air ducts and use them to travel throughout your building. 

How Long Does Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Take?

For extensive damage from fires or flooding, commercial air duct cleaning can take several days. In these cases, the HVAC system can not be turned on until fire and flood damage are remediated. In mold infestation cases, air duct cleaning typically takes one day. 

We’re available 24/7

We understand that cash flow is a top priority for our commercial partners. Our SERVPRO North Richland Hills Air Duct Cleaning Services are designed to work around your schedule, so you can continue operations. 

We’re available:

• Overnight
• Weekends
• Holidays 
• 24/7

Is Your Facility Due for Commercial Air Duct Cleaning?

Servicing your air duct units will result in a cleaner environment and healthier indoor air, among other benefits:

• Improves energy efficiency
• Reduces and prevents mold growth
• Eliminates offensive odors

Call us anytime, day or night, at (817) 985-4815 for a free estimate on your commercial air duct cleaning.

SERVPRO Specializes in Fort Worth Commercial Restoration and Reconstruction

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Fort Worth is here to support you in your commercial restoration and reconstruction project.

Any disruption of business comes at a cost. For every hour your business is shut down because of damage to your facilities, you lose revenue and your workers lose hourly pay. Fort Worth SERVPRO understands how every precious second counts until your operations are stabilized. We leverage our decades of experience to get Fort Worth’s businesses up and running as soon as possible.

One way we save time and costs is to have one team handle various aspects of the recovery. Rather than hire several contractors and commercial services (which you will need to keep track of), hire just one commercial restoration and reconstruction company to handle it all!

Comprehensive Cleaning

Even if you have a cleaning staff, that’s not always enough to cope with emergency cleanup. Cleaning crews are limited on what they can do for a number of reasons such as set work hours, being unqualified to handle biohazard waste, etc.

In many cases, we can clean your facility from floor-to-ceiling in a fraction of the time than your cleaning crew. You need your cleaning staff for maintenance, but we’re here to support you for those urgent matters that may arise from time to time.

We clean all surfaces (floors, walls, and everything in between), HVAC systems, and perform mold remediation, and attend to COVID-19 exposure. Our goal is to leave it better than how we found it. 

Water Restoration

We use water to clean our hands, dishes, bathrooms, and so much more, but water does make a huge mess sometimes. Our team of water damage specialists know how to quickly assess a water damage situation and come up with the most efficient attack plan.

Water damage emergency management starts with finding the source of the problem. We work tirelessly to make sure no more water gets in to cause further damage. Next, we use high-powered extraction equipment to get every ounce of water out of your facility. We use forceful equipment and advanced drying techniques to rid your pace of any moisture.

We restore your facility to preloss condition be it a replacement of carpet, cleaning of soft goods in our Esporta wash system, or a reconstruction of construction material too soaked to save.

Among our very top priorities is making sure your facility is free of toxic mold. Mold begins to colonize within the first 48 hours of a flooding event, so we get to work to remove moisture so mold doesn’t have a chance to take root.

Fire Restoration

Fires are rare, but they come on unexpectedly and can decimate a structure in under an hour. Whether it’s a little bit of damage or a lot, fire damage restoration Fort Worth works best when a team of professionals can respond.

We work to remove all damaged objects and materials from the facility. Soot and smoke damage are removed from all surfaces with industrial-grade cleaners to remove all damage from the environment. We replace what can’t be salvaged with brand new materials through commercial reconstruction. 

Storms and Major Events

Many storms blow through North Texas, especially during the summer months. SERVPRO is ready to respond immediately to disasters caused by strong winds, flooding, tornadoes, and the rarer fire by lightning strike. Commercial water damage restoration and fire damage restoration action steps will be provided accordingly.

Contact SERVPRO For Your Commercial Property Restoration Needs

Whether it’s a one-time emergency or an ongoing issue, SERVPRO of Fort Worth is here to support our local businesses (read our testimonials). We work around the clock to work around your schedule to minimize interruption. Call us 24 hours a day, 365 days per year with your questions, or for a free estimate at (817) 589-1499.

Fort Worth Commercial Property Damage Restoration After Water Damages

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

When your commercial property floods, call the experts at SERVPRO of Fort Worth to get your business back to normal ASAP.

Every day you walk into a clean and dry workspace, but sometimes mishaps and emergencies happen that have you asking, “Where did we put the yellow caution signs?”  Fort Worth SERVPRO is here to clean up after any flooding or water damage event whether it’s from a plumbing problem or a natural disaster.

We understand that disruption of your operations easily leads to revenue loss. That’s why we’re always available to support businesses in Fort Worth, Texas get back to normal as soon as possible. Our team of IICRC Certified Technicians is on standby around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Fully Equipped

Buckets and mops can only handle so much. SERVPRO steps in with the best tools in the industry to make the space clean and dry faster and more thoroughly than can be done with consumer-grade supplies.

Step 1: Locate the Source of the Water Damage

If the source of the water damage has not yet been resolved, we are prepared to mitigate any further damage by solving the issue on the spot. We must make sure the water source is contained before we proceed with cleaning.

Being a full-service restoration team, we can do many repairs to plumbing, appliances, and other water systems. 

Step 2: Remove the Water

We evict gallons of water from your facility in no time by using powerful submersible pumps along with industrial-strength wet vacuums. Also at our disposal are truck-mounted and portable extraction units.

When the area is carpeted, we inspect it to see if it can be saved with our thorough drying process or if it needs to be replaced. The more carpet is soaked, the more likely it is that it should be replaced (especially when the padding is drenched). If not, mold and bacteria will move in and make your floors unsanitary.

Step 3: Complete Drying

Using high-powered fans and scientifically-proven drying techniques we make sure every ounce of moisture is eradicated. This is how we prevent secondary damage and stop mold from taking root. The last thing property owners want to deal with is ongoing mold and mildew problems.

To treat the space for lingering moisture, we use desiccants, moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters. We look for “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings with the aid of infrared cameras.

Step 4: Cleaning

Just because an area is completely dry doesn’t mean that it’s clean. We use EPA-registered industrial cleaners to disinfect and deodorize the entire affected area.

We’ll also monitor for biohazardous material that may have entered the premises by way of storm waters. We have the expertise and the appropriate personal protective equipment needed to approach hazardous waste so that you won’t have to.

As for fabrics such as drapes or furniture, we restore these to preloss condition using our upholstery cleaning expertise. Our Esporta Wash System is state of the art and cleans all soft goods to food-grade cleanliness.

Step 5: Reconstruction

Our goal with any job site is to make it, “Like it never even happened.” To save you money and the pain of loss, we work tirelessly to restore rather than replace, but sometimes materials are too warped or contaminated to salvage. No need to hire a contractor as our reconstruction team will replace construction and flooring with the closest matching materials available.

Call SERVPRO When Your Facility Floods

SERVPRO is here to support your business and get you back to normal ASAP with our full-service commercial Fort Worth water damage restoration services. We work around your schedule so you have minimal downtime. We even work directly with your insurance company on your behalf. Save our number and call us at (817) 589-1499 when you have a water damage emergency. 

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Fort Worth

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Recieve 24/7 service with our Fort Worth team of experienced professionals. We will restore and repair water damage so you're back to normal ASAP!

Being in the restoration business for over 30 years, we’ve seen every kind of water damage you can imagine. Any space can become flooded within minutes, and there is only so much recovery you can do with a mop and bucket.

If you encounter water damage to your property we have one very important piece of advice: act quickly. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that secondary damage will develop such as toxic mold growth. 

Your Fort Worth SERVPRO is here to restore any size property to its original clean and dry condition.

Water Damage Timeline

How soon does damage happen after contact with water and moisture? It progresses faster than you may think.

Within The First Few Minutes

Water rushes through the space and rapidly saturates everything. Walls, flooring, upholstery, photos, documents, and personal belongings are now soaked and incur minor to severe damage.

Within 24 Hours

Water seems harmless most of the time, but it can severely damage things within a 24-hour cycle. 

• Construction materials like drywall swell and deteriorate. 
• Metal surfaces and electronics are altered. 
• Wooden furniture swells and may crack. 
• Dyes and inks on cloth or paper bleed and stain.

Between 48 Hours & 1 Week

The longer water saturates materials, the more damage incurs. 

• Mold and mildew disseminate and cause a musty odor and reduced air quality. 
• Wooden structures such as doors, window frames, and wall studs begin to swell and warp. 
• Corrosion develops on metals and electronics. Furniture progresses with warping and mold growth. 
• Wood flooring becomes misshapen with swelling and warping. Paint blisters and peels.
• If the water has mixed with biohazardous material, the contamination worsens to make the living environment increasingly toxic.

In Excess of One Week

The extent of damage has now multiplied and restoration time and costs are likely to be significant as compared to the first day of the water damage event. In many cases, the environment is no longer structurally safe or healthy to dwell in.

Full-Service Restoration

SERVPRO’s Fort Worth water damage restoration process is all-inclusive, including reconstruction (when necessary). Our goal is always to make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

While no two property damage scenarios are alike, our team of IICRC Certified Technicians applies the same steps consistently to ensure we don’t miss a single detail of water damage recovery.

Our 6-Step Water Damage Restoration Process

Click each of the links below for details about each step of our comprehensive water damage recovery process.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 6: Restoration

Don’t Delay, Call SERVPRO of Fort Worth Today

Property owners in Fort Worth, Texas should know that the longer they wait to address water damage, the more costly it will be. If you wait several days you’ll have significant damage on your hands, and when you turn to your insurance company for help, they may deny your claim because you allowed secondary damage to happen.

SERVPRO works directly with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure that the recovery process is smooth and hassle-free. Call us at (817) 589-1499 with any questions you have and for free pricing.

SERVPRO is a Reputable Company for Fort Worth Damage Restoration

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is one of the top-recognized brands in the damage restoration industry.

These days, people are smarter than ever about doing their research before making a decision. We sincerely appreciate this trend. As many businesses are acting in good faith, some care more about making fast money than building long-term relationships with customers. SERVPRO believes that trust is earned.

SERVPRO - A Big Name in Restoration

SERVPRO is one of the few top-recognized brands in the cleaning and restoration industry. Though we’ve earned our place, we don’t take this for granted. We got here through consistent and reliable service and our commitment to this has not wavered.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Fort Worth businesses have done their best to keep their facilities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, but sometimes a staff member comes up positive for the virus, and with contact tracing, they discover that several people have been infected.

The public can be apprehensive about coming into a business where there have been recent cases of COVID-19. SERVPRO works to restore public confidence by doing a complete commercial cleaning.

When the job is complete, businesses can post on social media that their facility is now Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned and display the SERVPRO shield on the premises.

The Reviews Are In

SERVPRO is the leading provider of:

• Mold Removal Fort Worth 
• Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration 
• Fire Damage Restoration Fort Worth

This, plus many more professional cleaning and restoration services, including reconstruction. 

After decades of service in the Fort Worth area, we’ve accumulated several positive customer reviews (both Yelp and Facebook) and testimonials. It’s always nice to hear a “thank you” at the end of a job, but when our customers take time out of their day to leave us this feedback, we know we’ve fulfilled our mission in a meaningful way.

The Choice of Top Insurance Carriers

Insurance companies are very meticulous about the property loss process and for good reason. Insurance companies have the burden of needing to allocate resources wisely so that they can best serve all of their customers.

One of the ways to ensure that claims are properly managed is to steer their clients toward the most reputable cleaning companies and contractors. Because SERVPRO has built a solid relationship with many top insurance companies, we get many referrals from them.

Why Is SERVPRO Reputable?

How did SERVPRO become a trusted name in cleaning and restoration?

• Accreditation - SERVPRO holds several certifications including IICRC. We are also licensed and bonded.
• Fast response - We are here around the clock, every day of the year to respond to any emergency. We live up to this motto: “Faster to any size disaster.”
• Superior service - We streamlined the process to make it easier and more cost-effective for our customers. With SERVPRO you don’t have to keep a list of numbers. You get one point of contact for updates and communication.
• Thoroughness - We do a comprehensive inspection and testing so we can best address each situation. We create an action plan specific to the needs of each job and don’t stop until we’ve done every task.
• Continuous education - SERVPRO provides advanced instruction on the latest cleaning techniques.
• Commitment - We believe so strongly in the role that the restoration industry plays in public health that we work to recruit the next generation of restoration specialists. We visit schools to share what we do with young minds.

Fort Worth Flood and House Water Damage Repair

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

It's important to address water damage in your home as soon as you notice it. Contact SERVPRO for water damage restoration services in Fort Worth.

From the accumulation of water from a leaking appliance to the deluge of full-force flooding, SERVPRO is here for any water damage emergency. We are faster to any size disaster and are on call to assist you around the clock, every day of the year - including weekends and holidays.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Fort Worth

We spend so much time in dry spaces that it’s easy to forget that water damage happens. Using water is a part of everyday life, but when water ends up in the wrong places, it quickly ruins materials and personal belongings. Common causes of water damage include:

• Storms, rain, and humidity.
• Firehoses and fire sprinklers used to douse flames.
• A sewage backup into the home or business.
• Plumbing problems (overflow from toilets, bathtubs, and sinks or leaking or bursting pipes).
• HVAC system problems.
• Leaky or broken dishwashers, water heaters, sump pumps, etc.

After three decades of serving the Fort Worth area, we have extensive experience with all the above scenarios and more. Having the best equipment and the best-trained staff available at all times allows us to swiftly tackle any water damage problem.

What do the Signs of Water Damage Look Like?

While some scenarios are obvious like a ceiling caving in or rising waters on the floor, other signs of water damage are understated. Below are other things to watch for around your home or business.

• Pools or puddles under out-of-the-way appliances like a water heater or around a basement sump pump.
• Walls and ceilings are discolored or spotty.
• The floor beneath your feet feels spongy or squeaks.
• Sounds of dripping water behind walls or the ceiling.
• Appearance or smell of mold and mildew
• Sewage smell.
• An unexpected spike in your water bill

Our team of water damage experts knows where to look for hidden water damage. Our thorough inspection will uncover how extensive the water damage is so that we can carry out a thorough restoration.

SERVPRO’s Water Damage Restoration Process

With SERVPRO’s Fort Worth water damage restoration, there is a difference. We use advanced drying methods to eliminate moisture faster and more thoroughly.

Our technicians are specialized in mold remediation and biohazard cleanup. We get close to toxic material so that you don’t have to.

Our restoration process prioritizes preservation over replacement. We work to salvage as much as possible and replace what cannot be saved.

Our 6-step plan is structured, yet flexible to fully accommodate any water damage scenario. This plan includes:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Worth Today 

In all honesty, the longer you wait to address water damage, the more the situation will deteriorate. Rotting materials and mold growth are examples of the secondary damage you can expect from lingering water saturation. 

Also to keep in mind is that secondary damage from the original water damage event jeopardizes your insurance claim. The coverage may be fully or partially declined if the property owner doesn’t act quickly.

Call (817) 589-1499 to get started on your water damage recovery. We are always here to take your call - even in the middle of the night, even on holidays.

Dealing with the Aftermath: Winter Storm Damage Repair

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a winter storm, call our Fort Worth SERVPRO location for professional winter storm damage restoration services.

Being in the “Sunbelt” Texas has never been known for winter weather. However, the longer you live in Texas, the more likely it is that you will see ice and even snow, especially in North Texas.

The news media usually advises us on what to do before a winter storm such as dripping faucets, wrapping outdoor spigots, covering plants, and bringing pets inside. What we don’t hear much about is what to do after a winter weather event.

SERVPRO is all about being prepared for any size disaster. Today, we’ll briefly cover how to cope with the aftermath of a winter storm event.

Winter Storm Water Damage 

Perhaps the most common kind of water damage that happens with a winter storm is from broken pipes. Once frozen pipes begin to warm up again as the surrounding temperature increases, the pressure builds up causing the pipe to burst. When this happens, you’ll need to find the main water shut-off valve as soon as possible to stop the flooding.

Water damage happens to the roof of a structure because of ice dams. This happens when the snow melts, then refreezes to create a barrier so the water gets trapped and soaks through roofing and construction material. The roof will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Winter Storm Fire Damage 

A fireplace or gas-fueled appliances help us keep warm on frigid nights. We do our best to be safe with flames burning indoors, but accidents do happen. To avoid injury and illness, you should avoid severely damaged rooms. The more damage there is to a structure, the more likely it is you will need to relocate to temporary housing until repairs can be made.

Winter Storm Wind & Tree Damage 

During a winter storm, gusts of wind push snow and sleet around, but it also pushes loos materials around. Roof shingles, roof flashing, and siding are all vulnerable to damage from wind and impact from debris.

Fallen trees also cause damage to structures. Accumulation of ice adds more weight than a tree can withstand, so the trunk and main limbs eventually buckle causing the entire tree to collapse. Roofs, fences, windows, and even utility lines can be damaged from fallen trees. If you spot downed powerlines, stay away and dial 911.

Make the Right Call

Once you’ve inspected your home for winter storm damage, it’s time to call your insurance company and share your findings. Waiting to initiate a claim risks denial of coverage by your insurer.

Next, you’ll need a reliable company to complete either Fort Worth water damage restoration or in some cases, fire damage restoration. SERVPRO dispatches to your property immediately to assess the damage and set up protections to prevent secondary damage. 

We work with your insurance company on your behalf to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Call (817) 589-1499 for emergency contact 24 hours a day, 365 days per year - even weekends and holidays.

Why SERVPRO is the Leader in Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers professional water damage restoration services to residents and businesses in the Fort Worth area.

Water damage recovery easily becomes an overwhelming responsibility for property owners. Aside from the gallons of water spread over the square footage of your space, you also have drywall, flooring, personal belongings, and sometimes electronics damaged from being soaked.

If you feel like you’re in over your head, you’re not alone. Many Fort Worth property owners come to the realization that they need the help of a professional to cope with the aftermath of a flood event.

SERVPRO has been helping home and business owners recover from water damage for decades. Time and time again, our team makes it, “Like it never even happened.” We work tirelessly to achieve three things: restore the property to preloss condition, prevent secondary damage (like mold growth), and do the entire job with efficiency so you get back to life as usual as soon as possible. The money we save by being efficient is passed on to the customer.

What Makes SERVPRO Different?

You do have your pick from several Fort Worth water damage restoration companies, so why are you in the best hands with SERVPRO?

• Round-the-clock service - Emergencies don’t take a day off and neither do we. Our emergency contact staff are available year-round, 24 hours a day to take your call - even on weekends and holidays.
• Trusted Leader in the industry - We’ve worked tirelessly to become the top brand in cleaning and restoration. When the public sees a Certified SERVPRO Cleaned sign, they can rest assured that the business is safe and has been thoroughly cleaned.
• Expert Specialists - While it’s helpful to have decades of experience doing this, that’s not all you need to do the job right. Our staff is trained on the latest scientifically-based moisture management methods. We are expert mold fighters.
• Comprehensive restoration - Typically, a property owner has to hire more than one service to manage flood damage: at least one company to do the cleaning and another to recover the damage. With SERVPRO you get both. We do a thorough cleaning, mold mitigation, salvage what we can, and repair the rest. No need to hire additional contractors. We do it all.
• Insurance approved - We’ve build a relationship with so many insurance companies because of how many we’ve worked with over the years. We are the preferred restoration company for many insurance carriers out there. We even work directly with the insurance company on your behalf to streamline the process.

Contact SERVPRO for Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration

We want customers to have peace of mind when they hire a water damage restoration company. That’s why we are here to answer any questions you have about the process and provide you a free no-obligation quote. Contact us at (817) 589-1499 any time.

How to Choose a Water Restoration Company in Fort Worth

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you find signs of water damage in your Fort Worth home or business, contact the experts at SERVPRO for professional water damage restoration.

When you first discover water damage, it’s best to act on it soon. The longer you wait to have repairs done, the more secondary damage there could be (such as rotting materials and mold growth).

But even with this urgency, you want to take some time to make sure that you partner with the right water restoration company. Those that lure you with cheap quotes are likely to be cutting corners, and this costs you more money in the long run.

SERVPRO is here to help Fort Worth citizens protect their property investments by advising them to hire trustworthy services. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you navigate the process.

5 Signs a Water Restoration Company is Reliable

Here’s an overview of what to look for when choosing a Fort Worth water damage restoration company.

1. Availability

More often than not, a reliable water damage service is on call 24/7. How well can a business complete a water damage recovery if they aren’t available? Also important is proximity to your property. A nearby business is able to respond faster and be timely with recovery daily tasks.

2. Transparency

An accurate estimate is based on a complete walkthrough of the damage. The quote should be in writing and include a cost breakdown with an expected timeline of the repairs. When a service makes a point to be detailed in their estimate and clearly communicate what you can expect, this is a sign that they can be counted on to follow through.

3. Credentials & Endorsements

Some ask friends and family for referrals before they search for service companies on their own. Also, reviews online can be useful but not all feedback is objective, so read these critically and watch for responses to customers from the business.

Ask businesses if they are insured and bonded. More specifically for water damage restoration, ask if they have ANSI/IICRC certifications as these businesses have met industry standards.

4. Professionalism

Presentation is everything. A reputable restoration company has updated and sanitary equipment, industrial-grade cleaning products, and sufficient personal protective wear. 

Prompt responses and handling your concerns efficiently show that you matter as a customer. SERVPRO assigns our clients a single point of contact so they aren’t passed around from person to person.

5. Insurance

A water restoration company that understands the insurance process makes all the difference. SERVPRO has extensive experience working with insurance companies and we work on your behalf to make the claims process go as smoothly as possible.

SERVPRO Earns Your Trust

For decades, homeowners and businesses in Fort Worth have relied on SERVPRO for dependable and timely service. When it comes to water damage restoration, we meet all of the above-outlined criteria. (See testimonials.)

You should have peace of mind when you hire a water damage restoration company. That’s why we are transparent and available with any questions or concerns you have about the process. Contact us at (817) 589-1499 any time.

How to Find Your Pipes in a Winter Storm

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

When a winter storm damages your Fort Worth home or business, contact the experts at SERVPRO for professional restoration services.

When a freeze warning is issued, one of the first things we do is wrap pipes outdoor pipes. Many Fort Worth homeowners experienced pipe damage during the recent winter storms. Some now realize that it’s just as important to know where the pipes are for indoor plumbing.

Because we are used to a warmer client, many Texans are caught off guard by extreme cold. Part of winter weather preparedness is knowing where to locate pipes so you can monitor for problems, so we put together this quick guide!

How to Prepare for Pipe Freezing

We have no control over the weather, but we can take measures to prevent common plumbing issues caused by the cold. 

1. Disconnect garden hoses and wrap outdoor pipes and spigots.
2. Add insulation to areas where pipes are more exposed to the cold (attics, plumbing at exterior walls, etc.) Apply heat tape to the most vulnerable pipes.
3. Let faucets drip when temps are below freezing for prolonged periods.
4. Keep the house warm and the cabinets open under sinks to allow heat to enter the space underneath.
5. Know where your main shut-off valve is and how to shut it off.

How to Locate Frozen Pipes

We can get a rough idea of how plumbing routes by locating where the water supply enters the house, then how it distributes among the kitchen, bathrooms, water heater, utility room, basement, etc.

One sign of frozen pipes is low water pressure from the tap. First, confirm that water flow issues aren’t isolated to just your property. If the flow is abnormal due to a community water outage, the problems will be difficult to diagnose.

Locating frozen pipes is a process of elimination. First look for ice or frost on pipes that are located in the most unsheltered areas (outside walls, outside walls, crawlspaces, attics, basements, etc.)

Next, turn on faucets. If some have a stronger flow while others don’t, this narrows down where the freeze could be. If all faucets are affected, freezing may be at the main water source for the house.

The hope is that the pipes will thaw out without incident. It’s best for pipes to thaw out gradually and slowly from warm air. Some experts recommend leaving taps open to regulate pressure and allow warm air to melt the ice in pipes.

SERVPRO is Always On Call

Fingers crossed that your pipes survive the winter unscathed, but if they do leak or burst, it’s vitally important that you shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage.

 In addition to property recovery, SERVPRO of Fort Worth water damage restoration addresses repairs at the source of the problem. Don’t wait! Call us at (817) 589-1499.

Preparing Your Business for a Winter Storm

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged in a winter storm, contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO location for commercial restoration services.

When severe winter weather is imminent, the media tends to focus on how it affects homes. But what should you do to prepare in a business setting? While damage to your home affects your personal life, damage to business property interferes with your ability to keep your operations afloat.

As the restoration team known for being “Faster to any size disaster,” SERVPRO of Fort Worth is all about helping the community be best prepared for any weather event. This quick guide gives you tips on how to prepare your business for a winter storm event.

Be Winter Storm Ready

Here are some select tips for business owners who have a goal in mind to protect their assets, protect people, and mitigate interruption of operations.

• Take a risk inventory - As a business owner, you are all too familiar with risk factors. What could go wrong and how likely is it that it will happen?
• Assess liability - Who is responsible for damage to your property, both inside and outside including potential injuries on the premises? Do you need better insurance coverage for these risk factors?
• Have a contingency plan - For scenarios that seem likely to happen, have a plan in place with your support staff well informed on what you plan to do should these hypotheticals occur.
• Communication plan - Who’s responsibility is it to keep staff updated and instructed? What should they know ahead of time and what information needs to be relayed during the event?
• Do a safety inventory - What needs to be done inside and outside of your facility to make things safer? Do you and your staff need a refresher on safety training and OSHA rules?
• Safety and backup supplies - Acquire items for and replenish your emergency supplies kit for business.

While the above list will help you get started, we recommend that you consult both the Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses from the Red Cross and the Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist from the Small Business Administration.

Consider SERVPRO of Fort Worth

Even the most ironclad plans are no match for extreme weather circumstances. We highly recommend you have a Fort Worth water damage restoration and storm recovery service in mind in advance.

SERVPRO has helped many Fort Worth area businesses get back to normal. Our goal is to minimize any interruption to your operations and because we have 24-hour operation, we work around your schedule. Give us a call (817) 589-1499 to go over our commercial services for storm recovery. We’re prepared to be your point of contact for your contingency plan.

Why You Can Trust SERVPRO for Your All In One Fort Worth Emergency Restoration Services

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our Fort Worth SERVPRO offers comprehensive and professional restoration services to help repair your damaged property.

You have plenty of restoration companies to choose from in Fort Worth, but not all are reputable, and not all are fully equipped. SERVPRO is a trusted name and leader in the cleaning and restoration industry because of our commitment to efficiency, superior service, and having the best-trained staff in town.

Get the SERVPRO Advantage

Every customer deserves to get back to life as normal quickly without losing out on quality. That’s why SERVPRO of North Richland Hills put a system in place that delivers restoration services efficiently without cutting corners.

Comprehensive Restoration Services

Our SERVPRO team of experts cleans and repairs just about everything in every situation.

• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Storm damage restoration
• Biohazard waste cleanup
• Clean up after death
• Vandalism cleanup
• Hoarding cleanup
• COVID-19 and C-Diff cleanup

Not only do we show up prepared to do all of the above, but we also recover damaged items and carry out reconstruction. We do our best to salvage what is left and work tirelessly to bring the property back to preloss condition. This means replacing damaged materials like carpet or rebuilding the structure.

Fully Equipped

When you don’t have access to industrial equipment, cleaning supplies, and personal protective equipment you’re in luck! We’ll bring ours.

We’re stocked with the best equipment and cleaning solutions in the industry to deliver the best clean every time. Having the right personal protective equipment allows us to get close to toxic messes so you don’t have to.

Extensive Training and Advanced Techniques

We’ve been around for decades so we’ve seen exciting changes in cleaning technology. The way people cleaned 50 years ago is very different than today, and this is a good thing!

Giving our customers the best results means we keep our staff of specialists trained on the latest technology and practices. For example, as the leader in Fort Worth mold removal, moisture is our biggest nemesis so we keep up on the latest scientific advancements for drying techniques.

Having all the right tools and training is how we make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is the One to Call

Our service is second to none. For all the services we offer (including working with your insurance company on your behalf) there is only one call to make - a single point of contact. No list of numbers to keep up with, one person gives you all the updates.

We offer a free consultation for all of our services including Fort Worth water damage restoration. Call us today (817) 589-1499. We’re always here to take your call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Preparing for Storm Season in Fort Worth, Texas

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

If your property has been damaged in a recent storm, contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO for professional storm damage restoration services.

Fort Worth is no stranger to severe weather. Our part of Texas is known as a hotspot for tornado activity during the warmer months and can be an icy mess during the winter. By the time a storm hits, it’s already too late to prepare. 

What should you do now to be ready for the next major event? At SERVPRO we are always prepared for an emergency, and we want our community to be as well. This guide helps you level up your preparedness.

Emergency Supplies

Do you have a reserve of items needed to get by should you need to hunker down for a while? This includes bottled water, food, batteries, battery pack (or power bank) flashlights, a radio, a first aid kit, etc. 

If you’ve had to borrow certain items from your stash over the last year, take this opportunity to replenish before you forget.

We also recommend that you keep important documents and family photos in a waterproof and fireproof storage compartment.

For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit ready.gov.

Repairs and Weatherproofing

While even the strongest structures may succumb to the fiercest tornadoes, there are things you can do to your home or business to prepare for tornado season.

• Roof - A shingle roof should be replaced every 20 years. Consider upgrading your roof material to class H asphalt shingles (tolerates up to 150 mph winds), metal, or tile. Ask the roofer about putting in hurricane straps or clips.
• Doors and garage doors - To fortify entry points, you can install more secure deadbolts, garage door braces, or even a storm door.
• Windows - Consider upgrading to wind-resistant windows, and installing storm shutters or storm panels.
• Siding - Upgrade to impact-resistant and wind-resistant siding.
• Pipes - Is your outdoor and indoor plumbing protected from a drastic drop in temperature? Those who live in a mobile home are even more vulnerable to frozen pipes.

Tree Trimming

When was the last time you had your trees pruned and trimmed? Overgrown trees can fall on your home or down power lines. With the help of a tree service, you can weed out tree branch risks.

Insurance Policy

Do you have the appropriate coverage for the risks associated with your property? Considering the severe storm activity here, it’s a good idea for Fort Worth property owners to secure comprehensive storm coverage. 

Find out if your property is in a flood zone. Insurance policies usually don’t include flood coverage, so you’ll need to purchase additional coverage when there is a flood risk.

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Worth for Storm Damage Recovery

As prepared as a homeowner or business owner is, properties might still incur damage during a storm. 

SERVPRO is “Faster to any size disaster” and here when you need us most for storm damage recovery, fire damage restoration, or Fort Worth water damage restoration. Call us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (817) 589-1499.

24 Hr Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration Service from SERVPRO

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the experts at our Fort Worth SERVPRO for professional water damage restoration services.

Possibly the most shocking thing about flooding is how fast it comes on with little to no warning. Suddenly, you’re grabbing up anything in the way that could be damaged: mail, books, family photos, electronics, etc.

At SERVPRO of Fort Worth, we know that water damage can happen at any given moment, so we are here around the clock to help property owners cope and recover. Weekends and holidays are no exception. We are always here.

SERVPRO’s 6-Step Water Damage Recovery Plan

Dependability begins with the consistent execution of a structured action plan. Our team of water damage specialists follow a thorough process and make adjustments as needed for your particular situation.

Our goal is to eliminate all traces of water and moisture to minimize the risk of secondary damage (such as rotting wood and toxic mold growth).

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Water damage specialists dispatch right away to stop the source of the flooding. We also take documentation photos and do a preliminary search to map out all the affected areas.

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

We dive deeper into the nature of the damage. We determine if the water present is toxic (like blackwater). We survey all the damage, assess moisture levels and spread, separate furniture from wet carpet, and do a complete safety inspection.

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

We deploy high-powered water extraction equipment to remove every gallon and ounce of water from your home or business. We work diligently to salvage carpet and furniture. Oversaturated carpet is replaced to prevent mold growth.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Moisture must be eliminated to prevent mold growth, so we create a drying plan tailored to your situation. We use advanced drying techniques along with the best moisture-detection and drying equipment available to ensure that your spaces are dry as can be.

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Just because the area is dry does not mean that it’s clean. We thoroughly clean and deodorize the entire contents of the affected are. We use professional-grade products and equipment as well as the Esporta Wash System to launder contaminated fabrics and soft goods.

Step 6: Restoration

What cannot be salvaged will be repaired with the same kind of work you would get from a contractor.

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Worth for 24-Hour Response

SERVPRO is equipped to handle 100% of your property’s restoration needs. Because our Fort Worth water damage restoration services are more comprehensive than most, we are the preferred restoration company by many insurance companies. We even work directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

When flooding happens, you need to act fast. The longer you wait, the worse it gets as mold begins to grow as soon as 48 hours after a flood event. Call us (817) 589-1499. We are available 24/7 for emergency contact.

How SERVPRO Helps with a Smooth Commercial Restoration Project

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

For a smooth commercial restoration, contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO. We'll help you get your business back to normal as soon as possible.

Fort Worth businesses encounter emergencies and other unexpected situations all the time. The longer you have to keep your building shuttered, the more revenue you stand to lose. SERVPRO is here to streamline the recovery process so you can resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Instead of hiring several different services to do commercial restoration, hire SERVPRO to do it all. Since we are a full-service cleaning and restoration company, we coordinate multiple issues at once: biohazardous material cleanup, crime scene management, graffiti removal, fire damage, water damage, mold infestation, etc.

Comprehensive Cleaning

Sometimes businesses don’t have enough staff or the necessary equipment for deep cleaning. We sanitize the facility from floor to ceiling - even the HVAC system! Our team of experts goes to work to leave it better than we found it.

We’re also equipped to handle COVID-19 and biohazard cleanup with the best EPA-registered cleaning products available.

Once the project is complete, you can display our branded signage to let the public know your business has been professionally cleaned by a trusted brand!

Water Restoration

Thousands of businesses count on us for Fort Worth water damage restoration. We’re prepared to go to work immediately to remove all the water and repair the water damage. The area is dried thoroughly to prevent mold growth. 

If a mold problem has already developed in your building, we are equipped to do complete mold remediation.

Fire Restoration

Fire damage restoration can be a long and complex process. Because we are equipped to handle all the aspects (including reconstruction) the recovery time is as efficient as possible. 

Storms and Major Events

Flash floods, tornadoes, and criminal activity can hit a business at any time. That’s why we’re here 24/7 for emergency contact. We work quickly to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Contact SERVPRO for a Free Commercial Restoration Project Quote!

Our top priority is to have your business back to normal as soon as possible. Because of our extensive experience in commercial restoration and our capability to handle all the different aspects of it at once, the downtime of your business is minimal. The cost savings of our efficient process is passed on to you! 

We also work around your business hours so we won’t be in the way of the operation you have in place. Crews can be scheduled overnight and on weekends - whatever works best for you. 

It all begins with a free consultation. Let us put together a custom plan that works best for your situation. Call (817) 589-1499 today to get started!

Preventing Kitchen Fire: Tips for Your Fort Worth Home

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the experts at our Fort Worth SERVPRO for professional fire damage restoration services.

Most residential fires begin in the kitchen. The safer your habits are in the kitchen, the more you reduce your risk of a house fire. 

At SERVPRO of Fort Worth, we’ve seen our share of housefires and how the loss takes an emotional toll (especially when it could have been prevented). Though we are always available for Fort Worth fire damage restoration, we’d rather they didn’t happen in the first place. 

We want to do our share toward preventing kitchen fires. In this guide, we’ll share how to be safe in the kitchen. 

Kitchen Safety Checklist

An organized kitchen safety plan is a list of action items. Preventing kitchen fires is about maintaining everyday habits. How many of these do you already know about? 

• Have at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen (especially around the stove and oven) and have it tested every six years.
• When a pan fire happens, be careful not to discharge it directly at the pan as this will spread the grease which causes the fire to spread.
• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles such as oil spills, grease splatters, towels, paper, etc. Avoid wearing clothing that could catch fire (such as bathrobe sleeves that would drape over the stove).
• Don’t cook with fats in a pan or pot that is too small.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep pets and children away from heating elements. Keep the pot handles turned inward so they are not bumped by accident or reached by tiny hands.
• Keep the lid nearby so if a small grease fire starts in a pan, you can slide the lid over the pan to snuff out the fire. Never pour water on a grease fire.
• If a fire starts in the microwave or toaster oven, unplug it and do not open the door. Wait for the flames to die from a lack of oxygen.
• Have an escape plan and makes sure everyone in the house knows what to do when it’s time to evacuate.
• If you can’t quickly get it under control, call 911 for help.

Having heightened awareness in the kitchen goes a long way toward preventing kitchen fires.

Contact SERVPRO for Fire Damage Recovery

Sometimes no matter how careful you are, house fires still happen. SERVPRO is here 24/7 for emergency contact - even on weekends and holidays. 

Once everyone is safe and you’ve contacted your insurance company, give us a call at (817) 589-1499! We’ll get started right away on fire damage recovery and smoke removal.

3 Main Storm Safety Tips to Prepare for a Fort Worth Storm

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

If your property has been damaged by a recent storm, contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO team for professional restoration services.

Fort Worth is a tornado hotspot. Do you have a plan in place for when the next big storm hits? SERVPRO is prepared for any disaster and we want you to be too. The safety of our citizens is the most important thing, so here are our top storm safety tips.

1. Have a Plan and Supplies

If you don’t have a storm shelter or basement, you should designate a sturdy-framed room in your home or business that has no windows like a central bathroom, pantry or closet.

Have on hand a stash of emergency supplies: bottled water, non-perishable foods, candles, lighters, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio (for updates), a camera, and comfort items like blankets or pillows. A portable battery pack or small generator keeps your phone charged.

When a powerful tornado hits, it’s good to shield yourself with something thick for coverage from debris if the roof peels off (such as a mattress).

2. Heed Warnings and Advisories

If the power goes out, a battery-powered device like a radio or a cell phone comes in handy so you can still receive information about tornado warnings. Take shelter immediately when advised to do so and remain there until you have the all-clear.

During electrical storms, stay away from bodies of water and don’t use electronics that are plugged into the wall.

3. Brave the Aftermath

When it’s time to move out of your shelter, watch your head and your step. Debris could still be falling, and there is likely to be a lot of glass on the ground (or other sharp objects).

Seek medical attention for any injuries in your party. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, use your camera or cell phone to take pictures of the damage. Next, contact your insurance company to initiate a claim.

Do not reenter the property until it has been deemed safe to do so by the authorities. If your insurance policy offers no provisions for temporary housing, and you have no one else to stay with, contact the Red Cross for assistance.

Contact SERVPRO for Storm Damage Recovery

Our final piece of advice: hire a reputable restoration company for property recovery. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor by many insurance companies for Fort Worth water damage restoration and storm damage.

We even work directly with your insurance company on your behalf and board it up as we wait for repair approval (to protect property from further damage). Call us for emergency contact 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (817) 589-1499.

Professional Fort Worth Warehouse and Industrial Cleaning Services

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO for professional warehouse and industrial cleaning services

Many Fort Worth area facilities find it difficult to cope with cleaning demands: not enough staff coverage, time constraints, inadequate equipment, shortage of personal protective equipment, etc. Others need a periodic deep cleaning to maintain standards or comply with industry regulations.

That’s where SERVPRO comes in. We have the proper equipment and the highly-trained staff needed to support all your warehouse or industrial facility cleaning needs. 

We understand that warehouses and industrial facilities have compliance issues, so we’re here to handle the tasks appropriately so you can check this off your to-do list.

SERVPRO’s 3 C’s

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is equipped to clean any size facility from floor to ceiling - even the HVAC systems. We can scale any of our cleaning services, including Fort Worth fire damage restoration. 

We deliver unparalleled warehouse cleaning services by consistently following these foundational principles:

Consult: Every warehouse or industrial facility has its own unique set of circumstances. By way of a comprehensive consultation, we customize a bespoke cleaning program to suit the needs of each individual facility.

Clean: We deep clean surfaces with our proprietary EPA-approved hospital-grade cleaning treatments. We understand the regulatory issues surrounding industrial sites, so we adhere to our own high standards that include CDC cleaning and decontamination guidelines. We are also equipped to properly clean up biohazardous material.

Certify: When you display our branded signage on your facility, the public is assured that your facility has been properly cleaned a trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Yet another “C” has arrived - COVID-19. Coronavirus maintenance is a challenge to keep up with, so we are here to support Fort Worth facilities that need help structuring or implementing a COVID-19 cleaning plan. We address the public health needs of each scenario such as schools, nursing homes, fully-staffed warehouses, retailers, etc.

Contact SERVPRO for All Your Warehouse and Industrial Cleaning Needs in Fort Worth

SERVPRO is a reputable industrial cleaning service. Many Fort Worth warehouse and industrial facility managers have trusted us to carry out specific cleaning procedures according to each unique circumstance.

Not all cleaning companies have the capacity to meet your facility’s needs. A trustworthy cleaning company will be honest and transparent about its abilities. We won’t start on the work until we have a sustainable action plan in place.

Confidently established service agreements begin with a free consultation.  Call us today at (817) 589-1499 to set up a meeting.

SERVPRO Provides Professional Cigarette Smoke Removal in Fort Worth

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Restore and refresh your property with professional cigarette smoke removal services from our Fort Worth SERVPRO.

While not as common as it was decades ago, cigarette smoking is still a part of American life. Smokers may be “nose blind” to the odor that cigarettes leave behind, but most people are used to smoke-free air.

Whether you are prepping a house for sale or an apartment for rent in Fort Worth, you need to have the air clear of cigarette smoke so that even the most sensitive of noses won’t detect it.

With SERVPRO cigarette smoke removal, the new inhabitants will never know a smoker was ever there. We make it "Like it never even happened."

How SERVPRO Gets Rid of Stubborn Cigarette Odor

The longer smoking goes on indoors, the more it penetrates through the air ducts and fibrous materials (furniture, drywall, curtains, etc.). Sometimes it even stains materials in the room with a yellow tinge. 

Below are the core components of SERVPRO cigarette smoke removal.

• Evaluate - We start out by doing a thorough assessment of the affected space so we can account for all the areas that have become a source of the odor.
• Cleaning - We thoroughly clean upholstery, carpet, furniture, curtains, blinds, walls, countertops, etc. with our industrial-strength cleaners. 

Fabrics and soft-goods with stubborn stains and odors are restored in our state-of-the-art Esporta Wash System.

• Air duct remediation - The longer a home or building has been smoked in, the more likely it is that the HVAC system will harbor cigarette smoke remnants. 

We clean out the air ducts so that you can run the air conditioner cycling the odors.

• Air scrubbing and deodorization - As a finishing touch, we use HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers to grab airborne cigarette odors. 

We also apply industrial-grade deodorizer treatments to anything in the room that is still harboring cigarette odor.

By the time we have finished, no one would guess that a smoker was there. The work is not complete until the room and the air are neutralized and smell completely fresh.

Contact SERVPRO for Cigarette Smoke Odor Elimination in Fort Worth

Restore and refresh any property with cigarette smoke odor removal. We apply our Fort Worth fire damage restoration professional techniques to rid your spaces of cigarette smoke once and for all! 

We are here to take your call 24/7 at (817) 589-1499. Set up a free consultation today!

Why Fort Worth Home Owners Call Our SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Contact our Fort Worth SERVPRO for professional water damage restoration services.

Water damage restoration is a core service we’ve had the pleasure of providing to our community for over 40 years. SERVPRO is known for consistent and dependable service.

We understand that water damage is a frustrating problem to deal with, so our staff of water damage specialists is here to make your life easier with powerful equipment and expertise that comes from experience.

What Homeowners Get with Our Water Damage Restoration Services

There is a difference with SERVPRO. Our goal is to make the water damage restoration process stress-free for our customers. We’re here to relieve you of the burden of any water emergency.

Commitment to Timeliness

We are “Faster to any size disaster.” A water emergency can happen at any time, so our lines are open 24 hours a day to take your call - even on weekends and holidays! We are ready to dispatch our crew whenever you need us.

Dedicated Thoroughness and Expertise

Water damage is often more than meets the eye. Our team of specialists checks everything to make sure that all water damage has been accounted for. Our IICRC-certified technicians receive extensive and updated training. 

SERVPRO has it down to a science - literally. Our teams are trained on the latest advancements in restoration technology and water damage techniques.

Restoration Over Replacement

SERVPRO understands how upsetting loss is. Our goal is to salvage as much as possible by repairs and restoration versus replacement.

Whatever construction cannot be fixed is replaced with new materials that match the original as closely as possible. No need to hire a contractor - we’ve got it covered.

Unparalleled Efficiency

Being a full-service restoration company means we streamline the entire project by coordinating every aspect of the process, including reconstruction. The money saved by efficiency is passed onto the customer.

Exceptional Customer Service

SERVPRO customers have a single point of contact. We even work directly with your insurance company. This means you have just one call to make to keep track of the progress of your case.

Our technicians are prompt, efficient, and will answer any questions you have before they start the work. We’re here to give you peace of mind and get you back to life as usual as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO for Full Service Water Restoration in Fort Worth

Water damage cleanup is burdensome for Fort Worth property owners. Water creeps through all the layers and ruins everything. We’re here to take care of the mess and fully restore your property to preloss condition.

Our team of IICRC certified technicians is equipped with the experience, knowledge, and training needed to complete Fort Worth water damage restoration with excellence. 

Don't wait for water damage to your property to worsen or become a mold risk. Call the experts anytime at (817) 589-1499.

What to Do After a Flood in Your Fort Worth House

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

What do you do when you have gallons of water trapped in your house? Perhaps your instinct is to grab a bucket and start scooping it all out, but that’s not necessarily the best thing to do first.

While severe weather floods the insides of homes and businesses in Fort Worth, the most common cause of internal flooding is plumbing failure. In this guide, we’ll share what to do after a flood step by step.

What To Do After A Flood in 7 Steps

Floods are stressful, and unfortunately, there aren’t any shortcuts in the recovery process. He’s what to do after a flood in seven steps.

• Be Safe - Here are safety tips to follow:

• Heed evacuation advisories.
• Seek alternative shelter if the structure is hazardous.
• Turn off the main power to the house even if there is a power outage. Note: For your safety, only do this if you can without walking through the water.
• Do not make contact with contaminated water without adequate personal protective equipment. Blackwater contains potentially life-threatening toxins.

• Call for Help - Sometimes the only way to manage a water emergency is to call for help. Here are some examples of who to call:

• 911 - You are in a dangerous situation, someone needs medical attention, someone is lost, etc.
• Emergency electrician - You cannot safely turn off the power.
• City - Water main break, sewage spill beyond your property line.
• Emergency plumber - Water is gushing, and you can’t turn it off.
• SERVPRO - Contaminated water has entered your home, and it’s unsafe to clean up.
• Insurance/warranty company - If you have coverage for water damage or water emergencies.

• Stop the Flooding - If the water source is internal (from plumbing, appliances, etc.), shut off the main water valve. When floodwaters are coming in from the outside (from a storm, city sewer, water main break), contact city services for assistance.

• Document - If it’s safe to approach and reenter the property, take plenty of photos, videos, and notes to pass along to the insurance company or home protection organization.

• Clean Up - Water must be extracted from the structure, and all contaminated objects must be carefully bagged up or disposed of.

• Prevent Mold - Mold begins to grow about 48 hours after a flooding event. The home or building must be completely dry to prevent mold from growing inside and outside the structure.
• Prevent Future Floods - Inspect the home for potential plumbing problems that need preventative repair. Consider installing a flood alarm in places that might flood without forewarning (for example, the basement).

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Worth for Flood Damage Restoration

SERVPRO has been a trusted provider of Fort Worth water damage restoration for decades. We remove gallons of water from structures with high-powered extractors and use advanced techniques to prevent mold growth.

If you have coverage, we are the preferred restoration company for many top insurance companies, plus we work directly with them on your behalf. Call us 24/7 for emergency contact at (817) 589-1499.

How to Remove Soot from Fabric

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

During a fire, soot can cover the fabrics inside your home. Contact SERVPRO in Fort Worth for fire damage restoration including fabric recovery.

Not only is fire destructive by reducing things to a pile of ash, but the soot left behind is also damaging. Soot is acidic and known to cause corrosion and discoloration.

Soot stains because it is oily. If you have an heirloom quilt, a designer suit, or a favorite dress that is peppered with soot, is it worth trying to save? Before you toss it out, try these tips.

Steps for Removing Soot from Clothing

To keep the stain from getting worse, follow these steps for how to remove soot from fabric.

• Remove loose soot - Shake off the excess soot before it has a chance to add more to the stains. Be careful not to shake the soot onto other materials that might stain. Take it outdoors or shake it into a trash bag (or another disposable plastic item).
• Flush out the soot - Using cold water, rinse both sides of the fabric to force the soot out. High-pressure water can be more effective with this.
• Pretreat - Mix a solution of water and stain remover like sodium percarbonate (Oxiclean). Submerge the fabric and leave it to soak.
• Wash - Without rinsing out the pretreatment, put the item into the washing machine by itself. Launder the item on the highest temperature setting. You may use laundry detergent and bleach for white items (or color-safe bleach as needed). Borax and washing soda are also effective at fighting stubborn stains in the washing machine cycle.
• Observe - After the wash cycle is complete, remove the item and examine it. If the stain is still there, do not place it in the dryer as this will set the stain. Instead, use these other treatments:
• Alcohol - dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using the sponge. Avoid rubbing the stain as this pushes the soot further in. You’ll want to extract the stain with a dabbing motion.
• Salt - Pour salt over the stain and let it sit for several hours. The salt soaks up some of the soot.
• Formula 409 - Douse the material with Formula 409 to dissolve the soot.
• Wash again - After applying one of these methods, launder the item in the washing machine again.

• Check again - Once no signs of soot or stains appear on the fabric, you may dry it in the clothes dryer.

Contact SERVPRO for Fabric and Soft Goods Restoration

If nothing else works, there is still hope! Our Esporta Wash System recovers fabrics and other soft goods (like stuffed animals) as part of our water restoration or fire damage restoration Fort Worth process. Our state of the art industrial washing machine restores materials back to food-grade cleanliness. Call SERVPRO of Fort Worth any time at (817) 589-1499.

How to Fix a Toilet that Keeps Clogging Up

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

If a clogged toilet has made a mess in your house, contact the experts at SERVPRO in Fort Worth for professional water damage restoration services.

It seems that you use the plunger so often that you may as well leave it by the toilet.

So, why is the toilet getting backed up so often and how do you fix a toilet that keeps clogging up?

Reasons Why a Toilet Keeps Clogging Up

It could be the age of the toilet, plumbing issues, or user error. Below are the common causes of toilet backups. 

• The toilet is old - First-generation low-flow toilets manufactured in the 1990s don’t flush materials as well. 
• Materials - Not all toilets and not all plumbing can cope with “flushable” wipes, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cotton balls, hair, or dental floss. 
• Fill valve malfunction – The fill valve controls how much water collects in the tank, so there is enough water for the next flush. Without enough water to thoroughly flush the toilet, it becomes clogged.
• Blockage in the pipes - The toilet isn’t clogging, but a blockage in the pipe(s) causes a backup.
• Sewer line issues - The problem is not above ground with the toilet or plumbing, but below with a blockage in the sewer line. 
• Plumbing vent damage – The plumbing vent is compromised, and this throws off the pressure needed for movement through the pipes.

Solutions for a Toilet that Keeps Clogging Up

Wondering how to fix a toilet that keeps clogging up? Here are things to try when your toilet backs up.

• Replace the toilet - If you have a low-flow toilet from the 1990s, upgrade to a newer one with an updated design.
• House rules - Make a habit of only flushing a reasonable amount of toilet paper. Everyone using the toilet should be made aware that flushing anything other than toilet paper could cause a backup.
• Check the fill valve - It could be that your toilet tank isn’t refilling properly. Open up the tank and check if there is enough water in the tank and check if the fill valve appears to be broken. Repair as needed.
• Call a professional - If you’ve tried everything to fix the toilet itself and there are still backups, there may be a problem with the plumbing or sewer line. These issues need to be diagnosed by a professional plumbing or sewer line service in Fort Worth.

Contact SERVPRO for Bathroom Water Damage Restoration

If toilet backups left a nasty mess, call SERVPRO for Fort Worth water damage restoration. Not only will we thoroughly clean up the wastewater, but we also use professional drying techniques to prevent mold growth. 

In the case of a sewer backup, we get close to the contamination with personal protective equipment so that you don’t have to. 

We can also help with many household repairs including plumbing. We’re here to take your call 24/7 at (817) 589-1499.

What to do After a Storm Causes Property Damage

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

If your property has been damaged by a storm, contact the Fort Worth storm damage repair experts at SERVPRO now.

Fort Worth, TX is among the top 20 Texas cities with the highest tornado index while the highest-ranking towns are immediately south of here. Because the Fort Worth area is such a hot spot for severe storm activity it’s necessary to have a plan in place for what to do after the next storm blows through. 

The hope is that your home or business will be spared storm damage, but the reality is that property damage is a real possibility during the warmer months. Being prepared for a major storm event means you’ve secured adequate property damage coverage and that you know what steps to take when storm damage happens.

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is “Faster to any size disaster” and we want members of our community to be prepared as well. Read this guide to help you put your own action plan together.

What is Property Damage?

Property damage is any destructive alteration of a structure (like a house) or belongings (like a car) to the point that it needs repair, reconstruction, or replacement. The typical causes of damage to properties are negligence, willful destruction (like vandalism), or an act of nature.

The cause of the damage matters, because it determines property damage liability. For example, if you are in a car accident and it’s the other person’s fault, they are on the hook for the repairs.

Property damage from weather events are not the fault of any party, so responsibility usually falls on the insurance company of the insured (when coverage allows).

SERVPRO Restoration Services for Storm Damage

Not all storm damage is the same with all the variables at play. You have the age of the property, plus the kind of storm that happened (tornado, flash flood, electrical, etc.)

One property may have more wind damage than flood damage and vice versa. Some properties may catch on fire from rare factors like a tree falling on a power line.

Because of these different factors, the steps involved in the restoration process will be adjusted accordingly. Below are the core components of our storm damage recovery process, including Fort Worth water damage restoration.

24-hour service - Bad weather can happen at any time, so we are always here and ready to assist.

IICRC Certified Managers and Storm Technicians - We send teams to the scene who are specially trained for storm event cleanup and restoration.

Water removal and water damage restoration - High-powered water extractors remove gallons of water from your property, followed by complete moisture removal to prevent rot and mold growth.

Fire Damage Restoration - If fire damage results from the storm, we fully clean and restore the property.

Roof tarping and board-up - Severe storm damage leaves property vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and additional damage from natural elements, so we secure the property with tarping and board-up.

Storm debris cleanup - We collect and properly dispose of all storm debris on site.

Temporary fencing - For lengtheir projects, we will set up a fence and security to protect the worksite from theft and trespassing.

Moving services and long-term storage - We carefully store your personal effects and property content while the restoration is underway.

Clothing sanitization - We use our industrial-grade Esporta Wash System to remove smoke and floodwater contamination from fabrics, textiles, and soft goods.

What Types of Storm Damage are Under Insurance Coverage?

Generally, storm and hail damage are covered by insurance. However, if the insurance adjuster finds that the damage is due to neglect, they may decline part or all of the claim.

Property insurance coverage doesn’t usually cover flood damage either. If your property is at risk for flooding, you should secure supplemental coverage.

Steps to Take after Storm Damage to Your Property

Storm damage transforms a property in the blink of an eye. In such chaotic aftermath, where do you even begin? As a professional restoration company with decades of experience in the DFW area, here are the steps SERVPRO recommends and in the order you should do them. 

1. Assess the Property Damage
2. Contact Your Insurance Company 
3. Prevent Additional Property Damage
4. Choose the Best Restoration Service for Your Home

Assess the Property Damage

It’s human nature to want to reenter property as soon as possible after an event to understand how much loss there is, but, the structure may not be safe to enter. It’s best to get clearance from the authorities first (like the fire department)

Once you can safely reenter, take plenty of photos and video. Document everything that may have been lost or damaged. Missing roof tiles, ripped rain gutters, damage to the glass, lost siding, etc.

Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as you have all the damage documented, contact your insurance company. Do your best to determine the monetary value for the items that were lost.

Some insurance policies may offer reimbursement for your temporary housing needs. Keep receipts for temporary housing (like a hotel), replacement clothing, and personal care items so you can be reimbursed for these expenses. 

Once your insurance company receives your property damage claim, an insurance adjuster conducts an assessment. From there, the insurance company will either grant or deny your claim (or partially deny the claim), which results in repairs paid for by the insurance company, or reimbursement for the total loss of the property.

Prevent Additional Property Damage

We strongly recommend that you do your best to secure the property with shields from secondary damage, like tarping or board up. Insurance companies may deny coverage for further damage that should have been prevented. SERVPRO is prepared to set up these safeguards (such as roof tarping and board up)

Choose the Best Restoration Service for Your Home

Does it matter which storm damage restoration company you go with? Don’t they all do the same thing? While all restoration companies should deliver the same results, the truth is that some may cut corners or give poor service. Read up on a company before securing their services. 

After you make contact with your insurance company, you’ll want to get a reputable storm damage restoration company lined up right away. The sooner crews come out and work on the damage, the more secondary damage can be averted like mold growth or further breakdown of construction. 

Certified Dallas SERVPRO Experts Ready to Help With Property Damage Restoration

As mentioned in the previous section, not all restoration companies are equal. What makes SERVPRO different is that we handle all aspects of restoration in one streamlined process. This means you don’t have to hire one company to do debris removal, one to clean up the water damage, and then a contractor to rebuild. We handle it all, including mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is a preferred vendor by many insurance companies and we work directly with your insurance company on your behalf. We have extensive experience working with insurance carriers, so we have the process down to a science with efficiency. 

And with a single point of contact managing your property restoration, that means you have just one call to make for updates - to your SERVPRO case manager. No list of phone numbers to toggle. One call to us and you can track and be part of the process.

When it comes to storm damage recovery, you call the shots. 

• First, call emergency services and make sure everyone is safe.
• Next, call your insurance company to get the claims process going right away - don’t put this off.
• Finally, call SERVPRO for emergency contact. We’re faster to any size disaster and will get started on the process for you ASAP! We are never closed. We are always here to answer the call 24/7.

We also offer free estimates. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills (817) 589-1499 any time.

How to Safely Dispose of Biohazard Waste in Fort Worth, TX

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you're unsure of how to properly dispose of biohazard waste, call the experienced biohazard cleanup professionals at SERVPRO in Fort Worth.

Did you know that the official website for Fort Worth, TX features a waste sorting game? This game reminds citizens that not all waste goes to the same place.

While accidentally putting a banana peel in the recycling bin is a harmless mistake, placing biohazard waste where it doesn’t belong is not only illegal but also threatens public health.

Unless you have experience dealing with biohazard waste and access to the proper supplies, you should refrain from doing biohazard cleanup. For your safety and the safety of others, it’s best to leave biologically hazardous waste alone so that the professionals can handle it.

What is the Definition of Biohazardous Waste?

Biohazards are any biological material that poses a threat to animals or humans. Biohazards can be present in any environment.  

Biohazard waste is any refuse that contains biologically toxic materials or substances that may be infectious (like blood). Because of the risk of disease associated with biohazard waste, any biohazard cleanup should be handled vigilantly.

What is Considered Medical Biohazardous Waste?

Because clinics, hospitals, and labs must obtain and analyze specimens from humans and animals, they will generate medical waste. Not all medical waste qualifies as a biohazard, but some may assume that it is.

For medical waste to be a biohazard, it would have to be infectious or potentially infectious. This means that materials made contact with blood, bodily fluids, or human cell lines.

Medical waste that is classified as biohazardous poses a threat to the environment and public health. Below are some examples of biohazardous medical waste:

• “Sharps” - hypodermic needles, blades, or slides. 
• Cultures, Petri dishes, and other culture flasks that are biologically contaminated.
• Any biologically infectious agents.
• Some bacteria
• Some viruses
• Some spores
• Live or attenuated vaccines.
• Materials that made contact with excretion, exudates, or secretions from bodies infected with an illness.
• Any paper products or wipes that have become contaminated by biohazardous materials.
• Human or animal blood, blood elements, fluids, or semi-fluids.
• Specimens from the human body.
• Animal carcasses or body parts that are considered dangerous.

Medical facilities are equipped with the appropriate receptacles marked for biohazard waste disposal.

Examples of Biohazardous Waste

Understanding the nature of biohazardous waste helps you better understand how to best handle its disposal. 

Biohazardous waste usually falls into one of the following categories:

• Blood - Blood from humans or tissue that contains human blood.
• Animal - The whole or a part of a decaying animal carcass.
• Bodily fluids - Fluids and secretions from the human body.
• Microbiological - Lab materials such as specimen cultures, culture dishes, viruses, and any devices used for the transfer or mixing of cultures.
• Pathological - Medical biopsy materials, or anatomical parts that were removed via medical procedures.
• “Sharps” - As described earlier, any sharp materials that make contact with biological materials such as blood.

Four Levels of Biohazard Waste

Just as someone would need to know the type of biohazard material they are dealing with, they would also need to understand the level of risk. 

Four levels of biohazard waste have been established so that those who are tasked with handling biohazardous materials understand how much caution is warranted. This helps with training those who do biohazard waste disposal on a routine basis.

• Biohazard Level I: Considered to be a minimal threat, but nonetheless, any biological agent that would bring harm to humans or the environment. Examples: E. coli., Bacillus subtilis, or Naegleria gruberi.

• Biohazard Level II: Considered to be a moderate threat, any biological agent that has the potential to cause severe illness in humans. Such disease would be transmitted through direct contact with the infected material. Examples: Hepatitis B, HIV, or Salmonella.
• Biohazard Level III: Considered to be a contagious threat, any pathogen that has the tendency to become airborne and would cause severe illness or disease. Examples: Tuberculosis, Coxiella burnetii, etc.
• Biohazard Level IV: Considered to be the highest risk to living beings, any pathogen known to cause a life-threatening disease for which there is no cure. Examples: Ebola virus, Lassa virus, etc.

The greater the level of risk, the more important it is for a well-trained professional to approach the biohazardous materials.

How to Dispose of Biohazard Waste

Two elements are needed to dispose of biohazardous waste properly: persons who are trained on best practices for biohazard disposal, and access to adequate biohazard disposal supplies on hand.

• Solid waste - Any material that makes contact with human or animal specimens that is not a “sharp.”
  Examples: Linens, towels, or used personal protective equipment. This waste is disposed of as regular medical waste and will be sent to a special landfill. Healthcare workers dispose of these in a designated container lined with an autoclave bag with each marked with a biohazard symbol. 
• Liquid waste - Body fluids or blood that may carry an infectious agent. These are placed in a leakproof container (specified by a hazard label) installed securely so it won’t fall over. For added security, these are sometimes placed into an additional container. Autoclaving or bleach treatment may be applied in the presence of a liquid biohazard (except for body fluids or chemical waste).
• “Sharps” waste - Medical instruments are thought to be infectious but are also sharp enough to pierce through a plastic bag (needles, microscope slides, scalpels, and broken glass vials). To protect people and animals from injury, these are kept in a container that is resistant to puncture, leakproof, and properly labeled. “Sharps” receptacles will be picked up by a medical waste service provider to be transported to an incineration facility.
• Pathological waste - Organs, tissues, and body parts that were removed from a human or animal (such as biopsy material) and may contain infectious agents. To prevent leaks, this waste should be double-bagged and then stored in a secondary container. These are also bound for the incinerator.
• Microbiological waste - Culture dishes and specimen cultures, discarded viruses, or devices used to mix cultures from a laboratory that would possibly contain infectious agents or other pathogenic organisms. These materials can be either sanitized onsite by trained personnel or properly disposed of in a storage area designated for biohazard waste.

Biohazard waste receptacles should be marked with the appropriate symbols so they aren’t mixed in with or mistaken for other kinds of refuse. These marked bags and containers are then picked up by a professional medical waste company. 

The final destination of biohazard waste is an industrial incinerator where these materials can be destroyed so they will no longer pose a threat to life and health.  In many cases, incineration is required by health mandate, but some materials are allowed to be remediated with disinfection, chemical treatment, or autoclaving. 

Contact SERVPRO for Fort Worth Biohazard Cleanup and Disposal

When in doubt, do not attempt to clean up biohazard waste on your own. The greater the risk level associated with the materials, the more likely it is that trained professionals are needed to ensure the safety and well being of everyone involved.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has extensive experience with Fort Worth biohazard cleaning scenarios. Our trained technicians know how to approach biohazardous and infectious waste and will dispose of these toxic materials safely and securely.

We specialize in the following biohazard situations:

• Crime scene cleanup or unattended death (Examples: homicides, suicides, accidental death, meth labs, tear gas, etc.).
• Cases of C Diff 
• Homes affected by hoarding
• Residential or commercial sewage backup or chemical spills
• Property contamination from animals (such as a rodent infestation).

Many of the above scenarios are of a sensitive nature. We understand why clients would not want attention drawn to their property in these situations, so we are prepared to carry out biohazard cleaning services with discretion. One of the ways we do this is to schedule the cleaning for overnight when it’s least likely to be noticed. 

If you have an overwhelming biohazard situation on your hands, don’t risk it. We have the right training and all the materials needed to handle the biohazard situation so that everyone remains safe and sound. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for 24/7 emergency contact at (817) 589-1499.

5 Steps to Take If Your Bathroom Floods

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded bathroom? Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today for professional water damage restoration in the Fort Worth area.

Toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers all offer opportunities for a bathroom to flood. We use the bathroom so often that we take for granted that water will shut off and drain properly.

Until one day we are met with a scene that looks more like a waterpark than a bathroom. Some may think that bathroom floods are a bigger problem than they can handle. However, even if you plan to call for someone skilled to help, there are still things you should do on your own to manage the situation. For starters, you should stop the water flow by locating and shutting off the water valve.

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is all about being prepared to take action in a water emergency. We put together this quick and easy guide to address bathroom floods.

Common Causes of Bathroom Flooding

Perhaps you have an old house where the plumbing is starting to fall apart. Even those who live in newer properties may run into some bathroom flooding events. How many types of bathroom floods have you encountered?

• Tub or sink flooding when there is a clog that prevents draining.
• Toilet floods are flushed several times with a stubborn blockage.
• Burst pipes from freezing cold weather or old plumbing.
• Faucet left on.

No matter the reason for a flooded bathroom, you’ll need to find the cause quickly so you can stop it from getting worse.

How to Stop Bathroom Flooding

Water all over the place can cause a bit of panic. What do you do first when a bathroom floods? Grab a mop and bucket?

Below are the steps you should take in the order you should do them. It begins with stopping the water at its source.

1. Shut off the Water Valves 

The first thing you should do is to shut off the water. This could be the faucet, the external valve of the toilet, a valve under the sink, or the main water supply into the house (in the case of a burst pipe situation.

Plan to leave the water off until the source of the flooding is resolved. If you turn it back on too soon, there will be more flooding which leads to increased potential for damage. 

If it’s the toilet that is overflowing, avoid flushing it until the issue is resolved. Flushing when there is a clog is one of the main causes for a toilet to overflow. Use a plunger to release the clog. Once the toilet bowl drains, you can try flushing the toilet again to check if the blockage has been successfully removed.

2. Remove Standing Water

Clearing out bathroom floods is a big job, but the sooner you remove the water the better. Standing water can be damaging, unhygienic, and creates a safety issue if it makes contact with electricity.

Using a bucket or other container, scoop out the water and empty where it can drain (kitchen sink, tub in another bathroom, dump it outdoors, etc.)

Once most of the water has been removed, use an absorbent mop or a thirsty towel to soak up as much water as possible. Have a bucket nearby to wring out saturated mops and rags.

Use a wet/dry shop vac to assist you with water removal (if available) but be careful not to let cords make contact with water puddles.

3. Open Windows and Bring in Fans

Even the most aggressive water removal tactics aren’t enough to get rid of all water. It’s likely there will still be some streaks and dampness lingering here and there.

The way to move all moisture out of the bathroom to make it completely dry is to use the force of air. The air will evaporate and leave the space via airflow.

Using high-powered fans you can dry out the area effectively. This works even better when you have a window to open in the bathroom. Again, be careful not to let electrical components make contact with water puddles.

The idea is to promote as much airflow as possible so that remaining dampness and moisture will be eliminated. Lingering water and moisture lead to mold growth and potential wood rot (cabinets, baseboards, subfloor, etc).

4. Find and Fix the Source of the Problem

You’ve worked so hard to get your bathroom dry again. Now it’s time to be proactive so that it doesn’t happen again.

This involves preventing clogs in plumbing, repairing plumbing, or coaching members of your household to not leave the water running. If there is a recurring problem of someone (like a child) leaving the water on, you might consider installing sink faucets that are designed to shut off after a few minutes or install water level alarms.

If after examination of the bathroom, you still can’t find the cause of the damage or if the source is in a place you can’t easily access, your best bet is to contact a professional.

A plumber may be the first thing that comes to your mind, but SERVPRO in Fort Worth, TX is also skilled at locating and addressing the source of water damage problems.

5. Document the Damage

If you believe the damage is substantial enough to warrant an insurance or home warranty claim, you’ll want to take photos and video as proof of the damage. It’s important not to procrastinate here because the conditions will change over time. You should capture evidence at the onset of the damage.

How Long Does it Take for Water Damage to Show?

Signs of water damage will appear as soon as 24 hours after the water has been extracted. Some damage may not show up for a few weeks.

• Discoloration (stains on drywall, ceilings, etc.)
• Change of texture on surfaces or materials
• Wood warping, buckling, sagging, sinking, swelling (usually from toilet or bathtub flooding).
• Appearance or smell of mold or mildew.

The potential for mold growth is a chief reason to address water damage right away. Mold spores begin to colonize as soon as 48 hours after a bathroom floods. Some species of mold are toxic and damaging. However, it may take several more days before you see or smell the mold.

How to Prevent Bathroom Flooding

The more your bathroom floods, the greater the potential there is for water damage and mold growth. To avoid the constant hassle of wet messes, here are some tips to prevent bathroom flooding

• Drain guard - To avoid clogs, catch hair and other potential clogs with a strainer that properly fits the drains of your bath, shower, or sink drains.
• Watch what you flush - Wipes and some hygiene products are said to be okay to flush, but not all plumbing systems allow these to pass through. Also, keep an eye on small children who may try to flush toys and other objects down the toilet. Keep bathtub toys out of reach when not in use.
• Plumbing repairs - If your plumbing shows various signs of failure, or if you know that these are aging, it’s time to invest in repairs. The older a house is, the more likely it is that pipes, faucets, or toilets need to be replaced. Fixing these before they become a problem can save you the headache of a flooded bathroom.
• Install prevention mechanisms - This could be a drain in the floor of the bathroom or a flood stop device.
• Keep it dry - For areas that frequently collect water, use absorbent mats, a mop, and an exhaust fan to clear the bathroom of moisture after taking a bath or shower.
• Communicate - Ask household members to remember to turn off the water after use, and keep things out of drains and toilets that could cause a flood. Explain to them that bathroom floods cause water and mold damage. Children may need supervision in the bathroom as they learn how to use the sink, toilet, bathtub, etc. appropriately.

Contact SERVPRO for Fort Worth Water and Flood Damage Repair

Bathroom floods are infrequent, but you can be proactive to either keep these from happening in the first place or take action right away when it does.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is always ready to take action on any flooding situation, big or small. Not only do we Fort Worth water damage restoration for both commercial and residential properties, but we can also handle common household repairs. We work directly with your insurance company should you need to file a claim.

Should you walk into a messy bathroom flooding situation, we’re here to help. Call us at (817) 589-1499 for emergency contact 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Homes of Fort Worth - How to Get Rid of Attic Mold

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you find or suspect mold in your attic, contact SERVPRO in fort worth for professional mold remediation services.

You wouldn’t expect an attic to have the freshest of air, but one day you climb the ladder to retrieve your holiday decorations from this lofty storage and notice it’s more than just dusty. The attic smells musty.

Attic mold isn’t necessarily a health hazard as the living space air doesn’t usually mix with that in the attic, but mold in the attic is no less destructive. Black mold in the attic may destroy construction materials such as rafters and insulation. Depending on the cause, the mold may spread through the ceiling.

Because we rarely go up to the attic, finding mold up there comes as a surprise. Does mold found in the attic during a home inspection affect the value of the home? Some may wonder if they should buy or sell a home with attic mold issues.

Attic mold remediation is something you should certainly do sooner than later, but it doesn’t mean a house is unfit to be sold. SERVPRO Fort Worth is here to keep homes and businesses mold-free. Read on to learn about how mold develops in the attic and what to do about it.

Causes of Mold in the Attic

Mold likes to grow where it’s damp and dark. Below are common causes of mold in the attic:

• Moisture is trapped in construction materials. Say the timber for the rafter wood was rained on. If it doesn’t dry thoroughly, mold might grow there. 
• Condensation forms in the attic space cold air from outdoors meets warm air from indoors (or vice versa, perhaps). One solution for this is improved insulation.
• Mold grows where wood construction is dampened because ventilation is insufficient or blocked. There should be about one square foot of venting per 100 square feet of space.
• Moisture can enter the attic if there are exhaust system leaks from bathroom fans or appliances that pass through the attic space.
• Discoloration or water stains on rafters, sheathing, joists, fascia boards, or flashings indicate a roof leak. Mold grows from the rainwater that enters the attic this way. 

Mold needs moisture to thrive so a dry attic is a mold-free attic. Check the roofing, the vents, the perimeter of attic windows, plumbing stacks, chimneys, etc. for where moisture becomes trapped in the attic. 

Is Mold in Attic Common? 

How often do you go up to the attic? Most people may not go up to the attic but once a year, if that. How rare it is for human eyes and ears to observe the attic makes it more likely that a moisture issue won’t be caught in time before mold starts to form.

Mold and mildew in the attic are more common than you might think. Mold is likely to grow in dark, out-of-the-way places with plenty of moisture and cellulose material to consume. Just add water, and an attic is a perfect place for mold to grow.

How Much is Mold Remediation in Attic?

Fort Worth mold remediation costs depend on the extent of the mold damage including square footage of the affected area, and to what degree the mold has ravaged materials.

Compare Home Advisor local rates to the national average costs.

Cost Range of Mold Remediation for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

• Average total: $2,167
• Typical total: $1,355 - $3,357
• Low-end cost: $525 
• High-end cost: $5,700

National Average Cost Range of Mold Remediation

• Average total: $2,220
• Typical total: $1,116 - $3,330
• Low-end cost: $375 
• High-end cost: $6,000

The above figures are from an outside source and do not necessarily reflect the attic mold remediation costs for SERVPRO of Fort Worth.  Call us any time for pricing information!

Should I Buy a House With Mold in the Attic?

Mold in the home is a concern for anyone looking to acquire property. Mold growth isolated to the attic isn’t necessarily a reason to pass on a house, but the source of the problem must be addressed.

When mold is found in the attic is during a home inspection, simply removing the infected materials isn’t enough to resolve the problem. Without finding and repairing the cause of water and moisture problems, the mold problem will continue to resurface.

How to Remove Mold in Attic

Attic mold remediation is more than just removing mold that is visible. The issues that allowed the mold to grow in the first place must be addressed, otherwise, the mold will just grow back.

Finding the source of the problem of moisture or water getting trapped in the attic begins with some troubleshooting. Having the trained eye of a professional helps to accurately diagnose the problem. 

Where is the mold showing? Using a bright flashlight, mark all of the places where you see mold growth. Is it directly under the roof? Is it near any plumbing? Or by a place where a bathroom fan or kitchen appliance’s exhaust path is? Where are puddles or dampness?

Depending on where you find these problems, this is where you would investigate first. The roof, exhaust systems, or plumbing issues would need to be repaired.

If you suspect a moisture trap problem, then the ventilation set up needs some review. Do you have enough vents? Are the existing vents blocked? Soffit vents should be clear to optimize airflow. All vents need to be oriented to flow outside of the attic and remain unobstructed. 

Other issues that may be allowing moisture, condensation, and water into the attic are clogged rain gutters or attic window issues.

Sources of trapped moisture and causes of water puddles may be difficult to pinpoint. There might also be multiple issues that contribute to mold growth. Hiring a professional to diagnose the issue is usually the best way to resolve the issues and that will keep your attic dry. Mold remediation steps may vary, but below is a general outline of SERVPRO’s procedures: 

• Inspection and mold damage assessment: We’re equipped to identify different types of mold and comb over the areas where mold likes to hide. 
• Mold containment: We seal off the area so as to properly manage the remediation process.
• Air filtration: We vacuum the air for purifications. Mold spores exist naturally in the air, so they can’t all be removed, but we remove as much toxic mold as we can.
• Removing mold and mold-infested materials: We use industrial cleaning agents to remove mold from surfaces. We also discard items that are severely contaminated. We safely remove your storage items from the attic during the remediation process.
• Cleaning contents and belongings: Our goal is to preserve rather than replace, so we salvage whatever possible. Contaminated soft goods can be restored to food-grade cleanliness in our industrial Esporta Wash System.
• Restoration: If we have to disassemble and remove construction materials in the attic space during the remediation, we bring it back to its preloss state by replacing these with new materials.

Mold Remediation Experts Ready in Fort Worth

Mold removal from the attic is a combination of resolving issues so you can maintain a dry space while eradicating existing mold colonies. Once these things are under control, your attic goes back to being something you don’t think about.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has been fighting mold in spaces of all sizes for decades. Our years of experience allow us to quickly pinpoint sources of moisture and dampness that cause your mold issues - even in dark and cramped places like your attic.

If you’re buying a home, selling a property, or just want to solve an attic moisture problem before a mold issue develops, call SERVPRO for attic mold remediation consultation and pricing information at (817) 589-1499.

Understanding Landlord Responsibilities After a Fire in Fort Worth, TX

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

If you've experienced a fire at your rental property, contact the Fort Worth fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO for guidance and free pricing.

Rental properties are perhaps the most sought after financial assets these days. But with assets come liabilities. Gains become a loss when a Fort Worth, TX property sustains severe damage such as flooding, tornado, or a fire.

As with any big business decision, investors should weigh the risks before entering into a rental property venture. Full awareness of these risks includes understanding landlord responsibilities after a fire.

SERVPRO in Fort Worth is all about preparedness for a disaster. In this guide, we share essential information about landlord obligations so that you can be proactive in protecting your investment.

What Is A Landlord Responsible For?

Because maintaining a rental property is a lot of work, property management is a lucrative industry. Rental property owners intend for this investment to bring in passive income, and they can make it so by handing off most of the landlord's responsibilities to a management company.

The core responsibilities of a landlord are to draw up a proper lease agreement, comply with fair housing (anti-discrimination) laws, follow proper eviction and rent collection procedure, and return cash deposits in a timely manner. 

Fort Worth landlords are also responsible for maintaining a certain level of living conditions and maintaining insurance on the property. They are on the hook for aspects of the property that "materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant." If a tenant takes the recourse of reporting unlivable conditions to the authorities, a landlord is forbidden from retaliatory actions.

Landlord’s Responsibilities After a Fire

One of the downsides of being a landlord is not having control over the actions of tenants who live their lives privately in the property you own. According to a FEMA report on multifamily residential building fires, cooking is the leading cause of these fires (74%).

So when a landlord gets the call that a fire has happened at one of their properties, what are the responsibilities of a landlord? What should a landlord do first? If you have staff at the property, they can act on your behalf with clear instructions concerning what to do if a fire happens.

Immediately After the Fire

Below is a list of landlord responsibilities after a fire immediately after the event has occurred.

• Do not attempt to enter the scene where the fire occurred. Authorized personnel such as a fire marshall or the fire department will need to do an investigation and ensure the area is safe for others to enter again.
• Either the landlord or those working on behalf of the property should check on the tenants. Be prepared to direct those displaced on where they can go for alternative places to stay (such as the Red Cross).
• While you communicate with the tenants, try to piece together what the cause of the damage was. The details of these accounts should be documented by either the landlord or their representatives.
• Contact your insurance company to discuss if a claim should be filed or not. 
• Even if the official investigation is not yet complete, you can still call fire damage restoration companies in Fort Worth. SERVPRO’s local franchises have substantial experience working with insurance companies to make the process as efficient as possible.
• Get in touch with the fire department to find out when it will be clear for people to reenter. At this time, the landlord can personally assess the damage, and tenants can salvage what’s left of their belongings.

With landlord responsibilities after a fire, communication and coordination are the top priority. The landlord should keep in touch with everyone involved and document everything.

Days After the Fire

Until the property has been investigated and clear for people to re-enter, all a landlord can do is follow up with all involved parties: the tenants, staff, fire department, insurance representatives, and perhaps the restoration company as well.

Once the property is ready for you to enter, here are some of the steps a landlord would take:

• Document the damage by doing a walk-through of the damaged unit (and those surrounding units if it’s a multi-family property). It helps to take photos and videos of everything.
• At this phase, no one who enters the property should attempt to clean it up until the insurance company has given the go-ahead. No one should use the utilities until the fire department says it’s okay.
• List an inventory of everything damaged: both the interior and the exterior fixtures. Make note of damaged appliances and include brand names and model information as best you can. The personal items of the tenant are not typically involved in the claim as this is not one of the landlord’s responsibilities after a fire.
• After a walk-through of the fire scene is complete, the property should be closed off to trespassers and the elements with either board up or tarping. This is SERVPRO’s first step in the fire restoration process. The insurance company will want to know that measures were taken to prevent additional liabilities, and board up and tarping is a proactive measure.
• Communicate with your tenants about lease cancellation or rent abatement. Use wise discretion on whether to continue collecting rent. When appropriate, a landlord can suggest the tenant file a claim with their renter’s insurance policy.
• Hire a restoration company and stay in communication with your point of contact regularly. SERVPRO has one point of contact with property owners who are ready to provide clients with any updates.

Who Pays for Fire Damages?

Typically, the landlord’s insurance is supposed to cover the costs of restoration to bring it back to preloss and habitable conditions. Renter’s insurance normally covers the tenant’s personal items like clothing, electronics, furniture, etc. However, if the fire was due to landlord neglect, they may be liable for the tenant’s belongings.

With kitchen fires being the leading cause of apartment fires, it’s ideal that tenants have a renter’s insurance policy for the duration of the lease term. Before requiring renter’s insurance as a lease term, the landlord should consult a legal expert.

Unfortunately, what cannot be covered with insurance or by being awarded damages through the courts is on the property owner. They will need to decide if they are willing to reinvest in the property with out-of-pocket restoration costs.

Restoring Property Into a Habitable State

The landlord is responsible for providing safe and habitable housing, and they want to earn money from the investment rather than lose out. So, it’s within the property owner’s interests to recover the unit(s) as soon as possible.

SERVPRO is set up to manage the entire fire damage to the rental property.  Being able to handle it all is how we effectively organize all the restoration process efficiently. Our Fort Worth ceiling repair and full-service fire restoration services include:

• Roof tarp, board-up, and live security
• Fire cleanup
• Fire smoke odor deodorization
• Moving services and long-term storage
• Clothing sanitization 
• Sanitization of all belongings
• Electronic restoration services
• Reconstruction

Depending on local laws, a landlord may need to apply for a certificate of occupancy before units can be lived in again.

What Happens While the Property Is Uninhabitable?

If the damage is minor, tenants may be able to stay in the unit while the property while repairs are being done. If the unit is not safe to live in during the restoration process, they will either secure temporary housing through insurance coverage payout or other reasons. 

For liability reasons, no one should live in the unit until it’s deemed safe. Tenants may be able to work with non-profit organizations like the Red Cross if they have nowhere else to stay. 

Sometimes the severity of fire damage is extensive to the point that it’s no longer safe to live in. At this point, tenants should be relieved of rent payment obligations. Being let out of a lease may be up to the courts where it is proven that the property is no longer habitable.

Professional Fire Restoration Experts in Fort Worth, Texas

Landlord responsibilities after a fire include prompt action, documentation of what happened and what was damaged, ongoing communication with all involved parties, helping tenants find other living arrangements, and hiring the best Fort Worth fire damage restoration company.

SERVPRO has been restoring fire-damaged properties for decades. Our experienced technicians make it "Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7 for emergency contact, and we communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to help the process run smoothly. 

If a fire damages your rental property, protect your investment. First, call your insurance company, then call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817) 589-1499 any time for guidance and free pricing. We are ready to help you around the clock, 365 days a year.

How to Clean a Clogged Dryer Vent

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent a fire in your home - contact SERVPRO in Fort Worth for professional cleaning of your clogged dryer vents.

Clothes dryers work overtime when you spend the whole day getting caught up on laundry. Doing several loads of laundry in a row may uncover issues with the appliance.

If you find that your clothes need more time to dry than usual, the dryer is hot to the touch, the laundry is very hot after being removed from the dryer, or even a burning smell these are all signs of a dryer problem that could be related to a clogged dryer vent.

SERVPRO of Fort Worth is committed to public safety. As a major Fort Worth fire damage restoration company, we’ve seen much fire damage that could have been prevented. 

Clothes dryers are the culprit of thousands of house fires annually. Today, we’ll share some tips on how to keep your dryer vent clean and clear so you can mitigate the risk of fire damage to your home.

What Happens When the Dryer Vent is Blocked?

Dryer exhaust vent blockage occurs when hot air cannot escape as designed. Dryers generate a lot of heat, so for the dryer to work properly there must be a way for this excess to escape.

Aside from being a common cause of house fires, a blocked dryer vent causes the appliance to run inefficiently and could incur higher energy costs.

Reasons Dryer Vents Get Clogged

So how does a dryer go from normal to overheating and under drying? Below are the common causes of a clogged dryer vent.

Mechanical: Such as a kink in the vent duct or a stuck vent flap/blocked vent cover. Lint can get caught on sharp corners.

Natural: If a rodent or a bird creates a nest in the duct, this causes a blockage. 

Accumulation: Lint traps collect all the excess lint for easy removal. Lint that escapes or other debris builds up in the duct/vent over time. Residue from fabric softener sheets may also contribute to this. If your lint screen is damaged or if you have forgotten to remove the lint from the trap, this could be your problem.

Remember to clean out your lint trap before each use.

If you’ve ruled out a mechanical issue, we’ll guide you through how to unclog and clean out a blocked dryer vent.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Before you do anything to your dryer, consult your product warranty. Make sure that none of the actions involved in the dryer vent cleaning will void your warranty. You may need to have an authorized repair service come out to clean your vents depending on your warranty details.

If your setup is complex, or you think your ventilation wasn’t set up correctly, you might consider calling a professional.

For a thorough DIY dryer vent cleaning, you’ll need basic home improvement tools, some experience using these tools (like a drill), and 1-2 hours to complete the process. Let’s go through these steps toward getting your dryer back to efficiency and more importantly, back to safety.

Step 1: Locate The Duct

To clean the duct, you’ll need to find it. Your standard exhaust duct is 4 inches in diameter and routes the exhaust from the dryer output all the way to the home’s exterior wall vent.

The longer the route from the appliance to the external outlet, the more length there will be to clean.

Step 2: Safely Disconnect the Dryer

For this step, you’ll need a screwdriver (usually a Phillips). Carefully pull the dryer away from the wall. If your dryer is gas-powered, be very careful not to disrupt the gas connection as a gas leak will cause a bigger problem.

Electric dryers are pretty straightforward to disconnect. You’ll simply unplug from the electrical outlet. Then you detach the exhaust pipe from the back of the dryer by loosening and removing the screws.

For gas dryers, you’d usually unplug the electrical cord, then wait about half an hour until you disconnect the gas. You’d want to make sure no more gas is still in the dryer before attempting to turn off and then disconnect the gas supply to the dryer. Consult your manual for gas dryer disconnection instructions.

Step 3: Clean, Clean, Clean

For this step, you’d use a dryer vent cleaning kit, a drill, and a vacuum cleaner (such as a shop vac). The kit should include an auger brush. You’ll need a brush to clear out the vent. For long vent pipes, you’ll most likely need an auger brush with extension attachments to clean the length of the pipe.

Next, go out to the external hood. If you have an exterior pest screen, you’ll clear out any debris from this first. Then you’ll either remove the hood by loosening the screws or clip the flap out of the way to keep it open.

You’ll use the vacuum to collect lint and debris as you brush it away. It helps to put the vacuum hose inside the exhaust path as you use the auger brush. With the auger brush connected to the drill and extensions, push it through the vent with the vacuum hose alongside it. Turn on the vacuum. Carefully run the drill in a clockwise direction moving the auger brush in a back and forth sweeping motion through the exhaust. 

The idea is to sweep the vent as far in as you can with the vacuum collecting the debris. The vacuum may need to be emptied a few times during this process.

Step 4: Tidy Up, Reconnect Everything

Vacuum up any excess debris or lint both inside the utility room and at the outside hood.

Outside, you’ll reattach the vent hood (or unclip the flap) and reattach the exterior pest screen. Inside, reattach the vent piping to the back of the dryer, plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet, or carefully reattach the gas (if applicable).

If there is a soft foil-style vent connecting to the wall duct, consider replacing it with aluminum elbows as these hoses are a known fire risk.

Step 5: Do a Trial Run

Once everything is securely reconnected (with any necessary precautions for a gas dryer), it’s time to test it out.

Do a load of laundry. When it’s time to dry the clothes, make observations to ensure that things are running smoothly. Are the problems you had before still happening, like a burning smell, the dryer still running hot, or the clothes needing more than one pass to dry?

Next, check to see if the flap on the external hood is moving freely. This will indicate that there is a decent amount of airflow. If problems persist, it’s probably time to call a professional.

How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned?

• Daily: Clean out your dryer traps between each use.
• Monthly: Clear out any buildup any debris on the pest screen and external hood.
• Annually: Do a dryer duct cleaning once or twice a year depending on the amount of laundry. Large or multiple-family use may need up to three cleanings per year.

SERVPRO Is Ready to Help Fort Worth Residents With All Your Appliance Needs 

Keeping vents clear allows your dryer to run efficiently and greatly reduces the risk of fire. With common home improvement tools and some elbow grease, you can usually clean out a clogged dryer vent on your own.

Remember to be careful with gas systems, and replace outdated soft foil-style vent material. Keep the venting path clear of anything lint could snag on and become attached to. The goal is to keep the vent clear of debris. 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has seen hundreds of fire-damaged properties. While we’re honored to be the top choice for fire damage restoration in Fort Worth, we’d rather help prevent fires before they happen. 

We can fix dryers and do a thorough cleaning of the venting, both for commercial and residential situations. We will inspect for any problems that need to be addressed so that all runs safely and smoothly. Call us at (817) 589-1499 anytime with appliance questions or for free pricing!

Most Common Causes of House Fires in Fort Worth, TX

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Contact the Fort Worth fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO if you've experienced a house fire.

A house that has stood for decades can be destroyed by fire in a matter of minutes. Because of how devastating house fires can be, we as humans have made great strides in fire prevention. Understanding the causes of house fires is one of the most effective ways we can combat such occurrences.

However, despite our best efforts to mitigate the common causes of house fires, fires can and will happen. This is why homeowners cover their property with insurance. When you have a quality fire insurance policy plus a reputable fire restoration company, fire damage can be wiped away.

While SERVPRO is honored to be the trusted brand for fire damage restoration in Fort Worth, we'd rather that home fires didn’t start in the first place. This guide is to raise awareness about the most common causes of house fires so that you might be better prepared.

How Common Are House Fires in Fort Worth?

If you hear a fire truck siren or drive by a house with significant fire damage in Fort Worth, you might wonder how often fires happen here.

In 2019, of the 2192 fires Fort Worth fire department responded to, 618 of these events were residential fires. 

In Texas, it is estimated that a house fire happens every 32 minutes. From 2014-2016, Tarrant County was ranked number 3 for most cases of structural fires in Texas. Houston and Dallas have more fires annually than Fort Worth.

Where Do Fires Start in Houses?

Where do most house fires start? This is the first thing we ask when approaching the common causes of house fires. The first thing we ask when we look for ways to stop the causes of fires at the source is:  When a fire investigation happens, the source of the fire is sought. Documenting how fires start helps us find opportunities to improve on things.

5 Top Causes of House Fires 

While it is possible for a fire can start externally through arson, a lightning strike, or a wildfire, these incidents are rare. We’ll focus on the internal causes of house fires so that we can be proactive to prevent this.

1. Electrical Equipment

Over the last century, we’ve become more and more dependent on electricity. Innovation has answered the call to make circuitry safer. Despite the modern safeguards now in place, house fires that occurred due to wiring and related equipment are at around 7%.

What causes electrical fires in homes? Wires overheat from an overloaded current. Short circuits will spark, and this is tinder for building materials. This could be happening behind a wall, and you wouldn’t know it until the fire had already grown.

Old homes that do not meet current building standards or wiring components that fail after decades of use are the most vulnerable to cause fires. For this, you’ll need the help of a qualified electrician - this includes inspection of old wiring, or investigating circuit problems (like a breaker that constantly trips).

2. Cooking Equipment

Of the top fire causes, most are related to the kitchen, and all too often these fires could have been prevented. Unattended stoves with pots and pans cooking, oven mishaps, and combustibles that are too close to the heating elements are what cause fires in the kitchen. Pressure cookers are also known to explode when not used properly.

There are times of the year when we cook more than usual such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Remember to keep an eye on cooking, especially when using high heat for frying, boiling, and broiling.

3. Candles

According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles caused an average of 7,610

house fires per year. Candles are used for eliminating odors, relaxation, and holiday decoration for Christmas and New Year's Eve. When left unattended, candles could tip over, the glass casing could break, or the flames could set nearby items on fire.

4. Smoking

Of all the causes of house fires, smoking is the most deadly. People smoke to relax. If you relax to the point of dozing off, you are then unable to respond quickly to a cigarette that has fallen from your hands. When the embers of a cigarette make contact with bed linens, carpet, clothing, upholstered furniture, etc. a house fire can easily start. If you must smoke indoors, please do so standing or sitting up (especially when you’re very tired).

5. Heating

Despite our state reputation for being warm, it does get cold here, in north Texas especially. For a short period, we’ll have freezing temperatures with ice and the occasional snow. For places that don’t have central heating, such as a garage, we use space heaters to keep warm.

Among the common causes of house fires, heaters come in second. Some heaters are designed with safety features, but it’s up to us to use them with caution. Don’t keep them running while you’re away from home and don’t use them to heat or dry fabrics.

Does Insurance Cover Fire Damage Restoration?

Homeowners’ insurance is all about the what-ifs. Generally, fire damage is covered by an insurance policy, but it’s best to call your agent for confirmation. We’ll go over the common kinds of coverage.

• Dwelling - Covers fire damage to the structure of the home. 
• Personal property - Covers the contents and personal property inside the home. 
• Loss of use - Covers the expense of living elsewhere either temporarily or permanently. 
• Personal liability - Pays for damage to the property of others that was caused by your house fire. 

Extensive wildfires in the US have made the news in the last few years, so this should prompt you to check in with your insurance agent and ask about what you can expect for fire coverage.  You might consider increasing coverage for damage to your neighbor’s property or other peripheral issues (for example, damage to an automobile in the garage).

House Fire Prevention Tips

The best way to address the common causes of house fires is to be prepared. Make your checklist with the following actions.

• Test your smoke alarms. Many people use daylight savings time changes as a reminder to test the batteries twice per year. 

• Inspect your heating apparatuses. Are there signs of electrical issues? When was the last time your furnace was checked by a professional?

• Be careful in the kitchen. Keep your oven and stove clean - wipe up oil spills or food particles that could catch on fire. Don’t leave cooking unattended in the kitchen. Refrain from using your stove to heat your home.

• Check your dryer vents. Lint can cause a fire with a clothes dryer. Clean out your lint traps and make sure the exhaust vent is clear of lint build-up.

• Mind your power cords. If a cord has been frayed or chewed, discontinue use of the item. Keep cords away from carpets and fabrics.

• Store flammables safely. Keep aerosols and other flammable chemicals away from heat.

• Be careful with candles, fireplaces, and cigarettes. We use these to relax, but we must remain alert enough so that these don’t start a house fire. Keep combustibles such as fabrics away from the flames. Use extra caution when pets or children are around and don’t leave matches or lighters out.

• Have fire extinguishers on hand (especially in the kitchen). Make sure yourself and other members of your household know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it. Read the instruction label carefully.

SERVPRO Is Here to Assist With Any Fort Worth Fire Damage 

As we approach the end of the year, we use more heat in the form of holiday candles, preparing holiday food in the kitchen, and staying warm in cold months. We should keep common causes of house fires top of mind year-round, but especially during the fall and winter months.

Sometimes despite proactive efforts, homeowners will end up in a fire damage situation. SERVPRO Fort Worth is here 24/7 to respond to any fire issues from isolated damage to a total loss. We do it all from the preliminary tarping and board up to a complete reconstruction. We work with insurance companies so that the process is as efficient as can be. Contact us any time at (817) 589-1499 with questions or for a free estimate for services.

How to Find a Water Leak

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Think you have a water leak in your home? Contact SERVPRO in Fort Worth for professional water damage restoration services.

The EPA estimates that 3,000 gallons per year can go to waste from a leak at the rate of one drip per second. Aside from wasting a precious resource, water leaks also impact your budget. Whether you put the water to good use or not, you’ll be charged by the meter’s gallon count.

Another way water leaks will cost you is with water damage accumulation. Fort Worth property owners may not notice faulty plumbing or malfunctioning appliances in tucked-away places (like a water heater) until nearby items and construction have already been ruined.

If the amount due on your water bill is surprisingly high and your utility company can’t explain why then it’s time to look around your property for answers. Today, we’ll walk you through how to find a water leak.

How to Find a Water Leak in Your Home

Some water leaks in the house are obvious (like drips under the sink or behind the toilet. If you discover a problem and fix it, does it stop there? Perhaps not. There could be other leaks that are still wasting water. 

Why not take the time to do a full inspection of your property to make sure there are no other problems? A thorough search for water leaks could save you in the long run - both with utilities and damage repair costs.

Examine Fixtures and Appliances

How to find a water leak in your house begins inside with a high-level inspection. This includes checking all the fixtures and appliances that the plumbing routes to.

• Toilets: Look over the toilet’s tank parts for wear or weaknesses (especially the flapper valve).
• Bathtubs and showers: Check bathtubs and showers for drips or puddles around the bases of toilets, tubs, and separate showers.
• Sinks and cabinets: Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs and smells of water. Check each cabinet near a water usage area to make sure everything is dry.
• Clothes washer and dishwasher: Run the washer to check for malfunctions. Pull out the appliances to check the connection hoses for leaks. Also, check for puddles around the washer.
• Water heater: Examine water heater for connection hose leaks or water collecting below. Since water heaters are usually out of sight and out of mind, you might consider fitting it with a moisture sensor alarm, so you’ll immediately know if it springs a leak.

If you come across any puddles, shut off the water supply to the associated appliance or fixture and contact a plumber for further assistance.

Observe Your Water Meter

How to detect water leaks begins with water meter leaks confirmation.This is a surefire way to know if you have an unresolved water leak with your property.

A water meter is usually found near the road where the utility company can access it without intruding on your property. Look for a covered box or a covered manhole. 

If you have trouble locating the water meter, contact your utility company to ask where it is. Once you find the meter, follow the four steps below.

1. Stop all running water by turning off all water faucets, the washing machine, or the dishwasher. They will need to remain off for the duration of the test. Ask members of the household to cooperate with this by not using any sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, or water-using appliances until the test is complete.
2. Go to the water meter and copy down the number on the counter.
3. After some time has passed, check to see if the numbers have changed:
1. If after a few minutes, you see the number has increased, there is likely a fast-moving leak.
2. Check again in an hour or two. If the number goes up, then there is likely a slow leak. If the number still hasn’t changed after two hours, then it’s not likely that there are any leaks.
4. Once you detect a leak by meter confirmation, you can rule out if the leak is happening with outdoor functions. You’ll do this by shutting off the house’s main water supply. 

Keep all water turned off as mentioned in the above steps, but then shut off the water supply to the house itself. This control may be in your basement or utility room. Write down the meter’s counter number. Check again after an hour to see if the number on the counter has changed. If it hasn’t, the leak is inside the home.

Monitor Your Water Bill

How much water use is considered excessive? For a household with four members, a bill that reflects a usage total of more than 12,000 gallons in a given month is too much. A spike like this could mean that there is a leak somewhere.

You can track changes in usage by comparing billing statements over several months. If you see that there is an abrupt change in the amount due (or in the total gallon count), you’re likely being charged for water you haven’t really used. 

Unless someone is somehow stealing water from you, this change can probably be blamed on water leak problem(s). The water leak issues could be complex or underground. 

Be Aware Of Leaking Clues

Once you’ve checked the areas where leaks commonly occur, you’re ready to go a bit deeper in your search for any peripheral issues.

Water leaks can be inaudible or invisible when behind walls or ceilings. If these leaks go on for some time, they eventually make themselves known by showing signs of damage. Here’s what to look for:

• Wall or ceiling discoloration: Water stains signal that a water leak from pipes or a faulty roof has been going on long enough that the wall and ceiling material is now becoming saturated with water. These marks are typically a yellowish or brownish color.
• Dripping sounds: It can be hard to hear dripping water behind a wall or ceiling, so if you do hear dripping sounds, this signals that the problem may have progressed into an urgent matter.
• Deformed walls: Walls and ceilings should be flat and smooth. Any bubbling, bulging, swelling, or warping of paint, drywall, or wallpaper is a sign that water has accumulated so much that it is soaking through the materials.
• Seeing or smelling mold: Mold can be discovered by its musty odor or dark and speckled spots. This means that water damage has been sitting long enough for mold spores to take root and colonize. 

Water ends up where it doesn’t belong by way of failures with plumbing, appliances, fixtures, or structure (such as the roof or windows). Awareness of how water leaks make themselves known can help you spot trouble right away.

Food Coloring in Your Toilet

How to find where a leak is coming from can be done with a clever color test. This lets you know if your toilet is faulty.

Put a few drops of dye or food coloring in the toilet tank. Do not flush the toilet. Wait for 10-20 minutes. If you see the water in the toilet bowl is tinted with the color you used, this indicates a leak.

This kind of toilet leak happens when the flapper (rubber stopper) in the toilet tank wears down over time. A weakened flapper allows water to bypass the seal. To solve this water wasting issue, replace the flapper with a new one (appropriate for your commode).

Water Leak Outside Your Home

Once you’ve ticked all the boxes for indoor inspection, you can check the rest of your property. Take recent weather into account. If it has recently rained, then it’s uncertain if the puddles or saturated ground is due to a water leak.

Even when finding a water leak outdoors was ruled out by the meter test, you can still check the external water functions for signs of wear (that may lead to future problems). Here’s how to find a water leak outside.

Inspect Your Shut Off Valve

The outdoor shut-off valve is usually located around the water meter. Look for nearby puddles or signs of water saturation around the shut-off valve and any exposed supply lines.

Greener Patches of Grass

How to find a water leak underground can be as simple as looking out over the lawn. Are there patches of grass that are a brighter green than the rest? This could be a sign that some parts are getting more water than others because of a water leak. 

One possible cause is a fault with the irrigation system. If the leak is severe, puddles may form on the surface near the watering system.

Don’t forget to check outdoor spigots, hoses, gaskets, and connection pieces for breakage or aging. Turn on the water to check for weaknesses. Apply the appropriate repair methods to these problems or contact a plumber.

Becoming aware of what seems to be wearing down now helps anticipate future water problems.

Contact the SERVPRO Professionals of Fort Worth Water Damage Restoration

Being on the lookout for signs of water leaks could mean saving lots of money in repairs and utility bills. Those who own properties that are older than 20 years should especially be observant of breakdowns from years of wear and tear. It’s a good idea to schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your home.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has successfully resolved water leak issues and repaired water damage for countless properties in Fort Worth, Texas. We have the expertise on how to find a water leak and quickly stop the problem at its source. 

Our water damage restoration Fort Worth services response team is trained on the latest industry advancements, and we send them out with the best equipment in the industry.

Don’t let a water leak issue get out of control. We’re here to help you solve the root causes of water leaks and do the necessary fixes to prevent secondary damage (like wood rot or mold growth). Call us at (817) 589-1499 today!

How to Get Rid of Mold Mites

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO for professional mold remediation services in Fort Worth.

How many living things are inside your house? Of course, you count your family and your pets, but microorganisms and sometimes pests find their way inside to share the dwelling.

As the expert mold fighters in Fort Worth, Texas, SERVPRO has a thorough understanding of how mold behaves. Here are a few facts about mold:

• What mold eats: Mold likes to hang around in a building or house because of the abundance of cellulose materials it can consume like drywall, paper, fabrics, carpet, wood, etc.

• What eats mold: Mold is a part of a grand life cycle. Mold consumes matter, and in turn, other living things consume mold like fungus gnats, booklice, and mold mites. Slugs, roaches, camel crickets, and millipedes are attracted to mold because they want the organic matter that mold breaks down.

So several creatures use mold as a food source, but today we’ll focus on mold mites. When you remove mold colonies from your home, you are likely to remove numerous mold mites that gather to feast on it.

What Are Mold Mites?

The formal name for mold mites is tyophagus putescentiae. Other names for these tiny critters are cheese mites, “putrid cheese eater,” meat mites, flour mites, or computer mites. While they resemble insects, they are not. Mold mites are arthropods and are related to ticks.

Mold mites are hairy and white or tan in color. They are very hard to see as they are no larger than a crumb. Speaking of small bits, thousands of mold mites will congregate on a very small piece of mold. When they cluster together, it’s easier to spot them. If you spot mold, chances are there are mold mites present.

How to Identify Mold Mite Bites

Something bit you. Was it a mold mite? If a mite bit you, it was more likely a chigger than a mold mite. Mold mites do not bite humans, but you might end up with a rash, or red bumps from them (that could be mistaken for mold mite bite). Their long hairs irritate the skin of those who are allergy-prone and may feel like a bite. 

If you spend enough time in a mold-infested environment, you may end up with some stinging and itching from mold mites. This is an adverse reaction rather than a bite.

How to Get Rid of Mold Mites

Mold mites rarely come into contact with humans or bother them, but even so, many homeowners are bothered by any insect-like creature being indoors.

Mold and bugs both thrive in warm, humid areas. Moisture finds its way into your home in many different ways such as faulty roofs, leaky pipes, unventilated bathrooms, spills, drafts, or through the crawlspace. Mold needs a relative humidity of 70 percent or higher at temperatures below 60 degrees to flourish.

Like any pest, the most effective mold mite treatment is to take away what brought them inside in the first place - mold. By taking away their food source, mold mites won’t have a reason to come back. Stop attracting mold mites with the prevention tips below.

• Remove or clean mold-infested items in all areas of your home.
• Open your windows to let some light and fresh air in. Ventilation and sunlight inhibit mold growth. 
• Purge your pantry and fridge of expired food.
• Wipe down surfaces with hot water and soap. Make sure to dry surfaces thoroughly. Follow up with a disinfectant and go by the instruction label exactly. Some products must sit for a while before being wiped away.
• Pull excess moisture from the air by using a dehumidifier.
• Remove any dead or dying plants in or around your home. Remember, mold is a natural decomposer, so dying organic material is a prime target.

How to get rid of mold mites in your house is as simple as removing their food source so they stick to finding sources of mold out in nature instead.

Flooding and Mold Mites

If a home or building doesn’t have a mold problem already, a water emergency (such as flooding) creates an opportunity for mold to take root. Mold will start to grow in a flood-affected structure within 24-48 hours of the incident.

As we said earlier, measures taken to eliminate mold remove the conditions that invite mold mites to move in. The best way to avoid toxic mold growth is to do a complete and thorough water damage cleanup. 

The more extensive the water damage and saturation, the more likely it is that you’ll need professional water damage recovery services. If you’re in the middle of a water emergency mess and you’re not sure what to do, call us at SERVPRO. We’ll answer your questions on how to proceed, and we’ll even do a free consultation.

Professional Cleaning Services & Mold Removal in Fort Worth

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is not a pest control service, but we can remove the mold that attracted these mites in the first place. We offer complete water damage restoration to prevent mold growth, or a thorough mold remediation if mold is discovered. With our technicians donning the proper personal protective equipment we can get close to the mold so you don’t have to.

SERVPRO is a trusted brand in professional cleaning for Fort Worth properties. We have advanced equipment, industrial-grade cleaners, and the best technician training in the industry. When you encounter water damage, or you suspect there may be mold, call us at (817) 589-1499 for a complimentary quote!

How to Clean House After C-Diff Infection

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

After dealing with a C. diff infection, it's important to thoroughly clean your home. Call the Fort Worth biohazard cleanup experts at SERVPRO today.

By now, the term “coronavirus” is a household name. The pandemic has elevated concerns about communicable diseases and has raised awareness of the importance of hygiene in prevention.

C. diff (clostridioides difficile) causes bacterial infections such as colitis or diarrhea. Because of how contagious and drug-resistant it is, C. diff is considered a public health concern by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SERVPRO is committed to safeguarding the Fort Worth community from viruses and harmful bacteria. We’ll instruct you on how to clean a house after C Diff infection. We’re also on call to assist with infectious disease emergencies year-round - even on weekends and holidays. 

What is C. Diff? 

C. diff is bacteria that can be found in fecal matter, soil, water, surfaces, and sometimes in food. This bacteria is part of the natural flora of a normal digestive system but does have the potential to become toxic. 

Antibiotics can throw the body system off balance by killing off beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria deficiency allows clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to overpopulate and become infectious. Spores from toxic C. diff that exit the body can make others ill.

C. diff causes colitis (inflammation of the colon). Bacterial toxins attack the lining of the intestines and cause illness. Symptoms begin to surface after a few days (or up to a few weeks) from the start of the infection.

Diarrhea for several days is the main symptom, but other signs of C. diff are fever, loss of appetite, nausea, or abdominal tenderness and pain. This infection has the potential to cause permanent colon damage and could become fatal.

Once a patient’s lab results come back positive for C. diff, the patient will be put on antibiotics for 10 days. Once the symptoms clear up, a patient may still be carrying the infected bacteria making them contagious or subject to reinfection.

In rare cases, surgery or fecal transplants may be necessary to treat those with repeat infections.

How Does C. Diff Spread?

Like other communicable diseases, C. diff spreads without adequate hygiene. The infectious bacteria exit the body through fecal matter. When particles from human waste end up on hands, objects, or land on surfaces they cause contamination that will make others sick.

The spread of C. diff can be mitigated by hand washing, disposing of contaminated materials, and communication between healthcare workers. Consistent and proper use of PPE is also a proactive measure to prevent the spread of infectious bacteria.

C. diff is a common biohazard found in healthcare facilities such as hospitals. Infected patients produce loose stools that allow the bacteria to scatter. 

Because of how contagious this condition can be, it’s important to know how to clean a house after a C-diff infection.

C Diff Cleaning Procedures at Home

While this bacteria is known to be resistant to antibiotics and cleaners, there are steps you can take in disinfecting your house from C. diff.

C. diff can live on surfaces for up to five months. With this in mind, maintain proactive hygiene habits when someone in the home has been ill with C. diff. Continue to clean after the person has recovered.

Thoroughly clean the bathrooms or any other area of the house where an “accident” happened. As for C. diff cleaning products, hydrogen peroxide is considered to be most effective against clostridioides difficile bacteria.

Carefully dispose of soiled linens, clothing, etc. These items are contaminated and must be removed. Use PPE such as gloves to safely discard contaminated items.

Everyone in the household must wash their hands frequently. The bacteria may be lingering on surfaces. Handwashing is even more important when handling food. 

Cleaning Recommendations to Prevent C-Diff Transmission

Because this infectious bacteria is so aggressive, it’s important to be consistent. Here are state agency recommendations for disinfecting your house from C. diff:

• Schedule routine cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces and materials plus air vents and carpets.
• Use an EPA-approved disinfectant from EPA List K.
• Using the appropriate dilution, apply cleaners with a clean cloth or spray bottle.
• When cleaning floors, replace mop water regularly.
• C. diff cleaning procedures for laundry include regular detergent but with the use of hot water (25 minutes wash at 160 °F). Bleach is optional.

Healthcare facilities should take additional sanitation precautions with shared equipment and when preparing rooms for new patients.

Contact the SERVPRO Professionals for Fort Worth for C-Diff Cleaning and Other Viruses

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is your expert team for Fort Worth biohazard cleaning! Our technicians are specially trained to perform thorough and safe cleanup according to state and federal guidelines. In addition to C. diff cases, we’ve handled biohazardous situations involving:

• COVID-19
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Infectious disease
• Rodent infestation
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
• Suicide
• Unattended death

We are prepared to respond to any biohazardous emergency in the Fort Worth, Texas area. How to clean house after c-diff infection properly includes the appropriate personal protective equipment and the proper EPA-registered cleaners. Households may not have access to all the supplies needed, but we do! We’ll do a thorough and professional cleaning.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills offers free consultations or free bids (completely confidential) for commercial properties. Make the first step in preventing the spread of C. diff now and call us at (817) 589-1499. We’re available 24/7.

What to Do After a House Fire in Fort Worth: 7 Tips

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you've experienced a house fire, contact the Fort Worth fire damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO. We're available 24/7 to help.

Few things can bring a house to ruin faster than fire.  For communities who have been devastated by wildfires, they know all too well how rapidly fires will consume homes. Then there are isolated incidents that cause a single home house fire: faulty wiring, cooking, candles, falling asleep while smoking, lightning strikes, arson, etc.

In emergencies like these, we try to keep our wits about us as we face hardship.  In this article share advice on how to manage this unfortunate event along with actionable tips on what to do after a house fire. 

What Not to Do After a House Fire

When reeling from house fire aftermath, the homeowner may not be thinking clearly. Below are things to avoid after a house fire, even when they seem harmless at the time.

• Don’t re-enter the home: Property owners may be anxious to re-enter the home to take account of possessions and look over the damage. It's best that you wait until the fire marshall or the insurance company has given you the go-ahead to go back into the property. Going back inside too soon could impact your insurance claim.

• Don’t turn on utilities: Fire damage may compromise the safe operation of water and gas connections in the home. It is best to leave utilities off during the recovery process. 

• Don’t attempt to start or move a fire-damaged vehicle: After a fire damage loss, you are likely to be pooling all your remaining resources together (including transportation). It is best that you do not attempt to drive a vehicle once it’s been damaged by fire. This may not be safe and it could interfere with your insurance claim. 

• Don’t do your own fire damage cleanup: After dealing with a house fire loss, there is that urge to get back to normal.  It seems productive to get started with cleaning, but it's unsafe. With extensive fire damage, professional clean up services are necessary.

Aside from the above rules, other questions may come up about what to do after a fire in your home. When in doubt contact your insurance company or SERVPRO for guidance.  SERVPRO in Fort Worth is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquires on what to do after a house fire.

What to Do After a House Fire: 7 Tips

When a home is destroyed by fire, the house may be all that you can think about. These tips on what to do after a house fire remind you to prioritize personal welfare matters.  

1. Tend to Your Loved Ones 

Getting everyone out of a structure engulfed with flames is only the beginning of a long process.  

Once everyone is settled, you’ll want to check on the welfare of those who live with you including any pets that you have been able to rescue. 

Medical treatment should be sought for any medical concerns (such as smoke inhalation), especially for pets who are unable to verbalize symptoms.  People with special needs will need a physician’s evaluation for the same reason.

Also important is the mental welfare of those affected by the event. Lean on one another during this time and help secure counseling for those who are struggling emotionally. 

2. Find a Safe Place to Stay

Once immediate medical issues are addressed, it’s time to seek temporary shelter. Reach out to family and friends to ask who might be able to offer a place to stay.

Booking a hotel room or an Airbnb are also options. Some homeowner insurance policies may reimburse you for temporary housing expenses. 

However, some may be low on funds or unable to front the money until insurance claims are approved. In that case, you may be able to turn to churches or disaster relief agencies like the American Red Cross or Salvation Army for free temporary shelter.

Emergency Services may provide trauma assistance that includes housing assistance. Additionally, in the event of fire damage due to a wildfire, you may be able to apply for Fire Management Assistance. Check with fire and EMS on the scene about places that can help after a home fire.

3. Contact Insurance Agent 

Once you’ve taken care of your family's immediate needs, the next most important thing to do is to contact the insurance company for your homeowner’s policy to start a claim. The sooner you initiate the claim, the sooner you can collect upon the policy’s benefits.

The insurance agent will guide you through the post-fire recovery process. Ask your agent any questions you have about what actions you should take and also what the insurance company’s actions will be. You may be required to provide documentation to the insurance company such as a fire report or photos of the damage as part of the claims process.

You’ll also want to look into securing "loss of use" cash if you are eligible for it. This covers expenses incurred from displacement. Save your receipts as the insurance might ask for this later.

The insurance company also assists in securing abatement and cleaning services. At SERVPRO we work directly with the insurance company to make the process more efficient for our clients. 

4. Take Inventory  

Perhaps what homeowners look forward to the most is taking inventory to recoup and salvageable possessions.  This involves sorting through the contents of the home to determine what can be saved and what cannot.

Items you wish to save go into two categories: what is in good condition and what needs fire damage treatment. Good condition items can be put into storage and fire damaged items will be handed off to cleaning specialists (like SERVPRO).

Once you've gathered everything you wish to save, Items that have made it through unscathed can be moved to storage, and damaged items that you wish to recover should be in a separate collection for fire damage. 

There is consolation in finding items that we're spared.  Another benefit of clearing out possessions is to make way for cleaning crews or potential abatement services. Just remember to wait until the property has been deemed safe for re-entry. 

This is also the time to replace important documents like identification documents, passports, etc. Contact the appropriate agencies to order duplicates.

Now for the unpleasant part: itemizing your lost valuables and possessions.  As part of your insurance claim, you will need to provide a complete list of items that could not be recovered. Make this list as you walk around the property to help you remember things that may have slipped your mind.

5. Address Your Finances 

While it may feel like the world has stopped during a house fire recovery, unfortunately, expenses won't. If debit cards or personal checks perished in the fire, arrange replacements for these through your bank.

Mortgage and car payments also continue to be due through the post-loss process.  Your insurance policy or any supplemental coverage you may have might cover some of these payments.

Stopping utilities such as water, electricity, gas, internet, trash collection, etc. saves money as you recover. 

 This is also the time to start calculating other post-loss related expenses incurred during this time such as new clothing or other personal items.

6. Contact a Cleanup Crew

You've done your part. Now it’s the cleaning crew’s turn. SERVPRO’s goal is to make it like it never happened with our complete cleaning and fire restoration services.

SERVPRO in Fort Worth is equipped to handle more than one recovery project at a time.  In addition to fire damage restoration, we do Esporta wash system textile recovery, water damage restoration, and reconstruction of the house. 

One company managing several necessary recovery tasks saves time and makes the process more efficient.  If you hire specialized companies individually, the process could take longer, especially when insurance approval is needed. 

When we work directly with the insurance company, we consolidate the work to make the process more efficient. Our goal is to complete the recovery process quickly so that homeowners get back to normal as soon as possible.

7. Destress!

On top of having to deal with all the stress of your house burning, there are so many action items to manage and address. Remember to pace yourself as you go and take breaks between tasks when you need to.

Take it easy on yourself and turn to your favorite destressing activities. Stress relief activities are a nature walk, getting a massage, watching your favorite movie or TV show,  or getting a family together for a fun activity. With all you've been through, it's important to gain relief through doing the things you enjoy.

SERVPRO is here to take some of that burden from your shoulders. For fire damage restoration in Fort Worth, we are faster to any size disaster.  Call us any time 24/7 at (817) 589-1499 for emergency contact and assistance.

Contact SERVPRO North Richland Hills Today for Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO’s Fort Worth fire restoration services are at the ready to respond when disaster strikes. After our customer care agents ask you important intake questions, we dispatch our IICRC certified crew right away. 

What our crews do:

• Roof tarping and board-up
• Content cleaning
• Clothing and textile sanitization
• Electronic service restoration
• Moving services and storage
• Fire and smoke odor deodorization
• Roof replacement
• Repairs and reconstruction

For over 30 years, we’ve been helping Fort Worth, TX homeowners through the house fire recovery process step by step. This includes working directly with your insurance company to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. We’re in your corner! Check out our before and after Fort Worth property fire damage restoration photos.

Call us as soon as possible, 24/7, at (817) 589-1499 for emergency contact so we can get started on your recovery process right away!

Found Mold in Your Dishwasher? Here's What the Fort Worth Experts Say to Do.

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you have stubborn mold in your dishwasher, contact the Fort Worth mold remediation professionals at SERVPRO.

When we think about dishwasher appliances we think clean and sanitary. We trust it to do a better job than handwashing. 

The truth is, a dishwasher is the perfect place for mold to grow. Steam from the humidity, ample moisture from the water cycle, darkness, and food particles are everything mold spores need to thrive.

So, why is there mold in your dishwasher? Wouldn’t a hot drying cycle and potent detergents kill off microbes? Not exactly. Mold can live through repeated dishwashing cycles. Mold likes the heat the dishwasher gives off and the detergent may be an unintended food source for the mold.

Mold is an unwelcome guest in your cleaning apparatuses. You wouldn’t want it anywhere around items you want to be sanitary, so you should be aware and proactive to keep mold in a dishwasher at bay.

At SERVPRO in Fort Worth, we are the mold experts. We’ll show you what to do when you discover you have a moldy dishwasher. 

Why Is There Mold in My Dishwasher?

Mold makes its presence known with a pungent and musty smell or dark mold spots appear.

A dishwasher has all the right conditions for mold growth. This environment collects bits of food, is dark, warm, and has ample moisture.

Mold likes to grow on food that is left near the drain area and hides in places like crevices and rubber parts. To be specific, these areas are seals around the door, drain covers, and gaskets.

Mold spores end up trapped inside the dishwasher and make themselves at home in its Goldilocks environment.

Common Causes of a Moldy Dishwasher

The design that keeps water inside for the cleaning process is also a primary factor in mold growth. For the water to stay inside the dishwasher, the door must be sealed, and because it’s sealed off, it doesn’t get adequate ventilation. 

Airflow is needed to keep mold spores from settling. Once the mold spores are trapped in the apparatus, there is the opportunity for mold to grow.

Clogged drains, leaks around hoses, and a lack of cleaning care also contribute to mold growth.

Dishwashers are designed to clean, not all are self-cleaning. Just like a clothes washer, they need regular cleaning.

How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Dishwasher

An appliance that is intended to keep things clean should also be kept clean. When you see mold spots or an odor indicates mildew is in the dishwasher, it’s due for a cleaning. Here is how to clean mold in the dishwasher.

Note: Bleach is commonly used to clean mold, but it’s not appropriate for cleaning the dishwasher (because it can damage the parts). We recommend you opt for vinegar or soap and water when cleaning a moldy dishwasher. Lemon juice works well as a deodorizer.

1. Pull out the removable parts: racks, utensils holder, drain strainer, rotor, etc. (anything that is designed to be removed from the inside). Clean them with hot, soapy water, rinse, and air dry. 
2. Next, scrub the inside of the dishwasher (especially hiding places for molds such as the drain opening, rubber seals, crevices, and the seal around the door). Vinegar mixed with hot water and toothbrush works well for scrubbing these areas.
3. Wipe down the sides with a sponge or rag soaked in the vinegar/hot water mixture.
4. Run the dishwasher empty for a complete cleaning cycle either using a bowl of vinegar placed in the top rack or a product intended for dishwasher cleaning.
5. Once the cycle is complete, leave the dishwasher open to dry completely.
6. Recheck the areas for mold. If you see any mold left, spot clean it with hot water and vinegar. If you do end up doing some touch-up cleaning, allow these areas to dry completely as well. 
7. Enjoy your sparkling clean dishwasher!

Dishwashers for home-use are fairly easy to clean, however, if you have an industrial-sized dishwasher this process won’t apply. You may need professional cleaning and SERVPRO is always available for commercial cleaning services in Fort Worth.

How to Prevent Mold From Returning

Because the dishwasher is an ideal habitat for mold, homeowners need to be proactive to prevent mold growth. Here are some tips on how to avoid mold in the dishwasher.

• Thoroughly clean the dishwasher monthly. Don’t wait for mold to show up for it to be cleaned and maintain a cleaning schedule.
• Periodically check those trouble spots for mold growth such as the crevices, rubber parts, and seal around the door.
• Remove food particles from collection areas between uses (such as the drain area).
• Keep the dishwasher slightly open between uses. This allows for ventilation.
• Run your garbage disposal before you run the dishwasher. Most dishwashers use the same drain as the garbage disposal.
• Make regular use of any self-cleaning features the dishwasher has such as a sanitization cycle. 
• Address high-humidity issues in the kitchen with a dehumidifier or added ventilation.

Mold needs the right conditions to thrive. When you mitigate these conditions, mold doesn’t have an opportunity to grow.

Reach Out to Our SERVPRO Fort Worth Mold Remediation Specialists

Keeping up with mold can be a real chore, especially when you have an industrial-sized dishwasher for foodservice. SERVPRO offers professional Fort Worth Commercial Mold Removal services to keep your dishwashing systems as clean as can be!

We’re also here to help homeowners with appliance cleaning when you don’t have the time or are experiencing challenges with cleaning it. 

Reach out to the experts at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for Fort Worth mold remediation and set up a free consultation about your mold in dishwasher issues. We’re here to answer the call 24/7 at (817) 589-1499 or fill out our convenient contact form.

Mold Removal Fort Worth - Mold Remediation Services

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

If you find or suspect mold on your property, call the Fort Worth mold remediation experts at SERVPRO.

How would you describe mold? Perhaps dark and patchy? “Black mold” (Stachybotrys) is a common species of mold growth. While black mold is predominant and easy to spot, there are other kinds of toxic mold found in both light and dark shades.

When maintaining a property that is prone to wetness exposure, it’s important to remember that damp conditions are a prime spot for mold growth. In such situations where mold growth is more likely to occur, you’ll need to keep an eye out for it because mold is unhealthy and damaging.

Mold likes to colonize in dark, forgotten-about areas with little ventilation, but you might also find it in areas out in the open (such as a building exterior).

Mold remediation is necessary to maintain a healthy environment and prevent further mold contamination for properties throughout the community. 

You shouldn’t have to live with mold. Our Fort Worth mold remediation experts at SERVPRO offer a full range of services to help you deal with your mold problem. We’ll identify the kinds of mold that are present, pinpoint the cause(s), and then apply the most effective solutions.

What is Mold Remediation?

When solving mold problems, SERVPRO applies mold remediation rather than mold removal in Fort Worth. We do remove mold contamination, but remediation does more than that.

We should also note that because mold spores exist as part of the natural environment, complete mold removal isn’t possible. It’s always present, but proactive measures prevent spores from taking root and colonizing. 

Mold remediation is the removal of toxic mold growth followed by restoration of the affected area. At SERVPRO in Fort Worth, we are the mold remediation experts!

The SERVPRO Mold Restoration Process

Our goal is to remove any and all contamination to restore the property back to its preloss condition. We consistently apply methods to ensure that each job is completed thoroughly. Here’s what you can expect with a complete restoration.

Step 1: Make Contact with Your Local SERVPRO

Our agents at SERVPRO in Fort Worth are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to answer your call. During the intake process, we gather information about your circumstances to determine what all is needed for your situation. This ensures that we send out the appropriate team members, equipment, and resources.

Step 2: Mold Damage Assessment and Inspection

SERVPRO’s team of mold experts thoroughly inspects the property for signs of mold. We know where mold likes to hide and what species of toxic mold to search for. We use special tools and mold testing technology to find hidden water sources and detect traces of mold.

Step 3: Prevent Further Spread of Mold

Once we’ve determined where the mold growth is happening, we take measures to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleaning process. 

Measures may include:

• Isolating the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure.
• Shutting off fans and HVAC systems.

Step 4: Air Filtration

Our Fort Worth SERVPRO location not only removes mold from visibly contaminated areas but we also work to remove invisible spores.

Our team of professionals uses filtration equipment, HEPA vacuums, and air scrubbers to collect mold spores from the air. This step in the mold remediation process prevents more mold growth.

Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Perhaps the most important step of mold remediation is removing mold-infested materials. We remove and dispose of contaminated porous materials such as carpet and drywall when they cannot be restored. We eliminate mold colonies and prevent new ones from forming by using professional-grade antifungal and antimicrobial treatments.

Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings

The SERVPRO team takes special care of your clothing, drapes, furniture, and other possessions touched by mold. We work to clean and sanitize these items to restore them back to preloss condition. 

Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened," so we use fogging equipment to eliminate any odors mold might leave behind.

Step 7: Restoration

In some cases, contaminated materials cannot be recovered and have to be disposed of. SERVPRO replaces such items as drywall, carpet, subflooring, etc. along with painting the surfaces.

Sometimes the damage is extensive and entails a reconstruction of the area. Be it a small touch up or a big repair, we’re prepared to do what it takes to bring the property back to its original state. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Do I Need a Mold Specialist?

With so many mold products on the shelf at the store, you might think that mold removal is DIY. For minor and infrequent mold growth, this is fine.

In the case of extensive mold growth or a mold problem that seems to come back frequently, this is a matter best handled by the mold experts at SERVPRO. 

The bigger the mold growth, the more likely it is that there is more mold lurking in hidden areas and within the air. Our staff is trained to identify various species of toxic mold and use professional equipment to rid your space of toxic mold. 

Extensive growth of mold or an ongoing mold problem is likely to continue to infect your property if you don’t find the root cause(s). Our mold experts will figure out why toxic mold is growing in your space so that you can prevent a relapse in the future.

Commercial and Household Mold Remediation Services

Commercial and residential properties have different needs but they should both be mold-free. Our services tend to the particular needs of both residential and commercial mold removal. 

Having work done on your home can be rather inconvenient. Our residential service goal is to have the process completed as quickly as possible so there will be minimal disruption to your daily life.

For commercial cleaning, we have the utmost consideration of your operations in mind. Our 24/7 operations allow us to work on the mold issue when customers and employees aren’t around. 

We’re highly experienced in mold remediation for both residential and commercial properties.

Contact SERVPRO Today for Professional Fort Worth Mold Removal

Let the mold experts at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills tackle your mold problem. When our professional cleaning crew comes out to your property, we take care of it so you don’t have to come in contact with toxic mold.

We’ll identify the types of mold present in the space, determine the contributing factors to the mold growth, and apply the best solutions to the problem including restoration.

Don’t live with mold another day! Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today at (817) 589-1499 or fill out our convenient contact form.

Does Mold Die When It Dries Out in Your Fort Worth Home?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Have you found mold in your home? Our Fort Worth SERVPRO location provides expert mold remediation services.

On the cleaning aisle of any retailer, you’ll find an assortment of products that promise to get rid of mold and mildew. When we use these cleaning solutions (like standard bleach), does mold die when it dries out?

After bringing in a cleaning service or scrubbing away at the mold yourself, the hope is that you’ll be rid of the mold once and for all. Is a deep cleaning enough to keep mold from showing up again?

We at SERVPRO are the expert mold fighters here in Fort Worth, Texas. We’re here to offer mold solutions to property owners for a healthier living environment. We’re publishing this information so the Fort Worth community can be more proactive about mold issues.

Common Moisture Problems in Fort Worth that Cause Mold

Mold thrives in a moist environment. Standing water or trapped water vapor in the air are the chief causes of moisture problems in or on structures.

Specific examples of what causes this are humidity, leaky appliances, bathrooms, etc. Adequate ventilation is needed so that moisture dries out rather than settling into areas where they make contact with mold spores.

A huge patch of mold is a sign that water or moisture has collected with no way to escape or dry out. So if too much moisture is the problem, will mold die when dry?

Will Mold Grow Without Moisture?

Assuming you do everything in your power to keep moisture from building up, can mold grow without moisture? As a rule, mold cannot develop without some amount of moisture. How much is needed depends on the species. Some get by with very little moisture.

For example, Stachybotrys (common black mold) needs substantial saturation to germinate. We’re talking at least a 90% humidity level to activate, then around 70% humidity to continue to thrive.

So at what humidity does mold die? Is there a threshold at which mold growth becomes unlikely? Humidity occurs when the air is warm enough to soak up water vapor like a sponge. Mold thrives in a warm atmosphere as the air contains plenty of moisture.

Humans will usually detect humidity with physical discomfort. It’s often described as being “stuffy” or “muggy.” So if it feels humid, chances are there is significant vapor in the room.

The sweet spot for humidity is between 30% and 50%. Moisture-rich air with nowhere to go settles into areas where mold will begin to colonize. 

The key to managing humidity is ventilation. Extra vents, fans, opening a window, or using a dehumidifier are all helpful for improving the air quality. Reducing the air temperature with AC also reverses humidity.

What Happens to Mold When It Dries Out?

Does mold die when it dries out completely? If we were to make the environment completely sterile and arid as a desert, will mold die without moisture?

Mold needs moisture to thrive. Without it, mold spores do dry out eventually and become dormant. In this inactive state, the mold spores aren’t dead, they just stop flourishing.

Mold spores are never completely eliminated as they are a natural part of the ecosystem. Once these spores make contact with moisture again, they reactivate within a day or two to reboot the germination process. 

How to Prevent Future Mold Growth

Will mold die on its own? We know mold spores to be abundant and very successful at survival. 

To tackle a mold problem, you have to remove what is contaminated and modify problem areas. Here are some pointers on how to take care of current mold growth and keep dried mold from resurging.

• Identify the areas where mold growth seems to happen most often and determine the cause. Troubleshoot why to eradicate the contributing factors.
• Manage interior humidity with improved climate control. Areas that get hot or steamy are susceptible to humidity. The goal is to keep the humidity level under 50%.
• Ensure areas have adequate ventilation and free airflow. Fans, vents, windows, and AC help. An HVAC company can do a tune-up and check for any leaks in the system.
• Look for leaks. Water could be trickling from appliances, faulty pipes, broken toilets, loose faucets, or walls and ceilings when it rains.
• Take action during flood events. Mold starts growing within the first 48 hours of flood damage. Hire SERVPRO for water damage restoration in Fort Worth. We’ll make sure contaminated items are removed and that the affected areas dry completely.
• Remove and dispose of mold-contaminated objects (like bathroom caulk). Some things could be salvageable, but if it’s porous and covered in mold, it’s best to discard it. Our Fort Worth mold remediation service will determine what items can be saved or not.
• Remove soggy carpet. If carpet dampness is a common occurrence, switch to alternative flooring.
• Use mold inhibitors on surfaces. When replacing a mold-infested wall, it could very well get that way again. Add mold inhibitors to the paint.
• Keep areas dry and clean. Use anti-mold cleaning products. Clean and thoroughly dry items that are exposed to moisture like towels, bathing suits, and shower curtains.

This list is just to cover some basics. There may be other factors unique to your situation that aren’t mentioned here. The trick is to understand how mold behaves and why it’s growing in certain areas of your space. Mold likes moist, dark places with plenty of cellulose materials to consume like paper, fabric, dust, etc. 

SERVPRO’s Fort Worth mold removal services will not only identify any species of toxic mold present (well beyond black mold), but we’ll also be able to point out the factors that made it grow there in the first place. We can help you manage your mold issue.

Fort Worth Mold Remediation and Removal Experts Ready 24/7

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Fort Worth’s locally owned and operated provider of expert mold solutions. We’ve done meticulous inspections and thorough residential and commercial mold remediation for many years.

Trying to solve a mold problem at its root source can be like solving a puzzle. With our expertise, we accurately pinpoint and efficiently apply the best solutions.

Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened." We want the healthiest environment for our customers, so our certified technicians do a thorough remediation to remove toxic mold.

When you have a mold problem on your hands, call our mold experts anytime at (817) 589-1499 or fill out our convenient contact form.

Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration Process

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you've experienced fire damage to your home, call the Fort Worth fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO.

Fires can happen to anyone and at any time. 80 fire departments in or surrounding the Fort Worth, TX area are prepared to respond when houses and businesses need help.

Did you experience fire damage this year? Maybe a kitchen mishap, 4th of July fireworks on the roof, or (heaven forbid) an electrical fire? Even when the fire happened to the property next door, there may still be damage to yours.

From counting your blessings that the loss wasn’t worse, to reeling from extensive damage, you must address the damage right away.  Smoke and soot are damaging to property and must be dealt with as soon as possible. 

Whether it’s sharing our best fire damage tips or coming out to the property for a free evaluation, our SERVPRO franchise in Fort Worth is here for you. We’re with you every step of the way through the fire damage restoration process.

How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take?

How long a complete fire restoration takes depends on the size of the property, the extent of the damage, and the amount of belongings that need to be recovered.

A smaller dwelling project with moderate damage (like an apartment) takes about a week to complete. However, a home around 3,000 Sq. Ft. (also with moderate damage) needs a few weeks to finish. 

During the restoration process, we work to clean and restore your belongings. How many items there are to treat determines how long it takes to get the job done.

For businesses and larger homes, the process can take about a month. Situations with significant loss (like those requiring reconstruction) may need longer than a month and typically involve an insurance claim. When an insurance adjuster is involved, this adds another 2-3 days to the timeline.

Working with a full-service restoration company like SERVPRO has the advantage of a more efficient process. This means we can coordinate the cleaning alongside the reconstruction (when applicable) to minimize the time needed to complete the restoration. 

SERVPRO’s goal is to get your life back to normal as soon as possible, so we aim to keep the recovery process no longer than a month.

What Does a Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration Company Do?

External fire damage leaves the structure exposed to further harm from the elements. For instance, rain leads to rotting and mold that make matters worse.

Internally, fires create problems by burning construction materials. The release of toxic chemicals makes the interior environment unhealthy. Then, acid soot seeps into porous surfaces causing permanent discoloration. Damage is also caused by lingering smoke (to electronics, for example).

SERVPRO’s Fort Worth area fire damage service professionals are “faster to any disaster.” We’re here 24/7 to respond immediately after the fire department leaves. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started to protect your property and its valuable contents from further destruction.

Our Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration professionals are highly-trained specialists who have the proper equipment to restore your property back to preloss condition.

Our Team of Specialists:

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

We have a “restore first” mission. So we use specialized equipment and cleaning techniques to recover damaged property so replacement isn’t needed. We’re glad to know that we’ve recovered irreplaceable items, so we do our best to make it "Like it never even happened.”

Our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Process

SERVPRO is upfront about what to expect during the fire damage restoration process. Below is what a typical fire damage procedure entails.

Step 1: First Point of Contact

Fire damage restoration begins when our Customer Care Specialist takes your call at our 24/7 dispatch center. 

On this call, we begin the intake process. We ask questions about the event so we can send out our Fort Worth fire damage experts - equipped with everything needed to perform a complete restoration.

Step 2: Inspect and Assess the Fire Damage 

To properly outline the necessary fire restoration procedures for your property, we do a complete inspection. Our team is specially trained to assess the true extent of the damage from fire, smoke, and soot. Once we’ve identified everything that needs attention, we create a plan that addresses every inch of damage.

Step 3: Immediate Protection with Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Should you lose a window, wall, or some of the roof from fire damage, we won’t leave your property exposed to the elements or trespassers.

We’ll either board up or tarp these areas as soon as possible to prevent an unfortunate situation from becoming worse.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (When Water Damage Is Present)

Sometimes restoring property with fire damage involves water removal and drying. Water from fire hoses, fire sprinklers, or attempts by the occupant to snuff the flames will leave a water mess behind.

First, we extract excess water from the property. Then we remove additional water and moisture from the environment with dehumidifiers and ventilation helpers so the entire area is completely dry.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

The most important step in repairing fire-damaged homes and buildings is the thorough and complete removal of smoke and soot, both externally and internally. 

We use specialized equipment and expert technique to rid roofs, ceilings, walls, belongings, etc. of the damaging remnants of a fire (including the recovery of documents and photos).

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Soot and smoke make everything dirty. That’s why we use our expert fire damage cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize it all.

Smoke also leaves a stench behind. We use industrial air scrubbers and fogging to remove smoke and its odor from the environment. You shouldn’t have to live with the smell and you won’t have to.

Step 7: Restoration

SERVPRO’s fire damage services go beyond mere recovery - our goal is full restoration. 

We do the necessary repairs to bring the property back to its pre-fire state. This may include drywall replacement, carpet replacement, painting, or major reconstruction. Our team does whatever it takes to make it good as new.

Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Today for Fort Worth Fire Damage Restoration

For over 30 years, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has carried out complete fire damage repair and restoration numerous times. 

Our team is “faster to any size disaster” for fire-damaged homes and businesses. It matters to us that your environment is healthy and comfortable. So our goal is to use our expertise, specialized equipment, and resources to make it "Like it never even happened.”

If fire damage happens to your property or the one next door, call us right away at (817) 589-1499. We’re here to answer the phone 24/7. The sooner we can get started on the fire damage restoration process, the better. Let’s get started today so you can get on with your life ASAP!

Signs of Black Mold In Air Vents

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Provides Professional Mold Remediation for Black Mold in Air Vents

Most of us are in the habit of tossing food products at the first sign of mold. We wouldn’t even consider eating moldy food, so it follows that it’s also unhealthy for us to breathe mold in the air. When mold grows in air vents and HVAC systems, it mixes with the circulating air we breathe.

Air quality issues (such as black mold in air vents) should be addressed. It’s especially urgent for those who are vulnerable to illness (babies, little children, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised.)

Do you notice a mold problem in your vents or somewhere in your HVAC system? Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we are the Fort Worth mold remediation specialists and here to answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

What is Black Mold?

The formal name for common black mold is Stachybotrys Chartarum.

While black mold is the most noticeable kind of mold, keep in mind…

• Mold coexists with us in the natural environment. Only unhealthy molds are the problem.
• Not all black mold is Stachybotrys.  Other types of mold are also black. To know what kind it is, testing must be done. Our mold specialists can identify what IS toxic.

Noticeable signs of mold:

• A sweet but musky smell. 
• Illness (particularly allergy symptoms).
• The increasing appearance of spotting (black or other colors).

What is unseen are the spores. Microscopic spores travel through the air that enters through windows, and make their way into hair, fibers, or HVAC systems. Mold collection within your air conditioning systems and vents may be where the source of the spores is hiding.

Because mold spores thrive on moisture and quickly reproduce in damp conditions, sources of water must be addressed. In water damage events, mold growth starts in as little as 48 hours.

What Causes Black Mold in HVAC Air Ducts?

How does mold find its way deep into ductwork? Mold makes itself at home in warm and moist temperatures (humid climates). Anywhere moisture gets trapped is the ideal breeding ground for mold.

HVAC Issues to Address:

• Oversized unit: If an AC unit is too big for the square footage, it doesn’t cycle properly. This causes accumulation of excess moisture that doesn’t have the chance to dry up so moisture gets trapped in the ductwork. 
• Very cool temperatures: Mold does grow in warm temperatures, but when the AC is producing air that is too cold, this creates condensation. This happens when cold air meets warm air. Condensation is another opportunity for mold growth.
• Leaks: Cracks in the ducts let moisture and warm air in. Both factors trap moisture in the HVAC air ducts.

Damp and dark places are where mold grows. Ductwork is dark, so mold grows when moisture is trapped there.

What are the Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents?

Sometimes dark areas on the vent surface or between the cracks are just dust, paint, or rust. Does it smell funny around the vent? Are there signs of mold around the air vents? 

Relieved that it was just some dust or fuzz? Keep in mind that dust is food for mold. Keep mold at bay by removing dust in vents and keeping them moisture-free.

Does Mold in AC Vents Need to Be Cleaned Out?

Killing black mold in air vents and other accessible AC areas does help keep some mold out of the air. However the deeper the problem is, the more likely you are to need help from professionals. Without solving the root cause, mold in ac vents just grows back.

Steps For Cleaning Your AC:

• Shut off the HVAC system.
• Wear an N-95 respirator
• Dispose of and double bag anything porous that is water damaged.
• Thoroughly remove black mold in air vents with a bleach solution or baking soda and detergent solution.
• Use a wet vac to remove standing water.
• Apply an EPA registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC non-porous surfaces. Use this to kill mold on all surfaces(ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc). It helps to pinch off a section at a time to keep spores from spreading through the ductwork.
• Use a mold and mildew inhibitor (for HVAC and EPA registered) to all components of the HVAC systems.

While all of the above is progress toward fighting air quality problems, the EPA recommends professional mold treatment help. 

Our team at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is specialized in mold remediation and we have the right personal protection equipment to do the job safely (including N95 respirators). 

Reach Out to a Black Mold Remediation Specialist

For decades, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has provided expert mold remediation in the North Richland Hills and Fort Worth areas including commercial mold removal.

Molds exist naturally and cannot be 100% removed and mold remediation is about removing the toxic molds. 

What We Do:

• Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Mold Containment
• Air Filtration
• Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Restoration
• Strictly adhere to Texas mold safety laws
• We’re faster to any disaster and we make it like it never happened!
• 24/7 service

If you see signs of black mold in air vents or smell mold, the time to act is now! Mold spreads quickly when left untreated.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the training, experience, and equipment needed to swiftly contain the mold infestation and return the AC or furnace to preloss condition. We provide professional mold remediation services to Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Watauga, Richland Hills, Smithfield, and surrounding communities..

Restore your property to a healthy environment and call our mold experts anytime at (817) 589-1499 or fill out our convenient contact form.

Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth, TX

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth

Every year we see dramatic weather changes in Fort Worth. From freezing rain to severe summer thunderstorms, the weather brings water with it. Seasons have the potential to impact homes with burst pipes in the winter or flood damage in the summer.

Your water emergency is our emergency - natural disasters and otherwise. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to assist you with water damage events around the clock.

For 24/7 Water Damage Restoration in Fort Worth and North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is a locally owned and operated home and commercial restoration company. Over the last 30 years, we’ve dealt with every kind of water damage scenario. We are the experts on water damage restoration and mold removal in Fort Worth!

Who we are:

• 24-hour emergency service, 7 days a week
• We live by our motto: “Faster to Any Size Disaster.”
• A staff of highly trained Water Restoration Technicians.
• A trusted leader in the Water Restoration Industry.
• Provider of advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment.

You can count on us to provide timely and thorough water removal and flood damage cleanup services at the time you need it most.

What Causes Water Damage in Fort Worth?

Water emergencies come in all kinds from torrential downpours to plumbing failures. However the water gets in, it’s likely to cause damage and problems. While basement flooding is common in some parts of the country, it isn’t in our area. 

Here are some potential scenarios Fort Worth and North Richland Hills residents may experience.

• Flooding or storm damage from severe weather.
• Flooding from firefighting operations.
• Overflowing gutters.
• Water seepage into attics and crawl spaces.
• A sewage backup into the home or business.
• Pipes burst or leak.
• Plumbing system issues.
• Overflow from toilets, bathtubs, and sinks.
• HVAC system problems.
• Leaking from appliances, water heaters, plumbing, etc.

Water mitigation remedies can be made to prevent the above issues from happening. But when these situations happen regardless, timely water damage restoration may be necessary.

The cornerstone of our business is professional water damage services. For this purpose, we have our technicians on-call and ready to dispatch to the property when you need us. 

Upon arrival at the scene, we are fully prepared and equipped to get started on the water damage restoration process immediately. We are the leader in the restoration industry because we are reliable and consistent.

What Are Signs of Water Damage?

Too much water exposure leaves signs of water damage. The sooner you discover them, the quicker you can act to prevent mold problems with proactive cleaning and remediation.

• Trapped water - Water accumulates in pools or puddles or accumulates by several inches of water with flooding.
• Discoloration or spotting - Conspicuous discolored or dark areas on floors, ceilings, or walls. These might also appear around pipes, sinks, toilets, etc. Also, check inside cabinets and closets. Peeling or cracking paint or drywall may also be a sign that water damage occurred.
• The floor feels squishy or squeaks as you walk.
• The sounds of rushing water when no outlets are turned on.
• Mold can be seen.
• The presence of mildew - The room smells or feels musty. Mildew may also be accompanied by humidity.
• Sewage smell.
• A spike in the utility bill.

If you observe any of the above, take action. Being proactive prevents things from getting worse and allows you to restore the space back to its original state.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills’ thorough water damage restoration process is the best in the Fort Worth area. We understand that no two situations are alike, so we approach our inspections with this goal in mind - to determine the best restoration and cleaning solutions for your particular circumstances.

What we do:

• Water removal: We extract all standing water from the affected areas. This includes sewage cleanup.
• Water clean up: We clean everything that comes into contact with water. We make sure the property is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent mold growth. When necessary, this process includes disinfection and complete carpet cleaning.
• Mold inspection: Our top priority is preventing a mold health hazard. We carefully inspect for mold as part of our cleaning process. Several of our staff are Texas certified mold technicians trained for thorough mold remediation during the restoration process. 
• Water damage repairs: What cannot be salvaged during our cleaning process will be replaced or rebuilt.

Our expert cleaning and restoration procedure consists of these 6 steps:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Our cleaning process is customized according to the extent of the damage and the contamination levels we find on-site. Each step will be planned according to the particular restoration needs for your property damage. 

This thorough process prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and other toxic microorganisms that have the potential to cause further damage and create potential health risks. 

Contact SERVPRO NRH Today for Water Damage Restoration in the Fort Worth Area

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has this goal in mind - make it "Like it never even happened."

Our IICRC certified technicians are equipped with the experience, knowledge, and the training needed to deliver a complete restoration and cleaning that is well worth the investment.

Our company has served the Fort Worth area for more than 40 years providing residential and commercial cleaning services. We’re ready to act at the time of your call.

Don’t wait for the water damage to get worse or become a mold health hazard. Call the experts anytime at (817) 589-1499. You may also submit your inquiry by using our quick and easy contact form anytime.

Church Cleaning and Sanitation Services for Places of Worship

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Services for Churches and Places of Worship

More than ever, the people in the DFW area need a place for healing. For centuries, places of worship have served as a place to be spiritually fed and where the downtrodden can go for support. 

Churches, temples, and synagogues are pillars of the community as they comfort the suffering through prayer and togetherness as well as providing basic necessities like food and shelter.

Because faith-based organizations are so important to our communities, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to support our places of worship so that they may continue to serve their members and neighbors.

We offer disinfection and sanitization guidance as well as complete church cleaning services for faith communities in our area so you may all worship together once again!

How to Clean Your Place of Worship

Your cleaning plan consists of both daily cleaning and scheduled routine cleanings. This accounts for every square foot of the worship center with special attention directed to those areas most frequently used by those who work, regularly attend, or visit the church.

Germ Prone Areas of the Church

• Lobby and entrances
• Nave and Sanctuary
• Fellowship Hall 
• Kitchen or Food Service Areas
• Staff and Administrative Offices
• Classrooms 
• Nurseries
• Restrooms
• Basement Storage Areas
• Baptismal area
• Choir and orchestral areas
• Pulpit, stage, and seating areas on stage
• HVAC Systems 

Having a complete sanitation maintenance plan is fundamental to instill confidence in your member base about the cleanliness and safety of your church.

This plan starts with an inventory of what should be cleaned, what needs to be disinfected, and what equipment is required to safely clean your religious facility. 

If your church has been closed for some time (at least seven days) the facility will need a thorough cleaning and disinfection before reopening. There needs to be special attention given to the “high touch” areas but also cleaning of areas that are rarely or never touched.

It helps to map out the entire church property to account for all spaces. Mark off those areas where human activity and contact most commonly occurs. Areas that are frequently touched and thus germ-prone are known as “high touch” areas.

Examples of Common High Touch Areas:

• Countertops
• Desks
• Door handles
• Faucets and sinks
• Toilets and bathroom fixtures
• Pews and chairs
• Safety rails
• Keyboards and tablets
• Touch screens
• Light switches
• Phones
• Tables

Once all cleaning areas have been mapped out, they are ready to receive priority and be part of your church cleaning checklists. “Hot spots” should receive an increase in cleanings.

Go over all areas inside and outside for surfaces that look dingy, grimy, or otherwise unclean. For best effectiveness, all of these surfaces with soap and water before applying disinfectants.

Porous materials such as textiles, rugs, seats, etc., should also be cleaned and disinfected using the appropriate methods. Launder cloth items according to label instructions with the right strength of detergent and the warmest water temperature possible. Fabrics and rugs are to be completely dried before using them again.

Consult the health and safety directives from regional organizations specific to your denomination and meet with leadership to determine how to create the best action plan.

Use of Disinfectants

Disinfectants should be used throughout the properties, but more frequently on high touch areas. Cleansing with soap and water first makes disinfectants more effective as it removes most of the germs and exposes remaining germs so the disinfectant can finish the job.

We highly recommend using EPA-approved disinfectants for regular sanitation. (Refer to the EPA guide and list of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants). 

For any disinfectant product, read the directions thoroughly before use. Some may require prepping the surfaces, use of PPE (personal protective equipment), or ventilation.

Products with at least 70% of alcohol or bleach solutions may be used as alternative disinfectants proactive toward fighting against the Coronavirus. 

Make sure the bleach product is appropriate for disinfection (some laundry bleaches are not) and that the bleach is not expired. Bleach solutions should sit for at least one minute to sanitize surfaces. As with all cleaning products, read the directions carefully before use and wear the appropriate PPE.

Bleach Solution:

4 teaspoons bleach to a quart of water

OR

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach to a gallon of water.

For some cleaning solutions and procedures, special PPE or gloves may be required. Fumigants or fogs may need special equipment or trained specialists to safely use these products.

Our SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team is qualified to properly use such industrial disinfectants.

Ensure that your church cleaning crew is properly trained to follow label directions exactly. They should wear the appropriate PPE when mandated, maintain proper ventilation, and most importantly thoroughly wash their hands after handling disinfectant products. 

How to Handle Persons Who Are Sick

While worshiping with those who share your faith is like medicine for the soul, it’s important to remind members that those who are sick should remain at home until they are well again (symptom-free for 10 days without the use of fever-reducing medication).

Remain vigilant about symptoms specific to COVID-19:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Losing the ability to taste or smell
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills/shaking with chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100F
• Diarrhea
• Close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19. Those who have been in contact with someone who is likely to have COVID-19 or is a confirmed case of such should self-quarantine for 14 days before leaving the house again)

Should an affected person enter your facility, you do not need to necessarily close the entire building down. Block off any area the sick person has been in contact with. Once those areas have been closed off for 24 hours, you may thoroughly clean and disinfect the surfaces and items.

If feasible, restrict airflow out of the affected area by turning off HVAC systems.

Establishing and implementing policies that promote health and safety reassures your congregation that your place of worship is safe and is concerned about their well being.

We do this by faithfully fulfilling the set cleaning procedure (daily is best), encouraging social distancing, and enforcing policies that only allow well people to attend services.

Resources for Current Advisories and Religious Facility Operations Guidance

• Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders
• General CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Businesses
• Preventative Practices for Faith Based Leaders
• City of North Richland Hills
• Tarrant County
• State of Texas
• US Government
• CDC

Expert Religious Facility & Church Cleaning Service in Fort Worth, TX

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills understands that our community leaders want the safest environment for their community.

Professional cleaning reassures the church staff, congregation, and visitors that you’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that your place of worship is safe and secure. 

What We Offer:

• SERVPRO performs all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with guidelines set in place by the CDC and local authorities.
• SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.
• HVAC and air duct cleaning to improve and ensure air quality
• Trained cleaning experts who have experience in attending situations involving positive cases of coronavirus who also use the proper PPE and equipment to handle COVID-19 situations. 

Free Consultation Plus Free Religious Facility Cleaning Plan

We understand that each place of worship is sacred and unique.

With our free consultation service, a sanitation specialist meets with you on site to put a customized plan together that is respectful to your faith. We tailor this plan to the specific needs of your facility at no additional cost.

This plan may include the following:

• Cleaning and decontamination of non-porous surfaces such as pews, chairs, tables, etc. 
• Our detergent cleaner eliminates all of the dust and grime. 
• We then decontaminate these surfaces by applying sanitizer either with a ulv fogger or a sprayer.
• We thoroughly clean carpets and upholstery by vacuuming and/or deep washing. We follow up with applying sanitizer to these porous surfaces.
• We use SERVPROXIDE (SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent). This is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard (non-porous) surfaces.
• HEPA air scrubbing and air duct cleaning with new A/C filters

Call us at (817) 589-1499 to get started on your free church cleaning services plan or submit a request with our quick and easy contact form.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Church Cleaning in Fort Worth, Tx?

SERVPRO North Richland Hills is prepared to thoroughly and conscientiously provide complete church cleaning services. We are a top provider of Fort Worth carpet cleaning services and more!

• 34 years of reliable and superior commercial cleaning services in the Dallas Fort Worth area. 
• 24/7 availability means we respond to emergencies (such as confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the premises) and have the flexibility to clean whenever the church is vacant. Since your facilities peak times are likely only a few days a week, we can easily work around your schedule.
• Reverent consideration for sensitive issues concerning your sacred spaces and religious practices.
• Our IICRC trained technicians and industrial disinfectants have been trusted by international airports and federal agencies to prepare spaces for safe and sound use. Our effective disinfecting services meet the needs of any sized facility in any kind of situation. We work around your specific needs.
• Our uncompromising safety and hygiene standards mean our cleaning professionals are trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We ensure that our technicians use the proper PPE during cleanings. Some cleaning companies save money by skimping on PPE, but we insist our techs use it when on site. At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, it’s always safety first!
• Present to the public a certificate that your place of worship has been completely cleaned by SERVPRO - the leading trusted brand in commercial cleaning.
• Social media announcement from us announcing your religious facility has been completely cleaned by us and is safe to worship in!

We’re here to support people of faith in our Fort Worth community! We want to help you provide a safe and secure environment where your congregation will feel at ease as they seek spiritual comfort.

Contact us today with any questions you may have about pricing, COVID-19 sanitation procedures, cleaning products, disinfectant use, etc. We’re here to serve you!

Call us at (817) 589-1499 with your questions for our complimentary consultation. You may also submit your inquiry by filling out our contact form anytime.

Cleaning Services and Coronavirus Disinfection for Dallas-Fort Worth Hotels

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Services for Hotels

Businesses across the state are gradually reopening after lockdown due to public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Governor’s office has identified lodging an “essential service.”

Even with the governor’s blessing, some Texas hotels have perhaps opted to close or partially close their buildings to guests in compliance with local government orders or directives from corporate headquarters.

Whether a hotel remained open all along or plans to reopen soon, enhancing property cleaning and disinfection procedures is necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. 

Like airports, hotels bring in people from all over who may unknowingly carry the virus. Unlike retailers where patrons shop and go, hotel guests stay for 24 hours or longer increasing the chances of spreading germs.

Because lodging operations experience increased exposure, it’s important to have effective hotel cleaning services. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to support proactive health and safety measures for your properties with advice and commercial cleaning services.

Basic Hotel Infection Prevention Measures

Hotels are known for the art of hospitality including comprehensive housekeeping practices, so you likely already have a rigorous cleaning regimen.

With added Coronavirus concerns, it is important to modify your current standard operating procedure by adopting recommendations from authoritative agencies such as the CDC and American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Recommendation Summary

• Promote increased handwashing by employees and guests with signage.
• Post reminders of respiratory etiquette (cover coughs and sneezes).

(Multilanguage notices are helpful for a diverse clientele.)

• Provide tissues and touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers for the public in key areas of the property. (Product should contain at least 60% alcohol.) 
• Outline “stay at home” and self-quarantine policies for sick employees.
• Discourage employees from sharing devices and equipment wherever possible.
• Remove or reduce courtesy phones. Regularly disinfect the remaining phones.
• Increase guest turnover time to allow more time for thorough cleaning.

Even the cleanest of properties with stellar hotel cleaning services should adjust their practices to mitigate the spread of the virus. Consult the available resources and confer with your staff to create a plan that works best for the special needs of your properties.

Increased Safety Procedures 

Additional Precautions

• Make the reception desk as contact-free as possible. Use whatever available technology you have to minimize employee-customer proximity.
• Raise awareness of your proactive measures including indications that items in the room have been sanitized.
• Increased cleaning of “high touch” areas. “Last cleaned” charts will help keep track of this.
• Post reminders of social distancing practices.
• If pools and gyms remain open, post what your guests can do to keep those areas sanitary. (Temporary closure of these amenities may be better.)
• Buffets and banquets are prone to germs and cross-contamination. Consider putting these configurations on a hold temporarily. Provide individually served and packaged items instead. (“Grab and go.”)

Social Distancing Efforts for Dallas-Fort Worth Hotels

Social distancing continues to be a primary proactive measure against the spread of the Coronavirus. Below are some suggestions on how to maximize efforts.

• Limit how many people can occupy rooms at a time.
• Close or limit occupancy for meeting rooms.
• Encourage guests to keep their distance from staff and use automated check-in methods instead.
• Stagger worker schedules and have employees work remotely whenever possible. Discourage personnel from lingering after shifts and remind them to maintain distance as much as possible.
• Promote contactless room deliveries and coordinate the hotel cleaning staff to have minimal contact with guests and wear PPE (personal protective equipment) as needed.

How to Clean and Disinfect a Hotel Room

Customers staying on the premises longer than they would other businesses (like retailers) means enhanced cleaning procedures are needed.

Below are some cleaning guidelines to consider adding to your protocol.

Hotel Room

• Prep dirty surfaces by first cleaning them with soap and water. This removes excess germs and exposes remaining germs so that the disinfectant can be most effective.
• Use EPA-registered household disinfectants that are effective against the class of viruses related to COVID-19. (Be sure to completely read and follow label instructions for each product).
• Bleach or alcohol solutions may be used as an alternative disinfectant.
• Expired or some laundry bleach products will not be effective as a disinfectant.
• Dilute the bleach as directed, and use in a ventilated area.
• Do not combine bleach with other cleaners.
• Leave bleach solution on surfaces for at least one full minute.

• Regularly clean “soft surfaces” (carpets, rugs, and drapes) by removing visible soiling and then apply the appropriate cleaners.
• Make sure electronic devices in rooms are regularly sanitized according to manufacturer instructions or with alcohol-based wipes/sprays that contain at least 70% alcohol to disinfect “high touch” surfaces. Make sure these surfaces are completely dried.

Hotel Laundry 

Laundry items are prone to harboring germs, so it’s important to enhance washing practices.

• Avoid shaking out linens. This will release germs into the air.
• Wash items according to manufacturer’s instructions with the appropriate detergents. Wash with the warmest water setting allowed and allow items to dry completely before use. 
• Hampers and laundry carts should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Should you ever have a special case of soft material contamination, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills offers bioremediation laundry cleaning services with our advanced technology Esporta system.

Choose Our Experts for Hotel Cleaning Services in Dallas-Fort Worth 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to support you with hotel cleaning services including Fort Worth carpet cleaning services and professional air duct cleaning.

• We are a trusted name in commercial cleaning for the DFW area with 34 years of superior cleaning and sanitation services.
• 24/7 operations to respond to emergencies (confirmed case of COVID-19 on-site) and flexibility to work around your operating schedule.
• We have attended sites with confirmed COVID-19 cases and professionally cleaned thousands of square feet affected by the virus. Our IICRC trained technicians and industrial disinfectants are trusted by first responders, airports, homes, and many types of businesses (shipping, manufacturing, healthcare, etc.). We’re fully prepared to be your hotel cleaning company.
• SERVPROXIDE (SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent) is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard (non-porous) surfaces.

• Facility refresh services include:
• Air duct cleaning with new A/C filters
• HEPA air scrubbing
• Upholstery cleaning
• Carpet cleaning

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about the special needs of your properties, cleaning products, and procedures related to COVID-19. We also offer a complimentary consultation!

Call us anytime at (817) 589-1499. You may also submit your inquiry by using our quick and easy contact form anytime.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for Fort Worth

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is a full-service cleaning and restoration company in Fort Worth, Texas. Contact us to get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

“Clean” Has a New Definition

The Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in employees and customers demanding a new, higher standard of cleaning and sanitation for worksites and stores. 

COVID-19 has forever changed what it means to be “clean”. 

Clean isn’t enough anymore.  Today, we want to know we are safe. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned answers the new demand for a higher standard of cleaning services.  Our program is a proactive cleaning service that proactively targets viral pathogens.  We combine cleaning and sanitization to help create a safe environment. 

Before Coronavius arrived in North Texas, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills was already a leader in biohazard cleaning in Fort Worth.  When COVID-19 cleaning became a necessary and daily part of our life, we took our 30+ years of experience and shifted to become one of the leading COVID-19 cleaning companies in Fort Worth and the Mid-Cities.  We’ve honed a process to clean and sanitize buildings over the last few months, and now we are helping elevate the standard of cleanliness for commercial properties in DFW. 

Complimentary Cleaning Plans Custom-Made for You

Your building and its specific needs are unlike any other.  There is no such thing as a blanket cleaning plan that truly meets each property owner’s needs.  

We understand that, and that’s why we create a plan that is made especially to meet your needs and wishes. 

Contact us today to schedule your Cleaning Protocol Consultant to visit your property and start creating your building’s cleaning protocol. 

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Process

1 - Consult

Every Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program starts with a free consultation.  A custom cleaning protocol isn’t useful unless we really understand your needs and your property.  

Each of our clients is assigned a Cleaning Protocol Specialist.  They will:

• Be your one-point contact there for you when you need them. 
• Get to know you and your building to create the perfect cleaning plan for you. 
• Keep you updated on the latest federal and local guidelines to make sure your cleaning plan continues to meet regulations. 
• Work with you on any changes or adjustments your plan needs as you work to increase your capacity and get back to normal levels of traffic. 

Your Cleaning Protocol Specialist will take many different factors into consideration when creating a cleaning protocol for you, like:

• Cleaning frequency: one-time, daily, weekly, etcetera. 
• The surfaces in your building that are high-touch points. 
• Cleaning needs for different types of surface e.g. office spaces versus industrial kitchens versus dining rooms, etcetera. 
• A cleaning schedule made to prevent business disruption. 
• And more.

2 - Clean

After your cleaning protocol is finalized, we’ll take care of the rest.

It’s that simple. 

We will:

• Visit your property on the assigned date(s) and times and provide the cleaning services listed on your custom cleaning plan.  Your cleaning schedule can include:
• After-hours
• Overnight
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Always adhere to the latest safety guidelines and protocols set by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and governments. 
• Utilize the most detergents and disinfectants that best suit your needs. 

When and where we clean will be custom to you, but almost every cleaning plan will involve the following: 

• Cleaning of porous surfaces.  These are areas that allow absorption of moisture, like carpets and upholstery.  These types of surfaces are usually vacuumed and, when needed, deep washed. 
• Cleaning of non-porous surfaces.  These are areas that do not readily allow absorption of moisture, like stainless steel.  These are cleaned by wiping off dust and debris with a detergent cleaner. 
• Disinfecting non-porous surfaces using a disinfectant.  
• Our technicians will use the right equipment, like ULV Foggers and Electrostatic Sprayers. 

SERVPROXIDE is our disinfectant of choice.  It is proprietary to SERVPRO, EPA-registered, and is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for direct food and contact use. 

3 - Certify 

Let everyone know you now have a higher standard of clean.

We’ll help you promote your building’s cleanliness and sanitation by:

• Providing you with a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned badge which will be installed on a front-facing window.  
• Give you content like social media posts and email newsletters.  
• Promote your business information on our franchise social media channels.  If your business is open to the public and is re-opening, we’ll even post your re-opening date, business hours, and location. 

Automatically Join our Damage Restoration Priority List

Every Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned client of ours is automatically added to our Damage Restoration Priority List.  This will give you:

• 24-hour emergency dispatch for any emergency restoration need, like fire or water damage. 
• Priority dispatch during high-demand times, such as major storm events.  

Because we’ll know your building layout and contents, we’ll also know how to respond should you ever have a fire or water damage.  Before anything happens, we’ll already have a plan in place to help. 

COVID-19 Cleaning in Forth Worth and the Mid-Cities

Our family of SERVPRO franchises has cleaned over 1 million square feet of property after positive COVID-19 diagnosis.  We are one of the most experienced Coronavirus cleaning companies in DFW. 

For our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned clients, this means that:

• You will have a trusted, experienced company to help you in case of a suspected or confused COVID-19 case.  
• We can dispatch immediately, 24-hours a day, every day of the year. 

Dallas Fort Worth is our home, and helping our neighbors has always been our mission.  When Coronavirus cleaning became a necessary part of daily life, our franchise wanted to make sure we were available to help everyone in need.

We are committed to continuing to clean after COVID-19 to keep our homes and businesses safe.  In the last few months, we have cleaned: 

• First Responder Headquarters
• Ambulances, Police Vehicles, and Fire Trucks
• Airports
• Shipping Warehouses
• Doctors’ Offices
• Retail Stores
• Restaurants
• Office Buildings
• Car Repair Shops
• Construction Sites
• Industrial Machinery
• Thousands of pounds of clothing and other textiles 

Cleaning Consultations are Free. Schedule Yours Today

We’re here to help.  Contact us today to schedule a visit for your Cleaning Protocol Specialist. 

We’re a Cleanup and Restoration Company Near You

With the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned badge on your window, you are reassuring your employees and customers that you understand the necessity for a new standard of clean. 

SERVPRO is the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.  Partnering with our company to provide professional, proactive viral pathogen cleanup for your building will lend you our decades of experience and expertise.  

Are you ready to get started? 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has been serving Fort Worth and the Mid-Cities for over 30 years.  

Call us today. 

We are Here to Help. 

Reopening Day Coronavirus Cleaning: What Businesses Should Know

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Reopening After Coronavirus

Texas is gradually yet cautiously reopening businesses after many weeks of statewide closures due to the Coronavirus. We look forward to easing back into our familiar activities and habits, but we must do so in a way that avoids a spike in COVID-19 cases.

If and when they are ready, the following businesses are allowed to reopen starting May 1st (per phase one of Governor Abbott’s reopening plan): retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls at 25% capacity. The next phase will allow additional categories of businesses to reopen.

Public use spaces are of the utmost concern when assessing the risk of viral spread. Since areas where people congregate are most susceptible to spreading the virus, we must ensure these places are properly managed.

Examples Of Businesses With Communal Area Risk:

• Restaurant dining areas
• Churches
• Hotels
• Venues
• Theaters
• Daycare centers
• Private schools
• Bars
• Gyms
• Arcades
• Bowling alleys

Implementing standard operating procedures that are proactive against the spread of disease improves the chances of businesses reopening and remaining open. We do so by abiding by standard practices set in place by the CDC reopening directives.

Working together as a community to make reopening efforts a success, we must continue to abide by health and safety practices such as social distancing, staying home when ill, frequent handwashing, etc. 

We’re amazed to see how our local businesses have been able to adapt to a new normal. We are here to do our part to help businesses safely and confidently prepare for reopening.

Steps to Create an Effective Cleaning Guideline for Your Business

1. Develop Your Plan

A complete and thorough plan accounts for every square foot of the business facility with special emphasis on areas most frequently used by humans - both workers and customers. 

Having a comprehensive hygiene and safety plan in place is essential to a successful reopening. This consists of both the cleaning process before opening as well as ongoing sanitary maintenance.

As staff and patrons acclimate into a new normal, having a solid plan in place that includes thorough cleaning guidelines and best practices are essential. Your plan is fundamental in reestablishing confidence in resuming the use of your space. 

We begin this plan with an inventory of what needs to be cleaned, what requires disinfection, and what equipment is needed to promote safe operations. 

Determine What Needs to Be Cleaned

Businesses that have been shut down for a while will need a thorough top to bottom cleaning - especially the “high touch” areas but also areas that are rarely or never touched.

It may help to print out a map of your entire facility including the exterior property. Mark off the places where most human activity and contact occurs. 

A map allows you to account for all areas of the premises to ensure that each and every section has been clean. Then you can refer to the specially marked hot spots that need more concentrated attention for sanitation.

The CDC put together an at-a-glance cleaning and disinfection decision tool for national reopening operations. It provides core cleaning guidelines and instructions for properties in general.

Refer to guides specific to your industry and consult with your colleagues to get a complete cleaning plan together.

Determine What Needs to Be Disinfected

Surfaces should be cleaned with EPA approved disinfectants that are specifically intended to combat COVID-19. Closely follow the product directions for maximum effectiveness. (Refer to the EPA guide and list of SARS-CoV-2 disinfectants).

The CDC advises the public to be mindful of “the high touch areas” when it comes to public spaces. Frequent contact with these areas requires increased sanitation for both routing surface cleaning and persistent hand washing.

Examples of Common High Touch Areas:

• ATM machines
• Countertops
• Desks
• Doorknobs
• Faucets and sinks
• Gas pump handles
• Handles
• Keyboards
• Light switches
• Phones
• Tables
• Toilets
• Touch screens

Seek checklists specific to your business type and consult with your staff to account for all areas that are known for harboring germs and what ought to be sanitized most frequently.

Determine What Equipment and Items are Needed

Once you understand what needs to be clean, double-check that you have everything you need to complete a thorough job.

For some cleaning solutions and procedures, it’s necessary to use special PPE (personal protective equipment) or gloves. When the use of fumigants or fogs is required, this may require special equipment or specialists trained to safely use such products.

Our SERVPRO team is equipped and has the professional expertise to conduct a thorough commercial cleaning (including processes that require complete PPE).

Unsure if you have everything you need? Give us a call at (817) 589-1499. We are happy to answer any questions you have about supplies and procedures.

2. Implement Your Plan

Once you’ve integrated all the necessary information to finalize your complete plan and cleaning guidelines, it’s time to execute your reopening plan.

We start this procedure by cleaning areas that appear to be dirty and use the appropriate cleaning products.

Clean Visibility Dirty Surfaces

Inspect all areas inside and outside for surfaces that look dingy, grimy, or otherwise unclean. 

To prepare for the disinfectant application, clean all of these surfaces with soap and water.

Remember to properly clean porous materials such as textiles, rugs, seats, etc., using the appropriate methods. 

For example, launder cloth products according to washing instructions with the appropriate strength of detergent at the warmest temperature possible. Make sure fabrics and rugs are completely dried.

Remember to use proper PPE and thoroughly wash your hands after you’ve finished cleaning.

Use Appropriate Disinfectant and Cleaning Products

Once the dirty surfaces have been washed and dried, we can begin using disinfectants on these same surfaces. 

Read the complete cleaning instructions for the proper use of the disinfectant including the use of proper PPE. 

Train your staff to use the disinfectant as explicitly directed by the instruction details. This ensures worker safety and optimal effectiveness. Remember to use proper ventilation when using chemicals.

Remind your staff to wash their hands thoroughly after handling disinfectant and cleanse any skin that may come in contact with the disinfectant. 

Carefully use disinfectant wherever needed and per the directions safeguards staff and patrons from hazards (both germs and cleaning products).

3. Maintain and Revise Plan

New habits are created through repetition and accountability.  These efforts stem from a commitment to consistently follow through with the new standard operating procedure.

Auditing your process with daily checklists, inspections, and training drills will help solidify the new policies that work to prevent the spread of viruses.

Health and safety practices should also include stay at home policies for sick employees and customers. Be proactive to ensure that symptomatic employees and customers are promptly directed away from public spaces. 

CDC guidelines advise that employees with symptoms of COVID should self-isolate for 7 days, and return to work once they have been symptom-free for at least 3 days (without medication).

But we remember that because of COVID-19 so much changed practically overnight. Texas businesses have already adapted to change, but we must remain vigilant and flexible to emerging issues.

Be resolute with your best practices, but also prepared to modify these plans when necessary.

Follow National and Local Government Guidance

One very important reason to be ready for plan modifications is the possibility of policy change at the city, county, state, and national levels.

Monitor the following websites for updates:

• City of North Richland Hills
• Tarrant County
• State of Texas
• US Government
• CDC

Other regulatory organizations specific to your industry may be of high relevance to your business practices. Stay up to date with those resources as well. 

Signing up for alerts and following social media accounts is also helpful to keep up with urgent announcements.

Coronavirus Cleaning and Decontamination Services for Reopening

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has been promoting public health in the Dallas Fort Worth area with 34 years of superior industrial cleaning services including biohazard cleanup.

We’re honored to put our decades of experience to good use by cleaning hundreds of thousands of square feet in areas affected by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

We’ve come to the aid of homeowners, first responders, airports, as well as many types of businesses including shipping, manufacturing, healthcare, etc.

Some cleaning companies may charge less for services and this is typically due to workers not using proper PPE. Because health and safety are our highest priority, we don’t cut corners on protection equipment for our frontline workers. We ensure that our technicians have sufficient protective equipment.

Our professional technicians have everything they need to perform complete bioremediation services that thoroughly clean, disinfect, and sanitize properties.

What We Have To Offer Our Local Businesses:

• 24/7 emergency cleaning services. This means we work around your hours of operation. If it works best for you to have the job done overnight, we make it happen.
• SERVPRO continues to be the most renowned cleaning, decontamination, and restoration brand in the country. International airports and federal agency operations have trusted our IICRC trained technicians and industrial-grade disinfectant to properly sanitize affected properties. 
• No matter the size of the job site, we have the right services and equipment to see it through.
• Effective and professional bioremediation services will completely clean, disinfect, and sanitize the job site.
• Perform the work with uncompromising safety and hygiene standards.
• We apply CDC-recommended & EPA-registered disinfectants to all porous and non-porous surfaces, such as walls up to 8 feet. 
• We are cautious with moisture-sensitive surfaces and carefully wipe such items with a disinfectant-wet towelette. 
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces. 
• Issue a certification that your property was professionally cleaned by SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. 
• Social media announcement to inform the public that your business was cleaned by SERVPRO of North Richland Hills and is ready to re-open to patrons.
• Our refresh services include:
• Air duct cleaning with new a/c filters
• Carpet cleaning
• HEPA air scrubbing
• Upholstery cleaning

Our SERVPRO of North Richland Hills mission is to support our local businesses in adapting to the new normal and in reopening their facilities in a safe and conscientious way. 

Our goal is to empower your business to reopen with confidence! The staff and the patrons may be a bit unsure about returning to a business that has been closed for a while, but we believe that a thoroughly cleaned premises with a proactive maintenance plan in place goes a long way in bringing peace of mind for all involved.

We’re here to support you in your reopening! Call us today with your questions at (817) 589-1499 or complete our quick and easy contact form anytime.

Shocking Facts About Lightning

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities.

As the weather begins to warm up, we know that means summer storm will soon be approaching. 

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. Here are a few lightning safety tips.

Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If it calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is available.

Go indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars that are in the concrete walls or flooring. 

Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. 

If a major storm causes storm damage or flooding in your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for Fort Worth water damage restoration and storm damage repair services. Our team has years of experience handling natural disaster building reconstruction, water removal, and mold remediation services in the area. 

We Sell “Peace of Mind” When it Comes to Handling Your Residential Fire

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your business or home, give the experts at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call.

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As you find yourself in the kitchen from time to time, fire precautions should be top of mind.

A property owner experiences a flood of emotions when a fire ravages their business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about the future of the property and their livelihood can be overwhelming to a property owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills help you restore it to its preloss condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication throughout the entire job process, we strive to restore not only the home or business structure, but also the customer’s peace of mind.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on structure fires.

• 482,030 structure fires were reported in the United States in 2018.
• These fires caused $9.9 billion in property damages.
• One structure fire was reported every 48 seconds.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your business or home, give the experts at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call. We will help make it "Like it never even happened."

CORONAVIRUS: Preventative Methods

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Coronavirus - Preventative Methods in your North Texas facilities

Any business in the North Texas area that receives shipments from overseas is extremely likely to be exposed to the most recent outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. If you have employees that have recently traveled out of the country, the chance of them bringing it back with them is very likely. Our teams have recently been trained on how to properly decontaminate an area that could be/has been affected by COVID-19.

There are 3 categories of treatment that SERVPRO of North Richland Hills offers.
To learn more about what we can do to help prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in your facility, call our office today.

Visit our SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Facebook page or Instagram page to learn more about the categories of threat.

CDC Coronavirus information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Call the Cleanup Team that is Faster to Any Size Disaster

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Be ready for the worst, with the very best.

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing damaged property and personal belongings. Rapid response and timely mitigation can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills understands that returning to normal is your primary concern. SERVPRO response team employees are trained in caring for both you and your property. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of NRH can help you get your home or business back up and running quickly and help protect your property and belongings.

If your home or business suffers a fire damage, contact SERVPRO of NRH to help make it "Like it never even happened."

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most to you on the lines, you need the very best help on the line, as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to connect to your local franchise is so important. Just go to SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com or call 817-589-1499. We are a leader in giving control back to the homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire. So whether you are responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000--be ready for the worst, with the very best.

Catch Appliance Leaks Before Water Damage Occurs

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

All household appliances that utilize water are prone to leaks in one way or another, but if these leaks are not caught early, water damage can begin.

All household appliances that utilize water are prone to leaks in one way or another, but if these leaks are not caught early on, water damage can begin.

Because many appliances are not moved or inspected with frequency, this water damage can be harbored for ages before homeowners are made aware—this is why regular inspections are so important for prevention.

Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

Hot Water Heater

The lifetime of a hot water heater will typically span 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.

Refrigerator

The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.

Dishwasher

A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator, but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important to keep up with.

Washing Machine

Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years in order to prevent hidden deterioration.

Air Conditioner

The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced—having a professional technician evaluate your machine is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

If your home or business is affected by an appliance leak, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills! Our teams handle Fort Worth water damage restoration and are here to help.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills | Here to Help Recover from Storm Damages

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage is often a multifaceted problem, involving structural and water damage that homeowners must contend with.

Storms are a common occurrence, but that does not make them any less destructive. In 2018, storm-related damages and losses cost homeowners in the range of 2 billion dollars. For homeowners, it is important to have a plan in place for how to recover.

Making advance plans for how to deal with storm damage is a smart way to protect your investment, and it is important to choose a restoration company that will be on your side. That is why when it comes to damage restoration after a storm, we are the right choice.

Why Our Storm Damage Approach Sets Us Apart

We Are Specialized in Multiple Types of Damage

Storm damage is often a multifaceted problem, involving structural and water damage that homeowners must contend with. To provide our customers with the highest level of service, we make sure that we are fully qualified and trained in all types of damage restoration—this way when you call us, you can be assured that all your damage will be handled.

We Invest in Our Technicians

The technicians who are on the ground doing your restoration are extremely important to the process—which is why we invest heavily in our team. We make sure everyone is trained according to industry standards from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and we provide ample opportunity for continued education and career development.

We Have a Local Presence and National Resources

We are proud to be a local member of the Dallas/Fort Worth community, but we are also grateful that we have national resources to help the community in times of need. When destructive storms roll through, we can call upon other SERVPRO® locations across the country to provide extra resources and ensure that everyone gets the restoration they need.

By Upholding Our Positive Reputation

Communities are vulnerable after destructive storms move through, giving rise to unscrupulous restoration scams designed to take advantage of the victims. Because we have a long-standing reputation as leaders in the restoration industry, you can rest assured that we are a legitimate business that is here to work for you and the entire community.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, your trusted restoration team, members of your community.

Making Sure You Are Ready to Start Rebuilding After Water Damage in your Commercial Building

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills if your business has suffered from water damage!

Once waters from flood or leaks recede and clean up has been done, most folks just want to get back into their business office and start rebuilding. However, one problem is that materials submerged in water have probably absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding or renovating too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems like mold growth, insect infestations, and the deterioration of walls, flooring, wood and wall coverings. Flood waters are not going to be clean, either. Therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Here is a checklist to refer to if your office experiences water damage:

Safety first!

• Inspect for outside structural and electrical damage to determine if it is safe to enter. Fire hazards and gas leaks will need to be identified, as well. Use battery-powered light sources.
• Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. Watch for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
• If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.

Next steps:

• Contact your insurance adjuster immediately.
• Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible, and be sure to take photos for use for inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives. Keep damaged materials for proof of loss. 
• The adjuster will assess all office damage, and as the owner, you will need to sign a proof of loss statement. 

Electrical Systems:

• Check that all electric and gas services are turned off before entering the premises for the first time. 
• Have an electrician check for grounds and other unsafe conditions before reconnecting the system.

Furnishings and Carpets

• Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting and bring it outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).
• Flooded carpets and rugs should be replaced since flood water may contain contaminants, and affected carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced. Remove these items within 48 hours after flooding subsides. 
• Thoroughly dry the carpet and subfloor as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed when damp, it can mildew.
• All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded, and solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored.  Hose off any mud, then clean, sanitize, and let your furniture dry completely out of direct sunlight.

Walls

• Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay. Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible and ventilate.
• Remove baseboards and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls, and remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall. Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation. Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi.
• Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans. Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
• Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we are experts at cleanups after water or fire damage, no matter the size of the event. If your office has been affected by water damage, either from a leak or a flood, we are here to help. We are mold remediation specialists, too!

What to Expect During a Fire You Weren't Expecting

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

What to Expect from a Fire Damage Restoration Project

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Today we are sharing what you can expect from a fire restoration project. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we are ready to help if your Texas home or business suffers from damage due to fire or water. You can also count on us when it comes to mold remediation and prevention.

Keeping Your Warehouse Mold-Free

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can live in walls, behind wallpaper, under flooring, and in ceilings, and these are just the most common places.

If you begin to detect the odors associated with mildew or mold in your warehouse, or if your employees are experiencing them, don’t wait to investigate. Mold can live in walls, behind wallpaper, under flooring, and in ceilings, and these are just the most common places. If your investigation doesn’t find anything, the next best way to determine if the smell is coming from a mold colony is to hire a certified mold inspector to stop by and check it out. They will be able to run the necessary tests to determine if you have a mold problem in your warehouse.

Some places to check for mold will be a basement or cellar area, or the bathroom. Mold will take hold in damp areas, so if there is a wall or a floor where dampness is an issue, mold will be attracted there. It will establish colonies in dark corners, as well. Scheduling periodic visual inspections in these areas will help to identify a mold colony before it becomes unmanageable. 

If your warehouse has recently undergone a flooding event or significant leaks have developed recently, these will be situations that could promote a mold issue. Always consider areas with moisture as places you need to pay attention to. 

The wetter times of the year are going to be important times to be vigilant when it comes to mold in your warehouse. Be aggressive when investigating the source of mold and addressing it. If you need help, call the mold remediation experts here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. We have the experience and skills needed to take care of the mold issues that can develop in your warehouse or business. We handle water damage and fire damage, too.

Taking Care of your Fire Damaged Contents in Texas

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Contents with Smoke Damage

Fire damages will affect both the structure of your home and your belongings, as well. Smoke and soot can ruin furniture, clothing, and keepsakes-- the very things that make a house a home.

It may be necessary to contact professional help when it comes to restoring items affected by fire damage, or water damage and mold growth, too. The expertise of such a company can help you save money in the long run, all while preserving those precious, irreplaceable heirlooms. There are several methods that can be used to clean your items:

• Dry Cleaning. For cleaning lighter residues as well as for preparation before wet-cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning. Effective for removing both moderate and heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe Cleaning. Used for items that cannot be wet-cleaned.
• Foam Cleaning. For upholstery and other fabrics that can shrink or bleed if wet-cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning. Uses agitation of any surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning. A bath of cleaning product is used; items are dipped in and soaked.

Electronics that have been damaged by fire often present serious hazards. No device should be turned on if it could possibly have been damaged by fire. Smoke residues contain acids that corrode metal surfaces, and if they are not removed, that corrosion can cause electronic failure in that device. Taking prompt action will prevent further damages to your devices. Some of the devices you should be careful of include:

• Computers
• Television sets
• DVD players
• Cell phones
• iPads and Tablets

When documents, such as photographs, contracts, wills, etc. are damaged by water or fire, extreme care will need to be taken to ensure the document is not completely lost. Although in some cases it may not be possible to return every document to pre-fire condition, a professional restoration company can certainly save a good deal of them and minimize additional damage. Depending on the type of document and level of damage, there are five professional methods used for document restoration:

• Air Drying.
• Freezer Drying
• Dehumidifying
• Vacuum Freeze/Vacuum Thermal Drying

When you have suffered a fire, handling the damages following that fire can be overwhelming. The SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team can help you in caring for your belongings and premises during this process.

Saving your Hard Wood Floors Following Water Damage

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mat system used to save wood floors.

A flooding event of any size will have a negative effect on your building and property, and your wood floors will really suffer. Any time water saturates hardwood, the wood absorbs the water through its pores and this, in turn, causes warping and discoloration. If you have experienced water damage to your wood flooring, you will want to follow these steps to repair them:

• Removing Water. Soak up the water as quickly as possible. The longer the water remains, the worse the damage will be. The first 24 hours are critical, but if you are able to remove the water and dry your floors completely, you may be able to avoid serious and irreversible damage. You will also be alleviating the possibility of a mold invasion. 
• Sanding/Refinishing. You will need to sand and refinish the wood. This repair can bring your floors back to pre-flood condition and will save you all the time and money involved in having your damaged flooring removed and new flooring installed. 
• Contacting Professionals. When you have experienced extensive water damage, such as from a tornado, hurricane, or severe flooding due to a large weather event, your best bet will be to contact a professional water damage restoration service. They are experts in this area and will have the personnel and equipment necessary to get your water damage taken care of as fast as possible. Make sure you call them right away! If your area has suffered a weather disaster, these companies will probably have a waitlist. 
• Taking Preventive Measures.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the skills and equipment necessary to get your floors back to pre-damage condition, and we are always here to help with repairs and renovations to any area of your property when you are affected by water damage event, whether large or small. We also handle fire damage, and we are mold remediation experts, too.

Preventing a Fire in your Texas Apartment

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

A fire in a small space, such as your apartment, can spread quickly and become a deadly fire within just a few minutes.

A fire in a small space, such as your apartment, can spread quickly and become a deadly fire within just a few minutes. Just a few precautions taken beforehand can protect you, your apartment, and your belongings. Today, we’d like to share some fire prevention tips with you:

• Inspection First. Take a good look around your home to make sure all potential hazards have been identified and eliminated:
• Use surge protectors in place of overloaded circuits or extension cords
• Appliance cords that are frayed or cracked are replaced immediately
• No cords are being extended under rugs or between rooms
• Space heaters are not being used near flammable materials, such as furniture and drapery. Make sure your space heaters are always turned off when the room is empty or everyone is going to bed
• No matches or lighters are within reach of children
• Candles and incense are never left unattended - make sure these items are used far away from curtains and other flammable materials
• Items such as gasoline cans or propane tanks are not stored inside your apartment 

• Kitchen Safety:   
• Never leave food cooking on your stove unattended
• Keep towels and potholders away from cooking areas
• Don’t wear loosely fitted sleeves while cooking

• Laundry Room Safety
• Have your dryer installed and serviced by professionals
• Always use a lint filter in your dryer, and clean it before or after every load 
• Remove lint that collects around the drum of your dryer regularly
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are being used and that your machine is connected properly
• Never leave the dryer running when you go out of the apartment or when you go to bed

• Smoke Alarms
• Make sure there are smoke alarms in your apartment, and that they function correctly. There should be one installed outside of every sleeping area, and they should be tested once a month, with batteries changed at least once a year. 

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills we are fire safety experts, and we are here for you if you experience damage from a fire, as well.

Flood Safety

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, near a river, or even in the desert, there is always potential for flood damage. Fema.gov reports in the last five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past does not mean you won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000 worth in damages. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers the following flood safety tips. 

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet. 

If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. 

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. If a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is prepared to handle any size disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO® will help you take it back. 

Generator Safety

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home.

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross. 

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or 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 it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands. 

Opening doors and windows or 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 warnings.

Severe Weather Safety

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life.

Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms*: 

◊ 10,000 severe thunderstorms 

◊ 5,000 floods or flash floods 

◊ 1,300 tornadoes 

◊ 2 landfalling deadly hurricanes 

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage.* Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others. 

Know your risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather can impact you, your business, and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts in your area. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazard scenarios. 

Take action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place. 

Be an example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with family members, co-workers, and friends on social media. Your preparedness efforts may inspire others to do the same. 

Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can help you be “Ready for whatever happens!”

When Water Damage Strikes

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Within four hours of receiving a loss notification, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of receiving a loss notification, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills will be on-site to help ensure any Fort Worth water damage restoration is handled by completing the following steps:

1. INSPECTION 

Our crews will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning the work. 

2. EMERGENCY SERVICES

Our crews will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal property and other contents, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by-step. 

3. MONITORING 

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, our crews will monitor the drying process. The updates will be consistently communicated with you. 

4. RESTORATION SERVICES 

Then we will begin reconstruction. They will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and contents. A final walk-through of the job site will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was returned to its preloss condition.

Managing Mold

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Although every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same.

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, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process. 

Call the Team in Green

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. 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 in 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. Our 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 mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold 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 North Richland Hills can 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. Our professionals are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills understands mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Hoarding: A Serious Situation

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations.

Hoarding: A Serious Situation 

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” Many people with hoarding disorder do find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail, or packaging.

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats, and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to the outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO franchises encounter hoarding situations in several different ways. Often, a SERVPRO franchise is called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site. A SERVPRO franchise professional will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored by the SERVPRO Franchise or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way SERVPRO franchises encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items or importance while they clean the job. Sometimes family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties or with your insureds, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills.

Every Second Counts

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and nighttime.

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan:

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and nighttime.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills with any questions you may have.

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO professionals also offer fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. Failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices by remediating the following services:

• Bloodbourne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labor
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

State and local regulations vary. Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today for 24-hour emergency services.

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure. 

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills also provides general cleaning and deodorizing services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, eggs, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Tornado Storm Damage - Board Up and Tarp

Whether it’s after a fire, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through - especially if it is your property that has been damaged.

Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself. 

Your local professionals at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.” Don't hesitate to give our office a call to ask about our free board-up program. 817-589-1499

Understanding Water Types

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water. Clean water (Category 1 water) is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water (Category 2 water). Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water (Category 3 water) is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to arrive:

Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture, to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, or magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

2020 Resolution: Plan Ahead

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can easily be your disaster mitigation, restoration and reconstruction go-to.

2020 Resolution: Plan Ahead

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster or a water or fire damage to strike, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure your business is “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes your SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team as your disaster mitigation, restoration and reconstruction provider, giving you access to more than 50 years of experience and a system of more than 1,700 franchises strong. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY mobile app, this important information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting immediate help right at your fingertips.

Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in your building faster following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to be READY by contacting SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today to establish your Emergency READY Profile and be “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.

Twinkles are Fine, Sparks are Not

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

With just a little extra attention, you can enjoy beautiful and safe decorations in your home this holiday season.

Holiday decorations are a significant part of the season. Trees, lights, and candles help create the holiday environments that are a part of some of our best memories. While all of the decorations are great ways to enjoy the holiday season, they can also be a cause for concern if the right precautions are not taken.

To protect your home in the midst of beautiful holiday decorations, The U.S. Fire Administration recommends paying close attention to the following 3 areas: trees, lights and candles.

Nothing replaces the scent of a real Christmas tree, but real Christmas trees require extra attention. Making sure your Christmas tree does not dry out is crucial for the safety of your home. Also, keeping the tree a safe distance from heat sources is important.

Lights are a beautiful way to decorate your home for the holidays. Making sure they are in working condition without fraying is important. Also, reading the manufacturer’s instructions can help make important decisions about when to connect another strand vs when to find another plug.

Finally, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, “More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.” Keeping candles a safe distance from flammable objects and remembering to extinguish them are important for the safety of your home.

With just a little extra attention, you can enjoy beautiful and safe decorations in your home this holiday season.

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Cold Weather Killer

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Never run a vehicle or other fueling engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (or CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and propane burn incompletely.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide. An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages. Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips provided by the United States Fire Administration.

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

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for a consultation! 817-589-1499

Planning for Disaster in Commercial Buildings

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

No one plans on disaster, but we can help plan for disaster.

An Emergency READY Profile, or what we like to call an ERP, is one of the best things that SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has to offer the community. This is a pre-planning guide to help Commercial businesses prepare for anything that could happen to their facility. One of our professionals takes the time to come walk the property with whoever has requested this assessment and take all of the information and turn it into a concise document that call be printed into a folder to keep in the building and set up within an app so that the information can easily be shared with multiple people within that business. An ERP consists of the following.

• A property overview: photos of where this is for verification, property details such as an address, phone number, etc.
• Building Access Points: where SERVPRO employees are supposed to enter and exit the building, where they can park the SERVPRO vehicles and where they can not, plus floor accesses
• Information on utilities
• Information on building personnel
• Emergency Contacts
• Any additional information that the business owner would like to be included. (Ex. Any SERVPRO employees that are working on this property must check in at the front office every day to get a badge.)

All of this information prepares our team ahead of time, so that when the time comes for services, we are full prepared and have already asked all of the tedious questions and can focus completely on restoring the damage and taking care of the bigger issues. Call our office to set up an ERP consultation today! 817-589-1499

Free Board-Up Program

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Board Up in Dallas after Tornado

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is faster to any disaster. Our production team is on call 24/7 for when there is an emergency. Our emergency services do not restrict us to just removing large quantities of water. In the event of a fire or a storm, there are multiple safety precautions that are taken. Most fires cause windows to bust due to the pressure; fire fighters bust down front doors, interior doors, and anything in the way in order to extinguish a fire. Once a fire courses through a home or business, structural issues need to be considered. When a fire is put out, until a structural engineer can make it on-site, we perform board-ups to the windows and doors that were damaged during the fire. This is an emergency service that we provide that can give some comfort and peace-of-mind that no one can get into your home and steal your belongings while you are being put out of your home. It also protects the home or business from further damage such as wind, rain, or any other natural forces. When using this emergency service, it does not bind the customer to use our mitigation services. This is an additional service that we wanted to be available to the members of our community.This photo was taken inside of a home in Dallas after the October 2019 tornado swept through the area. After the storm, the windows were unstable and shattered in multiple areas of the home. This family wanted our team to secure their home so that no one could get into the home without a key.

Please call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to ask questions about our free emergency board-up program - (817) 589-1499

Who is SERVPRO?

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our teams are on call 24/7 to be available for emergency services.

SERVPRO is a franchised company with other 50 years of leadership in cleanup and restoration. Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon.

You may be aware that SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is part of a franchise system that has been helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened" since 1969. But did you know that system has grown to include more than 1,700 franchises nationwide in 48 states? SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is just the tip of the bright green iceberg.

Wherever there is a house full of water or an office full of smoke, you can count on SERVPRO professionals to respond quickly.

Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to keep all decorations at least three feet away from heat and/or an open flame.

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season—however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening.

                The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed to not tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire—like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper of plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!

Are you Winter Weather Ready?

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before the cold weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in the proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior wall problems.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery of hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe. 
• Ask any of the professional at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment of your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business faster following a disaster. Preparation is key to making it through any disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well beforehand. No one ever plans on disaster, but now, you can plan and prepare for it.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to strike back and help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO: Your One-Stop-Shop

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Reconstruction

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we have a BRAND-NEW Reconstruction division. This is exciting news for many different reasons. As a fire and water damage restoration company, we had everything we needed to be able to come in and restore what we could and tear out what had to be removed due to damage. With our reconstruction team in place, we now have the ability to be a full TURNKEY operation. Not only can we remediate the damages, but we can also replace what was lost. There is no obligation to use our reconstruction team if we perform emergency services. However, if you as the customer so chooses, we have the services available on hand to make it “Like it never even happened”.  

Our reconstruction team is not only for use after fire, water, or mold mitigation services are performed. This team can take on any project that you might have. It does not matter the size. We handle Commercial Reconstruction as well as Residential Reconstruction. If you’re in the market for a remodel on your home, we can make it happen. If there are a few places on the roof that you need repaired, we can make it happen. If your business needs a fresh, new look, inside and out, we can make it happen.  Our General Contractor, Dale, has about 15 years of experience under his belt with an index of trusted contacts for completing jobs. Since we are a Disaster Recovery Team, we feel that it is important to use local businesses that are able to perform 24/7 services as well as travel when needed. Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call our office. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have about reconstruction.

Cleaning Commercial Duct Work

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Clean Commercial Duct Work

Dust is something that most people do not consider important when it comes to cleaning. It’s one thing to clean the surface of the items that have a layer of dust from the week, but it’s another to check one of the main sources of the dust: the air. If you're an engineer in charge of maintenance, it is important to keep your duct work clean.

When it comes to commercial buildings, especially those that produce plastics, metals, and other industrial material, it is VITAL for commercial air ducts to be cleaned. Some residue that comes from industrial machines are combustible in large quantities. Keeping those quantities to a minimum can be attained by scheduling quarterly duct cleanings with SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. Duct cleanings are a preventative measure that many businesses take in order to avoid a much more costly accident in the future.

Our project managers are well informed as to what needs to be done and are more than willing to walk through with you on what this service looks like and answer any questions you might have! Feel free to call our office at any time to speak to a professional and get an estimate for what needs to be done to your duct work.

Storm Response

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

When tragedy hits, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to mobilize to help make things "Like it never even happened."

Aside from being an established local business, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is part of a larger, nationwide community of SERVPRO franchises who are ready to partner together when catastrophe strikes.

Harvey, Florence, and Michael were some of the largest, most destructive storms in recent history. Widespread damage from high force winds, massive amounts of rain, and flash flooding caused billions of dollars in damage across the country.

When tragedy hits, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to mobilize to help make things "Like it never even happened." 

From a small leak in your home that caused water damage to a massive water loss due to storm waters, we are faster to any size disaster. Count on us to have the equipment, resources, manpower, and expertise to be there for you when you need us the most.

 Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817)634-5509

Plan Ahead for Disasters

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817)634-5509

Disaster can strike at any moment so being prepared is very important. Are you ready for a Disaster? Below are a few tips on how you can prepare for a disaster:

Checklist:

• A gallon of water per person per day.

• Supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.

• Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.

• Blanket or sleeping bags.

• First aid kit and prescription medications.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

• Credit cards, cash and an extra set of car keys.

• List of family physicians.

• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Water Damage Timeline

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Local business affected with water damage. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills If your home or office sustains water damage

Water Damage Timeline

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we know a fast reaction is a key part of preventing water damage, but what happens if you don’t take care of the water right away? Check out the timeline below to see what happens when water damage is left unchecked.

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads throughout the property and saturates all surfaces it comes into contact with. It is absorbed into carpets, walls, etc.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, or other dyes may begin to run and stain other surfaces.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods begin to warp.

1-2 Hours:

• Drywall begins to warp and break down.
• Metal begins to tarnish & other furniture begins to warp and crack.
• Musty odor appears.

48 Hours – 1 Week:

• Mold may begin to grow.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Biohazard Contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically.
• Serious health risk posed to building’s inhabitants.

If your home or office sustains water damage, don't hesitate! Call us right away at 817-634-5509

Our Fire Damage Technicians Can Manage Different Kinds Of Soot After A Fire In Your Home

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

If you or anyone you know are in need of services please give us a call at (817)634-5509

In the aftermath of a fire in your home, the sight of blackened walls, ceilings, and surfaces can make you feel overwhelmed and unequipped to manage the cleanup. The first reaction is understandable, while the second is wise. Cleanup of toxic fire residues is a job best completed by our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained and experienced managers and technicians. We match soots to appropriate cleaners and methods for optimal results.

Fire damage cleanup requires evaluation of the types of residues found throughout all spaces in your home. Even rooms far from the ignition site show signs of soot soiling. Depending on the materials combusted and the surfaces coated, we use different cleaners, tools, and methods. Structural components are cleaned on-site, but we might transport some of the contents of your home to our production facility for specialized treatment.

Wet soot occurs when a fire is lower in temperature and smolders because of limited oxygen. SERVPRO sees this kind of soot after rubber, plastics, and oils burn. The residue is thick and sticky, prone to smearing. Odors can be strong and irritating. Successful removal requires a cleaning agent with surfactants and wetting agents applied with agitation to loosen the residue before wiping.

Paper and wood burn fast and hot, leaving ashy soot. Lingering smells are not as dominant nor unpleasant as wet soot. Careful brushing and dry sponging followed by HEPA-filtered vacuuming work well. Fabrics suffering from an ashy buildup respond to foam cleaners applied and removed quickly with a brush.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the trained crews, effective cleaning products, and appropriate equipment for thorough soot removal. Call (817)634-5693 immediately after a fire for an expert assessment and swift resolution of this challenge.

How Can You Minimize the Risk of Space Heater Fires at Home?

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

If you have questions or need services please give us a call at (817) 634-5693 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

If you stop and consider the ways in which your home may be at risk for fire, you could come up with a startling lengthy list. Near the top of the list of these potential causes is the dreaded space heater. A burned space heater can be a nasty culprit for disastrous fires. Understand how these heaters can causes fires and what you can do to eliminate the risks.

An Overview

While it’s true that space heaters are common causes for fires and need for smoke cleanup, reducing fire risks doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with a few simple steps, you should be able to avoid a burned space heater in most circumstances.

• Turn off your space heater if you leave the area for an extended period.
• Clean the filters regularly.
• Leave plenty of space around the heater.

Turn it Off

A space heater can be your best friend on a cold day if your furnace isn’t working well or if you don’t have one. You may be thinking leaving it on all day will help warm up your home faster and more effectively. However, this will only increase the likelihood of it having problems or starting fires. When you leave your home, or if you don’t plan on being in a certain part of your house for a while, turn it off.

Clean the Filter

Don’t put off this important step. Keep extra filters handy and replace them as they become dirty. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual. It’s better to change it out unnecessarily than to leave it in too long.

Situate it properly

Don’t put your space heater in a cramped space or near blankets. Also, don’t plug in multiple space heaters in a single outlet.

If your space heater does cause a fire, get in touch with a professional smoke cleanup crew right away. However, if you follow these guidelines, you shouldn’t have to worry about fire or smoke concerns from a burned space heater.

Why SERVPRO?

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you or anyone you know are in need of services please give us a call at (817)634-5509

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills we understand how important our community is. We like to support our businesses by shopping local when possible, using local vendors and giving back every chance we get. SERVPRO is a flourishing franchise with over 1900 locations throughout the U.S, and Canada, but most of those franchises, like ours are owned by local people who care about their communities. We work with local Police Stations and Fire Departments. We know that in order to keep a village strong we all need to work together. We are here in your time of need, we offer free estimates, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We know building and growing relationships is very important, without you our business cannot strive, and for that. We thank you!

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills today for all of your restoration needs!
(817) 634-5509

Wind Damage

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24/7

Wind is the unseen tormentor of Mother Nature.

Most of the time damage from storms are very visible and easily identifiable; but wind damage can often be hard to identify. Many of us are familiar with tornadoes that cause wind damage, and what we call straight-line winds; but there are actually many different types of wind.

The importance of understanding what type of wind to expect, can help you significantly anticipate the type of damage that will happen.

According to The Weather Channel wind can be classified in these additional categories:

1. Cyclone
2. Downdrafts
3. Downbursts
4. Microburst
5. Gust Fronts
6. Derechos
7. Haboobs
8. Bow echoes

It is also important to know what type of winds your insurance policy will cover. If you experience wind damage, call your insurance agent.

Please reach out to SERVPRO of North Richland Hills if you have any questions regarding our services by calling (817) 634-5509

The Clock is Ticking....

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

The clock is ticking with water damage! Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills (817)634-5509

A busted pipe, toilet overflow and a hot water leak are just a few examples of water damage that can happen in your home or business.
When this happens, you must act fast! 

Did you know, it only takes 24-48 hours before mold starts to form? This means, you have to act fast to get the water removed from your home!

• If you know the location of the water source and it can be turned off, do this first!
• Call your insurance to submit a claim
• Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for your water damage needs at 817)634-5509

Because SERVPRO of North Richland Hills works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; we can make sure we get to you before it's too late and becomes a bigger problem. Acting fast can save you time and money!

Storm Preparation

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

How are you preparing for Texas winter? Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills 24/7! (817)634-5509.

Texas winter is on its way and along with it come the Texas ice storms! SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has put a list together to help winterize your home and help prevent water damage from a storm.

• Insulate wall and attics, weather strip doors and windows, and install storm windows or cover existing windows with plastic.

• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to slightly drip to prevent freezing
• Maintain heating equipment by having it inspected regularly.

• Ensure the stability of your home by hiring a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to maintain heavy weight from the buildup of snow or water.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! 
(817)634-5509

1-4-8

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Calm and call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills We are open 24/7 (817)634-5509

At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills we pride ourselves in being faster to any size disaster!
We follow the 1-4-8-hour timeline.

Within 1 hour of notice of loss, we always get in contact with our customers and get all required information from you over the phone.

Within 4 hours we will arrive on site to begin work. At your home we do an inspection and walk you through the steps we will take to complete the project to make sure you are comfortable with the process.

Within 8 hours of our on-site arrival we will contact your insurance company or property manager. We will give a verbal briefing of the damage and what we foresee will be needed to be done to get the structure back to good standing in the shortest amount of time. With these guidelines our customers know SERVPRO of Denton is there fast in their time of need.

Give SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call at (817)634-5509

Water Problem?

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO ofNorth Richland Hills. We will help to make things right, make things dry, and make it “Like it never even happened"

Let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills be the solution!

A pipe bursts. A water heater leaks. A bathtub overflows. Flood waters rush in. A sprinkler system malfunctions. Water damage can happen in any number of ways. But, if your business or home is under a few inches of water, everything else takes a backseat. Only one thing matters when your business can’t operate, and there is just one thing on the mind of the water-logged resident: A solution.

Your local SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Professionals are that solution. Equipped with the knowledge, the experience, and the training to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO Professionals will start helping the moment you call. Backed by more than 40 years of experience, your SERVPRO Professionals will help put your worries at ease, because they understand the sciences of drying.

When water damage strikes, give SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call at (817) 634-5509
We will help to make things right, make things dry, and make it “Like it never even happened.”

All About Communication

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland HIlls response vehicles ready to assist you 24/7!

Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills we take pride in our communication with our clients.  In fact, did you know that we provide both written and oral daily communication to all our commercial clients! Co-Owner Kristi Stokes stated recently “When a business suffers a loss and is dealing with potentially loss of income, employees and customers complaining; the last thing they should have to deal with is a mitigation company that does not provide daily updates with a high level of professionalism.”

As a business owner or property manager this should be your expectation.  You need a company that will get your building restored correctly and quickly and during this time you need excellent communication throughout the process.  Included in the daily communication, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides before, during and after pictures, a daily burn rate of the cost and a daily journal of the work that was performed and the work that will be performed in the future.  Additionally, a scope of work is provided and if any change orders are needed the scope of work is updated once approval is received.

Anthony Robbins once said, “The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.”

If quality of life is important to you then SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is your answer…..

Why should you select an IICRC Certified Firm to Mitigate your damages?

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO ofNorth Richland HIlls 24/7 next time disaster strikes your property (817) 634-5509

According to Wikipedia  “The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, more commonly known as the IICRC, is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. The organization formulates health and safety related industry standards for built environment. As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standard-development organization (SDO), the IICRC works with the Restoration Industry Association(RIA) to develop consensus-based standards.”

With an IICRC certified firm you have the peace in mind that the correct guidelines are being followed to restore your property.  In the commercial world health and safety concerns are of upmost importance.  As an IICRC Certified Firm, SERVPRO of Denton follows the proper guidelines to restore your property to its preloss condition while at the same time providing you with the peace of mind that SERVPRO takes on the liability of doing so.

Along with being an IICRC Certified Firm, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has individually IICRC certified technicians that are background checked and uniformed.  Why is this important? As a business owner or property manager this provides additional peace of mind that not only is your property going to be properly restored, but that your employees, tenants and contents will be safe.

Save yourself some heart ache and contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills the next time disaster strikes your property. Give us a call at (817) 634-5509

The Do's and Don'ts of Emergency Water Damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

In the event of water damage please call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. We are always here to help 24/7!

These emergency tips will assist you in taking the proper actions until SERVPRO of North Richland Hills arrives! Following these tips will help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

The Do’s and Don’ts

DO: Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. We are open 24/7 for all of your water damage restoration needs.

DO: Eliminate the source of water if possible

DO: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

DO: Relocate any valuables that could be damaged by humidity or water – photos, jewelry, artwork, etc.

DON'T: Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazard may occur.

DON'T: Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

DON’T: try to suck up water with your vacuum, even if it is a wet/dry vac.

DON'T: Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as this may cause staining.

In the event of water damage please call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817)589-1499.

We are here to help 24/7!

Ten Reasons to Have Carpets Cleaned Year Round

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills recommends for commercial building owners that have carpet that you should clean the carpets year-round. SERVPRO are specialist in assisting commercial building owners in cleaning and water and fire restoration

 Properly cleaning and maintaining carpets:
 
1) Prolongs the life of carpeting. Regular carpet cleaning using the extraction method can increase the life of carpets significantly, protecting your floor-covering investment.

2) Protects indoor air quality. Carpets trap airborne pollutants; however, eventually those pollutants must be removed in order to protect the carpet and maintain indoor air quality.

3) Makes carpets easier to maintain. Most carpet soiling is made up of dry soils; when carpets are kept thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, most dry soils can be removed with regular vacuuming.

4) Removes spots and stains. As with other soils, spots and stains can attract more soiling. Removing them promptly protects carpeting from damage.

5) Prevents buildup of allergens and bacteria. Moist soiling of carpets can result in the buildup of several unhealthy contaminants.

6) Enhances the appearance of any room. Clean, well-maintained carpets speak volumes about the overall cleanliness of a home or facility.

7) Improves worker morale. Workers feel better about their work environment when it is clean. This includes the carpeting.

8) Makes carpeting look and feel clean and fresh.

9) Removes dust mites and bedbugs that may have found a home in carpets.

10) Maintains the carpet’s warranty. Most carpet warranties require that carpets be cleaned using the extraction method within a specific amount of time, usually every 12 to 18 months.

For more information call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at (817) 589-1499

Freezing Pipes

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent freezing pipes

Brrr! The winter months are moving in full force and it’s time to prepare your home for freezing (and in some cases, below-freezing) weather conditions.

Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze. Freezing in a pipe creates a lot of pressure inside the pipe and can cause the pipe to burst and likely lead to serious flooding, especially when there's no one around to turn off the water. The best prevention against frozen pipes is to keep them warm enough to stay above the freezing point.

Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills if you experience water damage from pipes bursting at (817) 589-1499

4 Tips for What to do After a Fire

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Following the right steps after a fire can help limit the pain and destruction of a fire.

A house fire is an overwhelming event, but you can limit the pain and damage. Knowing the right things to do after a fire and having the help of a fire restoration service is essential. These four tips can help your get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

1. Call your insurance company immediately. 

Your insurance company’s representatives can guide you through your options based on your fire insurance coverage. They can also offer detailed instructions about what you need to do based on your needs.

Maybe most importantly when it comes to insurance is they can help you begin the process of filing a claim. This step is essential to make sure you receive the compensation you need for the coming costs.

2. Use caution.

Don’t enter your home until you have been given permission by the authorities. Once you’ve been given permission, be aware of dangers that may still remain. Watch out for exposed wires, wet floors and compromised structures such as flooring or roof damage.

You will want to avoid causing any extra damage to your house by tracking soot and water to other areas. Additionally, your health could be at risk from exposure to soot particles and toxic materials via skin, ingestion and inhalation. Restoration specialists have the experience and tools to properly deal with these hazardous conditions so you can safely get back in your home.

3. Secure your property.

It’s very common for there to be broken windows or doors after a fire. Your property that survived the fire can be at risk if it hasn’t been properly secured. A professional fire restoration service can help you minimize further damage from things like weather, vandalism or theft.

A damaged roof can be a significant part of the fire damage. If your roof is damaged, the fire restoration team may also be able to secure your home with tarps for protection from the elements.

4. Make the important calls.

Many people think about calling their insurance company, but there are other important phone calls after a fire. Calls to your landlord or mortgage company, as well as any utility providers will need to be contacted.

It’s also wise to inform the police that your house will be vacant so officers on patrol around your house are aware to look for anything suspicious. Notifying your employer and your children’s school can be helpful to make sure they are aware of short-term changes that will come with restoring your home from a fire. You may also contact a local charitable organization for help with immediate needs, such as a place to stay, clothing and other items.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Fire Safety Tip for Fireworks Season

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills wants you to celebrate safely this Fourth of July.

The summer is an incredible time filled with outdoor activities. There are opportunities for swimming, grilling, and Independence Day fireworks.

With traditions like fireworks and bonfires on the fourth of July, there may be some potential dangers along the way. In order to celebrate safely when it comes to these events, consider the following tips provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to view public fireworks displays put on by professionals.
• If you plan to use fireworks, ensure they are legal in your area.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light it.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a firework does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate. Pour water over it and dispose of it.

With a little preparation and consideration, you can keep your outdoor activities fun and safe.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Three Tips for Great and Safe Grilling

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Offers 3 Tips for Great and Safe Grilling

In Texas, grilling is a year-round activity! Steaks on a cold winter’s day are just as welcome as grilled hamburgers and hot dogs by the pool. Since Texas grilling knows no seasonal boundaries, neither should grilling safety practices. Here are some tips from SERVPRO of North Richlands Hills to help.

The NFPA explains, “In 2013-2017, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $123 million in direct property damage.”

Three Tips for Great and Safe Grilling

1. Know Your Grill

Knowing your grill starts by making sure you have read the instructions to understand how to assemble and use it correctly. Every model of grill has its own needs and taking the time to make sure you know them not only enhances what you grill, it also makes sure you are grilling safely.

2. Take Care of Your Grill

A good grill can cost a significant amount of money. Because the investment in your grill can be significant, taking care of that investment should be priority. Make sure you regularly clean the surfaces, removing grease and ash. Regularly inspect hoses and connections if you own a gas grill. Not only will this extend the life of your grill, it can help prevent grill fires.

3. Take Care of the Area Around Your Grill

Where you cook matters. Cooking on uneven surfaces or too close to structures can affect the quality of your cooking. By taking the time to find a stable place for your grill, with the proper distance from structures – you can focus on the impact of your smoke and fire on the meat, not the impact of the smoke and fire on the surfaces surrounding your grill.

Following these easy grilling safety tips can help prevent fires and ensure your year-round grilling is safe and fun.

If a structure fire does occur SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to help 365 day a year, 24 hours a day. For more information call 817-589-1499 or go to our website at www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com

Oh, Hail No!

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

North Richland Hills - Texas, Baseball Sized Hail Can Come Down At Speeds 110 MPH!

In typical Texas fashion, this stormy weather has come from nowhere! Hail? In April?

Despite our disbelief, we understand that hail can cause some major damages.

So, how do you know if you have hail damage in your home?

First, during the storm, do you notice water leaking? Hail impact can be detrimental based on the size and speed of the hail.

Second, after the storm, do you see any shingles littered on the ground? Or any missing shingles on your roof? If so, there could be some damages.

Find a trusted roofing contractor to check out the damages on the roof. Be cautious of roofing companies that aren’t vetted or don’t provide quality service. Holes may not be visible from inside the house, but unrepaired roofs could cause future damages such as water damages or mold infestations.

In the unfortunate case that hail impacts your home, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to help. 24/7 emergency services and experienced professionals can help restore and reconstruct your house to its preloss condition.

We also provide tarps and board ups to those who haven’t found a roofing contractor so restoration can happen immediately.

Contact Us Today!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Mold: Let's Get It Taken Care Of

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

North Richland Hills, Texas - Don't leave mold up to chance. Let the certified professionals mitigate mold from your home.

While we all love the warm weather in spring, there is something else that also loves spring weather.

MOLD. That’s right. It is lurking and waiting for the perfect conditions to wreak havoc on your home. Whether there is mold growing from that leaky pipe in the kitchen or the humid bathroom, all mold loves warm, wet conditions.

Mold loves the spring time. Wet conditions and warm weather mean a perfect environment for mold to grow in basements, bathrooms, under homes, in cabinets, in attics, and in garages.

If you have experienced water damage that wasn’t properly treated by IICRC standards, you could be at risk for mold exposure.

Well, don’t worry! SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is qualified and ready to service your mold growth.

From a wide array of services such as mold mitigation and remediation, reconstruction, and clean up, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is a one stop shop for all your mold removal needs.

What could you expect from SERVPRO of North Richland Hills professionals during mold removal?

• Advisory solutions to test mold by an environmental hygienist.
• A standard protocol on how to remediate the specific mold in your home.
• A certified mold specialist with come out with a team and begin proper remediation.
• We handle the mold removal whether that is mitigation, remediation, reconstruction, and sanitation and clean up.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

All Your Flood Insurance Questions Answered!

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

From flooding to sewage, do you know what to do when you have water damages?

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

When it comes to water damages in your home, it is usually unexpected. From flooding to sewage, water damages can cause destruction in your home that cost you big time.  

You may wonder if purchasing flood insurance for your property is worth it, so here are some things to consider:

• You can request to purchase flood insurance even if you don’t live in a flood plain.
• Ask what your flood insurance includes and how extensive is your coverage. Discuss your coverage with your agent.
• Be aware that not all homeowner’s insurance covers water damage or floods.
• There are different types of water damages and they are not all handled the same.
• If you have been in a natural disaster, you can receive grants from FEMA. 
• For more information, read the FAQ here.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

What Is IICRC?

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Ask our professionals at SERVPRO of Denton what certifications they have!

What Does IICRC Mean To You?

We are proud to say that our established team have received several certifications in various areas of expertise.

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification and they are a non-profit organization for the cleaning & restoration industry. In essence, they set the standard for cleanliness so home and business owners know that they will receive quality service.

Our team members take educational classes to exhibit their knowledge on a wide array of restoration situation to receive the certification. There are over 16 different standards.

Contact Us!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Reduce Allergens in Your Home

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you need a deep clean, give SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call!

Weather is getting warmer and spring will be here before you know it. Spring cleaning is essential in as weather warms because there are higher amounts of pollen in the air, contributing to your allergies.

Check out our tips to reduce the allergens that find their way into your home!

• Vacuum frequently, and make sure to use a HEPA filter to trap and lock away allergens.
• Throw out unnecessary clutter, so dust cannot hide.
• Try wearing a mask while you clean, so you don’t breathe in the germs you want to get rid of!
• Check water pipes for leaks and the potential for mold.
• Don’t wash with fragrance detergents, as they may trigger your allergies.
• Use your AC instead of opening your windows, to keep allergens out.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Happy Valentine's From SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Not only do we love SERVPRO, but we love Valentine candy too!

What Do We Love About SERVPRO

Valentines is here, and everyone is buzzing with excitement! I went around to our team members and asked them what they love about SERVPRO!

Mary: “Because at the end of the day, we are all a family and I love working with amazing people.”

Summer: “The reason I love SERVPRO is the people who are in it. Including owners as well as the workers. Not only from our franchise but even local and out of state. We all come together and are willing to help each other out, with questions and tips on how to make things a little easier. SERVPRO has been and is a great franchise to work with because of the work atmosphere as well as everyone’s work ethics.”

Katrina: “The comrade between staff is genuinely like a family. Although you hear that often it is actually true at SERVPRO. You have to work really hard & helping each other is how we help our customers.”

Payton: “I love helping those in times of need.”

Rebecca: “Because I love Mary, and she’s the heartbeat of the company! I cannot thank her enough for all she does.”

Bill: “Because we serve and we are pros!”

Justyn: “Because of the team atmosphere and the people I work with!”

Kendel: “I love that SERVPRO gives you chances to grow and learn. Our owner is great about honing strengths and encouraging people to flourish in different positions in the company.”

What do you love about SERVPRO? Let us know in the reviews!

Contact Us!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fires happen suddenly and destroy rapidly. Just look at what happened to this home during an electrical fire!

Don't Take Chances When It Comes To Fires

You try to prepare for whatever life throws at you. You take precautions. You formulate plans. But when it comes to emergencies, will you know what to do?

With a few simple tips, preparing your family and securing your home for a fire can be the difference between life or death.

 Smoke Detectors

• Install in every room and outside every bedroom
• Interconnect your smoke alarms
• Make sure to test run your smoke alarms once a month
• Make sure your smoke alarms can also detect carbon monoxide
• Replace old smoke alarms if they are over 10 years old
• Is someone in the household deaf or hard of hearing? Install bed shakers or strobe lights

 Tips For Fires

• Leave bedroom doors closed, as they slow the spread of smoke and fire
• 3 out of 5 deaths in a fire occur because there is no smoke detector

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 363-4177 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Emergency Services During a Storm

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let storms ruin your home, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to start clean up today.

You can’t plan when a storm strike. Whether it is a weekend, a holiday, or overnight, there is a company that is there to help. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has an experienced crew that is there to go whenever you call.

We understand at SERVPRO that the most crucial time to start remediation on water is immediately. So, using the most advanced equipment, we begin water removal and treatment of space to quickly restore your home back to preloss condition.

We are here for you 24/7, large or small. All you need to do is call (817) 589-1499 for immediate service. Make sure to have these answers on hand:

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

How to Conserve More Water at Home

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Here are 10 ways to conserve water in your home!

Do you want to conserve more water for the earth (or even just save a few bucks on your water bill)? Check out these 10 simple tips to reuse, reduce, and recycle water in all area of your life!

Saving Water = Saving Money

1. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth! One of the simplest ways to conserve water without making any changes to your lifestyle.
2. Fix the leaks in your house! Those leaky faucets can waste gallons of water and waste tons of your money.
3. Wash your car! That’s right! Instead of DIY, go to a car wash service where they recycle their water! Who knew conserving water could be luxurious?
4. Take shorter showers! Did you know that 5 gallons of water go down the drain per a minute? Cutting your shower short by 5 minutes could save you 25 gallons of water!
5. Or even try skipping the shower a few days a week. Taking a shower every other day can save you big bucks in the long run!
6. Go for a trendy yard! Investing in succulents in your yard will use less water and also gain tons of compliments from your neighbors.
7. Run a full dishwasher! Which means you do less dishes while saving more water!
8. Do you have a green thumb? Try installing a rain barrel to collect that rain water and put it to good use!
9. Or trying watering your plants in the morning! This ensures that water is soaked up in the plants but not evaporated by the sun!
10. Even using less electricity can save water. Power plants use water to cool down hot parts, so even turning lights off or unplugging electronics can conserve water in the long run!

Do you have more tips on how to save water? Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page!

Do You Have Water Damage in Your Home?

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

When Lightening Strikes...What Will You Do?

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

When lightening strikes, do you know if your home is protected?

In the midst of storms, anything can happen. Do you know what to do if a lightening strikes your home? Read more about how to prepare if lightening hits your house.

Lightening Fires

If you know that your house has been hit and on fire, call the fire department immediately. Fires start from the top and burn down, so avoid the attic and be cautious of burning walls. Lightening can cause tremendous damage to an unprotected home. Fire is the number one damage due to lightening.

Storm Power Surges

Power Surge damage can occur when lightening finds electrical wiring. This can cause damage to your electrical appliances.

Storm Shock Waves

Another thing to consider is the lightening’s Shock Wave (AKA Thunder). Shock Waves can cause damage in the structure of your home; breaking windows, hindering the integrity of the walls, causing cracks in foundation, as well as shaking items off of walls.

Looking into a professionally installed lightening protection system can prevent much stress and chaos.

In the event that you have a fire from lightening or electricity, trust SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to do the job right.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Texas Tornadoes

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Texas Tornado on a plain.

Texas is no stranger to tornadoes. A solid emergency plan is critical when a twister pops up. Here is some tips on how to protect yourself, your family, and even pets in the event of a tornado.

Taking Action Against Tornadoes!

• Stay updated with the news!
• Pick a room in your home that is your safe room if you cannot evacuate in time for a tornado. A storm cellar or a room with no windows on the lowest level will work.
• Make sure to have a emergency kit ready! (Here is a great blog you can read about preparing one for your family!)
• Try to turn off your water and electricity to prevent any potential damage!
• Know the differences between Tornado Watch and Tornado Warnings!

             Tornado Watch means that there’s a                     possibility of tornadoes in the area.

             Tornado Warnings means that a tornado               has been spotted and to take cover                     immediately!

If there’s damage or clean up from a tornado in your home or business, let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills help take care of the mess. SERVPRO specializes in storm clean up and restoration, so trust in the professionals who will do it right, the first time.

Stopping Storms in Their Tracks!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

What To Do When Your Plumbing Bursts?

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let a busted pipe ruin your home! Call SERVPRO for fast remediation on any water damages!

As winter approaches, so does the fear of busted pipes. From frozen pipes to plumbing issues, check out this guide of what to do when your plumbing bursts!

5 Tips to Prevent Plumbing Issues:

• Loud pipes, visible rust, visible moisture on the floor or walls, or wet dirt around home are signs of plumbing issues.
• Don’t forget to let your faucets drip and insulating your pipes to avoid busted pipes.
• Install a leak detection system in your home.
• Installing a backflow system in older homes to prevent sewage backup.
• Never pour grease down a drain! Try pouring it in a jar and then discarding it afterwards.

If you notice that you are having plumbing issues in your home, please call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to help with your water clean and restoration needs!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

When a Storm Strikes...What Will You Do?

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Dark, Storm Clouds rolling over a Texan Plain!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is your one stop phone call for any home or commercial disasters. When storms and floods hit, our restoration crew is there for you 24/7. Trained in the field with the most experience and using state-of-the-art equipment to restore your contents and property “like it never even happened!”

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated in the DFW area, we can rush out to assist you in any type of disaster. With water damage, the quicker it is handled, the less the damage is. We want to provide the highest quality service while reducing restoration costs on you.

Resources for Floods & Storms

Our local SERVPRO has the resources and knowledge to handle large storms and disasters. With a grand network of over 1,600 other SERVPRO across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams, we are able to help anybody, anywhere in the United States.

Do you have storm or flood damages? Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to help you with your water, storm, or flood damages!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know the source of your water damage?

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here for you 24/7 for all your water emergencies. Our expert teams knows that immediate action important to stop water damage in its track.

We are here to help! In times of confusion, stress, and fear, we understand that you want to trust someone to get the job done right. We specialize in water damage restoration and we want to be able to help your family or business through difficult times.

What You Can Do Now

When you give SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call, we are going to ask a few questions so we can dispatch our team out to the property quickly. These questions help us understand how to better assist you to our fullest ability.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

 SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here for whatever you need!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Never Underestimate Water Damage

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage has many adverse health effects. Here are things that you may need to watch out for!

Whether big or small, water can affect your home or business in negative ways. When you notice water in parts of your home, call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to help stop further water damage, find the source, and prevent mold in the future.

What are the Different Effects of Water Damage?

• Mold can start growing after 24-48 hours after water contaminates an area. It is crucial for a fast response to halt mold growth in its track.
• Depending on the water that has contaminated the home or business can cause havoc. Black water is the most contaminated type of water and highly unsanitary.
• Electrical wires or exposed gas lines is dangerous when mixed with water. Make sure to turn off your electricity and gas pipes.

Water damage, whether big or small, can be devastating all around. But calling SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can help the recovery process on your property and we can give you the best option for your home.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Here to Help!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

3 Quick Tips to Prevent Fires This Halloween

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Pumpkins and Candles are fun for Halloween, just don't let them turn dangerous!

Time honored traditions around Halloween often consist of the cutting and carving of pumpkins.

As October and Fire Prevention Month comes to an end, practice these safety tips to help ensure that you have a spooky Halloween, not a fiery one!

3 Quick Tips

1. Instead of leaving a lit candle unsupervised as you handle all the Halloween festivities, make sure to use a led candle light instead. Or try adding spooky effects like different colored glow sticks.
2. Don’t get caught without wearing a flame-retardant costume! From capes, to hats, to a “witch’s broom”, one wrong turn could leave room to something to catching on fire.
3. Double think your fall decoration! Scarecrows and bales of hay may add that fall harvest look to your home, but dried material ignite easier and faster than some other decor. Make sure there isn’t any lit candles that could accidentally start an unnecessary fire.

Expect for the Unexpected

When in doubt, make sure that there is a safe path to exit the home as well as fire extinguishers readily available.

If you do experience any fires, let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills clean up from the aftermath. Cleaning soot from fire is not as easy as you would think! But SERVPRO has the resources and know-how to make it “Like it never even happened!”

Taking Fear out of the Fire

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

And from all of us at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we hope everyone has a fun, safe Halloween!

Facts about BENEFECT!

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

A bottle of their 100% natural! Look close: No warning labels!

Whether you are starting a young family, or wanting to be greener, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills wants you to keep you and your family healthy…naturally.

So...what is Benefect?

SERVPRO uses natural botanical disinfectants and cleaners from Benefect.

Benefect is the world’s first government registered hospital disinfectant to use essential oils for a deeper clean. Using naturally based cleaners and alcohol-free hand sanitizers, the power of the clean comes from natural oils from plants.

What's the Secret?

Benefect uses thyme natural oils that that are used in the plant’s defensives against other biological invaders. Remarkably, Benefect kills 99.99% of germs and is completely made of food grade products.

SERVPRO + Benefect = Match Made in Heaven

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Make Your Facility Brand New!

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

We are the premier leader in air duct and HVAC cleanings!

Has your business just opened after recent construction? Do you have debris left from renovations and need to clean your building? You are in luck!

Here is How SERVPRO Can Help You!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in Air Duct and HVAC cleaning to eliminate the extra dust and dirt in the air, creating a healthier environment to breath in.

We also do deep cleanings in carpet, upholstery, drapes and blinds to remove embedded dirt and hidden bacteria.

If you don’t have carpets in your facility, we also deep clean hard floors types, as well as less cleaning places that may need some extra TLC like walls and ceilings.

Any additional smells that may be lingering in your new facility, we offer deodorization to create a pleasant work atmosphere.

Think that you want your building to be deep cleaned from top to bottom, or to make your facility as good as new? Give SERVPRO of North Richland Hills a call!

Get To Know Us!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

5 Spots Mold Plays Hide-N-Seek

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fuzzy Mold That Feeds off Humid Temperatures! Stop the game of Hide-N-Seek with Mold.

With all the rain, it is easy to get sick from cooler temperatures and warmer homes. Though, keep an eye on the hidden mold that grows in this perfect environment. Warm and wet regions of your home can be subjected to perfect mold conditions and affect your health.

5 Spots Mold Hides in Your Home

1. Your Shower – the most common place where mold grows. Check around tile grout, washcloths and loofahs, and even your shower curtain.
2. Your Sink – Any excess moisture creates a living environment where fungus thrives. Make sure to check around your faucets and in toothbrush caddies.
3. Your Walls and Floors – If you have any leaky pipes, prepare to investigate because it’s a place where mold can grow while not being disturbed.
4. Your Refrigerator – Expired food can be a hotbed for any growth and could affect your other food and health!
5. Your Mattress – Excess moisture and the right temperature can encourage mold growth under your bed.

Avoid getting sick this season from unnecessary mold growth and keep your family and home safe from fungus.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Seeks and Mitigates! 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Hurricane Michael Update

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

NASA Image of Hurricane Michael

Harvey. Florence. And now Michael. It has been one hurricane after another. Do you know the impact of Hurricanes in your area? Check out these updates about Hurricane Michael and what SERVPRO can do for you after major storm damage!

Facts about Hurricanes

• On average, the U.S. Eastern Coast experiences 10 tropical storms a year.
• They form from warm waters over the Atlantic Ocean, and under right circumstances, develop into massive hurricanes, circulating at 180 MPH.
• They can last for 2 to 3 weeks before they even making landfall.
• Hurricanes can cover miles in circumference, increasing the mass area for destruction.

Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael made landfall in Mexico Beach, Florida on the afternoon of October 10, 2018. Hurricane Michael’s winds were at 155 MPH, the category 4 hurricane (close to being a category 5) and the most powerful hurricane since 1992. The Florida panhandle was left in ruins but still continues to travel up through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with strong winds and flood warnings.

What Can SERVPRO do for you?

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after damaging event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at (817) 589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Check out What to do in a Natural Disaster!

Check out Tax Deductions for Storm Damage!

7 Tricks to Prevent Candle Fires this Fall

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

A single candle that is burning by a flame.

Autumn for the beginning of cozy weather and holiday festivities like going to pumpkin patches, trick or treating or even lighting a pumpkin spice candle to enjoy the fleeting days of fall (and in Texas, it goes by fast!)

Candle Safety & Preventing Candle Related Fires

Who doesn’t love lighting the candles, especially in fall and winter? Though precautions have to be made when handling a live flame. There are nearly 24 fires from candles reported per day with December as being the peak month for most candle-related fires from home decoration. One-third of all fires from candles start in the bedroom and cause 36% of deaths. But what may be a surprise is that half of home candle fires happen when left less than twelve inches from a combustible material.

To keep your home and family safe, read these 7 safety tips to stop candles from burning your perfect holiday memories (and a hole in your wallet!):

1. Keep Candles Away from Children and Pets

If there is any advice that is the most important, this is it! Kids and pets can be all over the place and all it takes is one curious finger or fur to close to the flame to get burnt!

2. Never Leave a Candle Without Supervision

Anything can happen when you turn your back. Be aware of the surroundings and keep an eye on the candle.

3. Hide Lighters and Matches

Lighters or matches places too close to a flame or in a child’s reach can cause major destruction. Hide lighters, matches, gas, oil, and combustible items out of sight, up high, or locked up!

SECRET TIP: Use a candle burner to have the same scent fill the house without the fear of the flame!

4. Use Candle Holders...Seriously!

This is such an understated hack! Candle holders are LIFESAVERS and are a great way to decorate for the holidays while still being safe. Place candles inside a flame retardant container, or place on a candle holder to collect melting wax.

5. Use a Snuffer to Put Out Flames

Blowing out a candle or using water to put out a candle fire may cause more harm than good. Keep in mind that wax that forms around the flame is now a liquid and blowing the candle may spray the wax, or pouring water on the candle may cause the wax to spray out of the candle. Using a snuff, cover that is placed over the flame to cut off oxygen source is the safest method of putting out a candle flame.

6. Stick with Flashlights in Emergencies

If the power is cut off or it is dark at night, try to use flashlights over candles. Moving in the dark may cause tripping, and dropping a candle can instantly start a fire on a rug or carpet.

7. Toss Old Candles

Have that favorite candle that is burned to the bottom? Best to throw it out because using candles with a short wick can cause a fire. Try saving the leftover wax by melting what is left of the candle on a candle burner or in a bowl of shallow hot water over a boiling pot, and {CAREFULLY} pour the wax into a new container (be aware of plastics and glass!)

This way you can combine what is left of all your favorite fall candles into a new autumn mix!

That's a Wrap!

Now that you have brushed up on candle safety and preventing future fires for #firepreventionmonth, bring on all the cozy smelling scents!

Though in the case you have experienced a home fire from candles, fireplaces, holiday cooking, grilling or more, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is there “to make it like it never even happened!”

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at 817-589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Check out Four Steps to an Effective Business Contingency Plan!

Also, check out Tips for Protecting Your Pets From Fire!

Sources:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Candles

What to do in a Natural Disaster?

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Lighting strike during a storm.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Florence on the East Coast, you may have been affected directly or know someone who was affected in the recent storm. In efforts to encourage preparedness and safety, here is a quick look on what to do in a natural disaster situation.

Pre-Disaster

It is essential to have different emergency plans that best suits your family, the region you live in, and the various types of disasters you may face (i.e. flood, fire, tornado/hurricane, earthquake, etc.) An emergency kit in your household or vehicle before the disaster occurs is crucial for safety and survival. One way to know if you may be facing a potential disaster is staying tuned into local news programming. This is vital to know which precautions should be taken and what new developments have occurred.

Basic Disaster Kit:

• An easy-to-carry container, box or bag is ideal. Remember that this will need to withstand the elements, so try to find materials that are Waterproof and/or Fireproof
• One gallon a day for every person in your household for three days
• Non-perishable food supply for three days for every person in your household. Note how to open canned food items and if they may need a can opener
• Flashlight (don’t forget extra batteries!)
• First Aid Kit
• Pocket Knife
• A whistle to alert for help
• Matches and candles
• A radio that is hand cranked or battery powered
• A tarp and heavy duty paracord for a makeshift shelter
• Warm blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra garbage bags, plastic ties, and hand sanitizer for sanitation
• A cell phone and charger and battery backup source
• Some books or cards (for entertainment)
• Copies of personal identification (driver’s license, social security, medical records), prescription medications, insurance contact and information, emergency services numbers and resources, local maps, extra cash, and an extra paper and pen
• Keep all important paper documents in a plastic sealed bag, then placed in a portable, lockable cash bag

Steps for Safety

Keep in mind that safety is the top priority. Staying alert and calm is essential in natural disasters. If authorities advise evacuating the region, make sure that your gas tank is filled and you follow the advised routes. Before leaving your property, make sure you lock all valuable in the house.

1. If you are leaving your property, make sure to have a full tank of gas and follow advised evacuation routes.
2. Keep valuables in your home and lock your property.
3. If there is flooding, try to wear waders, waterproof boots, or even gloves. Contaminated water can make cause health problems later on.
4. Turn off fuse box. You don’t want to water and electricity to be in contact with each other. If the area around the box is surrounded by water, don’t attempt to turn it off.
5. Take photos of the damage, if you can, for the insurance purposes.
6. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills to assist with any water, fire, mold, storm, or Biohazard damages. SERVPRO North Richland Hills also provides services for residential and commercial cleanings.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility for regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at 817-589-1499 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Check out Tax Deductions for Storm Damage!

Check out Four Steps to an Effective Contingency Business Plan!

Four Steps to an Effective Business Contingency Plan

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a business in Fort Worth, Texas

Regardless if it’s fire or water, planning ahead at your business mitigates a large amount of risk when handling a disaster. A contingency plan requires a bit of forethought and preparation, but it is worthwhile to plan now to prevent significant consequences later. With these four steps, your business can have its own plan to counteract disaster.

1. Consider All Risks to Your Business

This step involves inclusive brainstorming. Getting multiple perspectives from your employees allows you to identify risk you may’ve otherwise missed. This offers perspective on the different effects of a disaster on certain sectors of the business. For example, an IT professional may know something about the risks for servers or computers that you do not.

2. Complete a Draft of the Plan

Starting with the largest risk, begin drafting your contingency plan. This requires gauging what should be done to effectively minimize losses. Responsibilities and communication should be assigned for every important procedure like an evacuation plan.

The plan should be written in straightforward steps, so everyone can understand the process if the time arrives to act. You can ask employees to proofread your draft for readability and potentially missed steps.

3. Complete Your Plan and Distribute It Afterwards

Ease of access is key, so ensure that the completed plan is readily accessible. With the prevalence of online mobile devices, these documents can be stored on a remote cloud server or a specialty offline phone app. Regardless of digital availability, they should also be kept as hard copies on the grounds.

4. Update the Plan As Your Business Changes

Your business continues to grow and change, and your plan should too. Keeping it up-to-date prevents anyone no longer in a position from being assigned key responsibilities. It’s worthwhile to revise the plan once a year to add any new considerations.

A contingency plan will keep your Watauga, TX, business safe from unnecessary loss. Any damage sustained, despite proactive measures, can be restored by a professional commercial damage restoration crew. The cost of a disaster can be minimized extensively with your planning and the assistance of expert repair.

What To Do After Your Toilet Overflows

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Equipment Set up on a water loss in a North Richland Hills, TX home

Indoor plumbing is a wonderful amenity that most of the world has become accustomed to — and very grateful for — but that doesn’t mean it’s a flawless system. Sometimes you’ll find yourself dealing with a flooded toilet, which can be the result of a minor clog or even major sewer damage. No matter what problems you’re experiencing, it’s good to know what to do to minimize the potential damage to your home in North Richland Hills, TX after your toilet spills over.

A Simple Clogged Toilet

Most of the time, the issue is simply a small clog, and you’ll probably be able to take care of it with a plunger. If the toilet is currently overflowing, the first thing you’ll want to do is shut off the water supply using the valve that's usually found just behind the toilet. If you can’t find this, open the water tank and rig the float into a position that allows it to stay in place so no more water flows in.

Any water that made it to the floor is contaminated, especially if it’s from a bigger sewer backup. It’s very important to clean this up and disinfect the area, then disinfect any rags used for the cleanup.

Major Sewer Damage

If it seems like the toilet is still clogged or wants to keep overflowing, there’s a chance the clog is larger and deeper in the pipes. Alternately, there may be damage down below, such as a break or crack in the sewer system.

If you’re experiencing more serious sewer damage, the kind that can't be remedied with a plunger and elbow grease, it will more than likely become worse over time; it is definitely not a problem to put off. Contaminated water can back up not only into your toilets, but also into sinks, bath tubs, and showers, which can become a health hazard for you and your family. Contacting your local sewage system experts to diagnose and fix your sewer problems will give you peace of mind and prevent more costly damage from occurring in your home.

Exactly What Is Black Mold and What should I Do If I Suspect Mold

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold infestation to your business? Let the professionals at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills help!

Not all varieties of mold found in your home or commercial business are toxic. Mold is just another word for fungi that occurs naturally in thousands of different varieties. Only a few are toxic to humans with black mold being on the top of the list of “usual suspects” when mold contamination affects the interior of a home or commercial business and the health of its occupants. Black Mold requires immediate professional attention. Long term exposure to black mold has been associated with a spectrum of symptoms including allergic reactions like hay fever, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, dizziness and even depression.

The formal name for black mold is Stachybotrys Chartarum. This type of mold is particularly adapted to growing inside structures when minimal requirements of moisture and food are available. Like all mold, active black mold releases millions of microscopic reproductive spores. However black mold spores carry chemicals called mycotoxins that are known to be toxic to humans when inhaled.

Contrary to its name black mold is often not black. In fact, black mold maybe closer to green in color or appear to be various shades of brown as well. Keep in mind that other types of harmless mold can also assume this same coloration so if black mold is suspected inside a home or commercial building it can only be confirmed by a licensed mold remediation specialist who will test direct samples.

Successfully treating black mold in a home or commercial building is not a DIY project. Once the mold is tested a licensed and qualified mold remediation specialist can write up a protocol and begin remediation.

For more information or a licensed and qualified Mold Remediation Professional contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499 

Forth Worth Molded Garage

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage to a property in Fort Worth, Texas

These Fort Worth homeowners were on vacation and completely unaware of water that had penetrated in to their garage. While the water sat there for approximately 5-7 days, you can imagine the amount of mold growth that they found on their ceiling from the ongoing moisture. 

Follow these steps if you believe you have mold in your home or business.

1. Emergency Contact - (817) 589-1499

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. 

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. 

5. 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. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. 

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed.  

3 Common Mold Causes

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Common areas where mold is found.

Mold or mildew odors in your home are sometimes an early indication of Mold growth. Mold often emits musty or other unpleasant odors and although the presence of a musty, moldy odor does not mean that you have a mold problem, it is one of the early indicators that you could have a hidden mold problem and should have it checked out as soon as possible. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to help. 

1. Plumbing Leaks

Hidden and undetected plumbing leaks often lead to extensive water damage and mold. Our SERVPRO of North Richland Hills technicians are experts at locating possible plumbing leaks and although some plumbing leaks are obvious other plumbing leaks may be hidden. Our state of the art moisture detection equipment helps locate and pinpoint moisture issues and hidden leaks. It is very important to act quickly once a plumbing leak is detected. According to the US EPA, mold can grow in 24-48 hours if building materials are not dried out quickly and properly.  

2. Roof Leaks

Damaged, worn, or improperly installed roofs, roof flashing, chimney caps, rain gutters, and plumbing vent stacks can lead to roof leaks, which can lead to indoor mold growth and water damage.

3. Grading and Drainage Issues

Soils and landscaping should always slope away from a structure. Improper grading can cause water to run towards the foundation and walls instead of away. The water from rain and irrigation sprinklers can also invade the home and cause mold growth as well as water damage. Also, improper, failing, or missing rain gutter systems often cause water intrusion issues in residences and commercial buildings that is the source cause of many indoor mold growth problems.

Not so common areas where mold is found.

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold found in multiple areas in a North Richlands Home.

We have put together a short list of problems that can lead to mold, mold odors, and damage to your home:

1. Foundation Leaks, Vapor Drive, or Crawl Space Ventilation

Dampness, excess humidity, and condensation from the foundation can be attributed to many issues such as leaks in plumbing, grading or drainage issues, improper construction, missing or improper vapor barriers, poor crawlspace ventilation, support beams and wood piers touching soil, and foundation cracks and settling.

2. Misaligned Sprinklers and Sprinkler System Leaks

Are your sprinklers spraying the side of your home, on your windows, or on your foundation? This condition can cause water damage and force water to enter the building envelope and intrude into walls and under flooring causing mold growth.

3. Failing or Poor Caulking or Grout in Showers and Around Tubs

Showers and tubs should always be well sealed to prevent water from getting into surrounding walls and underneath. Failing to apply or properly caulk or grout as well as improper construction of shower pans and tub enclosures are common causes of water intrusion and mold growth. Moisture in the surrounding building materials can not only lead to mold growth in your bathroom but also the adjacent walls.

If you suspect that you may have mold in your home or commercial business call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499 or visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com

2 Ideas on Keeping Your Break Room Fridge Mold-Free

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

The moisture inside your break room’s refrigerator and the presence of spoiling foods are ideal conditions for mold growth. Since you don’t have much control over the fridge’s condensation, you need to address the expired foods. 

1. Be Accountable

Everyone who uses the communal refrigerator should keep track of what they put in, when they put it in, and when it needs discarding. If employees have difficulty remembering, they can put date labels on each item. By following this simple suggestion, mold growth may be discouraged.

2. Perform a Weekly Purge

Choose one day each week to examine the contents of the fridge and get rid of anything that doesn’t pass inspection. Make sure to sanitize afterwards, as disinfecting the fridge is important for avoiding mold growth. Schedule this housekeeping every Friday so nothing goes bad over the weekend. No one wants to return to work on Monday and deal with fridge mold.

Preventing Mold in Your Home

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Taking preventative measures beforehand decreases chances of facing bigger problems later. Here are 2 steps that can be taken to prevent fridge mold.

1. Pay for Sterilization

If you feel that cleaning your home is too gross to handle, consider hiring a cleaning service to tackle the task. It may be a costly expense, but it will be worth it. Footing the bill for routine cleanings is better than having a mold outbreak. 

2. Know Who To Contact

If the mold prevention measures you took didn’t work, make sure to contact your mold removal specialists in North Richlands. They have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to quickly remove mold as well as other hidden sources that may be mold-infested. 

Getting a whiff of that dreaded mold smell and later discovering visible mold can be overwhelming and scary for homeowners. Follow the above steps to be proactive in your fight against mold rather than simply reactive after its formation.

Why does mold grow in my North Richland Home?

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

If you see MOLD in your home or business call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499

Did you know that microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors? This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you suspect Mold in your commercial or residential building call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. Our professional Mold team can inspect and access your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. 

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499

Speedy Response: The Key to Mold Prevention

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

By acting quickly within the first 24 hours following the discovery of water damage, it is possible to prevent mold growth.

Mold is an invasive, destructive fungus that thrives in a moist, warm environment. Left unchecked, mold can begin to grow and spread on even slightly wet surfaces within building materials during the first 24–48 hours following an incident of water damage or water leakage. Such a fungal infestation can wreak havoc on the interior structure of a building, often resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

Unfortunately, many property owners don’t know they have a problem until it is too late. If you do suspect an issue with your building in North Richland Hills, TX, it is important to act quickly.

Trigger Points

Many events can trigger mold growth, and, while some aren’t always obvious, other incidents should always raise a red flag. Here are some of the main causes of mold infestation which must never be overlooked:

• Flood
• Fire
• Roof or plumbing leak
• Damp basement
• Extremely high humidity

If your building has been impacted by any of these events, it is important to act immediately. Successful mold prevention begins upon the discovery of any water damage — no matter how small — or any event that could foster the dangerous combination of moisture and warmth.

Action Plan

Upon discovery of a potential mold-causing event, call a restoration specialist in North Richland Hills, TX, for an emergency assessment. While waiting for professional help, dry the affected area with mops and rags, remove wet rugs or carpeting, prop wet upholstery and cushions. Wipe any dampness from tables or objects. Mildew (the precursor to mold) can form on any wet surface, no matter how small.

By acting quickly within the first 24 hours following the discovery of water damage, it is possible to prevent mold growth. Once this window of opportunity is closed, the question of mold prevention is likely to be moot and the far more expensive process of tearing down, removing and replacing the damage caused by mold begins. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Tips for Protecting Your Pets From Fire

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Pets need to often remain relocated while an expert fire damage restoration crew works to restore your home.

Your pets are family, so their safety during a fire emergency is a strong concern. Pets can be protected by preventing them from causing a fire and establishing procedures to protect them if a fire happens. With your adequate planning, your pets can continue living a happy and safe life in North Richlands Hills, TX.

Protect Your Pets From Fire by Keeping Fire Away From Your Pets

Pets can easily cause a house fire. As the first step of pet preparation for fire safety, you should establish your house as a secure place for pets to roam when you are away. There are several situations that can be mitigated by taking preventative measures:

• Turning off or blowing out open flames that pets may investigate when left alone
• Blocking off or removing stove knobs or buttons a curious pet could turn
• Replacing candles with alternatives such as flameless varieties
• Stopping younger pets from being left to roam altogether while you are gone
• Elevating or covering cords that pets may chew to expose the wiring

Plan With Your Pets in Mind

Pet safety during a fire emergency is accomplished by having an escape plan that considers your pets. An emergency supply box should contain vaccination records, ownership certificates and veterinary supplies.

When doing routine fire drills at your house, you should include your pet and establish an easy way to bring them to you such as a verbal call or food trigger. With more skittish pets, a pet carrier should be readily available to prevent the animal from running away due to the stress.

Properly Handle Pets for Your Property’s Restoration

Pets need to often remain relocated while an expert fire damage restoration crew works to restore your home. While temporarily displaced from your residence, you may be put into a hotel where pets are not allowed. You should decide on a trustworthy friend or business to watch over your pets if a fire emergency ever affects you. With your pets’ safety out of mind, you can focus on your home’s restoration. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/. 

Tips To Handle Your Flight Cancelation

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

The good news is that you can effectively deal with unexpected storm conditions by strategically reframing your travel plans.

Few variables in airline travel are more frustrating than a canceled flight. Adverse weather conditions may abruptly change your travel plans. Even when weather forecasts in North Richland Hills, TX, are favorable, storm fronts can move in quickly and ground your plane. Fortunately, storm tips can effectively help minimize the disruption.

1. Buy a Travel Policy

Surprisingly, few travelers consider buying a travel policy. It can save you big money if your flight plans go awry. The policy cost is often a fraction of the ticket price, and most policies offer canceled flight and delayed trip benefits. If your flight is affected by conditions beyond your control, such as a storm hazard, your policy may allow you to recover airfare, hotel expenses and meal costs. Each policy's benefits and exclusions differ, so you may want to carefully review this option before your trip.

2. Use a Flight App

Major airlines usually offer an app you can download to check the status of your flight. The information allows more time to revise your plans when cancelations are anticipated.

3. Rebook Your Flight

Depending on weather patterns, it can be a smart move to reroute your flight to a nearby airport. Storm activity can vary widely between airport locations. For a little extra time and expense, your travel plans need not be abandoned. You can simply drive a rental car to the nearest open airport.

4. Defer Your Departure

When possible, it can work to your advantage to defer travel when forecasts predict extended, severe storm conditions. Unless you absolutely must maintain your travel schedule, moving your flight date out could lower the chance of encountering additional flight delays.

The good news is that you can effectively deal with unexpected storm conditions by strategically reframing your travel plans. Leveraging a few simple tips can help put you back in control and reduce the impact of a canceled flight.
For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Preventing Holiday Cooking Fires

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

In Wright County, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

It’s that time of year again when we start getting creative in the kitchen, cooking up mouthwatering dishes for all your friends and family. It’s also the time of year when kitchen fires happen the most for Richland Hills, TX

Per Greene Publishing, INC. about 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they had only learned what to do if there is a fire.

Below are a few tips on what you can do to prevent fires from happening or spreading.

1. Never leave cooking food unattended. Unattended cooking fires occur when a person starts cooking food on the stove and then leaves the kitchen and does not pay attention to the food. A fire can occur quickly when food is left unattended. Watch what you heat: When frying, grilling or broiling and stay in the kitchen while the food is cooking. Turn off the stove if leaving the kitchen, even for a short time.
2. Always keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove or appliances. When cooking try to wear clothing with sleeves that are short, close fitting or tightly rolled up. For clothing fires remember: STOP, DROP AND ROLL.
3. Always know what to do if you have a cooking fire: When in doubt, get out of the residence and close the door to contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after leaving the house or apartment. Keep oven mitt and lid that fits the pan nearby. NEVER USE WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! Wear an oven mitt and smother the fire by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and do not move the pan.
4. Always keep kids away from cooking area: Create a “kid-free zone” of three feet from the stove or appliance.
5. Place objects so they cannot be pulled or knocked over. Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge. Open microwaved food slowly, away from the face to avoid scald burns.
6. Make sure that you have working fire alarms: Prevent nuisance alarms during cooking by not installing smoke alarms in the kitchen. Do not disable your smoke alarm or take out the batteries.

Following the tips listed above can help prevent a kitchen fire or trip to the emergency!

About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. 

Tips on Preventing a Residential or Commercial Fire

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

House in Richland Hills, TX has fire damage.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills knows that coming home to a house fire isn’t any one’s idea of a good time. A fire can destroy your home or business in a matter of minutes. Everything inside your home can go up in smoke in a blink of an eye. Most fires occur with little to no warning, but they can be prevented if you follow some of these small fire safety prevention tips.

Don’t Use Damaged Power Cords

Always check your power and extension cords for any damages, worn out ends, exposed or fraying lines. Damaged cords will most likely cause an electric shock and if the cord is worn out, the heat it generates can lead to a fire with direct contact to any flammable material. Avoid a potential fire damage by replacing damaged or worn cords.

Turn Off Your Appliances

If you plan on leaving your home for any amount of time, make sure you turn off any electrical appliances. It only takes one malfunction while you’re away to quickly turn into a disastrous house fire. 

Clean Out That Dryer Lint Trap

Believe it or not, leaving the link to buildup in your dryer’s lint trap can lead to a house fire. Cleaning lint out of your dryer’s lint trap only takes a few seconds and can greatly reduce the risk of a house fire. You should also consider checking your dryer hose for any lint or debris buildup.

Never Leave Lit Candles Unattended

Many people will light candles in their home for numerous reasons, but it is very important that you don’t forget that you have a candle burning. A single candle can cause major fire damage if it is knocked over or placed too close to flammable material. When lighting candles make sure you place them in secure holders far away from anything that can catch on fire. Always blow your candles out before leaving the room or your home.

Following these 4 simple tips can help minimize the risk of a fire but if a fire loss does occur SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to help 24/7/365! Call 817-589-1499

What Do Your Noisy Pipes Mean?

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Paying attention to what your plumbing tells you can reduce the chance of needing to call in professionals to fix a broken pipe later down the line.

Noisy pipes can be startling and headache-inducing in and of themselves, but rattling pipes might also be a sign of a problem with your plumbing. Different noises may indicate different issues. It’s best to seek help in Richland Hills, TX, and get the matter addressed to make sure a minor annoyance doesn’t build up and result in a pipe break. There are a few common noises:

? Whistling
? Banging
? Clanging

Blockage in Pipes

A whistling noise is common in blocked pipes. Blockages are more benign when occurring at faucets, valves and shower heads. Tightening valves, pipe maintenance, and cleaning showerheads can often fix these. A clogged pipe is more serious, however, because the extra pressure is hard on the plumbing and can lead to a pipe break. Professional plumbers are the best solution for blockages in your pipes.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure often comes with a banging or hammering noise. If the noise persists while the water is off, it’s likely being caused by high water pressure. Similar noises may also result from trapped air, which can be resolved by draining pipes to get rid of those air pockets. Water pressure, on the other hand, can result in leaking due to loose pipe connections. If damage from high water pressure goes unaddressed, it can make a pipe burst.

Water Speed Changes

Water speed changes are likely the cause if there is a clanging noise whenever a faucet or shower is shut off. The clanging noise comes from the pipe vibrating at the change in the water’s speed. The change in momentum can be normal but on rare occasions can cause pipe connections to loosen or leak. Anti-hammer devices can help with this problem.

Paying attention to what your plumbing tells you can reduce the chance of needing to call in professionals to fix a broken pipe later down the line. The inconvenience of a pipe break can be avoided in many cases simply by doing regular maintenance. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Category 1 Water Will Not Remain Clean

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

To additionally evaluate secondary water damage, it’s worth considering a professional water damage restoration crew.

Water damage that comes from natural weather or any sanitary supply line is considered to be Category 1. While the water is from an uncontaminated source, it is still worth concern. Clean water threatens damage to commercial property. Understanding what it is, helps mitigate its severity.

Sources of Category 1 Water

Category 1 classification is for water that has a very low risk of starting out contaminated. It’s considered clean because it is either treated before use or naturally occurring. It can be from various sources:

• Broken pipe
• Defective faucet, toilet or sink
• Rainwater
• Melted snow
• Sprinkler system
• Overflowing commercial containers of sterile water

Categories of Water

Water is broken into categories depending on how dangerous cleanup will be. There are three different categories depending on severity. Category 2 and above pose an additional danger to health since those types contain harmful microorganisms. Category 1 is safe for people to be around but can damage the building if untreated.

Damage Caused by Category 1

While the water will not absorb or evaporate to heavily damage property, there are dangers of the damage escalating. As the water picks up contaminates from its surroundings, it can become more unhealthy and dangerous for everything to be around in as little as a day. If an odor that isn’t like tap water is in the air, the area probably has become contaminated and should be avoided until treated.

Valuable electronics and carpet can become damaged if not removed from the water. Precaution should be taken to ensure all movables are relocated somewhere dry and electronics remain nowhere near the water.

Treatment of the Damage

Clean water needs a cleanup. If desired, the affected property can be dried and carpeting can be cleaned by business owners or employees. To additionally evaluate secondary water damage, it’s worth considering a professional water damage restoration crew for your company in Richland Hills, TX. Making sure the damage has no larger implications can save money in the future. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Know How To Protect Your Office From Flood Damage

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

In North Richland Hills, TX, damage from flooding can be prevented.

Take back control of your office space and know how to prevent flooding that can result from storms and improper maintenance of the building. Here are three areas to focus your energy on to make sure your company is protected and prepared.

1. Seal the Roof and Windows

Regularly checking the condition of the roof and windows can go a long way in protecting your building against water damage due to rainwater leaking in. Using proper sealants and checking for loose shingles will help prevent flood damage.

Similarly, ensure that doors and windows seal properly to prevent damage from stagnant water sources after a storm. Improper maintenance can result in black water accumulating in the office space, which is unsanitary. These routine maintenance checks are a small price to pay for peace of mind during the rainy season.

2. Protect HVAC Systems

Each HVAC system is different, but all can be damaged by flooding from storms. Ensuring the roofing is sturdy can help protect the ductwork for your HVAC system, as roof leaks can become pipe and ductwork leaks. Also, placing outdoor HVAC units in an area that is on higher ground can be a smart choice. Even though outdoor units are designed to withstand the elements, rain or shine, extensive flood damage can destroy the internal electrical wiring.

3. Maintain the Plumbing

Ensuring proper maintenance is done on the building’s plumbing can save you a headache later on. Periodic checks and regular upkeep, particularly when your building uses a septic tank, is vital for preventing black water damage. That level of water damage can require a more thorough cleanup as the water has become unsanitary and is full of harmful bacteria that can be a danger even after the water is gone.

In North Richland Hills, TX, damage from flooding can be prevented, but if your commercial property ever suffers harm from floods, be sure to contact restoration professionals to make your space like new. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Support the Red Cross

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Helping the Red Cross

Many people often ask why they should support the Red Cross so the Red Cross has put together a list:

1. In the event of a house fire, damaging storm, or other disaster, the American Red Cross Disaster Response Unit is there!

2. The Red Cross feeds emergency workers during a disaster. They know how important it is to keep the volunteers taken care of as well.

3. The Red Cross provides CPR and First Aid Training for individuals and businesses.

4. We support the American Red Cross because they provide blood and blood products to disaster victims.

5. The American Red Cross helps folks communicate. During a disaster, they receive thousands of inquiries from concerned family members outside disaster areas. Then, they connect folks in the disaster zone to available communication resources. In addition, the Red Cross provides a special emergency communication program for senior citizens or people with special needs. It’s called the Lifeline Personal Response Service.    

6. Their assistance with communications doesn’t end there. The American Red Cross world-wide communication services help keep military personnel in touch with their families. Following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, like the birth of a child, the Red Cross keeps people connected. 

7. The Red Cross works with the military aid societies. Together they provide financial assistance for emergency travel. They also provide assistance that can’t wait until the next business day. Sometimes it’s food, temporary lodging, or urgent medical needs. Sometimes, it’s help in the form of financial assistance to avoid eviction and utility shut off.

8. The American Red Cross offers confidential counseling services to all military personnel and their families.This includes all active duty service men and women as well as the members of the National Guard and Reserves and veterans!

9. The Red Cross offers Pet aid in the event of disasters. In addition, they also provide information on how to keep your pet safe during a disaster. But more than that, they provide education for pet owners, showing them how to prepare in advance.

10. The American Red Cross provides education, information, and training for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for individuals and businesses. 

For more information go to http://www.redcross.org/

How To Prevent Mold in Your Swamp Cooler

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

You’ll never guess how swamp coolers got their name – and it’s not because they’re more effective in swampy areas. In fact, swamp coolers work less effectively in swampy areas. There are many running theories about how these alternatives to air conditioning came to be known as “swamp coolers,” but the chief theory is that the name comes from the swampy smell that rises when you have a leaking swamp cooler or don’t clean your swamp cooler well enough. And of course, that swampy smell rises from our number one enemy in Richland Hills, TX: mold.

Keeping Mold Out of Your Swamp Cooer

Because swamp coolers use water and convection to cool the air, they’re very vulnerable to mold infestations. If the standing water inside a swamp cooler begins to stagnate, the cooler begins to leak, or condensation begins to form on the outside because of temperature differentials, you may find your swamp cooler crawling with mold. To keep it clear:

1. Immediately inspect a leaking water cooler. Puddles forming underneath can prompt mold growth. If your leaking water cooler is beyond salvation, you may need to replace it.
2. Periodically empty and change the water in your swamp cooler. Fresh water is less likely to prompt mold growth than dirty or stagnant water.
3. Wipe the condensation from the outside of the cooler. This is particularly important in humid environments, and can also make sure your swamp cooler functions at max efficiency.
4. Frequently clean and dry out your swamp cooler. Dirt and grime mixed with water? Are a perfect recipe for mold. Meticulously clean your swamp cooler on a regular basis. This can mean fully emptying it and letting it dry out, and wiping it down thoroughly inside and out. You may even have to disassemble it to expose damp interior parts to the sun and open air, but anything is better than letting your swamp cooler live up to its “swampy” name. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Hidden and Harmful: Electronic Fire Damage

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Relying on computer cleanup professionals in Richland Hills, TX, to assess and recommend solutions makes the ordeal less taxing.

When a fire ravages your commercial property in Richland Hills, TX, and no one is harmed, you breathe a sigh of relief. However, the loss of records and files stored on your electronic equipment can be devastating, especially if the data was not saved. Even if all the computers and peripherals appear unscathed during computer cleanup, extensive and invisible damage to the inside is quite common.

Common Culprits

Before anyone turns on any electronics after the fire, have a professional examine all the equipment for smoke and soot damage. The three most common perils include:

• Magnetic Charge. Although it’s not common knowledge, smoke carries a magnetic charge that can short out electronic circuits and potentially start an electrical fire.

• Acidity from Soot. Soot is more than just unsightly; its acid content is extremely high and destructive. When it reaches the inside of electronics, soot may cause premature degradation and significantly reduce the normal lifespan of equipment.

• Black Film. Another unseen enemy is the layer of black film smoke often leaves on the inside of equipment. This black coating insulates components, increasing the chance of overheating and an electrical fire. Overheating can also shorten the lifespan of equipment.

Fixing the Problems

First and foremost, hire a professional who specializes in electronic restoration. It’s acceptable for an in-house IT pro to remove any storage or memory—typically stored on hard drives—and transfer the information to a cloud or clean computer that was not in the fire. After that, only an electronics restoration specialist should address the damage and attempt to salvage the equipment. Be aware that merely turning on a computer that’s been in a fire could quickly result in a short circuit and an electrical fire, or other damage.

Important Paperwork

While the restoration specialist is cleaning your equipment, locate warranty and insurance information on the damaged goods. Fire damage is often covered by warranties, and commercial fire insurance policies may also include coverage on electronics. Contact manufacturers and your insurance agents with relevant questions.

Recovering from a fire is stressful, especially when your important electronic data is at stake. Relying on computer cleanup professionals in Richland Hills, TX, to assess and recommend solutions makes the ordeal less taxing. For more information, visithttp://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com/.

Bio Cleanup in Fort Worth, Tx

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Bio cleanup, Fort Worth Texas

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained professionals of SERVPRO of North Richland Hills thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure. 

When Water Damage Strikes

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills will have a Professional on-site to help ensure the water damage is handled by completing the following steps. 

• INSPECTION: 

SERVPRO Professionals will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning any work.

•  EMERGENCY SERVICES:

SERVPRO Professionals will take steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal belongings and other contens, from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step

• MONITORING:

To help ensure your home or business
and belongings are dried to appropriate
industry standards, a SERVPRO Professional will monitor the drying process. The updates will be
consistently communicated to you.

• RESTORATION SERVICES:

SERVPRO Professionals will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk-through of the job-site will be conducted
with you to help ensure the property was returned to preloss condition.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help 24/7
Call Today - 817-589-1499

Fire Damage Cleanup

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fort Worth Fire that caused damage in all rooms of the house.

Many times, if asked; what is your emergency plan? Homeowners and renters can answer that with their emergency plan on how to get out of their home during a fire. 

What about how to get back into your home, after the fire has been put out? You can always call your insurance to make a claim, wait to get through to an actual live person and then, wait some more on who they suggest. This time, can be costly, especially when you have water just sitting in your home from the fire hoses.

Know your rights and steps you can take to prevent secondary damage. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills first. Allowing us to start work right away, will save you time and money! We will work directly with your insurance and adjuster, to get you back in your home after fire damage or water damage as soon as possible!

Commercial Duct Cleaning

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Has your office been hit by the flu? With the flu, officially an epidemic, have you considered duct cleaning for your facility? Duct cleaning can eliminate an array of issues your facility or office may be experiencing, such as odors, dust, pollen, dirt and debris, along with numerous other contaminants. 

The benefits go beyond just breathing in better cleaner and better smelling air but also, saves money and increase efficiency with your HVAC system. 

The best way to determine of your facility of office needs this-Have one of our professionals come out to inspect your HVAC system and ducts. We can put together a free estimate for you. We also will work with your schedule, as we know shutting down business to be cleaned; may not always be doable. We will work with your schedule and do what is best for you, your employees, work schedule and your overall needs. Call us today to schedule!

Storm and Weather Tips

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

With the spring season comes lush green lawns and warmer sunny days. However, spring is also the prime season for severe weather such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods. Per the American Red Cross, there are steps that can be taken to help ensure your safety if dangerous weather is predicted in your community.

The following are a few safety steps that can be taken to be ready if a tornado warning is issued is your area:

• Know what your community’s warning system is.

• Choose a safe room in your home for your family to meet if a tornado is headed your way. This room should be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor and should have no windows.

• Prepare your lawn for strong winds by removing any damaged limbs from trees and making sure your lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, etc. are secured.

Thunderstorms are also common in the spring and can produce very dangerous lightning. A few thunderstorm safety tips recommended by the American Red Cross are:

• Where there is thunder, there is lightning! If thunder can be heard, then you are close enough to be in danger of lightning strikes. Go indoors!

• Postpone any outdoor activities, such as sporting events and picnics until the storm passes. It is possible to get struck by lightning even if it is not raining.

• Take shelter in a building or vehicle with windows closed and stay clear of the windows.

• Do not shower or bathe during a thunderstorm.

Spring can also be the time of year for flooding. Flash floods occur suddenly when water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area. Below are some safety steps recommended in the event of flooding:

• Be prepared to evacuate and head for higher ground.

• Stay away from floodwaters.

• Do not drive on flooded streets.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood danger.

While severe weather can be frightening, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of the ones you love, by being prepared and taking precautions.

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Emergency Ready Plan-Are You Prepared?

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fire season is upon us and with that, comes potential threats. You can do what you can to prevent a fire but accidents happen. Do you have a binder in your office with your safety plan? Do you have the information stored in your head? Well, ask yourself this; If your building catches fire and your binder is sitting in your office, how does this help? If you are out of town, how will you communicate every single item that needs to be addressed? It's quite a bit to think about.

Safety for staff, damaged structures, damaged contents, insurance policies, fire departments, work will be stopped. All things you MUST be prepared for!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can create an Emergency Ready Profile that will always be accessible to you! We will create your ERP, provide you an app with username and password and you will always be prepared. Emergencies happen can happen anytime and we can make sure you are prepared, anytime. Let us help you TODAY! If it's FREE, why wait?

When Storms Hit You!

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

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

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 817-589-1499

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-589-1499

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-589-1499

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Timeline and the Effects

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of North Richland Hills arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 817-589-1499

Water Damage Timeline

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.

About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage Timeline and the Effects

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of North Richland Hills arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 817-589-1499

Water Damage Timeline

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.

About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How Can I Prevent and Prepare For a Fire In My Home?

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

Recent fire SERVPRO of North Richland Hills restored.

When a fire occurs, it is always a shock. Homeowners never know when or if, a fire will occur in their home. Fires cannot always be prevented but there are tips and tricks, to help eliminate the risk.

Prevention is key:

• Have your heating system serviced regularly by a professional
• Remove the lint from your dryer filter after every use
• Keep firewood, piles of leaves and trash away from the home
• Avoid using outlet extenders or plug-in power bars
• Test smoke alarms EVERY month 
• Store containers of cooking oil well away from the stove
• Consider using borrowed heat to keep outdoor pets warm
• Be sure to properly extinguish smoking materials

Fires can still happen, even with the most prepared homes. In this case, your family needs a safety plan. Everyone in your household may not be together when disaster strikes so, it's important that every member of the family; know the safety plan and know to call 911 immediately. 

In the event a fire occurs, you need to know who to call afterwards to help restore your home and belongings. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Do You Suspect Mold in Your Home or Business?

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Proper containment is essential during the mold remediation process. Doing so prevents mold spores from contaminating unaffected areas.

If you are a homeowner or a business owner and you suspect you might have mold in your home or business, it is very important that you act quickly because the longer you wait to investigate the worse it could get.  

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

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in Mold Remediation. 

If you see signs of mold, call us today - (817) 589-1499

What To Do If You Suspect Mold Growth In Your Commercial Building

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

If you suspect mold in your commercial business call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills!

As commercial buildings are become more energy efficient often these energy efficient buildings do not have proper ventilation or air exchanges. Poor air quality then becomes a perfect breeding ground for mold and other contaminants. Even as you’re HVAC systems become more energy efficient, costly, and with the addition air filters exposure to indoor mold has become a major hindrance. Fortunately, there are several different solutions to this issue. When mold growth does occur, it is very important to know the right steps for properly removing it from an indoor environment, and ensuring that it doesn't re-occur.

Any area that contains the right levels of water has lack of light, and no exposure to fresh air can cause mold to begin growing in as little as 48 hours. Since mold tends to grow in cramped, closed, and damp spaces, the reality is that for every visible colony of mold that you see, there could be several more square feet (millions of spores) of mold in areas that you do not. Simply put; an area that can hold moisture and no easy access is vulnerable, especially in commercial buildings where there are numerous places mold can grow, and are often difficult to locate.

If you suspect that your building has mold growth you should call a licensed professional

It’s a task which should be firmly limited to qualified professionals who have the proper knowledge and equipment to safely remove mold and mold contaminated materials. Just inhalation or exposure to mold could cause significant health problems.

The Steps for Removing Mold:

 Plan and Prepare. Contact a licensed mold remediation company such as SERVPRO to safely remove mold and mold contaminated materials. Just inhalation or exposure to mold could cause significant health problems.

Identify, and Protect. When remediation is performed, take special care in inspecting “unseen” areas where mold could potentially grow, and have them cleaned accordingly. Protect your building by having any water damage completely remediated by a water mitigation company such as SERVPRO of North Richland Hills and by having air inspections to detect spores that could cause resurgence in mold growth.

Act Quickly. Mold begins growing within 48 hours, but some can begin colonizing a surface even sooner, so don’t wait when it comes to contacting a mold remediation professional such as SERVPRO. If you have had an area flood with water, water removal and potential remediation needs to begin as soon as it is detected or mold is a real possibility.

Turn Off the HVAC. Mold is spread through airborne spores, and your HVAC can transport those spores throughout a building. It can also grow in any ventilation shaft where there's condensation to feed growth. Until the mold has been properly removed, don’t give the mold potential routes of access throughout your building, or you could be dealing with a much more extensive growth.

If you think you have mold, it’s time to call a trusted licensed mold remediation company such as SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. SERVPRO has the skills, staff, certifications and equipment to handle your mold project. 

For more information call SERVPRO Of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499

What to Expect During Mold Remediation

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills help with your mold remediation!

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the back side will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a preloss condition

The IICRC outlines five major principles of mold remediation.

1. Make sure safety and health precautions are taken by cleanup professionals and occupants. Mold-contaminated buildings can be associated with many health problems. Anyone involved in the mold remediation process must be protected from exposure through a combination of practices and controls.
2. A post-cleanup assessment by an independent environmental expert. An effective mold remediation cannot be developed without first determining the extent of the contamination to be removed. To ensure that remediation work is being properly performed, it is highly recommended that appropriate documentation of the remediation process be kept by project management
3. Control of mold before it spreads further. Eliminating mold at the source of contamination is essential. Once mold spores spread through the air, it will be much more difficult to capture.
4. Oversee the proper physical removal of the mold. The mold must be physically removed from the structure. Attempts to isolate mold or remove signs of mold on the surface are not adequate. Note that bleach alone cannot kill mold.
5. Ensure that moisture is controlled to limit future contamination or recontamination. Mold growth is virtually inevitable if moisture is not controlled. Moisture problems must be identified, located and corrected or controlled as soon as possible.

For more information call the SERVPRO of North Richland Hills experts at 817-589-1499

How to Detect and Prevent Carpet Mold

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet Mold? Let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills help!

Hidden Mold

Carpet mold is very serious but often goes unseen. It develops beneath the carpet fibers making it hard to detect. A leak in one part of a house can trickle into another. This leads to nearly invisible carpet mold.

Detecting Carpet Mold               

Some carpets are visibly moldy. They may look like white, black or green splashes on the carpet. These carpets need to be discarded. Carpets that are completely soaked probably have mold. A plumber might need to check for any leaky pipes within the walls. Wet carpeting must be cleaned and dried within 48 hours to ensure that mold has been completely removed. Mold in carpets is usually beyond repair. Professional cleaners may be able to quickly dry the carpet. They usually have the necessary equipment needed for fast mold remediation.

Mold usually has a distinct smell and the odor is unforgettable. If you see mold within your house, you may want to quickly smell it. You’ll be able to recognize it more easily in the future. There are a few different types of mold. Black mold is the most toxic. Those with black mold in house should get it removed immediately. It often appears in carpets and on walls. Black mold is dangerous because it is heavily associated with respiratory issues. It usually resembles black splotches in the carpet. It can also trail up against walls in thick lines. The circular patterns in black carpet mold may resemble burn marks.

How to Kill Mold

Killing mold in a carpet is almost impossible. Carpet mold usually seeps all the way through the fibers. It is better to focus on mold prevention and keeping the carpet clean. Carpets are less likely to visibly develop mold than other parts of the house. This is why mold detection is the key to prevention. Those looking to kill mold and mildew should consider hiring certified professionals like SERVPRO of North Richland Hills because there is health risks involved. Home cleaning methods may make the mold less visible, but the spores will still be embedded in the carpet.

Preventing Carpet Mold

The one major cause of mold is moisture. Reducing the humidity within a house is the best way to ensure mold goes away forever. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier. These are designed to suck moisture out of the air. Make sure that there aren’t any leaks within your house. Broken air conditioners and leaky bathroom pipes may create puddles that result in mold.  Mold grows the most in places that are dark and damp. Mold prevention is harder in areas that are humid. Detailed cleaning of your carpet will greatly help in preventing mold.

For more information on mold remediation and detailed carpet cleaning contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Fire Restoration

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fire at a residence south of Downtown Fort Worth, Texas.

SERVPRO OF North Richland Hills understands you may be feeling confused, stressed, and more than a little vulnerable after a fire affects your home. Our professional IICRC certified technicians have been highly trained and will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care.

SERVPRO OF North Richland Hills specialize in fire and water damage restoration; it’s the cornerstone of our business. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Our SERVPRO team is ready to assist you with your fire emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

When a fire disaster strikes your home or business call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499.

Smoke and Soot Facts

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in your home or business.

Did you know that smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. At SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the equipment, expertise, and experience to help restore your fire and smoke damaged home or business. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of North Richland Hills 817-589-1499

When Storms Hit SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is Ready!

7/7/2017 (Permalink)

Damage done to a residence after a storm.

When Storms or Floods hit Fort Worth and surrounding areas SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to respond! 

Storm Damage can occur anytime of the year!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our IICRC certified crews are highly trained and ready to use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Tarrant County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams with state of the art equipment located throughout the United States.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. 

Do You Have an Emergency Ready Plan? If not let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills prepare one for you at no charge.

Tips on Preventing Fires

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Make sure this fire damage does not happen to your home or business by always taking fire precautions.

Did you know that house fires account for the majority of disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually? According to the Red Cross the reason is because risk for home fires exist all year long. Statistics given by the Red Cross also show that seven people die in home fires each day in the U.S which is why one of the goals for the Red Cross is to reduce these deaths by 25% by the end of 2019.  

SERVPRO is helping in the effort to help educate home owners and commercial building owners on how to prevent fires

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Install working smoke alarms and have fire extinguishers on hand
2. Change out overloaded circuit breakers, panel boxes and fuses
3. Repair any loose or defective wiring
4. Dont overload extension cords
5. Inspect wiring in expoused areas that could have been chewed by pet or insects.
6. Have your furnace and HVAC checked annually
7. Have your fireplace cleaned and checked
8. Do not leave kitchen cooking unattended
9. Douse grills when done barbequing
10. Don't have barbeque grills too close to sides of home 
11. Store flammables in safe area
12. Plan you escape routes and know where the exits are
13. Check Natural Gas / LP Gas systems for leaks, faulty pilot lights, gas valves and gas regulators.

If a fire disaster does happen our SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team is ready to help!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. 

When A Water Damage Occurs

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Be Prepared When a Water Damage Occurs!

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in Tarrant County

Our highly trained SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-589-1499

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions to help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

 About SERVPRO of North Richland Hills

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. 

Do You Have an Emergency Ready Plan? If not let SERVPRO of North Richland Hills prepare one for you at no charge.

Is your Business Ready For A Disaster?

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Disaster Trailer

When we think of disasters the first thing that comes to mind is earth quakes, storms, fire, floods or a Polar Vortex but if you are a business owner you should know that there is also a new age of disaster such as computer have terms like hacks, computer viruses, or false posts on social media. This is why it is very important to have a Business Continuity Plan. 

Businesses large or small and Government agencies are under a constant threat that something could happen on any given day that could affect them financially or shut them down permanently. 

As a business owner or facility manager you should be asking yourself am I prepared to stay in business and how quick can I open my facility after a disaster hits? According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 40% of businesses that face a major catastrophic event will not recover will that be your business? A business continuity plan could be your answer.

A business continuity plan is different than a disaster plan in such that a disaster plan is how to survive at that moment and the safety of your employees. The continuity plan is how will the business or facility resume operations, service customers, fulfill contracts and stay in business after the disaster.

To develop a business continuity plan it takes leadership and a team of professionals. The game of what ifs has to be played with your team so that your plan will have maximum effectiveness. Having a Business Continuity plan is one of the most important things you can create for your business or facility. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills can help you with the first piece of the plan by doing our part in creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business or facility.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at 817-589-1499

For more information click on ready.gov for more information on how to protect your business.

Tips on Preventing a Water Damage

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Water damage to your home or business can happen at any time, day or night. There are numerous sources that can cause a water damage such as leaky bathrooms, broken pipes, rainwater, faulty washing machine hoses, refrigerator ice lines and frozen pipes. We have put together a few tips that may help you prevent a water damage from happening. Knowledge is the best policy to help you prevent loss.

Putting a stop on leaks, drips and clogs

1. Make sure to turn off the water supply before you leave for an extended length of time.
2. Check the seal and caulking in your shower and tub area a few times per year to make sure there is no cracking or discoloration. If cracking and discoloration is noticed, it’s time to replace your caulking.
3. Washing Machine: Check your washing machine hose every 3 to 6 months. Look for cracks, leaks and check to see if it looks brittle or deteriorated. If any signs are found you should replace hose immediately.
4. If you plan to be away from your home or business for an extended length of time, it is a good idea to shut off the water supply to your washing machine, toilets, sinks and refrigerator.
5. Icemaker: Inspect your ice maker line for cracks or leaks. If there is inflexibility or discoloring, this can lead to a burst or broken line. You should have this replaced immediately
6. It is a good idea to inspect and replace all worn fittings and hose connections to all household appliances that use water.

Protecting pipes in the winter: 

1. Shut off and drain the water supply to outside faucets and detach and drain all gardening hoses.
2. Wrap pipes located nearest exterior walls with pipe insulation or heating tape.
3. Let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing. If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply and leave the faucet open until repairs are completed.
4. When away from home in the lower temperatures, be careful how much you lower the heat. There could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes.

Everyone knows that if you are a home or business owner, chances are that you or someone you know will experience some type of water damage. So, the questions is not if this will happen to you or someone you know, but how you will handle the situation when a disaster strikes?

When your home or business is under water, every minute counts! Our highly trained SERVPRO of North Richland Hills team is ready to respond quickly, professionally and efficiently to your water loss 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com.

Tips for Preventing Air Conditioner Water Damage

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Caused By Air Conditioners

Summer is right around the corner and that means 100-degree weather if you live in Texas and air conditions running all day and night. While most people enjoy keeping their home or business cool and comfortable indoors throughout summer they don’t realize that air conditioners can sometimes cause a water damage if not properly maintained.

Did you know an air conditioning system can collect 10 to 20 gallons of water daily when working at peak efficiency? Normally the water will drain off the condensation coil into a collection pan and then is disposed of automatically into the sewer system but if the drain becomes clogged and the unit produces more water than it can handle, the water will overflow and can lead to damaged floors and carpeting. If not noticed it can also cause mold growth.

Although a clogged drain line is often the major source of creating water damage there are other causes such as excessive condensation that occurs when the unit is running round the clock in addition to evaporator coils that may freeze up and then defrost on a regular basis. Because most of the unit is typically hidden from view water damage can be occurring daily and accumulating into hundreds of dollars’ worth of damage.

 1.Make sure to change the air filter every month. By changing the air filter monthly, it gives you the opportunity to check whether there is excessive moisture collecting on the condensation line. Making sure that the AC unit has clean air filters also helps prevent the unit from overworking and causing freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to water damage.

 2. It is important to regularly check to see that water is indeed flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain as it was designed to do, especially during periods of very high humidity in the atmosphere.

 3. When installing an AC condensation line, avoid using elbow connections if possible and have the line run in as straight an up and down direction as possible to facilitate water removal from the unit.

 4. Consider having a professional air conditioning repair service to clean the condensation line at least once a year or every six months if the AC system is used on a year-round basis. A professional plumbing service can also install a condensation pump to help ensure the free flow of excess water into the proper disposal drain. A repair technician may recommend installing a device known as a safety float switch which will automatically shut down the power to an AC unit whenever condensation builds up and there is a danger of water overflow.

By following the four steps listed, you can help reduce the chances of water damage. If a water damage does occur SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to help get your home or business dry. Call us at 817-589-1499 or go to our website at www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com

Facts about Tornadoes

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a Texas tornado

Spring is here and with it comes the blooming flowers, nice weather and the threat of tornadoes. Although tornadoes can happen anytime throughout the year however there are 3 months when they more likely to occur: April, May and June, a transition time when unsettled weather is more likely to occur.  

Tornadoes often appear with little warning and possess strong winds that can cause serious damage and according to The National Severe Storms Laboratory you don't have to live in Tornado Alley to experience a tornado, around 1,200 tornadoes touch down across the United States each year so preparation and understanding your risk is key.

Here are four things you need to know about tornadoes and tornado season:

1.Tornadoes can happen anywhere, any time of year.

When people think of tornadoes they often associate them occurring in Central Texas, Oklahoma and other Great Plains states commonly known as Tornado Alley but tornadoes happen outside this area every year and, in fact, they can happen all over the world anytime the conditions are right.

2.The difference between tornado watches and warnings.

Many people are not aware of the difference in a tornado watch and a tornado warning, but the difference between the two is simple:

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather such as thunderstorms in an area could produce tornadoes but it does not mean that a tornado will occur, it simply means you should be alert and pay attention to weather updates.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted on the ground in your area or that the storm circulation seen on Doppler radar may produce a tornado. You should seek shelter now. Even though there is a chance that the tornado will miss you or that one won't form, it is always best to be safe.

Remember if there's a tornado watch, you should keep watching the weather. If a warning is issued, that’s your warning to take shelter.

3. Never open your windows and doors or take shelter under an overpass.

While there are many good safety tips on tornadoes there are some that can put you in danger instead of making you safer. Here are two safety tips you should know:

Do not open your windows or doors during a tornado. It will not help, it just makes it easier for debris to fly through the open windows into your house.

If you are on the road during a tornado try to get inside a building as soon as possible. Do not stop and take shelter under a bridge. Taking shelter under a bridge or overpass if you're on the road is very dangerous. The winds from a tornado could blow you out from underneath or the structure could collapse on top of you.

4. Tornado season can't be forecasted.

Unlike hurricane season, there is not a forecast for the whole of tornado season, though various large-scale atmospheric patterns, such as the El Niño-La Niña cycle, can affect how a tornado season plays out. Tornado season starts roughly in April and is at its most active from May to June, but there have been many tornado outbreaks through the year so there is not a clear pattern. While some tornado seasons start out busy, they can diminish gradually and stop while some seasons have been known to be the exact opposite.

The only effective thing a forecaster can say is when and where a given storm system is likely to produce tornadoes with the next few days or hours, then watch for signs of them on radar or for spotters to see one on the ground and send a warning that generally only amounts to a few minutes. Those few minutes can be crucial so if you're under a tornado warning, pay attention.

After a storm passes the damage done to your home or commercial building can be overwhelming. SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is here to help. Call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Summer Grilling Safety

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Structure fire caused by grilling to close to the structure.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. A time for family and friends to get together and BBQ but even for a seasoned griller it can be dangerous.

The NFPA explains, “Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average 83% of home fires in 2009-2013, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average 13% of home fires.”

• These 8,900 fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries and $118 million in direct property damage. Almost all the losses resulted from structure fires.
• The leading causes of grill fires were a failure to clean, having the grill too close

Knowing general summer grilling safety tips will help ensure you and your family understand the precautions to take.

10 safety grilling tips put together by SERVPRO of North Richland Hills:

1. Whether you are an experienced griller or a beginner always read the owner’s manual. This will ensure a proper installation and usage.
2. Grilling should always be for outside use only. Open flames and smoke need to be properly ventilated and should always be placed outside.
3. Place grills away from homes and structures.  Wind can blow sparks that can quickly ignite structures causing damage.
4. Make sure to place your grill on a stable surface.  Each leg of the grill should be on equal plane to ensure coals and flames stay within the grill.
5. Use proper grilling accessories. Long handled utensils will make sure that your hands and arms are properly protected from open flames reducing the chances of being burned.
6. When grilling try to tie back loose shirts or aprons so that they don’t get caught in the wind or catch sparks from the flame. If possible buy flame retardant mitts and aprons to ensure safety.
7. It is very important to know how to control a fire. If a flare up does occur remove food if possible or use a fire extinguisher or a garden hose. Sand will help if you don’t have access to an extinguisher or garden hose.
8. Always pay attention and be aware of your grill. Setting timers for each type of food and never leaving the grill unattended can prevent old grease and oil from flaring up if left unnoticed.
9. Purchase a splash mat to place under your grill. This will prevent sparks or hot oil from falling onto areas such as your deck. Hot grease can easily start fires if not properly handled.
10. Explain to young children grilling safety. Allowing them to play or sit around a hot grill can cause danger to them.

Following these easy grilling safety tips can help prevent fires and ensure your spring and summer grilling is safe and fun.

If a structure fire does occur SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready to help 365 day a year, 24 hours a day. For more information call 817-589-1499 or go to our website at www.SERVPROnorthrichlandhills.com

Severe Weather Tips

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Severe Weather in Texas

With the spring season comes lush green lawns and warmer sunny days. However, spring is also the prime season for severe weather such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods. Per the American Red Cross, there are steps that can be taken to help ensure your safety if dangerous weather is predicted in your community.

The following are a few safety steps that can be taken to be ready if a tornado warning is issued is your area:

• Know what your community’s warning system is.


• Choose a safe room in your home for your family to meet if a tornado is headed your way. This room should be a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor and should have no windows.


• Prepare your lawn for strong winds by removing any damaged limbs from trees and making sure your lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, etc. are secured.

Thunderstorms are also common in the spring and can produce very dangerous lightning. A few thunderstorm safety tips recommended by the American Red Cross are:

• Where there is thunder, there is lightning! If thunder can be heard, then you are close enough to be in danger of lightning strikes. Go indoors!


• Postpone any outdoor activities, such as sporting events and picnics until the storm passes. It is possible to get struck by lightning even if it is not raining.


• Take shelter in a building or vehicle with windows closed and stay clear of the windows.


• Do not shower or bathe during a thunderstorm.

Spring can also be the time of year for flooding. Flash floods occur suddenly when water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area. Below are some safety steps recommended in the event of flooding:

• Be prepared to evacuate and head for higher ground.


• Stay away from floodwaters.


• Do not drive on flooded streets.


• Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood danger.

While severe weather can be frightening, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of the ones you love, by being prepared and taking precautions.

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Storm Preparation

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Winter storm in Fort Worth, Texas

Texas winter is on its way and along with it come the Texas ice storms! SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has put a list together to help winterize your home and help prevent water damage from a storm.

1. Insulate wall and attics, weather strip doors and windows, and install storm windows or cover existing windows with plastic.


2. Maintain heating equipment by having it inspected regularly.


3. Insulate pipes and allow faucets to slightly drip to prevent freezing.


4. Ensure the stability of your home by hiring a contractor to check the structural ability of your roof to maintain heavy weight from the buildup of snow or water.


5. Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).


6. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! 817-589-1499

Disaster Preparedness Checklist

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is always ready to help you in an emergency!

Are you ready for a Disaster?

Disaster can strike at any moment so being prepared is very important. Are you ready for a Disaster? Below are a few tips on how you can prepare for a disaster:

Checklist:

• A gallon of water per person per day.


• Supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.


• Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.


• Blanket or sleeping bags.


• First aid kit and prescription medications.


• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.


• Credit cards, cash and an extra set of car keys.


• List of family physicians.


• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of North Richland Hills at 817-589-1499. Our SERVPRO team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Ways to Help Prevent Water Damage

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Wood Floors at a Luxury Downtown Fort Worth, Texas Condo.

A water damage can cause a home or business owner thousands of dollars in damage in just a matter of hours! The good news is you can prevent water damage to your home by following a few simple, inexpensive preventative measures.

1. Make Sure You Clean the Gutters - Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once a year – even more often if you have overhanging trees dropping leaves and debris. Gutters that become clogged can dump water down the side of your house, destroying plants, landscaping and your home’s foundation. Installing gutter covers is a good way to slow clogging. Making sure the gutters are clean is a simple way to allow the gutters to do their job, and to let water harmlessly drain away.

2. Monitor Your Water Bill & Water Meter - A spike in your water bill could indicate a leak. Even a small leak can become a big problem if left unattended for a long period. To check for leaks you can't see, try marking the water meter with a piece of masking tape (or note the digital reading), with the edge right over the needle to mark its place. Provided all water-using devices and faucets are turned off, the next step is to leave the house for 6 hours. Upon returning, the needle should be in the exact same spot. If it has moved at all, there most likely is a leak.

3. Check Under Your Kitchen & Bathroom Sink -Kitchen & bathroom sinks, are among the most used drains in the home. Sink drain pipes develop leaks particularly since they are in common spaces and typically near under-sink storage. If the sink has gotten jostled and not properly resealed, it can begin damaging the cabinet space underneath. Be sure to remove items from under your kitchen sink occasionally to check for dampness and mildew. If left untreated, this can result in both significant mold and more serious damages to the home.

4. Flash and Chalk Windows and Doors - Windows and doors are the main openings in a home, and often the spaces around their frames develop cracks where water can seep in. To prevent water getting into the walls, ensure that the flashing and caulking that surrounds these openings is intact. It is recommended that you caulk doors and windows at least every five years, and inspect them every time the season changes. For homes that have vertically-mounted vents that lead into the attic from a wall instead of through the roof, the same maintenance process also applies to these vents.

5. Turn Off Water When Leaving - It’s always a good idea to turn off the main water supply when leaving your home for an extended period. Turning off the main water supply helps to reduce the chance of small leaks turning into huge, expensive damage while you are away. Never run appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine while you are away from home. If the appliance leaks while you are gone, the damage can be tremendous. Finally, know the location of your main water supply valve and learn how to shut it off before you have a leak.

6. Secure Appliances and Fixtures - Supply lines for ice makers, toilets and washing machines are often subject to vibration and can loosen. Over time supply lines can wear out and begin to leak. It is recommended that you replace any rubber supply lines with braided stainless steel. Installing a leak detector with a water-sensitive shut-off mechanism can also prevent flooding in your home. You should inspect the tightness of connections at least every 6 months. If there is fraying, replace the line immediately.

7. Inspect Your Air Conditioning Unit - It is very important that you check for water overflow during the hot summer months when your air conditioner is running constantly. If you notice water leaking from your AC inside, it could be due to a clogged condensate drain line. When the water cannot escape your home through the soffit hose, it fills the drain pan and overflows. It is also important to make sure that the drain pan is not old and damaged. If you do have a leak it’s best to call a professional to determine the reason for the leak.

8. Know When to Replace Your Hot Water Heater - The average lifespan of a hot water heater is 8-12 years. As your heater ages, it’s prone to slow leaks and sudden bursts, due to tank corrosion and broken valves. If you notice the water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, there’s rust in your water or a metallic taste to your hot water, it could be a sign your hot water heater is about to fail. Schedule a professional inspection immediately.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-589-1499

Tips for Preventing Your Pipes from Freezing

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe busted in Downtown Fort Worth commercial building.

Winter is finally on its way here, and so is freezing temperatures that could cause frozen pipes. Plumbing breaks and flood damage can be incredibly costly, so being prepared is very important when it comes to keeping your pipes from freezing. Following these easy steps to prevent your pipes from freezing can help prevent expensive plumbing repairs.

Water Main: Locate your house’s water main shut-off valve. In case of a water emergency, you will need to shut off all water flow to the home, and this time-saving knowledge could save you thousands in case of a burst pipe.

Exterior Pipes: Locate all outdoor spigots and unhook, drain and store all your hoses, covering your spigots with insulated spigot sleeves. Locate all other exterior pipes like swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and any other exposed pipes running along exterior walls of your home. On these, install insulated pipe sleeves that slip right over the pipes. You can find these at any home supply store, but you can also use bubble wrap, a towel or a blanket to help protect these pipes.

Attic, Basement and Crawl Space Pipes: Install pipe sleeves on both cold and hot water pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces. You can also put in regular fiberglass insulation, or you can install a heat lamp in crawl spaces and cold basements. However, never leave heat lamps or heaters unattended for too long, and don’t allow them to get too hot or near combustible materials that could catch fire.

Cold Air Entry Points: Walk around the perimeter of your home and locate all the foundation and attic vents. Then simply cut foam board insulation to fit in these vents and pop them in. This will help keep cold air out and keep the warm air in. For larger areas, such as attic peaks, install larger foam board insulation from the interior side. With caulk, seal all air leaks around the foundation or other places in your home that could be allowing in cold air, such as electrical wiring, dryer vents or pipe entry points.

Prevention Tips:

• When you know that temperatures will be dipping below freezing, simply allow water to run in all the sinks at a slow, constant drip. It only needs to trickle, and that tiny amount of water will keep the water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.


• Open the cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen. This will allow the heat from the home to circulate and warm up the pipes.


• Keep the garage door closed to keep garage pipes from freezing.


• Keep your house at a warm, consistent temperature both day and night.


• If you leave your home for extended periods of time, do not set your thermostat lower than 55 decrees.


• If you do end up with frozen pipes, a hand-held hair dryer or heat lamp can thaw them.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 817-589-1499

What You Need To Know About Lead Paint

7/11/2016 (Permalink)

This is what old lead paint looks like. It will chip and peel the older it gets.

It's The Law!

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by the EPA. These firms also must use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work procedures.

  According to EPA requirements (40 CFR Part 745) contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

  Contain the work area.

  Maintain dust.

  Clean up thoroughly.

  A few ways that you can protect your family from lead in your Pre-1978 are listed below:

• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipped paint
• Clean up paint chip immediately.
• Regularly clean floors, window-sills, and other surfaces. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
• Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces
• Make sure children eat a healthy, nutritious diet consistent with the USDA's dietary guidelines, which helps protect children from the effects of lead.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

Your local SERVPRO of Fort Worth Professionals have been trained and certified to follow lead-safe work practices while performing renovation and repair projects in your area. 

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO wants our team to be part of your team! Call us at 817-589-1499

American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® Pledges Ongoing Support to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program