Preparation Before A Water Loss

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

In these blogs we do a fair amount of coaching people on things to do during or after they experience a loss due to Water Damage. And at times we'll list things to do along the lines of “Preventive Measures”. Like making sure the Insurance Coverage for your home is the right plan to cover different forms of damage. A Lot of homeowners have plans stating Structural Damage, but this doesn't necessarily cover a Flooded Basement from a storm or a Sewage Backup. It's very important to know this so you avoid a potentially costly “Out Of Pocket Expense”.

Ask your Insurance agent, “IF THIS HAPPENS… AM I COVERED”?

I recently received a call from someone needing help after a water loss. A pipe broke on his main floor. He fixed it himself and mopped up the water. All Good Right? Unfortunately this pipe had been leaking for some time before it broke and the water was finding its way into his finished basement. He hadn't been in his basement for several weeks after the initial pipe break, but was smelling musty odors on the main floor. Upon inspecting his basement, the carpeting was still very wet and Mold was growing everywhere.

His Policy did not cover mold. His Out Of Pocket expense for mold remediation and repairs will be costly. Call your agent and make sure your policy covers what you need. Hope this helps.

SERVPRO?  of Oak Park / Ferndale (248) 246 - 0790

SERVPRO Storm Teams Help Save The Day - Again !!!

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

When a major storm hits, SERVPRO® of Oak Park / Ferndale can scale our resources by accessing the equipment and personnel of 2,000 Franchises with the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters. Last month, at the end of August, was just that scenario here in the Greater Metro Detroit area and Lower Michigan. A large part of these areas were hit with 5-7” of rain in a 36 hour period. Basements flooded, roofs leaked, and there were a ton of sewage back-ups.

Here at SERVPRO of Oak Park / Ferndale alone we took roughly (40) calls in two days, while other local restoration companies were simply overwhelmed. Luckily for us we had a plan. We reached out to our SERVPRO STORM TEAM for help!!

Essentially, the call went out to our many franchises to bring teams and equipment to the affected areas to get help to those in need. Within (2) days we had over 35 additional teams in place working the storm. Most were here for several weeks, away from their families till the work was completed. That’s the Power and Vision of SERVPRO®.

 We can also access our National Disaster Recovery Team staged in regional parts of the USA, ready to respond in the event of major storms and catastrophic events. 

Always ready when you need us. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale (248) 246-0790

"Like it Never Even Happened"

Commercial Loss - Sewage Backup

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Just (2) weeks ago we had several days of heavy storms reported to drop anywhere from 5 to 7 inches of rain here in the Greater Metro Detroit area and  large portions of Michigan and Ohio experienced major flooding. As a result, a lot of people experienced sewage backups. Needless to say, SERVPRO® franchises, were very busy helping put things right.

Here at SERVPRO of Oak Park/ Ferndale, it was no different. In addition, Two Commercial properties contacted us for sewage backups of their own. We responded as we always do…quickly. At the 1st one, the contact was on vacation when he got the news. We were at his  location within hours to assess their situation, place equipment and start the clean up. He came back the next day and was impressed to see how much work had already been done. He was very grateful for the quick response time.

The 2nd commercial property was a 25,000 square foot municipal recreation facility. We received their call on Monday of the Labor Day Holiday. Our crews came in on their day off and started extracting the 4” of water and sewage to get the clean up moving in the right direction. 

The potential loss at a commercial building can be an intimidating prospect to handle. Be it from water, mold, fire/smoke or a storm, the faster you address the situation, the faster you can gain control and get back to doing business  as usual.

 That's why we are available 24/7 all year round. Any time of the day or night, your call will be answered by one or our dedicated and caring staff to start the process of getting the right people and equipment in place. This will help reduce the time it takes to get your place of business back to its preloss condition and can help possibly save any further damage to your contents or structure.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale. (248) 246-0790  

 Like It Never Even Happened.

Choosing a Professional when it matters most !!

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm like SERVPRO® as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure your home or commercial property is safe to live; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale (248) 246-0790 Available 24/7 For your Emergency Restoration Needs

Some Of The Best Reasons To Choose SERVPRO®

7/31/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO® we’ve always strived to be the Best in the Restoration Industry. For over 55 years we’ve grown our company based on our commitment to helping people with their Residential or Commercial loss.

We adhere to the IICRC standards and guidelines. That's important to know! These standards ensure that things are done correctly and Benefit you, our customers, the most. It stands for The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. We continually update the training with our technicians while staying abreast of, and investing in new technology and equipment.

Today we have over 2,000 franchises in the U.S., all independently owned and operated successfully following these same standards. In fact, a large number of our owners have multiple locations because our systems work!

In 2022, SERVPRO was named # 1 in the Restoration category by Entrepreneur

 Magazine… Again!! 

We put our National Reputation on the line with every job we complete!!

SERVPRO Oak Park / Ferndale   (248) 246 - 0790

Commercial Buildings

7/24/2023 (Permalink)

The potential loss at a commercial building can be an intimidating prospect to handle. Be it from water, mold, fire/smoke or a storm, the faster you address the situation, the faster you can gain control and get back to doing business.

Being closed for any amount of time is costly and not only affects you, but your loyal employees who aren't able to work during this unforeseen and unfortunate “downtime”. Then there are your loyal customers who depend on your products and/or services. You don't have time to wait!! The retention of your customer base is important to everyone, including us here at SERVPRO®. 

That's why we are available 24/7 all year round. Any time of the day or night, your call will be answered by one or our dedicated and caring staff to start the process of getting the right people and equipment in place. This will help reduce the time it takes to get your place of business back to its preloss condition and can help possibly save any further damage to your contents or structure.

SERVPRO should be Your company of choice. Just as it has been with so many of the loyal customers we've successfully helped during our 55+ years in the Professional Restoration Industry. As a Preferred National Vendor with most of the large insurance carriers we’ll work directly alongside your claims adjuster to get the whole process started quicker. With over 2,000 locations, experienced technicians all trained and operating to IICRC Industry Standards, we are here when you need us.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale (248) 246-0790

Home Fireplace Cautions

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

A fireplace in the winter time can be mesmerizing. We picture a roaring fire, providing warmth from the cold outside. Preparing for a family gathering, or just time to cozy up to read a good book with something warm to drink. Well, like most things we look forward to, it takes some planning and preparation right?

So let me switch gears a little. Did you know that 1 in 10 home fires start as a  result of a fireplace? Here at SERVPRO® we've unfortunately seen our share of families dealing with the aftermath of a fire in their home and helped them get back on their feet. It's what we do. 

This blog is not to deter you from enjoying your fireplace, but rather to inform you of some things you can do to take some precautions when it comes to using your fireplace. The EPA recommends that a fireplace be inspected annually by a professional. Missing bricks or cracks in the mortar can allow smoke to vent into your home. Wood is the fuel for your fire. When wood burns it releases toxins in the process, one of which is Carbon Monoxide. It is odorless and colorless and is referred to as “The Silent Killer”. So make sure your home's carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Opening a window even slightly, can help vent as well. 

Try to use wood that is properly dried out, not damp. Freshly cut wood is damp inside and will smoke more. Dried wood will burn hotter and with less smoke.

Use a grate or screen to keep embers where they belong. Never leave a fire unattended. We've all started the fire in advance of a family gathering before guests arrive, but then went back to the kitchen to cook the meal. You should wait till guests arrive. Then you can show off your mad skills at building a proper fire. And it's best to never let the fire go on through the night. 51% of all deaths . resulting from a fire, happens at night between 11PM and 7AM while we are sleeping. 

So go ahead and enjoy your fireplace… just do it safely.

SERVPRO of Oak Park / Ferndale   Working to help our community.

(248) 246-0790

Tornado Safety Tips

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

Big summer storms can sometimes lead to scary situations. Perhaps none bigger than the threat of a Tornado. Years ago, we never received advanced warning. Today the meteorologists have access to so much new technology, that they understand these storm systems and can predict when and where the biggest threats are. We can get Alerts right to our cell phones or across our televisions. It should give you “Peace of Mind”… IF you heed their advice!! 

You've heard for years to keep an Emergency Kit/Supplies somewhere just in case. Water, batteries, dry food goods. It's too late once you get a warning of a potential Tornado in your vicinity. Also there is a difference between a “Watch” and a “Warning”.

   -Tornado Watch - Conditions in the atmosphere are right for one to potentially develop. Be Prepared. Charge your cell phones.

   - Tornado Warning - Radars have picked up Stronger winds with Rotation and Debris heading in your general direction. Take cover, follow your plan.

If you have a basement, you should head there. If not, it should be a room in the center of your home, preferably with no windows. A bathroom with no windows is better. The walls of your bathroom contain the plumbing pipes so it will usually be structurally stronger. Lets hope you never experience this kind of storm, but being Prepared is worth doing. But if you do, call SERVPRO® to help you through this recovery.

SERVPRO of Oak Park/ Ferndale We are here for you. (248) 246 - 0790

Your Home - It's Important

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

One of the most important financial decisions we make in our lives is the home we live in. Followed by our car. But our home is so much a part of our lives. We spend approximately ½ a day every day, in our homes. We eat our meals there, we sleep there and we raise our children and grow there. It's important. We pay insurance to protect that investment should it get damaged. And if it does, we want it repaired like it was before, right?  It's important.

If your home is unfortunately damaged, be it from Mold, Water, a Storm or Fire, the company you decide on to fix it is also very Important. Here's why you should choose SERVPRO®.

• Firstly we live in the same communities we serve.
•  We have been a Leader in the Restoration Industry for over 55 years.
•  With more than 2,000 locations, that means we are always close by.
•  We are available 24/7 365 days a year for when you need us.
• We are a Preferred National Vendor to most large Insurance carriers and work directly with your claims adjuster during the entire process. 

At SERVPRO®

we want your home to look… “Like It Never Even Happened”. Just what you want.

SERVPRO of Oak Park / Ferndale   (248) 246 - 0790

Important Steps After Your Fire

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after you experience a fire in your home can make the difference between potentially Restoring, versus needing to Replace your belongings. They are important to you. The overwhelming emotions can range from Fear, Stress, Uncertainty and Doubt and typically will last long after the Flames and Smoke are gone. 

Where do you start? Who do you depend on to help you put things right again? The fire lasted a couple hours but the process to get your home back to Pre-Fire Loss will take time. Weeks and probably longer depending on the amount of damage that occurred.

Time to take a deep breath and focus on the start of this process. A little at a time, you'll get there. Answer the “Whos Gonna Help You” question 1st. 

SERVPRO® has been an Industry Leader in the Restoration business for over 55 years. It has earned us the reputation as a company that cares, and is a Preferred National Vendor with most of the large Insurance carriers. That's who you should want to help you put things back together. With over 2,000 locations, all independently owned and operated, working tirelessly 24/7 365 days a year helping people with their loss. We are here to help!

SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale (248)246-0790.

Like It Never Even Happened