Certifications and Professional Teams

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

When hiring Professionals who are properly trained in the task they are given.

In times of crisis, rely on the expertise of SERVPRO of Osceola County, serving Kissimmee, FL, St. Cloud, FL, Celebration, FL, Reunion, FL, Poinciana, FL, Lake Marian Highlands, FL, Holopaw, FL, Buenaventura Lakes, FL, and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team stands ready to assist with top-tier disaster repair services, driven by a commitment to excellence in property restoration within our community. Each member of our team undergoes rigorous training, from comprehensive corporate programs to ongoing education and e-training sessions, ensuring they possess the knowledge and experience necessary to handle any disaster, regardless of its scale.

Adhering to the highest industry standards, our professionals are well-versed in the protocols set forth by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Through intensive training, our team masters essential techniques, including:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): Equipping technicians with the skills to address mold and sewage remediation, prioritizing safety for both workers and occupants.
• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Comprehensive training in safe and efficient water-damaged structure drying methods.
• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT): Proficiency in pre-inspection, fabric identification, and effective carpet cleaning techniques.
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT): Expertise in addressing smoke and fire damage, encompassing job planning, equipment usage, and odor control strategies.
• Odor Control Technician (OCT): Mastery of odor control and deodorization techniques to restore a fresh environment.
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT): Thorough understanding of fiber identification and upholstery cleaning methodologies.
• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT): In-depth knowledge of water damage concepts and procedures to mitigate losses effectively.

At SERVPRO®, we recognize the paramount importance of continuous training to meet our customers' diverse needs. Our training initiatives include:

• IICRC Training: Upholding industry best practices through adherence to IICRC standards.
• Employee Certification Training: Empowering our professionals with self-paced learning opportunities covering various restoration areas.
• Initial Franchise Training: Providing new franchise owners with hands-on experience in critical restoration techniques.
• e-Learnings: Ensuring team members stay updated on evolving industry standards through accessible web-based training.
• Continuing Education Classes: Offering specialized programs for insurance professionals, equipping them with vital knowledge for emergency mitigation scenarios.

As your trusted disaster repair specialists serving Kissimmee, FL, St. Cloud, FL, Celebration, FL, Reunion, FL, Poinciana, FL, Lake Marian Highlands, FL, Holopaw, FL, Buenaventura Lakes, FL, and surrounding areas, we possess the advanced equipment and expertise necessary to address any cleanup and restoration challenge. Attempting to resolve flood, mold, or fire issues independently can often exacerbate the damage. With SERVPRO, rest assured that our services will not only restore your property but prioritize safety for you, your loved ones, and your belongings.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the restoration and mitigation industry. Our commitment to excellence led to the establishment of the National Training Center in 1992, further enhancing the skill sets of franchise owners and insurance industry professionals. By setting rigorous performance guidelines, we ensure our team delivers unparalleled service to our customers.

Entrusting your damage restoration to certified professionals guarantees the safety and integrity of your home for you and your family. From floor to ceiling, our team possesses the expertise and tools necessary to restore your home to its pre-damage state, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind in every corner of your living space.

For more information on our comprehensive services, certifications, and processes, reach out to your Kissimmee disaster restoration experts today!

#CertifiedMoldRemoval #ProfessionalRestoration #CertifiedInsuranceApprovedWaterRemoval #SERVPROofOsceolaCounty

SERVPRO of Osceola County Fire Services

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

Our Professionals are available 24/7 to all of Osceola County, Florida.

Mitigation demands prompt action. The sooner SERVPRO of Osceola County professionals arrive on-site to handle fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the more favorable the outcomes – including reduced claim costs. Our professionals can swiftly reach your location, ensuring that fire damage is addressed effectively by providing the following services:

Structural Cleaning: Following smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors often require thorough cleaning. We conduct pretesting to assess the extent of damage, employing specific equipment and cleaning products tailored to clean and safeguard various surface types within the structure.

Contents Cleaning: All restorable contents in affected areas undergo professional cleaning and deodorization. This encompasses area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. Additionally, we clean and deodorize other restorable contents to preloss condition, including electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and more. Furthermore, our professionals can furnish an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items for agents and policyholders.

Deodorization: SERVPRO® professionals deliver specialized services to eliminate offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage in your home or business. We don't simply mask lingering odors with fragrances; instead, we pinpoint the sources of odor and eradicate them effectively.

If your residence or commercial establishment requires fire or smoke-related services, contact SERVPRO of Osceola County at (407) 933-0707.

Serving the following territories: Kissimmee, FL; St. Cloud, FL; Celebration, FL; Reunion, FL; Osceola County, FL; Poinciana, FL; Lake Marian Highlands, FL; Holopaw, FL; Buena Ventura Lakes, FL.

Certifications and Professional Teams

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Certified Firm certificate

Industry-Leading Training and Certifications

At SERVPRO®, we adhere to the rigorous standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the governing body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our team’s certifications include:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT): Specializing in mold and sewage remediation, this training ensures safety for both workers and occupants during remediation projects.
• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD): Technicians master efficient and safe techniques for drying water-damaged structures.
• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT): Covers fabric identification, cleaning chemicals, equipment, and advanced cleaning methods.
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT): Focuses on addressing fire and smoke damage, job planning, odor removal, and cleaning techniques.
• Odor Control Technician (OCT): Teaches effective odor identification and deodorization strategies.
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT): Covers fiber identification and the proper cleaning of upholstery and fabric items.
• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT): Provides expertise in handling water damage, sewer backflows, and contamination across various scenarios.

Comprehensive SERVPRO Training Program

In addition to industry certifications, our professionals undergo continuous education through our exclusive SERVPRO training programs, which include:

• IICRC Training: Upholding the highest industry standards.
• Employee Certification Training: A self-paced program that deepens knowledge in fire restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and mold mitigation.
• Initial Franchise Training: A 15-day, hands-on course for new franchise owners to master fire restoration and mold mitigation techniques.
• e-Learnings: Ongoing web-based training to keep team members current with evolving industry practices.
• Continuing Education Classes: Tailored for insurance agents, adjusters, real estate professionals, and franchise staff to expand knowledge of emergency mitigation.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Your Restoration Needs?

Our team combines advanced training, state-of-the-art equipment, and decades of experience to deliver superior restoration services. Attempting to tackle issues like mold, flood, or fire damage without professional expertise can lead to more harm than good. With SERVPRO, you can trust us to restore your property safely, ensuring the health and well-being of your family and belongings.

Whether dealing with carpets, ceilings, or kitchen counters, our trained professionals make every effort to bring your property back to pre-damage condition. We handle disasters of all sizes with the care and precision that sets us apart.

Leaders in the Restoration Industry

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been transforming the restoration and mitigation industry. In 1992, we established the National Training Center to ensure franchise owners and insurance professionals receive top-tier education in restoration and mitigation techniques. Our commitment to excellence has made SERVPRO the gold standard for disaster recovery.

Safe and Sound Homes Start With Certified Professionals

Your home deserves nothing but the best. Choosing SERVPRO means trusting a team certified in the most advanced restoration techniques in the industry. From protecting your kids playing on freshly cleaned carpets to ensuring sanitized kitchen surfaces, we prioritize your safety and comfort.

For more information about our services, training, certifications, or processes, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Osceola County today. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."

#CertifiedRestorationExperts #SERVPROofOsceolaCounty #ProfessionalDisasterRecovery

Why SERVPRO When Disaster Happens

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

An arrow pointing to disaster zone

When a powerful storm strikes, residents in Osceola County, Florida, and surrounding areas may urgently require the assistance of a local disaster recovery team. A professional restoration service like SERVPRO® of Osceola County is well-equipped to provide the necessary support. Here's how our recovery team can address your clients' needs effectively:

Responding to Larger Than Normal Damages: Storm damage can often exceed initial predictions. In such cases, prompt response is crucial. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Osceola County is a locally owned and operated franchise with the ability to collaborate seamlessly with other SERVPRO teams. Our extensive network ensures that we can mobilize quickly to address your clients' needs. Additionally, as a franchise, we can leverage corporate resources for additional support as needed.

Providing a Quick Response Time: In disaster recovery scenarios, time is of the essence. A swift response can prevent further damage and expedite the restoration process, ultimately saving time and money. With local offices strategically located around the country, SERVPRO of Osceola County ensures that professionals are readily available at most locations. Our efficient response system allows us to deploy teams to the site promptly, minimizing downtime and mitigating additional damage.

Equipping with Necessary Tools for Large Repair Jobs: In the aftermath of a significant disaster, specialized equipment is essential for efficient restoration. SERVPRO of Osceola County maintains access to state-of-the-art tools and resources required to tackle large-scale repair jobs effectively. This ensures that even in the case of severe storms or major flooding, we can initiate restoration promptly and effectively restore your clients' properties.

Our professional restoration service is adept at addressing any disaster recovery needs your clients may encounter. With the ability to mobilize multiple teams for extensive damages and a commitment to rapid response, we provide reassurance during challenging times. Additionally, our access to a wide array of tools and equipment ensures that we are well-prepared to handle large-scale restoration projects.

#fastresponsedisasterteam #disastercleaning #restoration #SERVPROOsceolaCounty

Serving Kissimmee, FL; St. Cloud, FL; Celebration, FL; Reunion, FL; Osceola County, FL; Poinciana, FL; Lake Marian Highlands, FL; Holopaw, FL; Buena Ventura Lakes, FL.

What a Disaster Recovery Team Can Do

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

When a large storm hits, your clients may be in need of a local disaster recovery team in their Poinciana, FL, area. A professional restoration service, such as SERVPRO, may be able to help. A recovery team has the ability to do a few things that may be just what your clients need. They include the ability to:

Respond to Larger Than Normal Damages

Sometimes storm damage may be larger than predicted. When this happens, you may want a team of restoration professionals who can respond to your client's needs quickly. Fortunately, SERVPRO is a locally owned and operated franchise capable of working together with other SERVPRO teams to get the job done. However, as they are a franchise, they can call on corporate for additional resources as needed.

Provide a Quick Response Time

When it comes to disaster recovery, you may want to know that you can get a quick storm response team to your clients. The faster damage can be protected and then repaired, the less likely additional damage may occur. The ability to get a team to the site in a timely manner may save time and money in the long run. SERVPRO has local offices around the country allowing them to have professionals available at most locations.

Provide the Tools Necessary for Large Repair Jobs

In the event of a large disaster, it may be determined at large equipment is required to perform the job efficiently. A restoration team such as SERVPRO has access to the tools of the trade. This means that even in the case of a severe storm or major flooding, they can still begin restoration quickly.

A professional restoration service may be able to with any disaster recovery needs your clients may have. They usually have the ability to mobilize several teams for larger than normal damages. This may also include a faster response time. A professional team also has the resources, including tools and equipment, necessary to deal with large jobs.

#ceilingdamage #fastresponsewaterremoval #ceilingissuesrepairs

Why Choose SERVPRO of Osceola County

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial location cleaned during reconstruction.

When you heard construction crews were coming into your home to work, you may have the fear of dust going everywhere, debris left behind, unprofessional teams, and jobs not completed in a timely manner. And that is why SERVPRO of Osceola County, is different. Here are some of the other reasons why we are different:

• Our teams are professional and on time.
• We cover all areas we are working in to
• keep dust off and prevent further damage to your items.
• Our teams are on call 24/7 to respond to any disasters.
• We are certified and carry licenses to ensure your mitigation, remediation, or reconstruction is done correctly.
• Our project managers ensure your peace of mind by keeping you updated as we progress.
• We work with your insurance and offer a transparent estimate.

SERVPRO of Osceola County, is committed to you and making it feel "Like it never even happened."

#whySERVPROofOsceolaCounty #topgoogleratingforwaterdamagecleanup #SERVPROofOsceolaCounty

Roof leaks and SERVPRO of Osceola County

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold on the wall at an Osceola County location.

Has your business in Osceola County, FL experienced a leak in the roof? If so, mold can often grow as a result. Black mold in particular can cause extensive damage to a building and the cleanup process can be expensive and time-consuming. Understanding mold growth can help you restore your building.

What Causes Mold?

Some people may wonder why a roof leak can often result in mold growth. Factors that make mold more likely to grow can include, but are not limited to:

• Damp environments
• High levels of humidity
• Areas that are exposed to sunlight

Does Mold Form Quickly?

Leaks from roofs can go unnoticed for long periods of time and may sometimes be dismissed as minor issues. However, with the factors mentioned above, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours. Though black mold sometimes grows more slowly than other types of mold, it still can occur in a matter of days. When mold is spotted, it is often wise to find the cause of the growth and keep water from the affected area.

Can You Prevent Mold?

Although mold tends to grow quickly, it is still possible to prevent mold from growing. There are several ways you can protect your business from mold growth. Keeping an area dry can help to prevent mold growth. If your business has a leaky roof, fixing the roof quickly can help to prevent the mold from spreading and damaging other areas of your business. If a leaky roof is noticed immediately, it is sometimes possible to prevent mold growth entirely.

Knowing what causes mold, how quickly it can form, and how to prevent mold from growing and spreading can help you prepare your business for potential black mold growth due to a ceiling leak. If your business in Osceola County, FL, has been damaged by mold, it can often be helpful to contact water and mold, restoration professionals.

#blackmold #moldremoval #moldtips #whatmoldlookslike #SERVPROmoldremov

Bioremediation Services

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is being called on to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize properties.

We are Here to Help

Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about the services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company.

SERVPRO, can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. SERVPRO of Osceola County professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

#biohazardcleaning #covid19 #SERVPROofosceola 

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today: 407-933-0707

Disasters Can’t Keep Them Down

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Osceola County "Faster to any size disaster"

SERVPRO Provides the Best Disaster Remediation Service

When floods, fires, or catastrophic storms rage through Osceola, FL, your client’s businesses can suffer from the after-effects of the disaster. Closing a business due to damage can make sales plummet as cleanup efforts are underway. That is why your clients need to find recovery experts that can complete the cleanup and recovery process as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Osceola County, is a well-known water remediation service that has over 1,600 local franchises that are available 24/7 to help your clients get back into their businesses. The motto “Faster to Any Size Disaster”, is one they hold true. Here are two reasons disaster can’t keep them down.

1. Local Franchise

Technicians from all 1,600 locally owned franchises across the country live and work in neighborhoods near their office. That means their efforts are there to support their communities, and so are their dollars. By helping to keep the area where they live safe, they not only build an honest reputation for hard work, but their neighbors get to know that they can be relied upon whether the disaster is a small one or of huge proportion – they will be “Faster to Any Size Disaster.”

2. Fast Service

Experienced disaster repair and remediation service providers heed the emergency call 24 hours a day. They understand when dealing with a disaster, time is of the essence in preventing secondary damage from infiltrating the job site. When you get an insurance claim call and you suggest that your clients call our SERVPRO technicians, it is probably because you know they will be there within minutes to remove the water, tear down the soaking plasterboard, and dry out the structure. Additionally, if the damage was from fire and there are holes in the building, the team can often repair them so no looters can enter the building.

You have a responsibility to your clients to make sure they get the best disaster remediation service available. That is why the “Faster to Any Size Disaster” team is there to help.

#stormresponseteam #SERVPROofosceola

Restoring Documents After Water Damage

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

When a client's property suffers storm damage, it may be on more than just building. A document restoration service like that offered by a local SERVPRO of Osceola County, FL, can help your client get back on track. Documentation can include everything from account statements to invoicing, and the ability to salvage these can help save valuable time and money.

Services Offered

A professional restoration service can offer a number of ways to recover your client's documentation. These may include

• Freeze drying
• Cleaning
• Gamma irradiation sterilization
• Digitizing
• Deodorizing
  
  

Depending on damage type, these processes can be utilized to restore a variety of damaged documents, including X-rays and photographs.

Technology Used

The process of document restoration involves the use of modern technology. Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize the documents without causing further harm. The documentation can then be freeze-dried which is a process approved by the National Archives. Your client can trust that their paperwork will not only be in safe hands but can be restored. Taking advantage of additional services, such as digitization, may offer further benefit.

Additional Services

In addition to document drying, SERVPRO offers several other services your clients may be interested in. They can also offer digitization services. This is the process of converting documentation into an electronic form so it can be stored on a server safely out of harm's way.

With a document restoration service your clients may be able to salvage documentation that was damaged along with their other property. A restoration team can use the latest technology to help get these important pieces of paperwork in order. They may also be able to digitize the documentation allowing for it to be backed up on to server, to help prevent any further loss. If you have any questions about what the service can do for your clients, a restoration professional may be able to help.

Overview of the Flood Cleaning Process

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture meter checking progress of damaged walls and flooring of your Celebration, FL home.

Cleaning Requirements

When your home in Celebration, FL, floods, you may feel overwhelmed at the start of the recovery process. There is so much to do, and you may not know where to begin. In order for your home to be inhabitable, there are certain cleaning requirements that may need to be completed. The following steps can help you work through the tasks successfully.

1. Contact Professionals

Your insurance company needs to know about the damage to your home as soon as possible. Document the problem before the flood clean begins so that you have proof to show your adjuster. To avoid secondary damage that may not be covered by insurance, you also may want to secure the help of flood mitigation experts as soon as possible.

2. Eliminate Water

The first thing experts are typically going to do is dry out the flooded areas of your home. They remove excess water and as much moisture as possible from every surface.

3. Remove Items

One of the important cleaning requirements is to take everything out of your home that has been affected by the flooding. Personal items, as well as unsalvageable walls, carpet, and insulation, must generally be removed.

4. Clean Surfaces

Because floodwater is highly contaminated, it is important to use EPA-approved flood disinfectant on the remaining surfaces in your home. The remediation technicians can clean and test the whole area to ensure that it is properly sanitized.

5. Disinfect Items

Every item that you want to keep must usually be disinfected before it can return to your home. The specialists who clean your items have specific processes they follow to clean different types of items. Anything that cannot be cleaned must be thrown away or specially processed.

When your home floods, there is more that goes into the cleaning process than just getting rid of the water. By following cleaning requirements in a timely manner, you can get the damage repaired and get back into your home as quickly as possible.

#4079330707 #waterdamageremoval #osceolawatercleanup #SERVPROofosceolacounty

How the Experts will Clean Up Your Office After a Fire

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Reunion,FL

No matter how much you prepare, it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, mishaps, and disasters in the workplace. You don’t want to imagine a fire starting in your office in Reunion, FL, but if this happens, you need to rely on an experienced, skilled company to clean up so you can be up and running as quickly as possible. The best fire cleanup professionals will use proven, thorough methods to take care of smoke damage and the many other problems a fire can leave behind.

Your Responsibilities

Obviously, a fire in your St. Cloud, FL, office building is a devastating event. You may face extensive damage and monetary losses. It’s important that you don’t delay and contact the appropriate people as soon as you notice a fire.

• Call 911 and report the fire.
• Call your insurance company and file a claim so a representative can assess the damage.
• Call a competent cleanup and restoration company to help get your office back to working order as soon as possible.

The Inspection

The cleanup team will first conduct a walkthrough of your building to examine what areas the fire affected and how severe the damage was. The crew will make note of soot damage and other damages to the structure and to electronics, furniture, documents, and other items in your workplace.

Cleanup

Once the team has a plan, it will use high-tech equipment to conduct smoke cleaning on your sensitive items. The team will deem which areas of the office and which items it can salvage and which it must throw away.

Sanitize

Once the cleanup professionals have removed smoke damage, they will sanitize the affected areas, so it’s safe for you to return to work. They will also tear out and replace ruined area such as drywall and flooring, as appropriate.

Smoke damage from a fire can hamper your business. However, when you call the right professionals to clean up after this terrible incident, you can have peace of mind that you can be back at work in a timely manner.

Mold Development Due to a Roof Leak

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold development due to a roof leak in Osceola County, FL

Has your home or business in Osceola County, FL,  experienced a leak in the roof? If so, mold can often grow as a result. Black mold in particular can cause extensive damage to a building and the cleanup process can be expensive and time-consuming. Understanding mold growth can help you restore your building.

What Causes Mold?

Some people may wonder why a roof leak can often result in mold growth. Factors that make mold more likely to grow can include, but are not limited to:

• Damp environments
• High levels of humidity
• Areas that are exposed to sunlight

Does Mold Form Quickly?

Leaks from roofs can go unnoticed for long periods of time and may sometimes be dismissed as minor issues. However, with the factors mentioned above, mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours. Though black mold sometimes grows more slowly than other types of mold, it still can occur in a matter of days. When mold is spotted, it is often wise to find the cause of the growth and keep water from the affected area.

Can You Prevent Mold?

Although mold tends to grow quickly, it is still possible to prevent mold from growing. There are several ways you can protect your business from mold growth. Keeping an area dry can help to prevent mold growth. If your business has a leaky roof, fixing the roof quickly can help to prevent the mold from spreading and damaging other areas of your business. If a leaky roof is noticed immediately, it is sometimes possible to prevent mold growth entirely.

Knowing what causes mold, how quickly it can form, and how to prevent mold from growing and spreading can help you prepare your business for potential black mold growth due to a ceiling leak. If your home or business is in Osceola County, FL, and has been damaged by mold, it can often be helpful to contact water and mold, restoration professionals like SERVPRO of Osceola County.

Restoring Documents After Water Damage

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Books and papers water damaged from a storm, might be salvageable with a little professional cleaning technology.

When a client's property suffers storm damage, it may be on more than just building. A document restoration service like that offered by a local SERVPRO of Osceola County, FL, can help your client get back on track. Documentation can include everything from account statements to invoicing, and the ability to salvage these can help save valuable time and money.

Services Offered

A professional restoration service can offer a number of ways to recover your client's documentation. These may include

• Freeze drying
• Cleaning
• Gamma irradiation sterilization
• Digitizing
• Deodorizing
  
  

Depending on damage type, these processes can be utilized to restore a variety of damaged documents, including X-rays and photographs.

Technology Used

The process of document restoration involves the use of modern technology. Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize the documents without causing further harm. The documentation can then be freeze-dried which is a process approved by the National Archives. Your client can trust that their paperwork will not only be in safe hands but can be restored. Taking advantage of additional services, such as digitization, may offer further benefit.

Additional Services

In addition to document drying, SERVPRO offers several other services your clients may be interested in. They can also offer digitization services. This is the process of converting documentation into an electronic form so it can be stored on a server safely out of harm's way.

With a document restoration service your clients may be able to salvage documentation that was damaged along with their other property. A restoration team can use the latest technology to help get these important pieces of paperwork in order. They may also be able to digitize the documentation allowing for it to be backed up on to server, to help prevent any further loss. If you have any questions about what the service can do for your clients, a restoration professional may be able to help.

Safety Tips for Heating Your Home

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Abiding by the following safety measures will keep yourself and your family safe from any potential dangerous of using heaters in your home.

If you have a fire in your home, SERVPRO is there to help. But we also want to help you prevent fires in your home.

Cold temperatures during these winter months have led to people frequently using their heaters. However, this can cause problems as, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths. And half of these heating equipment fires predictably take place in the winter months of December, January, and February when heating equipment is used the most.

Abiding by the following safety measures will keep yourself and your family safe from any potential dangerous of using heaters in your home.

Stay Three Feet Away

One way to stay safe when heating your home is to keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment. That includes a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

Enforce a Three-Foot Rule for Children

The curiosity of children can cause a problem if they focus their attention on one of these heating options. Wanting to explore the equipment, the child could accidentally catch on fire or start a fire in the house. Therefore it’s a good idea to have three-foot “kid-free zone” around all open fires and space heaters.

Don’t Use Your Oven As a Heater

Never attempt to use your oven to heat your home. The inefficacy of an oven as it pertains to heating could cause it to go out or not burn well which could potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning endangering the lives of your whole family.

Use Only Qualified Professionals When Installing Heating Equipment

Make sure a qualified professional installs your heating equipment. A novice installing your space heater, water heater, or central heating equipment could lead to serious mistakes that could potentially cause a fire. Hiring qualified professionals will ensure that the person installing your equipment adheres to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Get Your Annual Chimney Inspection

It’s important to have your heating equipment or chimney cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. In early 2000, the NFPA set a new standard that ensures that inspections include a thorough inspection and cleaning. Based on the purpose of the inspection (annual inspection, system change or real estate transaction, potential hazard) the inspector will inspect on one of three levels. Thoroughness of the inspection will increase at each level of the inspection.

Never Leave Portable Heaters On When Leaving a Room

Always turn off and unplug portable heaters when leaving a room or going to bed. Portable heaters can short out while you’re away and start a fire before you return.

Make Sure to Use Correct Fuel

Use the right kind of fuel when using fuel burning space heaters. The manufacturer will specify which fuel that specific space heater will need. Using the wrong kind of fuel could cause the fuel to burn hotter than the equipment was designed for and could cause a fire in your home.

Use a Fireplace Screen

It’s important to make sure that your fireplace has a screen in front of it. Without a screen, sparks could fly into the room and start a fire. Also, if you plan to dispose of ashes in a metal container, ashes should be cooled prior to entering a metal container. The container should also be kept a safe distance away from your home.

Test Smoke Alarms Monthly

If a fire starts in your home, a smoke alarm can save your life. Smoke spreads quickly and a properly working smoke alarm will give you enough time to get out. So make sure you test your smoke alarms each month. Also make sure to replace your smoke detectors once every ten years.

Use Ventilation

When burning anything larger than a candle, make sure to provide good ventilation. You can do this by opening windows, doors, or fireplace fumes. Good ventilation will substantially reduce the amount of smoke that can be harmful to those in the home. 

On cold days heating is a must. But without the use of certain precautions, it can be a very dangerous decision. By following the safety measures highlighted by the NFPA, you can ensure that you will be warm and safe during the cold winter months.