IICRC

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Abilene 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.

Kitchen Fire at Local Home

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

Even a small kitchen fire can affect the entire house.

A few months ago, our SERVPRO of Abilene team responded to a fire at a local home. Luckily, the fire was contained to the proximity of the kitchen. When a fire takes place, the home is not just affected by the fire. There is also water damage from the sprinklers putting out the fire. 

Our SERVPRO team goes in after the fire fighters have put out the fire and the damage has been done. Our team goes in and cleans all the contents and gets rid of the smell caused by the smoke. The remnants of smoke are much harder to get rid of than imaginable. Our team works very hard by cleaning the walls, then instructing the repair group to paint them with an oil-based paint. And lastly, adding a final coat. 

Why it is Best to Stay Off Flooded Roads

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Stay away from flooded roads!

It can be frustrating to be stuck inside your house when it’s flooding in Abilene, but it is important that you avoid driving in this situation. A flooded street may seem easy to handle, but it can be a risk to your safety. The following are just a few reasons why it is best to stay off the roads during a severe storm.

One reason to avoid flooded roads is that it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Your car is not made to be driven in water, so it does not have the necessary equipment to protect it. If water enters your engine, it can cause it to stop functioning correctly and leave you with massive repair bills. Areas of your car may rust, and electronic components can be ruined.

Even if you think the road looks safe, there might be something lurking beneath the water’s surface. A flooded street may be hiding potholes, tree branches and debris from the storm. Any of these could damage your car and make it more difficult for you to drive safely.

Whether you have been driving for a few years or a few decades, you cannot be prepared for everything. Even a long history of driving experience is not enough to keep you safe during a flood. Moving water in a flooded street can easily sweep your car away and create an incredibly dangerous situation. Just a few inches of water can cause you to hydroplane and result in a crash.
One of the best travel tips for driving during a flood is simply not to do it. Stay put if possible and, once the water has receded, you can find a more comfortable place to stay while an emergency restoration company performs any necessary repairs on your damaged home.

What Not to Do After a Toilet Overflow

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a toilet overflow contact SERVPRO of Abilene!

Toilets work around-the-clock removing waste from your home, and they’re bound to hit a bump in the road. When that hiccup is an overflow, things can get dangerous quickly. When potentially contaminated water is coming at you fast, it’s easy to make mistakes. Don’t make things worse. Learn what not to do when a toilet in your Abilene Texas, home overflows due to sewer damage, clogs or other complications.

Toilets aren’t complicated, but all the mechanisms must work together properly for them to function correctly. When that doesn’t happen, it’s often due to a blockage or damage. Other causes can include:

• Drainpipe blockages
• Blocked sewer lines
• Stopped up toilet traps

However. it happens, your flooded toilet is a major source of contaminated gray water that has to be controlled fast.

Don’t Let It Run 

The sooner you can stop the liquid, the sooner you can reduce sewer damage water and potential pathogen exposure. Locate the water shut off valve behind your toilet and stop the flow. Or, if you can’t find the valve, pry off the tank and block the float that lets water in.

Don’t Delay Clean Up

The water from a toilet is likely exposed to bacteria, and other pathogens so don’t waste time before cleaning up. Put on rubber gloves and use towels to absorb the water. Be sure to wash the towels thoroughly afterward.

Don’t Play Plumber

Sometimes it’s easy to see that something is blocking the toilet. But if you can’t see and remove it, call a plumber. That’s because gray water if left to sit, can become bacteria-laden black water quickly. Get a plumber in there to clean it up before this is a real hazard.

From sewer damage to old-fashioned clogs, there are lots of things that can cause toilet overflows. Tackle modest flooding yourself, but leave the tougher jobs to plumbers, a sewage company or your local water removal specialist.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene, (325)672-5661. 

Who is Responsible for Insurance Claims?

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Rental properties can endure a tremendous amount of water damage during a flood. It may not happen often in Abilene but when a flood hits the property you are renting to tenants, questions may surface about who is responsible for what damage. While the lease may have an outline of what is covered by both the tenant and landlord, there can sometimes be legal questions associated with damage resulting in leaky pipes or broken sewer lines. To alleviate some of the frustration that can occur, property owners often request the tenants obtain and maintain renter’s insurance.

Flood insurance is not typically included in a standard property policy. Nor is it standard in renter’s insurance coverage. The insurance can typically be purchased as a separate policy, but most require a waiting period of 30 days before coverage begins.

Landlords are typically considered responsible for insurance to the property. This property protection often includes:

• Structural damage protection
• Appliances replacement
• Restoration to the structure by qualified specialists

Tenants are generally responsible for insurance that covers their personal possessions. If flood insurance is covered in the policy, the renter’s coverage can also include:

• Paid temporary relocation during unlivable home flooding
• Normal living expenses until the building can be occupied
• Replacement of damaged personal items

Unusual Circumstances

Under normal circumstances, landlords are not responsible for damage to their tenant’s property or their tenant’s possessions; however, this is not always the case. If the property owner is responsible for the damage through neglect or irresponsibility, the tenant may have a legal case against the landlord for damages incurred.

Knowing your responsibility as a property owner before beginning the recovery process after a flood can help you provide the best service for your tenants and prevent any legal battles. Since every water damage situation may have its own variations and problems, when in doubt about your responsibilities consider contacting your insurance agent, attorney, or accountant about what is covered by renter’s insurance in Abilene.

Electrical Fires

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and or old, outdated appliances. The following are the most common reasons why electrical fires happen:

1. Old electrical sockets and unsafe appliances

Appliances that are old and overused and those that fall short of modern safety standards are the worst culprits. Frayed electrical cords, self-jointed wires, and worn out sockets that are not properly grounded are major causes of fires. They become ready outlets for directing heat and fire to carpets, rugs, curtains and combustible plastic. Older appliances draw more power than the wall sockets can handle.

2. Using light fixtures that exceed the permissible wattage

A very common cause of fires is plugging lights, lighting appliances and bulbs into electrical sockets that cannot handle higher wattage levels. Antique lighting appliances may have defective wiring that makes the appliance unstable by overheating. Decorating lights with colored paper and cloth shades can increase the risk of fire when the material or fabric heats up.

3. Using multiple appliances plugged into an extension cord

Unrestricted use of extension cords is a major fire hazard. The risk of fire increases when your TV, home theatre, computer and other appliances are all plugged into a single extension cord. This creates excessive power load on a single socket which may not be designed to handle that load.  So, there is a social and economic cost to damaged wiring!

4. Locating portable heaters near combustible materials

Portable space heaters that use coils are potentially dangerous when they are positioned carelessly near curtains and rugs and adjacent to beds and cloth covered furniture. The chances of inflammable material coming into contact with the red-hot coils increase the risk of fire.

5. Wiring that becomes defective with the passage of time

Over a period of time you add more electrical appliances such as wide screen televisions, home theatre, microwave oven, refrigerator and air conditioners. The outdated home wiring cannot handle the increased power load. Older wiring tends to heat up quickly and catches fire. If the breaker boxes are themselves defective, they cannot prevent overheated electrical panels from catching fire.

Make a Plan

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike at any time and without warning, be as prepared as you possibly can, make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

• Go to www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for their Emergency Plan for Parents guide

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Floodplains What They Are and How to Protect Your Property

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river which stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls, and which experiences flooding during periods of high discharge.  The soils usually consist of levees, silts and sands deposited during floods.  

Historically, many towns have been built on floodplains where they are highly susceptible to flooding for a number of reasons

• access to fresh water
• the fertility of floodplain land for farming
• cheap transportation, via rivers and railroads which often followed rivers
• ease of development of flat land

The extent of floodplain inundation depends in part on the flood magnitude.  What should you do to reduce the potential amount of damage to your home if you live in a floodplain?

• Elevate and reinforce your home to make damage less likely during a flood.
• Check with a professional to:
  • Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to floors that are less likely to be flooded. An undamaged water heater may be your best source of fresh water after a flood.
  • Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. (As a last resort, when floods threaten, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.)
  • Construct barriers such as levees, berms, and flood walls to stop floodwater from entering the building (if permitted by local building codes).
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
• Use sand bags when flooding is expected:
  • It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, creating a wall one foot high and 20 feet long.
  • Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly.
  • If a flood is expected, some communities will offer free sandbags to residents. Be sure to watch or listen to the news so you can access these resources.

Fast Mold Redediation for your Abilene Restaurant

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

If steamy pots lead to mold damage, call SERVPRO of Abilene for fast and reliable mold remediation.

Abilene restaurants, bakeries, and other food preparation enterprises know inspections are regularly conducted to ensure public health and safety. Mold growth is one of the negative marks your business can receive, so you want to move on mold remediation before the inspector comes. Stick to creating your delicious savory and sweet treats and hire us to manage the mold.

Mold damage in your Abilene bakery and restaurant not only violates health regulations but also repels your customers if they see or hear about it. In a perfect world, your business would never need to deal with mold growth, but the conditions supportive of mold spores germination are common in most food preparation areas. Mold prefers temperatures from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but some strains thrive at temperatures as low as 30 or high as 120 degrees. Water, even in the form of steam or high humidity fuels the growth of the fungi, and organic materials offer a food source. All commercial kitchens present this type of environment. We are familiar with the challenges of mold remediation in these circumstances.

Expect SERVPRO mold remediation technicians to assess both the current mold damage and the various sources of moisture observed. Unless your business addresses the moisture issues, mold can recur. In kitchens, one of the essentials is an adequate ventilation system, including exhaust fans that move the steam out of the area. Spills, neglected plumbing leaks, and condensation from coolers, freezers, and ice machines all contribute to the water mold spores seek to absorb.

SERVPRO technicians apply proper methods using the IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation when responding to your mold emergency. The restoration industry outlines the best practices in this standard and guide, and we as industry leaders follow the recommendations and steps.

We do our best to complete the mold remediation while allowing your business to operate. The SERVPRO team erects physical barriers to contain the moldy area, a zone outside of which your staff and customers remain during the process. Air quality cannot be compromised, so we frequently use negative air pressure machines to prevent the contaminated air from drifting into the rest of your business and that employ HEPA filters to catch airborne debris before venting to the outdoors.

Once contained, our technicians remove the mold, using wiping, scraping, and abrasive techniques like soda blasting. SERVPRO clears the residues with HEPA filtered vacuums, and bag the debris for disposal according to local codes. EPA-registered antimicrobial formulations treat surfaces to inhibit future mold growth and damage.

Let SERVPRO of Abilene partner with you when mold damage threatens your food service business. Call us for an evaluation of even a minor infestation at (325)672-5661 -- the sooner, the better to retain your hard-earned reputation for unique and tasty delicacies.

Avoid Fire Damage When Grilling at Your Big Country Home

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke from a small grass fire can fill your home with smoke odor.

The barbeque and grilling season are far from over in Leon Valley. Cooking outdoors is popular for creating a festive atmosphere and delivering delicious, smoke-infused food to the dining table. Wood, charcoal, or gas grills do pose an elevated risk of household fire. If the flames jump to an exterior or interior portion of your home, we can help with cleanup and restoration.

Outdoor grilling needs constant monitoring to avoid fire damage in your Big Country home. Even when you exercise caution variables such as wind gusts, or rambunctious pets can cause an accident that quickly turns into a crisis. During the relatively dry months of late summer, the grass or gardens near your house can ignite fast, spreading the line of fire to the exterior or inside of your dwelling. We respond to many fire cleanup scenarios where the source of the residue on surfaces in your home was an outdoor blaze.

SERVPRO warns that overhanging eaves, an awning, or roof can accelerate the transfer of heat and flames from even a small accidental outdoor fire from grilling. Despite burning just a few minutes before it is extinguished, the smoke and soot of a fire that escaped its containment system can make their way indoors, especially if open windows or heating or cooling intake vents are nearby. Think of how the aromas of your or a neighbor’s grilling waft into your house even when the cooking fuel is contained, and no emergency occurs.

Add to that the increase in smoke and soot if an outdoor fire jumps to the ground or the structure of your home. Fires started outside can grow in intensity if they catch the siding or trim of your home, and if a fire just outside the kitchen, where the majority of grilling spaces are, seeks and finds a burst of oxygen when the door opens, it travels inside with frightening ease. Firefighting efforts, both with fire extinguishers and water, may put out the fire but damage your home on their own. Fortunately, SERVPRO is a full-service restoration company, handling water, fire, and many other disasters.

If a gathering around the grill takes a turn for the worse, SERVPRO of Abilene is ready to help clean up and restore any areas of your home affected.

Give us a call at (325)672-5661 to get the recovery started.

Mitigation Reduces Fire Damage

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help restore your treasured items after a fire.

When disasters strike your Abilene home, there is often little time for you to formulate a plan and remove the most treasured items for safe keeping. Moreover, disasters put these irreplaceable items that you treasure at risk, which leads to one of the most critical aspects of professional restoration services: mitigation. This process helps to reduce the spread and effect of damages in your home when it faces an emergency.

Fire damages are among the worst of these disastrous effects in your Abilene home that you can neither plan for nor prevent. With so many ways that fires can originate in a home, the primary focus must be the safety of the occupants of the house above any of the contents or items that might be inside. With professionals like our SERVPRO technicians, however, these items do not have to be written off. Our emergency response team can utilize mitigation techniques to help lessen the lingering effects of the fire itself and work to preserve at-risk items within your house.

One of the first things that our team does once we assess the full scope of the fire damage to your home is to determine how to preserve both structural integrity and at-risk items from continued damages. The pack-out service we provide can remove damaged items and those threatened by the conditions of the house to a safe area until restoration completes. Once this happens, the items can get returned to their original positions.

Some of the mitigation techniques employed by our SERVPRO team are to prevent worsening conditions from happening, such as mold growth. With many widespread fires requiring water to extinguish, this pooling water can create problems of its own. Our technicians can extract this excess and dry up the saturation into materials to help reduce the possibility of microbial growth.

While you might not find yourself prepared to face a fire in your home, you are never alone in working to bring your house back to its original conditions. From working to preserve the things that matter most to you when disaster strikes to working efficiently to recover from the damages, our SERVPRO of Abilene restoration specialists are here to help.

Give us a call anytime at (325)672-5661.

The Risks of Flash Flooding in Abilene

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Natural disasters can often have the greatest toll on the structural integrity and the stability of Abilene properties. With the rainy seasons settling in with warmer weather, many areas throughout the Big Country become susceptible to devastating situations like flash floods. Even with the warning systems in place to inform residents of the risks of these disasters, many do not fully appreciate the power and devastation possible until it is on their doorstep. This high volume of traveling water can quickly penetrate even well-constructed homes to permit widespread saturation and standing water in the property.

Whether you call it flash flooding or you experience flash flash flood damage in your Abilene homes, property owners have a finite amount of time to reach out to qualified professionals before some of the saturation and exposed construction materials become permanently damaged. Our SERVPRO professionals have a fast and effective response to storm and flood emergencies, bringing our full measure of recovery equipment including temporary power solutions and mitigation equipment that can quickly address much of these detrimental effects like standing water, moisture, odors, and potential contamination.

Many homeowners affected by flash flooding do not even fully realize how dangerous of a situation could potentially exist. Not only has structural elements within the property become affected by this present standing water, but there are legitimate risks for bacteria, contaminants, and other chemical exposure the floodwater can collect in route to your address. Overcoming these harmful threats often requires advanced cleaning agents and products, but also a team of biohazard cleaning technicians. We have highly-trained SERVPRO cleaners.

Flash flooding is a scenario that can quickly get out of control for may homeowners throughout our region under the right circumstances.  Give us a call anytime that you need us at (325)672-5661.

Professional Waterr Removal In Abilene

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

For any water damage in your home or business call us at (325)672-5661

Abilene is not exactly a flood-prone town.  When water begins spreading across floors or filling basements, it is usually from a failed water heater shut-off valve or a split line on a washing machine.

No matter where it came from, water removal for Abilene homes needs to be started, and finished, as soon as possible. It is why SERVPRO maintains a support office 24/7, so our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can begin work within minutes after receiving a call.

If the water level is over two inches, each team of WRTs starts removal with a commercial grade, submersible pump. All water we remove goes directly in a drain, and not across the backyard to cause a problem for neighbors or the residents one street over. If possible, technicians direct it into sewer access if one is available.

For water levels under two inches, SERVPRO WRTs utilize extraction wands and other, smaller devices. Each one has three components, but technicians start by using only the pump option to draw water off of floors. Once they begin drawing water out of carpets, upholstery, and other items, they use the other two, a heater and vacuum to carefully draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards.

That is particularly important for carpets. After they become soaked, the glue holding the layers together weakens significantly, and delamination, or separation of the layers, can occur. WRTs know to carefully monitor all three components to prevent tearing carpets apart, as well as overheating the already damaged wood floorboards, cracking and splintering them.

After completing water removal, technicians then lift the carpets, remove the carpet pad, and dry the floor using air movers and fans to force warm air over and under the carpet while also drawing out the damp air and sending it outside the nearest window or another exit.

At SERVPRO of Abilene, we want to return each home to its original condition, safe for occupation once more, as quickly as possible. For any water intrusion into your home, call us 24/7 at (325)672-5661 to begin work. We are here for you.

Why SERVPRO Fire Damage Specialists Rely On Hydroxyl Generators

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Abilene wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage.

During a house fire, firefighters douse the interior of the home with thousands of gallons of water. This water soaks into walls, floors, and your belongings. After they put the fire out and no signs of hot areas pose additional threats to reignite the fire, the fire department’s personnel return to the station. Their job never includes removing the water or foam soaking into your residence.

The presence of so much water is why SERVPRO uses specific machinery to mitigate fire damage from homes in Abilene. One of these choices involves our options regarding deodorizing equipment. Initial efforts to help make the air safer to breathe while we work on your home have the potential to bring about unexpected effects.

Ozone can cause permanent changes in the color of damp carpets, furniture, and other furnishings. Plants can also suffer drastically when ozone generators fill an area. We must wait until after one of our employees turns off the machine and then a bit longer to clear the air of ozone before we can enter the home. However, we do have a safer alternative with very few drawbacks.

We can safely use hydroxyl generators while we work, as well as in damp conditions. If you see us wearing masks or respirators as part of our personal protective equipment (PPE) while we work on mitigating the fire damage in your dwelling, this is because of the soot hanging in the air. Hydroxyl generators push hydrogen peroxide molecules into the air where they can interact with odor-causing particles at the molecular level.

The extra oxygen molecule turning plain water into hydrogen peroxide has a fragile bond with the water molecule, allowing the oxygen to form bonds with other substances. Our desiccant machines pull the water molecules produced by the breakdown of H2O2 as we remove the water hosed in during the fire. Ozone does not give us the flexibility to work as efficiently as hydroxyl generators provide.

SERVPRO of Abilene wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage. Call us at (325)672-5661, so we can restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”

Your Basement is Flooded - Now What?

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

If your home is in a flood zone, talk to an expert about measures you can take to mitigate storm damage.

Dealing with a flooded basement is never easy, but that doesn't mean that it has to be entirely difficult, either. Thanks to technology, homeowners no longer have to use the bucket method to clear a room of standing water. Rather, they can count on pieces of equipment such as sump pumps, trash pumps and shop-vacs to suck up water and spit it out outside, where it belongs. If you have two feet of standing water in your basement, call your Abilene SERVPRO flood remediation team, or invest in the following: 

• Sump Pump 
• Trash Pump 
• Shop-Vac
• Truck Mount
• WaterBUG

Of course, these pieces of equipment are costly, and though they can clear a room of standing water, they do nothing when it comes to actually cleaning up the damage. A storm remediation team can help clear your home of standing water and perform the cleanup measures necessary to prevent mold growth and other secondary damage. 

Steer Clear of the Water

If you don't have a sump pump or some other piece of water-ridding equipment already installed, you should steer clear of the water entirely. You never know where the water came from, and for all you know, it could be black water. Instead, stay on dry ground and snap photos of the damage from above. Send these to your insurance agency. 

Contact the Professionals – SERVPRO of Abilene (325)672-5661

Flood remediation teams are quick to respond, as they understand that the longer water is allowed to sit, the worse the damage becomes. When your home begins to flood, contact your SERVPRO of Abilene restoration team ASAP. The right team can help clear your basement of water, save not-yet-damaged belongings and clean items that have already been touched by floodwater. 

If your home is in a flood zone, talk to an expert about measures you can take to mitigate storm damage. Some such measures may include buying and installing certain pieces of equipment, such as a sump pump and truck mount.

Surviving Water Damage in Your Home

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a pipe that breaks don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Abilene.

Water damage in your Abilene Texas home is a frustrating and time-consuming problem. No one anticipates the issue; therefore, it’s always a major inconvenience and added expense. Particularly with broken pipes, there are several steps you need to take to start the water cleanup process.

1. Stop the Water Flow and Clear the Area

When a pipe breaks or bursts, you first need to stop the water flow. Always know how to shut off the water in your house and turn it off immediately when you notice water leaking. If there is a large amount of water, it’s a good idea to turn off electricity in the room as well. Also clear the area of any decor items, furniture and especially electronics. If there are removable rugs or floor pads, take them out of the room.

2. Call the Professionals

As tempting as it may be to handle this problem alone, it’s always a good idea to call water damage specialists. They will remove the water and assess the damage to your home. It will give you peace of mind to have professionals dry out the area, as well as items within it. One of the frustrations of having broken pipes is not just the initial water, but also the threat of mold. Professionals will check unseen places, like below flooring and within walls for moisture in order to dry them and prevent mold.

3. Check with Your Insurance Company

The next call should be to your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, that will be very useful. If not, ask for details of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what exactly it covers. Once you know this information, you can prepare your budget and work with the water removal company on payment.

Water damage from broken pipes is a problem you need to deal with immediately. You should make sure to turn off the water and electricity, call a company specializing in water removal and restoration and check your insurance policies. Following these steps will make a hectic process a little more manageable and have you on your way to a restored home.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene (325)672-5661

10 Tips When Dealing with a Water Damage Loss

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business. In Abilene Texas we experience all types of water damage situations. We wanted to put together a free guide of 10 things that walks you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business. 

1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. Currently it is proper to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.

2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: With the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and not wet. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process. 

3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long, it can begin to create secondary damages. Water can be removed by using portable or truck mount extractors. Portables will take more time, and the truck mounts are much faster and efficient. 

4. Begin to remove damaged materials that can’t be dried and ventilate enclosed areas: Once all the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. This is to allow air flow in closed off spaces. If no ventilation is allowed secondary damage can occur inside the walls. Many times, if you are dealing with sewage water more flood cuts will be necessary. Try to take as many before and after photos as well. 

5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home or facility: The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times. Be sure to continue to take plenty of photographs of the equipment in place on the job. 

6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected. If that is the case it will need to be corrected so proper drying can occur. Be sure to document the drying data each day for accurate records. 

7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry all the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area. This will keep other secondary issues from happening as well. 

8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos. This will keep accurate records for your insurance company from start to finish. You can never take too many photos when dealing with a water loss. 

9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some situations, you might have to hire a contractor to do specific tasked like repair damaged drywall from the water. Be sure to continue to document any and all work on your home or business. 

10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all your records on backup. This can be valuable in case of any secondary damages in the future. 

SERVPRO of Abilene can handle any water damage job from start to finish. It is critical to make sure you understand the steps mentioned above. SERVPRO has the team and equipment to handle any size job and make sure that it is properly documented along the way. If you have any questions or need emergency services you can call SERVPRO of Abilene, 24/7 at (325)672-5661.

Professional Deodorization After Fire Damage in Abilene

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot ashes penetrate surfaces and leave odors. SERVPRO of Abilene has the equipment to leave your home smelling fresh.

A fire in your Abilene home causes many kinds of harm. Destruction of contents and supporting structures from charring can be severe, and soiling from soot drifting throughout your home reaches areas far from the blaze. As you cope with the many tasks needed to restore possessions and building materials, you concentrate on safety and swift remediation of your living spaces back to a clean, dry, and safe state.

Although your initial focus might not be on the smells resulting from fire damage in your Abilene home, failure to address the odors in your dwelling can come back to haunt you. Lingering smoky aromas impact the enjoyment you deserve to remain in your home after cleanup and restoration. Our team of highly-qualified fire damage responders have strategies to rid your home of offensive odors related to the fire damage.

The first steps toward effective odor control are part of overall fire damage cleanup. SERVPRO removes all charred items from your home, which might need some detective work if the fire spread behind walls or other hidden areas. Sealing of charred surfaces is sometimes an option if the disposal is not possible. Any burned materials continue to emit odor vapors unless steps are taken to remove or contain them.

Thorough cleaning also works to reduce odors. SERVPRO uses appropriate cleaners and solvents to clear bad-smelling soot and other residues. If disposal of charred remains and heavy-duty cleaning do not do the trick, we move on to technological advances that use different approaches.

Thermal fogging is an option SERVPRO employs in some cases. A heated chamber recreates the fire’s environment, combusting deodorizing compounds that then spread into the air seeking odor-bearing particles. When the heated deodorizers encounter the particles, they combine, neutralizing the odor through a series of chemical changes. Ozone machines and hydroxyl generators also create minute deodorizing residue, sending these tiny bits airborne to locate the odor-bearing particles, rendering them odorless at the molecular level.

Consult SERVPRO of Abilene for assistance in eliminating the odors created by fire damage. Call (325)672-5661 to set up an appointment with a deodorization expert.

Commercial Fire Cleanup in Abilene Breakroom

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen to a commercial property or business for many reasons. Natural disasters such as lightning are rare or more common causes like electrical wiring overloads and failures, arson and employees and residents misusing appliances such as microwave ovens.

The foundation for a successful restoration begins with commercial fire damage cleanup In Abilene, SERVPRO, was called to assist a local business establishment that had a fire in a small backroom area. An employee made popcorn set the timer on too long and left the area. Although extinguished quickly, the fire left residue throughout the back area of the facility and a strong odor. The owner thought this would harm his business because potential customers were going to encounter the smell that from the first moment they walked through the door.

When our technicians arrived at the site, they immediately had the owner turn off the HVAC and contained the breakroom area to stop any further issues with soot and odors spreading. We moved the uniforms they had on site to a locked, separate glass area, so they were not in danger of any contamination from soot or odor. Our technicians began hand vacuuming the fire extinguisher residue and removed the charred microwave that was contributing heavily to the smell in the room.

Once removing the visible loose debris, SERVPRO techs wiped down the surfaces with our professional-strength cleaners to eradicate any fire damage residues remaining, and this lowers odors. To ensure that we left no odor-causing particulates in the area, our technicians set up an air scrubber which pulls air in the room through a series of HEPA-filters and can capture tiny particles smaller than the human eye can see that are still capable of causing odors.

After completing the cleanup efforts, the owner was walked through the area to ensure our work met his approval.

SERVPRO of Abilene knows commercial fire cleanup is crucial to getting your business back on track. Call us at (325)672-5661 when you need fast, professional restoration for your fire loss.

Water Damage in Abilene

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Immediate Water Removal Can Save Drywall in Your Abilene Home

With the fast spread of water loss incidents that occur in your Abilene home, it can be challenging to understand the full effects to your construction materials and exposed areas of the property. With advanced detection, extraction, and drying equipment available to our technicians, we have a team that can respond quickly to water emergencies and makes a difference.

To protect exposed materials and structural elements in your home in an emergency like this, you need fast water removal services to begin immediately. Our 24/7 response to water loss incidents can provide the fast response you need to protect your home and your investment in the property. Drywall is often one of the most susceptible materials to both standing water and moisture damages, making it essential to get drying efforts started as promptly as possible to limit the necessary tear out to restore these areas of your home.

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your property, we address the standing water throughout the affected areas of the house. With effective equipment like our extractor trucks, portable submersible pumps, and even wet vacs with extraction wands, we have a wide array of equipment to make short work of the pooling water. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can work to identify the full spread of the damage and how it has affected elements like the drywall.

Wicking is a common effect with drywall in which the material begins to absorb moisture and allows it to spread much higher than its direct exposure line with the pooling water. To address this concern our SERVPRO professionals can mark off the moisture line at the height where the drywall returns to an unaffected state and cut off the damaged material beneath this point. Not only does this provide effective access for drying of wall cavities, but it makes reconstruction efforts to come more efficient and cost-effective than removing entire panels.

Protecting your drywall requires a fast response from skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of Abilene team. If you want to make water damage “Like it never even happened.” give our rapid response team a call today at (325)672-5661.

Managing The Processes Of Commercial Water Removal

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Unique Approaches for Commercial Water Removal in Security Law Firms

It is not easy to associate water spills with offices of a law firm, but it can happen if a pipe bursts in the washrooms or fire suppression sprinklers release water unexpectedly. Such incidents can have consequences extending beyond the confines of the firm because most clients that seek services of the law firm cannot afford to wait if the offices remain closed for long. We offer professional water removal services that help restore operations after a spill “Like it never even happened.” 

Managing the processes of commercial water removal in security so that partial operations can continue in the firm can be helpful. Many steps can help guarantee this including extracting water fast before it reaches all areas in the office. Our SERVPRO technicians use high capacity truck-mounted water extractors and submersible pumps to remove standing water quickly. We also use plastic sheets to create exclusion zones allowing operations to continue normally in unaffected areas while we proceed with removal. 

Law offices may be a beehive of activity during the day but have very little activity during the night. Capitalizing on the low activity periods to carry out some aspects of removal such as drying can help expedite the process. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to several sets of air movers, dehumidifiers and other drying equipment allowing us to maximize our efforts during the periods with low activity. We are also very flexible to work at any hour ensuring minimal interruptions to your regular activities. 

Presence of documents and electronics such as computers in a law firm can complicate the removal process. Moving and drying such items requires care to prevent additional damages after the initial exposure to water. At SERVPRO we have IICRC certified WRT, Water Restoration Technicians who can handle wet documents or electronics safely. We freeze wet documents to prevent further damage then use sublimation to dry them. The process changes water from the frozen solid form directly to a gas. 

In case of water problems in your Abilene office, SERVPRO of Abilene can help craft a solution that helps keep your services accessible. You can reach us at (325)672-5661 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO of Abilene is Your Best Option When Dealing With Mold

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you think there is mold in your home call the experts at SERVPRO of Abilene.

For most Abilene homeowners, mold is not even on the list of dangers to their residences. Fire and especially flooding are what occupies most people’s concerns over their home and checkbook. What many forget is that mold can grow unnoticed for years to become just as expansive and expensive a threat.

So why use SERVPRO for cleaning and removing mold from your Abilene home? Our restoration teams train to the latest industry standards for cleaning and remediation. Our office maintains an extensive inventory of cleaners and equipment for a rapid response. If we do need additional, specialized tools, our access to a national support network ensures we can get everything we need in usually only a day.

The first step our technicians take is to isolate the mold infested areas from the rest of your home. They turn off the HVAC system and, if the ducts are clear of mold, cover the vents with plastic to prevent contaminating them while cleaning. As they do this, other team members seal off the affected area with heavy, plastic sheets and set up a combination of air movers and fans to create negative air pressure and direct loose spores out of your home.

Now, our restoration team removes mold from surfaces in the affected area. The type of surface determines what tools we use. If a surface is metal, glass or plastic, it is non-porous, which means the mold rarely penetrates the surface. Our technicians can wipe these surfaces free of the mold using cloths or sponges. For thicker layers, they may need to use water or a mild cleaning agent to break them up for removal.

For items like carpets, wood, or building materials like drywall, mold often grows or settles into the surface. These are porous surfaces and are harder to clean. SERVPRO technicians must use stronger cleaning agents and a brush to agitate the mold to draw it out. In many cases, especially with drywall, we recommend disposal since it is cheaper to replace the items than expend the labor hours to restore them.

Afterward, we wait for any spores disturbed by our efforts to settle on surfaces. Our teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to draw out even a single mold spore from a table or chair. They finish by wiping down the surfaces and then repeat these last actions until the air mold content tests at a safe level.

At SERVPRO of Abilene, our goal is to get you back into your home quickly and safely. If you think there is mold in your home, call us at (325)672-5661 to schedule a visit.

SERVPRO Can Help With Your Water Damage Remediation

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless of whether water damage starts from a storm or a pipe break, the experienced technicians at SERVPRO can effectively remediate any damage.

Water loss incidents that affect your Abilene home present unique threats that homeowners often cannot manage or overcome on their own. From addressing spreading saturation to reducing the conditions necessary to facilitate mold growth, a rapid response to these emergencies is critical. Much like the response that you need to address the primary threats when the disaster first occurs, premier cleaning services like our team provides can help to address lingering effects after mitigation work completes.

All emergencies that create water damage in your Big Country home require a fast response from trained IICRC-certified professionals like our SERVPRO team.  We have a broad inventory of recovery equipment to provide fast extraction and efficient drying solutions for water damage incidents occurring in your area home. Our response team is available 24/7 to roll out at a moment’s notice for emergencies that threaten your property.

Many of the preserved structural elements and flooring materials do require focused cleanup and restoration efforts to make these disasters “Like it never even happened.” With materials like carpeting, our team can utilize our advanced equipment for pre-rinse cleaning, hot water extraction, or steam cleaning to revitalize the look and feel of soiled carpets.

While mitigation work often is a focal point of restoring water damage in your home, we have many phases critical to returning your property to preloss condition. Our SERVPRO of Abilene team offers comprehensive support from the initial inspection through the final walk-through, helping to save you money and time on restoring your damaged home. Give us a call anytime you need us at (325)672-5661.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Water Damage

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you serve customers on a daily basis or work from a private office, protecting your facility from water damage is essential for smooth daily operations. The following preventative measures can prepare your building for heavy rain. Here is what you should know about preventing flooding at your facility.

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Commercial Properties 

1. Schedule Basement Repairs

If your facility has a basement, don’t forget to periodically inspect it for foundation cracks or other issues. Make sure to have any cracks patched and caulked so the room isn’t flooded after the next heavy rainstorm. You can also install a sump pump to remove excess water as well. 

2. Improve Landscaping

Property elevation plays a big role in your risk for water damage. You can avoid potential flooding by altering your landscaping to ensure that water flows downhill and away from the building’s foundation. Use downspouts to direct water away from the building as well. You should also schedule a property assessment to identify flood-prone areas and then work with a landscaper to fix these issues.

3. Clear Drains & Gutters

It never hurts to look at the weather forecast. When you know rain is on the way, double check that all gutters, drains, and downspouts are clear of leaves and other debris. This way, you won’t have to worry about clogs causing water to back up and leak into the building.

If your facility has been affected by water damage, contact SERVPRO of Abilene. Serving the Big Country and the surrounding areas. They provide a variety of cleanup and restoration services, including for damage from fire, water, and mold. Locally owned and operated, their IICRC certified team seeks to treat each customer as a friend of the family to give you the best quality service. To learn more about how they can help your property call them at (325)672-5661.

Don't Share Your Office With Mold

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let mold be your new office decoration!

Since mold can grow on pretty much any organic surface where oxygen and moisture are readily available, the interior of your factory building in Abilene could be under attack at any time. You could even have a mold problem growing out of sight, so being diligent with the maintenance and upkeep of your building is essential.  Not only can mold damage your building it can cause health effects for your workers as well. Therefore, it is necessary to clean it up right away, and recruiting the help of a remediation company such as SERVPRO helps get the job done faster and more efficiently. With our professional training and equipment, you can trust us to make your building look as if nothing ever happened.

Before our SERVPRO staff can help with the mold damage in your building, we take precautions such as establishing a containment area. We do this so that the mold does not spread to clean parts of your structure while we work. Containment can include installing plastic sheeting and creating negative air pressure inside the contaminated area. We also seal HVAC vents to stop the contamination getting into your duct system. Clean rooms are also established and used for decontaminating materials and equipment, as well as decontamination rooms for leaving and entering the work area.

To protect your building from a mold outbreak, it is also essential to make any repairs, such as fixing leaky roofs, cracked foundations, and unsealed windows and door frames. If you make the repairs as they occur and catch leaks and water damage before the wetness sits too long, you can do a lot to keep mold growth away.

SERVPRO of Abilene are experts at mold remediation, so you can trust us to thoroughly clean your business structure in Abilene or Sweetwater after an outbreak. Once you suspect you have an issue, give us a call at (325)672-5661 so we can stop it from spreading further.

Keep Floodwater Removal in the Big Country Manageable

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Floods happen when least expected, and the costs that pile up in the bid to restore the property to the pre loss state can balloon to unmanageable levels. Secondary damage can also happen in the bid to restore your Big Country property if you make mistakes, driving the costs even higher. We are IICRC certified in applied structural drying and state certified in Mold Remediation enabling us to handle the removal process effectively.

Speed is necessary during floodwater removal to prevent the development of additional problems such as mold and deterioration of materials through rotting or rusting. Making the home habitable also eliminates costs such as external accommodation or eating out. Despite this, care is necessary to avoid exacerbating the problem. For example, before entering the property, you should turn off power at the mains to prevent the risk of electrocution. Using equipment affected by the floods is also not advisable to avoid damaging them further. Our SERVPRO technicians can handle the process speedily because of the experiences we have had. Our team members are also equipped with Personal Protective Equipment to protect them from hazards in the water.

Handling a flooding incident on your own can be overwhelming. Call SERVPRO of Abilene at (325)672-5661 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Do You Know Where Your Water Supply Cut Off Is?

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

When the unfortunate happens, and a water pipe bursts in your business property, do you know where to run and turn off your water supply?

That is where SERVPRO of Abilene comes in! One of the many services we provide is what we call, an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile). We create an Emergency Ready Profile personalized specifically for your business. The ERP helps make a plan for your business in case a disaster were to happen in your property, such as a bursting pipe that causes a flood.

Benefits from an ERP:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes that SERVPRO of Abilene as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

These benefits help with a much faster response time to your business, which helps avoid any further damages to your property.

Call us today to schedule your free ERP, SERVPRO of Abilene: 325-672-5661

SERVPRO of Abilene Can Help in Your Time of Need

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

The experienced technicians at SERVPRO can effectively remediate any water damage you might have.

Water loss incidents that affect your Abilene home present unique threats that homeowners often cannot manage or overcome on their own. From addressing spreading saturation to reducing the conditions necessary to facilitate mold growth, a rapid response to these emergencies is critical. Much like the response that you need to address the primary threats when the disaster first occurs, premier cleaning services like our team provides can help to address lingering effects after mitigation work completes.

All emergencies that create water damage in your Abilene Home or business require a fast response from trained IICRC-certified professionals like our SERVPRO team. Our response team is available 24/7 to roll out at a moment’s notice for emergencies that threaten your property.

Cleanup and recovery often occur after these vital mitigation steps, and even follows reconstruction when necessary. Many of the preserved structural elements and flooring materials do require focused cleanup and restoration efforts to make these disasters “Like it never even happened.” With materials like carpeting, our team can utilize our advanced equipment for pre-rinse cleaning, hot water extraction, or steam cleaning to revitalize the look and feel of soiled carpets.

Call us anytime you have have a need for our services at (325)672-5661.

Flooding Damage Tips

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl

The Dallas Cotton Bowl Stadium football game has been renamed the SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl for 2018!

SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium

SERVPRO of Abilene is excited to announce that the Cotton Bowl Stadium football bowl game in Dallas has been renamed the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl!  

We’re proud to honor and support the service of all America’s First Responders.  These brave men and women keep our communities safe every day of the year. First Responders include firefighters, police, EMS workers, military members, and more.

Kickoff is set for December 26, 2018 at 12:30 P.M. Central.  ESPN will televise the game, and tickets go on sale in September.  

"We are proud to present the SERVPRO F1rst Responder Bowl dedicated to honoring some of the hardest working men and women in our country," says CEO of SERVPRO Industries, Sue Steen. "We recognize the dedication and selfless acts of our First Responders and are honored to help highlight and celebrate the commitment of these everyday heroes."

The 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is part of almost 90 years of history of games played at Cotton Bowl Stadium on the grounds of Fair Park in Dallas.

“This is an exciting change, and we are humbled by the fact that an actual bowl game has been named exclusively for the first responders of this country,” says Dallas Fire Rescue Fire Chief David Coatney.

“We are truly honored to have a bowl game here in Dallas named after the hard working men and women serving and protecting communities across this country. It always feels great to be recognized, and I know our officers and firefighters are touched by this overwhelming show of support,” says Dallas Police Chief, Ms. Renee Hall.

Visit www.firstresponderbowl.com for information as it becomes available.

SERVPRO of Abilene is Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Abilene is a locally owned and operated restoration company.  We are a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company. We are also a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor for Texas and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (325)672-5661.  Call us any time!

Steps to Follow After Fire Damage

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Few things are more complicated than having to deal with fire damage in the home. Sometimes, the steps that you as the homeowner take after the fire damage determine the speed at which the home will be restored to the state it was in before the fire damage happened. Below are is a guideline outlining the steps you ought to take after an electrical fire or another type of fire breaks out in your home.

Evacuation

The very first thing you need to do is ensure that all the people who were in the building have gotten out. In case there is someone still trapped in the building because of soot damage or smoke damage, you should call in emergency services such as the fire truck, fire sprinkler systems, fire hoses, and firefighters to help rescue them and put out the fire. Do not try to get back into the house once you are out where it is safe.

The fire suppression

The fire trucks and firefighters will arrive and assess the situation. The firefighters, fire hoses, and their fire trucks will do their best to try and put out the fire within the shortest time possible after getting to the scene. You might see a firefighter going into the house and trying to rescue people who are trapped in the soot damage. They use equipment such as fire hoses, fire sprinkler systems and other appropriate equipment to help them achieve fire suppression within the shortest time.

Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on fire damage.

Your Insurance and Fire Damage

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Calling the insurance company

When the fire has been put out by the fire sprinkler systems, and the fire trucks have left, the most challenging part of the fire restoration process starts. As a homeowner, this is the point at which you call the insurer and inform them of the accident. Note that when damage of this magnitude has happened, adjusters will be calling you from all corners, trying to help you with ways of achieving fire restoration. Making the call to your insurer gives you the peace of mind you need to proceed to the next important step in fire damage and restoration.

Contacting the fire restoration company

Commercial fire damage experts recommend that you should stay away from a building that has suffered fire damage until a fire restoration expert has certified it safe to enter. Contact restoration companies which are close to you and let them know about the electrical fire or utility room fire. The details that you share with them will determine the quote they give you for the commercial fire damage restoration process. When they get to your premises, they will assess the utility room fire damage to determine where to start the recovery. The following are some of the issues they usually address:

• Smoke damage and soot damage in the house is a typical result of the fire. The experts will clean up the smoke damage on all surfaces and make sure the house is as clean as it was before the ordeal.
• In case some structures have been weakened by the electrical fire or the utility room fire, they will do a board up and roof tarp as a way of preventing collapse.
• If fire sprinkler systems or fire hoses were used in the fire suppression efforts, water damage would result. The electrical fire damage experts will extract the water and dry the house to prevent future development of mold.

The commercial fire damage restoration experts will then perform services such as repainting the parts that could have been affected by the soot damage and the smoke damage.

The utility room fire restoration experts will only leave home when they have ensured that it is has regained the state it was in before the fire damage and the fire suppression. Take time and choose the restoration company which is close to you to handle the restoration process for you. The quality of the outcome will depend on the competence of the restoration experts that you contact.

Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on fire damage.

How to Recognize Mold and What to do Next

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

In Abilene TX there are many hazards that a small business owner or landlord has to take into account when maintaining their buildings and places of work. One of these hazards is mold and the smelly mycotoxin that always accompanies it. When allowed to go unchecked, this hazard can potentially ruin the hard work that has gone into a building or grind the business conducted within to a halt. To help prevent this, here are a few steps for renters and maintenance workers on how to recognize and fix mold growth.

1. Use Your Eyes

Mold can easily be mistaken for dirt or dust if not thoroughly inspected. Depending on what fungus present, the mold could take on a variety of different shades and textures. However, mold may not have a visual presence.

2. Use Your Nose

Spores often incubate where small hidden leaks show up or where condensation builds as a result of a possibly broken air condition unit or something similar. When this happens, investigators can rely on their noses. Mold growth is often revealed by a variation of a musty odor.

However, it's important to take note of any new smells. This is due to the scent of mold changing based on the spore count and where it is in its life cycle. After all, the smell is formed by the mycotoxin released by mold eating and multiplying.

3. Fix the Problem

Once the mold has been found, whether it’s out in the open or recently excavated, it’s important to immediately focus on mold remediation. This is because mold spreads quickly, often manifesting within 48–72 hours. If it looks like the mold is relatively contained and has only covered a small surface area, it is possible to get it cleaned up. In this case, cleaners should use the proper equipment and maintain safety standards during the process.

When maintaining a building, it’s good to be perceptive. If the mold has spread, remember that it’s important to call in a professional cleaning service. Safety should always be a priority when dealing with mold and its mycotoxins. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on commercial mold damage. 

Cleaning up After a Flood

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a flood in the Big Country can be devastating. In addition to water damage that can take a long time to repair, a flood can damage main contents of a business. When you are content cleaning, you need to categorize each item into one of two material types to know if your belongings can be saved.

Porous Materials

Anything in your commercial property that could possibly absorb water may have to be thrown away, particularly if your building was flooded with black water. Porous materials can include anything from carpets to upholstered furniture and drywall. Because these contents can absorb filthy water, they cannot be cleaned thoroughly enough to prevent health hazards. When you begin the process of content cleaning, know that any item made of porous material that possibly came in contact with the contaminated water will likely need to be disposed of.

Non-Porous Materials

Any item that will not absorb water is made of non-porous material. These contents should be safe after a flood. Items may include metal desks or cabinets, waterproof safes, or even plastic furniture. Thorough cleansing with clean water and a little disinfectant will likely save any belongings made of non-porous materials and keep them useful after restoration. Because these contents did not absorb the dirty water, they do not pose a significant risk if they are kept.

Losing critical business information may be one of the most devastating parts of surviving a flood. Content cleaning can be challenging because you may have to throw away many items, but if you have the right knowledge of porous and non-porous materials, you may be able to save some items. When dealing with black water, knowing which items pose a health hazard is critical to the restoration process. Separating belongings into one of these two categories can help make the cleaning process faster and easier. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on water damage.

Water Damage Can Take Many Different Forms

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Abilene Help Prevent Any Secondary Damage After Water Has Affected Your Home.

There are several different ways that water damage can exist in a home. The differences depend on the source, the time exposed, and the amount. Categories of water can also change the level of damage, as well. Black water is always the worst, although clean water can cause enough problems by itself. Clean water can also become contaminated, even in your own home.
 
Abilene residents who have had a water line spring a leak, a window left open during a heavy storm, or an overflowing appliance or tub should clean up as much water as possible. This is to prevent additional water damage from happening. Water damage can begin almost immediately if water comes in contact with porous materials. This can include, but is not limited to, wood floors, carpeting, cabinetry doors, or drywall. The more water that is absorbed, the higher the chances that the material will need to be replaced.
 
Other materials in a home can be damaged but show this much more slowly. Metal fittings and hardware on furniture can rust and corrode. Wallpaper can end up with bubbles underneath, eventually causing unsightly peeling. Linoleum floors that were waterlogged can curl at the edges and where bubbles and gaps are created, the raised areas can become more prone to damage from even normally benign activities such as walking.
 
Secondary water damage includes mold growth. Mold is not confined to any particular area in a home, including the area where water damage is located at. This is because both the humidity from the original water damage (as water never disappears completely without some human interference – it just circulates throughout a home) and mold spores often accumulate in the same area. Other microbial contamination can begin when water damage occurs. Fungi, viruses, and bacteria can congregate in areas that provide dark and cool environments, as humidity is lost more slowly in these types of locations than in others.
 
When water is posing a risk of water damage in a home, SERVPRO technicians work together with the latest in technology and equipment to ensure that all of the excess water is removed. From portable water extractors to vacuum-producing floor mats to high-velocity air movers, we have your situation covered. Resolving it will be conducted in an efficient and professional manner. Our goal is to restore everything to its previous state, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
 
To prevent water damage from spreading in your home, or to restore what has already been damaged, call us. We are SERVPRO of Abilene at (325)672-5661, and we are there to take your call 2/7.

What's Involved in Mold Remediation

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

There are several phases in the mold remediation process. The following list does not include mold testing, which is the precursor to mold cleanup. If testing reveals the presence of any type of mold in your home, including black mold, you should retain the services of a certified remediation company.

1. Containment: The first step to handling mold is to determine how much mold is present and containing the problem to avoid mold from spreading during cleanup. Mold should be removed by experts who adhere to industry best practices.

2. Personal Protection: The next step to handling a mold problem is determining whether the remediation process will pose a threat to any residents in the household with weak or compromised immune systems including very young children or elderly people.

3. Tear Out: Only experts trained in industry best practices are qualified to safely tear out mold infested building materials such as drywall or insulation. This is particularly the case when black mold is involved.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection: Once the worst of the mold has been removed, remediation experts will clean and disinfect the affected area of a home.

5. Drying and Restoration: The most critical phase in remediation is preventing a mold problem from returning. It is important to keep affected areas dry and even run a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from collecting. Once the moisture problem has been handled, the area is ready to be restored to pre-damage condition.

If you discover mold in your home or suspect that non-visible mold is present, you should contact remediation specialists based in Oklahoma City, OK to schedule mold testing. Once you determine whether you are dealing with black mold or another type of mold and the extent of the growth, you will be better prepared to make the best choices to eliminate the presence of mold in your home. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on mold. 

The Ultimate Guide to Successful Storm Damage Restoration

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Few things are more devastating than storm damage. When flooding happens, your priority should be getting everyone to safety. After leaving the premises, the next step should be looking for skilled restoration experts to help you with the storm damage process. Below are a few of the things which can help you with the storm damage restoration process.

Handling water and flood damage

When water damage happens or flooding , assess whether it is safe to stay in the house. Make sure everyone in the house avoids all sorts of electrical and also slip and fall hazards. Be careful when handling wet materials because they can be extremely heavy. Flood pumps are typically used for water extraction. The water restoration company you contact should, therefore, possess quality flood pumps to deal with the flooding.

Dealing with roof damage, leaking roofs, and roof repair

The strong winds that result from storm damage sometimes blow entire roofs off buildings. The ice damage, ice dams and hail damage also lead to complications such as roof leaks. If you realize you have roof leaks after this damage, you should contact a storm restoration company that understands how to do roof repairs. Ice damage, ice damming and ice dams are all problems which can be resolved when experts are engaged in roof repair and storm damage.

Dealing with frozen pipes

When the temperatures are too low after a storm, the water in the pipes tends to cool down. Frozen pipes should not be left unattended to because they will eventually and cause serious water damage in the home. Flood pumps and other equipment can be used to deal with the ice dams and ice damage which contributes to the presence of frozen pipes in the home.

Hail damage and hurricane damage

When the temperatures are low, rain tends to solidify and fall as hailstones. These hailstones can sometimes be as large as golf balls, and when this happens, hail damage will affect the roof, windows and other parts of the home. An expert should assess the hail damage, ice damming or hurricane damage which has occurred and come up with a workable plan for roof repair, home restoration, and storm remediation.

Ground water and flood water

The other huge complication that comes after flooding or river flooding is that when the water is left in the house, parts which are made of wood start rotting. The rotting from flood water, ice damming, and ground water weakens the structure of the house, which can lead to eventual collapse. Storm restoration experts use flood pumps to remove the river flooding water, and then they follow this up with dehumidification and drying.

When you have a reliable wind damage, flood water, roof damage and storm restoration company, you will have an easy time dealing with hurricane damage and storm remediation. Take time and choose a company that is trusted and experienced in storm remediation. This will save you money, time, and give you peace of mind.

Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on storm damage.

Monitoring Job Site Conditions

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO For Professional Monitoring of the Drying Process!

The success of water damage restoration projects is based on patience, vigilance, and precision. It might be relatively straightforward to bring high-powered drying machines onto a site and set them up but regulating their progress can be trickier. Fortunately, the experts at SERVPRO have years of experience in the water damage repair industry.

We know that successful drying requires a careful balance of equipment, time frames, intensities, and temperature control measures. When we repair water damages in Abilene homes, we make scores of mathematical calculations to ensure that dehumidification and circulation tools are working in perfect harmony.

At SERVPRO, we do not ask you to trust in promises, because we deliver demonstrable, verifiable results. Keep reading to find out why we think progress targets are such a big deal.

Why a Dynamic Approach is Effective

The greater the size of the affected area, the more challenges it presents for remediation experts because there is likely more than one type of water damage. For example, in a sitting room or den, there may be soft furnishings, wallpaper, drywall, plaster, electronics, and books and other paper documents to save. Each of these items requires a slightly different drying and cleaning technique.  Dehumidifiers are ideal for all round drying, in large rooms, but they have to be used in moderation if there is a lot of wooden furniture around. Similarly, both wet and dry fogging can be applied to get rid of damp, musty smells, but wet fogging isn’t suitable for use around electronics. Then, there’s the question of whether water has intruded into the walls and ceilings or under cabinets.

The Value of On-Site Monitoring

While the experts at SERVPRO have spent many years working with the effects of water damage, even they cannot guarantee that a particular drying approach will be successful until they see the results for themselves. For this reason, consistent, persistent monitoring of progress and the achievement of key drying goals is essential.

Our SERVPRO technicians may leave fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers running overnight (or for several days in the case of severe water damage), but they are onsite regularly to make sure that everything is going smoothly. If moisture levels are dropping and relative humidity is falling too, the drying approach is working.

To find out more about how we guarantee the quality of our repairs and remediation work, get in touch with the experts at SERVPRO of Abilene. Our business is water damage cleanup and repairs and there’s no crisis that we cannot solve. Call us 24/7 at (325)672-5661.

Three Ways to Stay Safe During a Flood Cleanup

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

Outdoor flooding in Abilene, can cause damage to your home in many ways. Whether flood water poured into your basement or invaded the main rooms of your house, the cleanup process can be a daunting one. However, there may also be a few dangers involved, and knowing how to stay safe as you recover from a flood can reduce the risk of illness or injury to you and your family.

1. Avoid Black Water

When rivers, streams and other outdoor bodies of water spill over their banks and create flooding, the water may mix with sewage overflow, chemicals from drainage ditches and other debris. As a result, flood water is typically loaded with contaminants and pathogens that may cause illnesses in people and pets. This black water should only be handled by a qualified storm cleanup and water damage company that has the ability and equipment to drain and dispose of it safely.

2. Beware of Electrical Hazards

Once flood water enters your home, it may create standing water in one or more rooms. While you may want to enter these areas to retrieve wet belongings, it is important to remember that electric outlets, wires and circuit panels may have been affected by water to create a severe electrical hazard. Before you enter a flooded room, cut your home’s power and wear rubberized protective boots and gloves to minimize the danger of electric shock.

3. Do Not Disturb Mold

A flooded home can be prone to mold growth, especially in the first few days after the flood when humidity is high. However, you may want to avoid cleaning up mold on your own, as disturbing it can cause spores to detach and settle nearby, increasing the spread of the fungus. Let your flood cleanup company handle the removal and treatment of mold. 

When flood water invades your Abilene home, it can be difficult to know where to begin with cleanup efforts. However, when you make the safety of yourself and your family job number one, the path to restoration can be easier to travel. For more information, visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com

Preparing to Escape a House Fire

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing a fire escape plan for yourself and your family is important whether you live in Abilene or anywhere else in the big country. Your dwelling may be a single-family home, a multi-family home or a high-rise apartment, but whatever the case, the routes to safety should be planned and practiced by all inhabitants.

Planning for a Safe Getaway

No matter your type of home, it is important to have functional smoke alarms on every level. In a fire emergency situation, an alarm can provide the two minutes that the Red Cross estimates are needed to get out safely. Make sure that all family members recognize the sound of the alarm and know how to call 911. Design and regularly practice your fire escape plan.

• In single-family homes, identify at least two exits from each room. Preselect a gathering point outdoors. Once outside, call 911 if the emergency is real.
• In multi-family homes, identify two exits from each room, and place escape ladders in second floor rooms. Plan a meeting place outdoors. Call 911 if it is an actual emergency.
• In high rises, head for the interior fire stairs if possible. If it is too dangerous to leave via the interior stairs, find a safe place, and close all doors. Call 911, and hang a white sheet outside your window to alert the fire department to your location if it is not a drill.
• Never return to the dwelling to retrieve people, pets or belongings.
• Download and complete the Red Cross’s emergency escape plan. Share it with everyone in the home.

Though it is regrettable that items of monetary or sentimental value can be lost in a fire or a beloved home can be damaged, restoration and remediation services can go a long way in helping with material losses. A fire escape plan can be an essential element of protecting what really matters. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on fire damage. 

What do Professionals do to Stop Mold Growth?

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

If you’ve recently found a patch of mold in your Abilene home, you’re likely beside yourself with worry. Mold cleanup does not have to be stressful. In fact, the easiest and most reliable method of mold remediation relies on the knowledge and equipment of professionals. These experts can help get your home back to normal by taking the following five steps.

Find the moisture source. Because mold needs moisture to grow, it’s important to find the source of moisture. A roof leak or condensation buildup may be the culprit of your mold problem. However, if this source isn’t found, the fungus will continue to come back. Finding and fixing the issue helps contain your mold growth.

Wear personal protective equipment. While mold can cause structural damage to your home, it can also be a hazard. For this reason, professionals often put on masks, gloves and goggles before working with the mold in your home.

Remove the porous materials. Porous materials have to be discarded when affected by moisture and mold damage.  For this reason, any affected dry wall will have to be cut out of the home and discarded.

Carpets, mattresses and other objects may also have to be tossed out.

Clean and disinfect non-porous objects. Professionals may use a detergent-based disinfectant to clean the hard surfaces affected by black mold. This cleaning should remove all spores.

Dry out the area. After the cleaning, the entire area of your home affected by mold should be properly dried out. The remediation team may bring in fans and wet vacuums to help remove moisture from your home.

The growth of black mold can be stopped by the proper cleaning steps. The only true way to stop this growth is to remove the source of the moisture and git rid of as much of the spores as possible. It may be tempting to do the remediation yourself, but remediation experts in Abilene have the knowledge and equipment necessary to do this task well. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on mold.

Gaining Insight Into the Mold Remediation Process

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

Once the existence of mold has been unearthed in your Abilene home or office building, it’s difficult to know where exactly to turn next. However, one answer is never to try and take care of the situation yourself. Mold growth is dangerous to your health and should be avoided, at least until specialists can examine the problem and identify whether the fungus is black mold or another less harmful strain. So what does mold cleanup entail? Learn more about the various steps of the mold remediation process and how your home or office can safely become habitable again.

1. Contain the area and change into protective gear. When professional remediation experts appear on the scene, the first step they take is containing the area. This includes repairing any moisture problems that are customarily the source of mold growth and isolating the room by closing all windows and doors. The technicians then take extra precautions by suiting up in protective gear before handling or dislodging any mold colony development.

2. Remove wet or moldy materials and clean the affected area. Any damaged goods are removed or placed in thick plastic bags to be taken care of later, meaning they’ll be heavily cleaned or simply thrown away depending on the severity of the black mold contamination. Cleaning then ensues, with many items being wiped down or dipped in strong detergents or professional-grade cleaning solutions. If the level of contamination is severe, a HEPA vacuum is used to disinfect the entire room.

3. Conduct a visibility test and dry the newly washed areas. Any visible signs of mold should now be erased, and the drying of all belongings and other wet materials can be set into motion. The remediation team uses dehumidifiers and fans to speed up the process, ending with deodorizing solutions that eliminate any trace of the musty smell.

Demolish any signs of black mold in your office building by calling in a team of mold remediation specialists who can handle mold cleanup with ease. Now that the steps of the process are clear, you can be more informed once the operation takes place.

For more on mold visit us at SERVPROOfAbilene.com

Fire Damages in the Big Country

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores Damaged Big Country Properties After Fires, Large or Small

The word 'fire' scares just about every homeowner and renter out there. As much as it is feared, it is also just as misunderstood. Not every fire is a total loss nor can a victim walk right back in and start washing walls.

Damage does not usually happen from direct exposure to flames or heat. Most of the damage to a residence (and the cleanup costs) result from the soot and smoke that remain after a fire has been put out. Regardless of the size of the fire or the type of damage SERVPRO has the experience and the equipment to put our fellow residents back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible. Our response team has three immediate goals to meet: Establish a safe work site for technicians and residents to enter, prevent further damage from soot and smoke to the structure and prepare the work site for restoration. Once accomplished, technicians take the following step: Secure the structure: This means boarding up any doors and windows that may have been damaged putting out the fire. Our team does this to prevent trespassing and possible vandalism or looting. If there is roof damage, we stretch tarps across openings to secure against the weather. Establish emergency power: Depending on what needs to accomplished, SERVPRO technicians set up a portable generator or park a generator truck to ensure that electricity is available while personnel is working or even 24/7 if needed to secure our client's property. Immediate property cleaning: To ensure that residents can have what they need while in a hotel or other housing, technicians help choose clothing and other possessions that can be quickly cleaned and used.  We can also employ sonic cleaning for hard surfaced items. Drying the building: If the fire department deployed or if sprinklers engaged, then there is an excessive amount of water in the home. Team members use water pumps and extractors to remove standing water and draw it out of carpets and wood floors. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians also use dehumidifiers and commercial grade heaters to eliminate moisture from the air inside the structure. Deodorize the structure: Technicians use air ozone machines and thermal foggers to destroy odors trapped in walls and carpets, as well as furniture and other personal property. Recovery after a fire is not always a quick process, but SERVPRO Abilene is here to help you through it. Call us at (325)672-5661 today to get started.

Be Prepared Before You Loose Power at Your Business

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common each year. With bad weather often comes immense blizzards, powerful wind gales, and awe-inspiring electrical storms. These storm conditions can occur suddenly, and your business may find itself in the middle of a blackout condition when electricity comes to a standstill during a workday. A power outage in Abilene can be frustrating, but if your company is prepared, the outage needn’t be devastating. Here are a few tips to help you weather almost any storm. Plan Ahead Losing data, production time, and possible revenue can disrupt your business for more than the length of the storm. By planning ahead, you can help your company get back to business quickly with very little trouble after a power disruption. Here are a few things to include in your survival plan:

• Flashlights – To ease fear and promote safe movement.

• Portable generator and fuel – A portable source of power for emergency electricity that can be critical in heating, lighting, and preventing injuries.

• Bottled water – For customer and employee safety.

• UPS stations - To protect computer files and allow employees to save work during an outage.

• Safe room – A protected area which individuals can gather within during extreme weather.

• Disaster Help – A number to call for restoration specialists, if needed. You may have a plan in place in case of a power outage. You may have signs all over the company with explicit instructions regarding possible outages. You may even mention details of your preparedness plan at a monthly meeting. The problem is, however, people sometimes panic when they feel a loss of control in the dark. To alleviate any possible fear or concerns, run a blackout test two or three times a year. Not only can your employees be more prepared, but this may also help insure your portable generator is working correctly. Defeat Panic!

Abilene may have unpredictable weather conditions at times, but your company can be prepared for the unexpected. If a power outage hits your business, keep work flowing and employees calm by planning ahead. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more tips.

10 Tips to Make Your Home Safer

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

It’s an unfortunate tragedy. Your home in Abilene has been ravaged by a raging fire. A restoration company has come to the rescue to return your home back to its prior condition. Hopefully you will never experience such loss again, but it is wise to prepare your home in the event of future disasters. Even if your home has never been devastated by a fire, the following fire preparation tips can prove beneficial in giving you greater peace of mind regarding fire safety in your home.

1. Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Prepare children: Teach fire preparation to children, including the dangers of fire. Make sure they know the proper use of 911 for emergencies. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
3. Plan where to go: Create an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Choose an outside meeting spot for all family members to gather upon escaping. Conduct practice drills at least twice a year.
4. Share contact information: Make sure all household members know who to contact in the event that they cannot find each other during a home fire.
5. Educate on proper techniques: Teach everyone in the household to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothes catch on fire.
6. Take action if you smoke: Smokers should take extra precautions, as many residential fire deaths are caused by smoking materials. Avoid smoking in bed, especially while sleepy or medicated. It is better to smoke outside.
7. Handle heaters: Portable heaters should be turned off when not in use.
8. Take care of candles: Candles should be extinguished when not in use, and never left unattended.
9. Store other sources of light: Speaking of candles, consider using flashlights during a power outage instead of candles.
10. Examine the home for other fire hazards: Check the electrical wiring and home heating sources to make sure they are safe.

A home fire is a most unwelcome event, but by taking fire preparation seriously, you and your household can hopefully avoid this happening or, at the very least, be better equipped to handle such an emergency when it occurs. Visit SERVPROOfAbilene.com for more information on fire damage. 

Classifications of Water

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to damage, all water is not created equal. From a burst pipe or a flood, it’s important to understand how each type of water must be treated differently.  SERVPRO of Abilene can identify the differences for you.

Classifications of Water

Water is typically classified into three groups—clean, gray, and black.

• Clean Water:Clean water includes rainwater and water from broken pipes. You may also hear clean water referred to as white water. This water is safe to touch. Clean water can become gray water after around 48 hours.
• Gray Water:Gray water refers to slightly contaminated water that needs to be thoroughly treated before it is safe to consume. Sources of gray water include dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. It does not contain bacteria that are as harmful as those found in black water. Gray water usually progresses into black water after about 48 hours if it is not treated.
• Black Water:Black water is highly contaminated and contains harmful chemicals and biological matter. Sewage waters are considered black water. When it comes to floods, it should be assumed that all water is black water since a flood picks up contaminants along its path. Contact with black water can lead to serious illness.

The Process of Mold Remediation

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus, and it grows virtually everywhere on Earth. Lately, mold has become a hot topic because of increasing awareness about its potential health hazards. People aren’t exactly sure how many mold species there are, but estimates range anywhere between tens of thousands to over a few hundred thousand. Some of these different types aren’t dangerous to human health, while others lead to chronic and severe health conditions.

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene - 325-672-5661

Mold Can Be Tricky to Spot

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to hear the word mold. Since our youth we have been taught mold is bad and harmful to your health. If you have mold on your food you throw it away. If mold is in the air you pray for rain and head to the drug store for sinuses medicine. If mold is involved there is a problem, especially if it is in your house. But, luckily for everyone mold can be remediated. People forget there are mold spores all around us outside all the time. The purpose of a house is to protect you from the outside elements like keeping mold spores in nature. Some individuals are more sensitive to allergies than others. Good thing mold remediation is a common practice and can be done in a timely manner with some simple steps.

First and foremost, the moisture source of the mold growth must be eliminated or fixed before cleaning can begin. If you notice a water leak, please contact a plumber immediately. 

Mold remediation can simplified into three steps:

1. Control Environment-Set up containment, air filtration equipment and negative air flow to control environment and prevent further contamination.
2. Remove and Clean- Remove and properly dispose of all porous materials contaminated with mold. Clean all nonporous materials contaminated with mold, HEPA vacuum, and apply anti-microbial agent.
3. Dry Structure- Dry structure to reduce moisture levels below that which enables growth. Obtain final clearance testing from Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).

SERVPRO of Abilene specializes in mold remediation for both commercial and residential buildings. If you notice mold growing in your home or business, please give us a call today at (325)672-5661. 

Commercial vs Residential

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Abilene we have the opportunity to work with some great individuals and companies. One of the main goals for SERVPRO as a whole is to have heavy and genuine influence and presence in the communities and Counties. The franchise is able to keep that rapport with business owners and homeowners alike. Being able to access both commercial and residential accounts allows growth not just at a monetary level but also growth within the community. One of the driving forces behind SERVPRO's success is the way in which the brand converses with its clients. From being there one on one with a homeowner helping them through the mitigation process to meeting with Centers of Influence on large commercial accounts. Creating Emergency Ready Plans for their businesses and making them feel at ease when it comes to disaster restoration. The opportunities for SERVPRO are endless and it allows our reach of services to continue to grow and develop.

Do You Have a Storm Plan?

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

In recent years, many different types of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business and community. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals want you and your customers to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for Mother Nature's worst.  

Right now is the perfect opportunity to review your emergency plan. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people just like you. Tornado outbreaks, river floods, flash floods, historic earthquakes, and even water main breaks and power outages in U.S. cities affecting millions of people for days at a time.  

The more you know about what to do in an emergency, the more confident and secure you will feel in your abilities to manage through a disaster. Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan for it. Contact your local SERVPRO of Abilene (325)672-5661 for more information and tools to help you be "Ready for whatever happens."  

Tips for Recovering from Storm Damage

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Stepping outside your home after a severe storm can be traumatic. The damage to your home and property may range from light to severe. You can take heart that a restoration specialist located in Paris, TX, should be able to help you clean up and rebuild from almost any damage. Before help arrives, you can use these storm tips to begin recovery.

Safety

Safety is your first priority. Look for downed power lines, trees that were weakened and are at risk of falling, potential structural damage to your home, and any other dangerous storm destruction.

Adventure

Make these storm tips fun by having an adventure. Attitude can make a huge difference in how you and your family fare before help arrives. A cheerful, adventurous attitude can drive shock away and lift everyone’s spirits, especially if you have children with you. If you have to spend a night or two outside, frame it as a camping trip.

Company

Whether you are alone or with your family, try to get together with other people, especially neighbors who may also be alone or need help. Hardship can bring out the best in many people. You can band together to accomplish much that you couldn’t otherwise manage, such as food preparation, shelter setup or cleanup, or even fire starting if it’s particularly cold weather.

Information

Search safely to find a radio, television, telephone, or other useful communications device. News channels and emergency broadcasts can provide valuable guidance to help you know when you may expect rescue crews.

Water

If help is likely to be more than a day away, water could be the biggest threat to the health of you and your family. Stored water can be a real help. If you don’t have safe water, be sure to purify the water you can find. Here are a few ways to purify water: • Boiling • Iodine solution • Chlorine drops • Filtering Following these storm tips can go a long way toward ensuring your family’s safe recovery from the effects of storm damage. If you live in Abilene Texas, consider contacting a restoration company. These companies specialize in cleaning up after most types of disasters and can even help with general home problems.

SERVPRO of Abilene is always here to help!

Fire Safety Tips

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Check our website for more tips SERVPROOfAbilene.com

Did you know that if a fire starts in your homeyou may have as little as two minutes to escape?During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home,GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

• Never go back inside for anything or anyone.
• And after you’ve done all you can, executed your fire safety plan and the fire is put out, remember that SERVPRO is dedicated to responding immediately, day or night, to yourhome or business. A faster response helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce cost.
• Tips from the American Red Cross <http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire>

EVERY YEAR, NFPA surveys a sample of public fire departments in the United States, stratified by the size of the community they protect, to project national estimates of the country’s fire problem. Based upon the data we received in response to our 2015 National Fire Experience Survey, we estimate that public fire departments in the U.S. responded to 1,345,500 fires last year, a highly significant increase of 3.7 percent from 2014.

SERVPRO of Abilene can help you get your life back in order!

Storm Damage Causing Water Damage

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

We were awoken recently to significant rain falling outside of our houses today and know that especially in Abilene rain can quickly lead to flooding.  This rain may showcase, in the worst possible way, a leak you were unaware of in your roof.  You do not want to ignore the small leaks, as they have a tendency to quickly become larger.  We have crews available to tarp roofs, when safe, as well as perform water remediation to dry your home properly to help prevent secondary damage. 

If the rain continues as predicted, you may face rising flood waters if you live in a flood zone and sometimes, unfortunately, even when you don't. Flood waters are highly contaminated and require an expert to remediate.  Call us at the first sign of water intrusion and for some tips while you wait visit our website for water damage tips, SERVPROOfAbilene.com

SERVPRO of Abilene is here for any of your weather related remediation needs.

Overnight Storm Causes Damage

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

We were awoken to significant rain falling outside of our houses last night and know that especially in Abilene rain can quickly lead to flooding.  This rain may showcase, in the worst possible way, a leak you were unaware of in your roof.  You do not want to ignore the small leaks, as they have a tendency to quickly become larger.  We have crews available to tarp roofs, when safe, as well as perform water remediation to dry your home properly to help prevent secondary damage. 

If the rain continues as predicted, you may face rising flood waters if you live in a flood zone and sometimes, unfortunately, even when you don't. Flood waters are highly contaminated and require an expert to remediate.  Call us at the first sign of water intrusion and for some tips while you wait visit our website SERVPROOfAbilene.com.

SERVPRO of Abilene is here for any of your weather related remediation needs.  Don't allow a rainy day to damage your home or office. Call your Abilene Storm cleanup experts at (325)672-5661

Water Damage Tips in Abilene

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in Abilene for many reasons and is an unpleasant experience.  Most homeowners have never experienced a water damage and therefore do not know where to start when a pipe burst, a toilet overflows, a washing machine malfunctions, or a flood occurs.  If you wake up or come home to water in your house that was not there before, there are several steps you can take to help stop further damage.

What To Do After Water Damage

• Contact your local SERVPRO of Abilene professionals at (325)672-5661
• Ensure the home is safe to enter and be aware of the potential for fall hazards
• Turn off the water either at the site of the water damage or at the main if you cannot determine where the water is coming from
• Gather any sentimental items or important documents that you do not want to get wet if they are still dry and move them away from the water damage

SERVPRO of Abilene will be there quickly to begin the remediation process and allow you to relax while we do the necessary steps in the water restoration process.

Abilene Damage Remediation Experts

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Are you a business owner in the Big Country?  Have you experienced a recent water, fire or bio-hazard damage at your commercial property?  Are you looking for a reputable company with commercial remediation experience that offers a full service including construction?  Then, look no further because SERVPRO of Abilene is here to help.  Conveniently available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, SERVPRO of Abilene is able to work within the parameters of any commercial job site.  Our goal is to get your business up and running as soon as possible to limit the interruption to your business.  We have worked around schedules so that businesses could stay open while remediation occurred on the off hours in order to avoid monetary disruption.  We know commercial losses are complex and we will work with you directly to help facilitate your needs.  Call us at (325)672-5661 to see how we can help get your business back into business.

Our business is to get your business back to work for you in Abilene and the Big Country. SERVPRO of Abilene is here to help.

Get Rid of Mold

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Get Rid of Mold

Here are some healthy tips to follow when you are dealing with mold brought to you by SERVPRO of Abilene. Some people cringe at the sound of the word mold but it may be easier to take care of then you think. Hopefully these will help ease the stress along the way.

• Take things that were wet for 2 or more days outside. Things that stay wet 2 or more days can have mold on them. Mold is not always visible by looking.
• Take out stuff made of cloth, unless you can wash them in HOT water.
• Use bleach to clean mold of of hard things(like floors, counter tops, toys, tools, and plates.)
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
• wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, googles, and a mask.
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
• Mix no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
• Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture.
• Rinse the item with clean water.
• Dry the item or leave it out to dry.

Residential Cleaning Services

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Abilene has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Need Cleaning Services?
Call Us Today – (325)672-5661

Residential Cleaning Services include:

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

The SERVPRO carpet and upholstery cleaning service will not only get out the dirt you see, but will also remove the unwanted dust you don’t. A professionally cleaned carpet and furniture may make all the difference in brightening up a room and freshening up your home.

Air Duct Cleaning

We all have tasks around the house that don’t make it to the top of our priority list. Properly maintaining your home’s air ducts should not be one of them. Regular duct cleaning can increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe.

Odor Removal

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

Our experts are ready to assist in the clean up of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. Find out more about our franchise professionals.

Abilene Government Facilities

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Government facilities in Abilene need to stay open as much as possible when they experience a water or fire damage event.  SERVPRO of Abilene is dedicated to working with all businesses to quickly remediate the damage to minimize the downtime required to finish the process.  We are committed to answer the call and quickly assess the damage to begin mitigation procedures.  This helps to ensure minimum service interruptions and lower recovery costs. SERVPRO of Abilene Franchise Professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personnel & equipment to provide timely mitigation.  From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO of Abilene Professionals are committed to timely response and total customer satisfaction.

With over 40 years experience in cleanup and restoration..SERVPRO of Abilene Professionals are faster to any size disaster.

Abilene Building Safety

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Building Safety is an opportunity to educate insurance and commercial property professionals, as well as the general public, on “what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy efficient homes and buildings,” according to the ICC website.

IMPORTANT TIPS FROM THE ICC
Disaster Safety & Mitigation
  

• If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from wind borne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade, 7/16" minimum thickness plywood and fastening it into place. Visit www.flash.org for
  detailed instructions on how to use plywood for emergency board-up.
• Consider building or retrofitting to create a tornado-safe room in your home. Follow ICC/NSSA 500 Standard for detailed construction information and to ensure you achieve the highest level of protection for your family.
• In wildfire prone areas, remove fine (dead grass, leaves, etc.) and coarse fuels (dead twigs, branches, etc.) within 30 feet of a building to create a survivable space in case of wildfire. Be sure to remove dry leaf and pine litter from roofs, rain gutters, decks, and walkways. Follow ICC’s International Wildland-Urban Interface Code®
  for detailed requirements.
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters
  or on flooded roads. Do not
  attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of water to move an SUV-sized vehicle.

Source: iccsafe.org

Homeowners: Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Below-Freezing Weather

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage from a frozen pipe that burst.

As the weather dips into colder temperatures, it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Untreated pipes in your basement and crawlspaces can be an expensive and scaryscenario for any homeowner.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Problem

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts extreme pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor water faucets, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold.

In the U.S., frozen pipes cause significant damage every year, but they often can be prevented. Taking a few simple steps, even now, may save you a lot of aggravation and expense.

Prevention

There are three common causes of frozen pipes:

1. Quick drops in temperature
2. Poor insulation
3. Thermostats set too low

Luckily, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze ...

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

• If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and callSERVPRO of Abilene - (325)672-5661.

• Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Every year, many building fires are caused by people trying to thaw frozen pipes. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.

• Again, if your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on and call (325)672-5661. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it. Likely places for the water turn-off valve include internal pipes running against exterior walls or where water service enters a home through the foundation.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.

Why Clean Air Ducts?

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

Ducts Before and After

Answer: Because they get dirty!

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

-cigarette or cigar smoke
-water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
-home renovation or remodeling projects

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted.  Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

Call SERVPRO of Abilene for a free inspection!

IICRC Certified Firm

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Abilene 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 Abilene

SERVPRO of Abilene 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.

SERVPRO of Abilene professionals returned restored contents after a fire

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Two of our excellent fire crew members unloading cleaned smoke damaged items.

Pack-outs are performed by restoration companies on behalf of property owners after damage caused by water, fire or smoke. It involves removing and transporting damaged property to a secure location for processing and restoration.

During a pack-out:

• After the initial inspection, your restoration professionals will let you know whether or not an item can be restored.  You will find that most items can be brought to preloss condition. All contents will be inspected and any pre-existing damage will be documented before being sent out to be restored. This documentation helps to estimate the losses and facilitates the filing of your insurance claim.
• If an item does not require packing out, it will be secured and protected while structural repairs are made to the property.
• In some cases, affected items are cleaned in place to prevent acidic residues from causing any further damage.
• Small items will be individually wrapped in paper, boxed, labeled and inventoried by your restoration professional. This includes kitchen knives, spoons, pots and pans, dishes, storage containers, etc.
• Large items like upholstery and wooden furniture will be carefully inspected, often using high intensity light to detect all damages that existed before the disaster.
• You will receive a copy of every inventory sheet with noted preexisting damage, if any.
• When the transportation begins, items will be loaded and secured in a covered box truck using pads and the appropriate packing protocols.
• The restoration process is constantly monitored and you will be informed on the status of your claim before the items are ready to be sent back to your home or business.

When Storms or Floods hit the Big Country, SERVPRO of Abilene is ready!

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in the Big Country.

SERVPRO of Abilene specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the Big Country, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (325)672-5661

Steps in Fire Restoration

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Our fire crews are very pleasant and conscientious.

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (325)672-5661

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the local SERVPRO, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest SERVPRO Franchise Professional with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will 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, the SERVPRO Franchise Professional 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. They will 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

The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’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.

Mold Remediation

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

Mold on walls and ceiling

Abilene and Big Country residents,

Is MOLD trying to take over your home or business?

 Everyone dreads when they look in their basement, under the kitchen sink, or around wet boxes in the garage and see that yellow, green, black, or orange substance. The sinking feeling hits – “I’ve got a mold problem.” While not all mold is bad, some mold can cause health concerns for many people. Any kind of water flooding in your home or business can cause mold to grow --anything from water leaks to varying humidity. The best way to get ahead of Mold is to take precautions. Here are some different signs that your home or business is being over-run by the Mold itself:

-You can visibly see the mold
-Musty odor –indicates mold is present
-Any type of moisture problems that may have -caused mold growth
-Excessive humidity

If you think you have a mold problem, and Mold has taken up residence in your home or business, please call SERVPRO® of Abilene, (325)672-5661.  We are always Here to Help!

Abilene Mayoral Race Headed to Runoff

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Abilene mayoral hopefuls Robert Briley, Richard Kennedy and Anthony Williams

ABILENE, Texas -- Abilene City Council member Anthony Williams and ex-councilman Robert Briley are heading to a runoff after neither garnered 50 percent of the vote in Saturday's election for mayor.

Williams garnered 5,289 votes (48 percent) compared to Briley's 5,056 votes (46 percent), according to final but unofficial vote totals. 180 House leader Richard Kennedy captured 660 votes (6 percent).

The Abilene City Council will vote on May 15 to decide when the runoff election will be held. Taylor County Elections Administrator Freda Ragan said the tentative date for the runoff is June 17.

Briley said Williams had an advantage by being mayor pro tem, but added that the Church of Christ played a important role in Saturday's outcome.

"It was the last precinct again. That’s a memory from Norm [Archibald] because Norm was Church of Christ and then also Anthony was Church of Christ, so they’re going to have a lot of votes," Briley told KTXS.

Meanwhile, Williams said it was his vision for Abilene that earned him the edge over Briley and that he would carry it forward to the runoff election. 

Briley and Williams are vying to replace retiring Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald. Archibald has been mayor for 13 years.

Thanks to Doug Myers & Veronica Soto/KTXS News

Restoring Your Big Country Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Big Country 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 Abilene

SERVPRO of Abilene 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.

For Immediate Service in the Big Country, Call SERVPRO

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Big Country Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Abilene provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Big Country. 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 – 

(325)672-5661

Residential Services

Whether your Big Country 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 Big Country 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. 

Abilene Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Big Country Home.

Photo Caption: Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Big Country Home.

Body:

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 Abilene 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 Us Today – 325-672-5661

Abilene 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Abilene is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 325-672-5661

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Abilene has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Abilene

SERVPRO of Abilene specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

National Preparedness

9/11/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries, Inc. is once again proud to be a member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition and is committed to helping the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in their efforts to promote the importance of preparedness planning.