How to Properly Use Your Fire Extinguisher

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Once you've purchased the fire extinguisher with the class type (A, B, C, D, or K) that is right for your home or business, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

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

 If your home or business has suffered fire damage, please give us a call today. To learn more about SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO fire damage restoration, click HERE. 

Source: Nationwide Insurance Online

Soot and Smoke Restoration after Fire Damage

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. 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 Austin / SW Williamson CO 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.  We have 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.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO Today:  (512) 335-7247

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

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your home or business performed by a company that is IICRC certified?  SERVPRO  of North Austin / SW Williamson County cleans upholstery for general cleaning, pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more. 

Source: IICRC Online

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because of one of two reasons.

Reason #1 your fridge is leaking

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2 your fridge is leaking

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

Source: CNET online

Contaminated Water after a Storm

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

Category 3: "Black Water"

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

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

24 Hour Emergency Service

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

Austin Area - Are you Storm Aware?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

Flash Flood Watch

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

Flash Flood Warning

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

Flood Watch

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

Flood Warning

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

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of North Austin / SW Williamson Co experts.

When Your Kitchen Pipes or Bathroom Pipes Clog

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If your kitchen or bathroom pipes clog, it is a better idea to use a drain snake instead of chemical products.

No matter how perfectly clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. Chances are at some point in your life you have used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most people don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their kitchen or bathroom pipes. When used very often, pipe leaks will become inevitable. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. Drain snakes are pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: Farmers Insurance Online

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: ER Plumbing Online

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Hazmat and Bio Hazard Removal Trained

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Bio hazard clean up is considered: blood clean up, urine clean up, human feces clean up, animal feces clean up, vomit clean up, and other human fluids.  General maid and janitorial services will not remove these items due to their potentially hazardous nature.  SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson County technicians are trained and properly uniformed to safely remove bio hazardous materials. This is why you can rely on SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson County to get the job done quickly, safely, and to sanitation standards.  Many homes and buildings that have been left unattended and/or improperly cared for will generally require this type of service. SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson County will remove all hazardous items and properly dispose of them. If you or your business is in need of bio hazard removal, please do not hesitate to call today.

What Secondary Damage can occur after Storm Damage?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO is here to help.  To learn more about Storm Damage Restoration, click HERE

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO is Faster to Disaster

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

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

Why SERVPRO - SERVPRO's Mold Technicians are Mold Certified

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage to a home or business is not properly restored, completely dried out, and treated for mold prevention, mold has the perfect environment in which to form and grow. SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson County can perform your Mold Remediation using a Mold Certified Technician so you know it's done right. Mold remediation means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter. The industry is regulated to ensure that persons conducting mold assessment and remediation services are properly trained and licensed, and are following minimum standards that protect the health of workers and building occupants. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson County today to set up a time to start the mold remediation process.

Which Sandbags to Use for Flooding and Why

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

If your home or business has experienced a flood, please call the professionals of SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO right away – open 24 hours for emergency services and here to help!

Source: Chainshaw Journal. Jan 2020.

Emergency Alerts on your Phone

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

Source: Forbes November 2018

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to your Commercial Space

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

1. Train all employees on the location of the water shut off valves and make sure they are easily accessible.
2. Find out if your business is located on a flood plain and if your area offers programs for business owners.
3. Conduct regular inspections of your HVAC units, roof, water heaters, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, and any other area you have that may have a water leak.
4. Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and you are insured.
5. Keep any documents, inventory, or anything critical to your business' survival at least a few feet off the ground.
6. Be prepared for a water damage event. The faster the water is removed and dried out, the better off you are going to be. Time is an important factor. Please save our number to your phone so you know who to call. SERVPRO® of North Austin / SW Williamson County: (512) 335-7247

Mold Found in Austin area Church

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Upon moving appliances, a church in the Austin area found mold in their commercial kitchen. The professionals at SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO were called in to inspect and remediate the mold. SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO strongly encourages any place with a commercial kitchen: church, hotel, restaurant, etc to have their commercial kitchens deep cleaned at least twice a year. When SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO deep cleans, we sanitize as well as remove any dirt and/or food particles. We will move the fixtures to the best of our abilities and clean in and around those as well - something that is not (typically) frequently done. To schedule a deep cleaning of your commercial kitchen, call SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO today: (512) 335-7247

Here to Help

SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO is Prepared for Storm Damage

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO keeps an eye on the weather and is always prepared for storm damage at any moment. In the event of a huge storm that affects many homes in the area, storm "Extreme Teams" are called in to help us so we can help out even more homes and businesses in the Austin area. Often times with storm damage comes water damage, and if not properly treated, comes mold damage (secondary damage). The first 48 hours of storm damage are critical in preventing further damage to your home or business (mold and buckled flooring).  As always, SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO will work with your insurance every step of the way.  To learn more about storm damage restoration from SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO, click HERE.

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor

3/28/2021 (Permalink)

It is obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes.  The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor?  The short answer is that it is very difficult.  ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process.  It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of North Austin / SW Williamson CO have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air! (512) 335-7247

When Fire Damages Your Business

3/28/2021 (Permalink)

To you, it’s more than just a business, it’s your livelihood.  SERVPRO North Austin/SW Williamson CO understand the feelings of frustration and overwhelming concern related to handling fire damage.  Our priority is to help you regain control and get your doors open again.  Within eight business hours of arriving at your facility, our technicians will discuss the extent of the damage and the steps they will take to help restore your building, equipment and furniture.  Responding quickly to a fire damage can save your company money, reduce more extensive damage and shorten the length of down time.

Armed with industry-approved equipment and expertise, SERVPRO North Austin/SW Williamson CO will make every effort to restore your business to preloss condition when possible.  We use the latest equipment, products and processes to properly remove smoke, soot and fire damage from walls, flooring and air ducts and restore furniture and equipment.  We are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you get your business back in business. 

Business closures due to a fire damage don’t just affect the business owner.  It affects the employees, their families and the community.  Contact SERVPRO North Austin/SW Williamson CO at 512-335-7247 for your fire damage restoration needs.

Never pour grease down your sink

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

Source: www.farmers.com

Water Damage Gets Worse the Longer you Wait

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO NORTH AUSTIN/SW Williamson CO 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 Austin / SW Williamson CO will arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

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.

Water Damage and Wood Floors

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

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

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

Source: Homeguides

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Source: National Fire Protection Association 

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is the best Fire Damage Restoration company in Austin, Texas for kitchen fires.

Cooking is the #1 cause of fires in the home; specifically, fires that originate from the stove.  Even when the fire is caught early, that smoke damage that it causes can be devastating to a home.  The smoke odor gets trapped in the curtains, sofas, on the walls, and other places in the home.  SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is LLCR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery. In addition, SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO has a tried and true process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using deodorizers and ionizing machines.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation, click here.

Please call today to get the process started.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us. 

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

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

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

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of North Austin and SW Williamson Co will work with your insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 10 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. SERVPRO® of  North Austin and SW Williamson Co will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Securing Your Home for Hurricanes

Hurricanes in the Austin area can cause serious damage to homes and businesses. Below are a couple tips to help safeguard your home and/or business.

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

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

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is here to help restore your home or business after hurricane damage. To learn more about storm damage restoration from SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO, click HERE.

Source: Kiplinger

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

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

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

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

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

SERVPRO® of North Austin and SW Williamson CO will work with your insurance and try to make things go as smoothly as we can for you. We are Faster to Any Disaster and Here to Help

Source: Kiplinger

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

"A frequent choice for larger homes or families."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Water Heater for RVs: Bosch Tronic 3000 at Amazon

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

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

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

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

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

 If you have a water heater that has leaked and has caused water or mold damage, please give SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO today: (512) 335-7247

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company Every Step of the Way

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company Every Step of the Way

Have you needed to call your insurance company and open a claim for a water damage, fire damage, or other damaging event that occurred to your business? SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO will work with your business every step of the way. SERVPRO is trusted by insurance companies nation-wide and has been recommended by insurance companies for decades. It is a daily occurrence at SERVPRO to talk to insurance claim adjusters to ensure things are going according to plan and jobs are correctly documented for proper insurance claim pay outs. Our goal is to get your business up and running as fast as possible so you can go back to focusing on your business.

To learn more about how SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO works with Commercial Businesses, please click here.

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

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO offers complementary continuing education credits for insurance and real estate industry professionals in the Austin area.  Call today to find out when and where the next class is.

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

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

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

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

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

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

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

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

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

During these difficult times, please know that SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is here to help your business. SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO will disinfect your business, office, restaurant, school, commercial building, and more! Was your commercial space contaminated with the virus? We can clean and disinfect for that! Would you like to assure your customers and employees that your commercial space has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected? We can help you with that! Deep cleanings and bio hazard removals have been services SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO has been offering for over a decade. We know how to do it safely and effectively. To learn more about Commercial Cleaning from SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO, click HERE. Or, call today for more information – we are here to help: (512) 335-7247

Types of Fires

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Types or Classes

There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter.

Class A: The most common type of fire, Class A fires have combustibles that include paper, wood, cloth, plastic, trash and other ordinary materials that may be found in any home or business.

Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids are considered Class B fires. These flammable liquids include gasoline, paint and oil. A Class B fire may also include combustibles such as propane or butane, which are flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical fires are Class C fires and include fires that originate from outlets, wires and other electrical components.

Class D: Any fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum and potassium, also known as chemical fires, are Class D.

Class K: Combustibles such as cooking oils, grease and fats are Class K fires.

If your home or business has suffered a fire, please call today for expert, professional fire damage restoration by SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO. We will work with your insurance. (512) 335-7247

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

5 Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

From 2007 to 2016, these five causes were identified as the most common reasons behind commercial fires.

1. Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

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

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure they are more than adequately protected. Sprinklers, alarms and an easily accessible fire extinguisher placed in an area where everyone can see it is an absolute must.

2. Arson/Intentional

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Human Error/Unintentional

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

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

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

4. HVAC System Malfunction

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

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

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

5. Electrical Malfunction

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

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

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

Source: Smoke Guard Online

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Mobile or Manufactured Home

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

If you suspect water damage or mold growth in your mobile or manufactured home, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO today.  We will work with your insurance.

Filling and Stacking Sandbags to Prevent Flood Damage

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

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

Filling Your Sandbags

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

Stacking Sandbags

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

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

If your home has experienced flooding, please call SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO right away, as time is a factor. The professionals at SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO offer emergency services 24/7 and are Here to Help.

Source: Chainsaw Journal Jan 2020.

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Employees are Well-Trained

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Employees are Well-Trained

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

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

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

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

• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying

In addition, SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is bio hazard and mold certified as well. Click HERE to view our full list of certifications and affiliations. 

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO Can Help Get Rid of Odors in Your Home or Business

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO Can Help Get Rid of Odors in Your Home or Business

Did you have a water damage that has left your home with a bad smell? Do you have smoke damage in your home from a fire or from cigarettes? SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO can take care of that musty, smoky, or foul smell in your home or business.  Are you smelling a musty smell that may point to hidden mold in the walls or behind the sink? Whatever odor is in your home, SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO can help you identify it and get rid of it. SERVPRO uses air movers, ionizers, and industrial grade cleaning solutions to clean, sanitize, and remove odors from your home or business. SERVPRO of North Austin / SW Williamson CO will help to make it "Like it never even happened." Call today to get the process started: (512) 335-7247

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in the Austin area for Years

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO – SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Has Been Locally Owned and Operated in the Austin area for Years

The owners of SERVPRO is a resident of the Austin area himself and has been helping home and business owners in Austin for over a decade. We have worked with all the insurance companies and know many of the agents. We are here to help not only you and your home/business, but Austin as well. When Austin is successful, we are all successful. We service the surrounding areas of: Round Rock, Leander, Jollyville, Cedar Park, and SW Williamson county as well. Each franchise of SERVPRO of individually owned and operated. Click HERE to view our team and HERE to learn more about us. We are Here to Help

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO Can Clean and Sanitize for COVID-19 Safely

SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is HAZMAT and Bio Hazard removal certified. The industrial grade chemicals that SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO uses to clean, disinfect, and sanitize are high-grade and effective. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized, please give us a call today. If you are looking to have your business cleaned and sanitized after COVID-19 has infected your office, business, or commercial space, please give us a call today. Because we are HAZMAT certified, we are able to clean areas with known COVID-19 contaminations. SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson CO is available and here to help. We would also like to thank our community’s medical personnel and essential workers for helping us all to get through this time together.

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

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

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

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

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

Fireworks Safety this 4th of July

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

To learn more about SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson County fire damage restoration, click here.

Source: CPSC

Be Safe this 4th of July

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Be Safe this 4th of July

It's often the smallest, most common fireworks that cause the highest number of injuries.

Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36 percent of the estimated 2017 injuries. Fifty percent of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were to individuals younger than 20 years of age.

Sparklers actually cause the highest number of injuries. There were an estimated 1,200 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers, and 300 with bottle rockets.  There were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers. Of these, an estimated 51 percent were associated with small firecrackers, an estimated 18 percent with illegal firecrackers, and an estimated 31 percent with firecrackers for which there was no specific information.  

Source: CPSC

Storm Damage Prevention using Horticulture

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage prevention and treatment: reducing damage from storms with preventive action using horticulture

Damage to trees from storms can be minimized by designing and implementing a tree management plan. Designing and executing a plan can help prevent problems.  There is no doubt trees can cause damage and be damaged in storms. However, appropriately placed and well-maintained trees can help to reduce storm damage to structures by deflecting wind, as well as reduce damage to the tree itself. Appropriate actions include: proper placement and planting, structural pruning prior to the storm, and proper species selection. Actions in the weeks and years following a strong storm can help bring damaged trees back to health.

If your home or business is affected by a storm, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of North Austin and SW Williamson Co.

Source: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/stormy.shtml

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

 1. Be careful where you plant

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

2. Clean out roof gutters

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

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

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13, 2018

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. See what programs your local fire station offers.

Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere!” That’s the theme for Fire Prevention Week.

LOOK
Look for places fires could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

What are molds?

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

What are molds?

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

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

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

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

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

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

One Year After Hurricane Harvey

August 25th marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the category 4 hurricane that deeply affected the great state of Texas one year ago.  Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area, flooding thousands of homes and killing more than 80 people. The devastation was swift, and the recovery is far from over.  SERVPRO® was proud to come to the aid of the people whose homes and businesses were damaged by the hurricane.  The water damage was catastrophic. The professionals at SERVPRO® worked especially hard during that hurricane and will always be here for you during any Texas storm...faster to any disaster to help you through any type home flood or storm damage.

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

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

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

Safety tips During Lightning Storms: 

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

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

We Offer A Variety Of Service

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson COprovides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (512)-335-7247

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. 

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Commercial Cleaning

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson CO

SERVPRO 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.

Conditions In Austin Might Be Right For Mold

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson CO to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 512-335-7247

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO or mold remediation services.

Basement Or Lower Room Flooding

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 512-335-7247

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 512-335-7247

We Are Professionals in North Austin/SW Williamson CO

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

WE ARE IICRC CERTIFIED!

SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson CO is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson CO

We 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

No Job To Big For SERVPRO North Austin/SW Williamson CO

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of North Austin/SW Williamson CO 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.

We Treat Mold

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Does Your N. Austin/SW Williamson CO. Home Have A Mold Problem?

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 your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –512-335-7247 or 512-261-4790