Process of Fire Damage Restoration

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, the smoke and fire damage are often paired with extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. Since every fire damage is a little different, at SERVPRO of Putnam County, we create unique solutions with a process that relatively stays the same. Check out the steps below to understand our process during a typical fire emergency:  

Step 1: Emergency Contact 

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.  

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.  

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service 

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.  

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present) 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.  

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.  

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. 

Step 7: Restoration 

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor 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. 

Although our process stays mostly the same, we are prepared to restore your home or business with unique solutions, specific to your needs. If you have fire damage, give us a call at (386) 328-8660. SERVPRO of Putnam County will restore your home “Like it never even happened.” 

Cooking Fires

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips, you can prevent these fires.  

“Cook with Caution” 

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol do not use the stove or stove top. 
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a brief period, turn off the stove. 
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. 

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stove top. 

IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE... 

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. 
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. 
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. 

• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. 
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed. 

Thanks to the National Fire Protection Agency for sharing these tips. 

If you have a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (386) 328-8660.

We Specialize in Flood Cleanup

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County sees flooding often since we have miles of local properties on the St. Johns River. A home can flood at any time due to heavy rainfall in a short period of time or when storms come in during high tide. However, flooding could also occur due to the following events:  

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

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

Let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. 

Have questions about flooding?  Call us today.  We’re ready to help (386) 328-8660.

Steps of Water Restoration

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Every water damage is a little different, but at SERVPRO of Putnam County, our steps to taking care of you and your property are the same. Experiencing water damage? Here are the steps we take to help get your home and business back to normal.  

Step 1 - Emergency Contact 

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources. 

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment 

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. 

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth. 

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification 

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business. 

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property. 

Step 6 - Restoration 

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Whether a pipe bursts during the night, or the tide gets a bit too high and into your home, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Give us a call at (386) 328-8660, and let our trained professionals take care of your restoration needs.

Why SERVPRO?

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When the pipe bursts, the house is damaged by fire, or mold is present in your home, who do you call? For most people, it’s their insurance agent. Your next call should be to SERVPRO of Putnam County. 

We create and maintain relationships with insurance providers at both the national level and in the Putnam County area. As an insurance preferred service provider, we are focused on restoring your home or business "Like it never even happened." We are proud to be a “one-stop” service provider, providing seamless restoration and construction services to help restore and rebuild what has been damaged. Partnering with SERVPRO for restoration and repairs also reduces the number of companies, and people, in and out of your home or business during the process.  

During a disaster, we know that time is of the essence. By creating and maintaining our relationships with major insurance providers, we are experienced in what each insurance company requires during the restoration and reconstruction process, so we can get the necessary approvals quickly and get started right away, eliminating costly delays. 

When disaster strikes, call (386) 328-8660 because we are here to Help! 

Office Fire Risks

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Don't allow simple things to cause a fire in your office.

Are you aware that a structure fire occurs every 63 seconds in the United States? Do you believe you are doing everything you can to promote fire safety in the workplace? Here are some helpful fire safety tips.

First, here’s a list of some common fire hazards you might encounter in the office:

• Flammable Materials: Paper and cardboard are common in just about every office. Unfortunately, they’re also extremely flammable. Keep these materials safely stored in an easy to access area away from the main office area. Get rid of unnecessary documents and trash to keep things from becoming cluttered.
• Combustible Materials: Safely storing combustible and flammable liquids and vapors is vital to the safety of your office building. A flammable liquid can burst into flames with a single spark, and vapors can cause an explosion, so be sure that your substances are contained securely. Flammable liquids must be completely sealed and kept in a dry, secure place.
• Dust and Debris: If your building isn’t well ventilated or properly clean, the dust and debris can create a fire hazard. If you use machinery that heats up, make sure it’s scrupulously clean. Grease and dust residue can result in a fire if you’re not careful.
• Overused Power Sockets: Extension cords should be used temporarily, if at all, and you should make a rule to plug in one item per socket. Overloaded power sockets can overheat and potentially start a fire.
• Unattended Electrical Equipment: Shut off and unplug electrical heaters and appliances when they’re not in use, and never leave things on overnight. Check for loose cables, broken plugs, or damaged electrical cords, and keep areas around electrical devices clear of paper.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the primary causes of office fires, so designate a smoking area far away from the building, with ashtrays and bins for proper cigarette disposal.
• Negligence: Make sure everyone in the building cleans up messes, doesn’t leave food unattended in the toaster or on a burner, and understands why negligence is hazardous.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Obstructed exits, faulty safety equipment, and blocked sprinklers can lead to tragedy in case of emergency, so make sure everything is working as it should. Additionally, take the time to teach your staff to use fire extinguishers, what to do in case of an emergency, and where to go if there’s a fire. Having an emergency plan in place and staff members who know how to execute it can save lives.

If your property has sustained fire damage, you don’t have to go it alone. If you have suffered through a fire in your Putnam County office building, call SERVPRO of Putnam County for help with fire restoration. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the equipment and experience to restore your Putnam County property and get everything back to normal. A trusted leader in the fire damage restoration service industry, we’ve served our community for more than 25 years. Call us at (386) 328-8660.

Keep Mold from Becoming a Problem in your Office

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth is common, especially in the state of Florida. Why? Mold spores can be found everywhere, and they begin to grow when they hit a moist surface with organic material. Do you have an idea of how much organic material is in your office? Sheetrock, fabrics, carpets, wallpaper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, paper, wood, fiberglass insulation, dirt and glue are all examples of organic material. It’s no wonder so many office buildings are plagued with mold. What are some ways you can keep it out of yours?

First, if it’s so common, is mold really a big deal? In a word, yes. Mold can cause health effects and decrease worker productivity. It can also cause damage to your property, if left to grow unchecked. The best way to handle mold is to prevent it from gaining a foothold in your building. There are several measures you can take to lessen the occurrence of mold growth.

The best way to handle mold is to prevent it from gaining a foothold in your building. There are several measures you can take to lessen the occurrence of mold growth.

• Fix any obvious sources of moisture. Roof and plumbing leaks can encourage mold growth, so repair those promptly and dry the area around them. You may need a specialist to help you get the water damage under control.
• Eliminate condensation. While air conditioners can be helpful in filtering out mold spores and reducing mold growth, they can also be a source of condensation if you’re not careful. Condensation happens when humid air hits a cool surface, so if you let outdoor air inside, it will condense on air conditioner surfaces. Keep doors closed, and don’t open windows when the air conditioner is running. If the AC ducts run through an attic or basement, try to keep the air moving so that mold isn’t able to grow.
• Leave the heat on if you’re closing the building for an extended period. People typically remember to drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing while the building is closed. It’s not as common to think about preventing mold growth while your office is not in use.
• Control the building’s relative humidity. The most direct way to make conditions less favorable for mold propagation in a commercial building is to reduce the room’s humidity. Keep the relative humidity below 50 percent, but avoid reducing it under 20 percent, because that can cause the drying up of respiratory passages, leading to severe discomfort.
• If you suspect a problem, have the building tested for mold. An air quality company or an Industrial Hygienist can come and do air sampling to determine the presence and species of mold in your building. Our SERVPRO franchises work with these professionals on a weekly basis and can recommend an Industrial Hygienist or Mold Inspector that not only has advanced degrees in Chemistry and Microbiology but is also a Florida State Licensed General Contractor.

If you happen to discover mold in your Putnam County office, make sure to call SERVPRO of Putnam County for help with mold remediation. Our expert restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Putnam County office back to its original condition. A trusted leader in the mold remediation industry, we have served our community for more than 25 years. Call us at (386) 328-8660.

What to do After a House Fire

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home can be overwhelming. Let the professionals at SERVPRO of Putnam County handle it for you.

Do you know that a fire department in the United States responds to a fire every 24 seconds? Does it surprise you how frequently house fires occur? Hopefully your home will never have to endure a devastating house fire, but if it does end up happening to you, here is what you can do once the smoke has cleared and the fire department has left the scene.

• Don’t plan to immediately move back into the house. Even the parts of the house that weren’t damaged by the flames can be dangerous for people to inhabit. Smoke damage can cause soot and smoke to stick to the walls, floors, and furniture, which makes it dangerous for you to breathe. Fire can also cause electrical hazards and affect ducts and insulation in your walls, attic, and crawl space.
• Make sure cleanup is handled properly and promptly. Soot and ash discolor surfaces, and the longer you wait to clean it off of your belongings, the worse that discoloration will be, and the lower the likelihood will be that it can be returned to preloss condition. In fact, after just a few days, discoloration of walls and fabric items can become permanent. Left for weeks, the residue left behind by a house fire can corrode metal, permanently etch glass, and cause wood and vinyl surfaces to deteriorate to an irreparable degree.
• Call in the professionals. Cleaning up the damage left behind by fire requires meticulous care. If it isn’t handled with extreme caution, soot residue can contaminate the entire building. What’s more, fire restoration experts know what can and cannot be salvaged and have the equipment and products needed to comprehensively clean your home. Professionals also know how to work with insurance adjusters, and can often bill the insurance company directly, making the process much easier for you.
• Call your insurance company. Your homeowner’s insurance will cover damage to your home from a fire or smoke. This includes damage caused by a fire at a neighboring building, as well as damage caused by wildfires. The house, fences, driveway, sheds, and other structures on your property are also protected. Homeowner’s insurance also covers the cost of most personal items lost in a fire, and typically also covers additional living expenses, even for months at a time if necessary, while you regroup. Other people on your property at the time are also covered. The only time a homeowner’s policy will not cover damages from a fire is if you or someone else named on your policy caused the fire intentionally.

If you have suffered through a home fire and your property sustains fire damage, you don’t have to go it alone. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County for help with fire restoration. Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Putnam County home back to normal. A trusted leader in the fire damage restoration service industry, we’ve served our community for more than 25 years. Call (386) 328-8660, to get the restoration care you deserve.

9 Things to Know About House Fires

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Reviewing the following facts can help you and your family respond to and escape from a house fire more quickly.

1. Windows, Ensure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out, and security bars can be properly opened.
2. Escape Route, Find two ways to get out of each room (door or window).
3. Call 911, If you can't get to someone needing assistance, call 9-1-1 for help.
4. Seal Doors and Vents, If unable to evacuate, shelter in place, call 9-1-1 to report your location, seal doors or vents if possible.
5. Feel the Door for Heat, Feel the doorknob with the back of your hand; if hot, leave the door closed and use another way out.
6. Utilities, The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave.
7. Inventory Damages, Maintain an inventory of damaged property and items. Protect valuable documents and records.
8. Smoke Detectors. Make sure your home has smoke detectors and they are operational.
9. P.A.S.S., PASS is the acronym for how to operate a fire extinguisher. P, Pull out the pin. A, Aim the nozzle or horn low at the base of the fire. S, Squeeze the handle to release the agent. S, Sweep from side to side at the base until the fire is out.

Hurricane Evacuation Plan

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a hurricane evacuation plan? Hurricane season begins June 1^st and lasts until November, and if you live near a coastal town, hurricane preparedness is vital for keeping your family safe. Even if you do not think you’ll want to evacuate, there may come a time when officials make it mandatory. A Florida hurricane can quickly become dangerous and may not leave you much time. Planning will help make the experience much easier and more comfortable.

• Keep track of the local weather. Sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service so that you will know if a hurricane watch or warning is in effect for your area.
• Decide on a destination. Where will you wait out the storm? You can choose to stay with out-of-town friends or family, rent a hotel room, or stay at a local shelter, but it’s important to know where you’re going and map it out in advance. If you have pets, make sure to include them in your plans. If it’s not safe for you to be home it’s not safe for your pets. Choose a place to stay that accepts pets or make other arrangements for your furry family members.
• Pick your route and plan for detours. Your local government will offer suggested routes to make it easier to get to safety, but it’s smart to know at least three ways to get to your destination. You never know if a road is going to be blocked by flooding, a washed-out bridge, or downed trees. Throughout hurricane season, keep your gas tank full. That way you’ll be sure you have enough gas to get you where you’re going even if you run into trouble. Additionally, it will keep you out of the long lines that inevitably form at gas stations during natural disasters.
• Be thorough with emergency supplies. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car with fresh water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, a phone charger, road maps, garbage bags, toilet paper, paper towels, a gas can, jumper cables, and a towline. Each family member should have a bag with changes of clothes and a copy of the evacuation plan. Additionally, have a hurricane preparedness kit that’s easy to grab, like a backpack, containing:
• Copies of important documents
• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Medications
• Cash
• Extra keys for your house and car
• Know who to call. Make plans with your family members in case you are separated. Decide upon a meeting spot or two where you will reconnect, and pick an out-of-state friend or family member to call with updates.

If your Putnam County home is damaged in a hurricane or tropical storm, call SERVPRO of Putnam County Our highly-trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore Putnam County home to its pre-storm condition. A trusted leader in the water restoration industry, we have served our community for more than 25 years. Call us at (386) 328-8660.