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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

The Most Common Causes of Home Damage

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO right away.

We rely on our homes to keep us comfortable and cozy no matter what. They protect us from severe weather and outside threats day in and day out. However, our homes can suffer serious damage if the threat is substantial enough. 

While it may be overwhelming to think about the possibility of suffering home damage, you can’t focus on it every day! By knowing how to prepare and what to do if damage does occur, you can stay calm and recover faster. 

SERVPRO® is here to make sure you recover as efficiently as possible. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of home damage in our area. 

The Biggest Risks to the Highland Park Community 

The winters are brutally cold and snowy here and the summers are hot and muggy, which means we experience all kinds of severe weather no matter the season. Strong thunderstorms can lead to basement flooding or wind damage and heavy snow can cause structural damage or even collapse roofs. 

In addition to weather threats, common issues like burst pipes or house fires could also impact your home in the blink of an eye. 

Storms can be predicted in advance, but they are not entirely predictable. Water damage and fire damage can be caused by a strong storm if it brings heavy rain or lightning to the area. These two types of damage can also occur from manmade sources. House fires are often started by accident, and water leaks can occur when an appliance malfunctions or a water line leaks. 

The Reality of Compounding Damages 

Suffering through a home disaster is frustrating enough, but it can also lead to more serious issues over time if you don’t tackle your restoration in a timely manner. For example, if you leave lingering moisture in your home after suffering a water disaster or flood, the risk of mold increases that can start to break down your foundation or structural supports in your home. 

Fire can also cause compounding damage. Smoke and soot can spread to all areas of your home, leaving stained walls and stinky odors. In addition to the sheer amount of fire damage, water damage is also a possibility wherever the firefighters used their hoses. 

Whether your disaster occurred naturally or was manmade, recovering quickly should always be your priority. That’s where SERVPRO® comes into play! 

Our team gets to work on a variety of recovery strategies right away. If you suffer a water disaster, we will clean up the residual moisture, clean and sanitize against mold growth, and then address any and all repairs that need to be done. 

If a house fire occurs, we will quickly remove burned debris and then we will tackle the cleaning and sanitizing part of your restoration. This includes soot and smoke removal as well as a deep-clean of your damaged area. If part of your home was destroyed by the flames, we can rebuild it to exactly the way you want it. 

Choosing SERVPRO® to handle your restoration is key because then you won’t have to work with multiple different contractors! We are talented and knowledgeable enough to handle your entire recovery from start to finish. 

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team. 

Why Creating an Emergency Plan for Your Business Matters

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO is here for you when disaster strikes!

We hate to think about it, but any business in the Highland Park area could suffer damage at any time. Natural disasters are occurring more frequently and have become stronger in the last five years, leaving behind significantly more damage in their wake.

Not only that, but manmade disasters and accidents can cause just as much damage. It can be overwhelming to be a business owner these days!

While preventing damage to your business isn’t entirely possible, it is possible to prepare for as many different scenarios as possible.

Why Having an Emergency Plan Can Save Your Business

Since it is simply a fact that natural disasters are occurring more frequently, it is more important than ever to plan ahead. Strong storms and unexpected situations can put your employees at risk and can lead to catastrophic damage to your business if you haven’t done any sort of preparation work.

Disaster situations certainly will cause significant property damage, but they also can cause significant financial issues that can linger for months or even years. The insurance claim process, recovery costs, and lost revenue and wages could affect your entire staff and the future of your business.

Depending on how catastrophic the situation is, you may have to temporarily close your business during the repairs. Many businesses end up having to do this, only to never reopen again.

Your Emergency Plan Creation

A reliable emergency plan is exactly what you need to have in order to avoid serious damage and disaster. The SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Plan is what you need!

Our team offers this planning service to all of the businesses in the New Center and Highland Park area, and it includes everything you need to know in order to overcome any sort of disaster situation.

We spend time at your business evaluating it and doing a full assessment of the different types of risks or threats you could suffer on a daily basis. It could include weather threats, fire threats or general emergency situations. We help you plan for what to do before, during and after these situations so you are ready for if/when they do occur.

For example, we can suggest places to store your important documents to avoid water damage, what to pack in your employees’ go-bags for an emergency evacuation and where to store your fire extinguishers for easy access.

We also focus your plan on your business’ communication strategy. Knowing who is in charge of what and having a clear chain of command can ensure everyone will respond quickly and appropriately during a true emergency.

Your business deserves to overcome whatever type of disaster comes your way. Our Emergency Ready Plan guide is the solution you need to weather the unexpected with confidence.

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.

Tips For Holiday Meal Prepping Safely

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

pan on kitchen counter in residence ablaze while unattended Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO on the case!

If you are like us, you are dreaming of all of the delicious holiday food that is going to be donning your family table and your plate this upcoming season. Whatever holidays you celebrate and however you celebrate them, chances are that you will be whipping up your favorite meals and treats in the kitchen to get ready.

Unfortunately, house fires are more common in the fall and winter months, especially those that originate in the kitchen. Knowing what causes kitchen fires and how to reduce your risk can help you stay focused on your mashed potato recipe or pumpkin pie without the risk of starting a fire.

Controlling Your Space

The first thing you should always do before starting the oven or stove is to prepare your space. Excess clutter on the counters and floors can be fire hazards, but they can also become fuel for a fire if one does start.

You should also remove as many flammable materials and objects as possible. Put away pot holders, kitchen towels, oven mitts and wooden utensils when they are not in use.

In addition, you also need to be mindful about how you dress while you are making your food. Loose sleeves, long apron strings or holiday outfits with all the bells and whistles can easily catch fire if you get too close to your heat source. Roll up your sleeves and choose your clothing carefully.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Food

There should always be someone in charge of the kitchen that stays nearby the oven or stove while it is on. Even just stepping away for a moment can be enough time for a flame to flare up or for a grease bubble to pop. By the time you come back, your entire kitchen could be in flames.

If your family loves to deep-fry turkeys every year, extra precautions should be taken into consideration. Do not overfill the fryer with oil and choose a safe location that is flat and far away from any overhangs or garages.

You should also be sure to pull out your turkey to completely thaw before it goes into the oil. A partially frozen turkey can react negatively with the oil and cause it to spatter and pop.

Check Those Alarms

Even if you are the most responsible chef, accidents can happen or the unexpected can occur in the blink of an eye. That’s why having protective measures like smoke alarms is important! Check the batteries in each of your alarms every month and replace them as needed to ensure they are ready to work.

You also should have a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen at all times. Having a reliable way to extinguish flames can help you put a stop to any developing situation in seconds.

We hope you have a holly jolly season with your loved ones but remember that we are always here if you need us. Our team can handle any fire damage that you experience, and we will put your home back together right away!

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!

Preparing for Strong Winter Storms

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

snowy highway with vehicles driving in a squall The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO has your back with these helpful tips.

The winter season is a different beast around the Midwest, and the Detroit area is certainly vulnerable to strong winter storms and debilitating conditions from time to time. Subzero temperatures, strong wind and heavy snow can create dangerous situations for all of us at this time of year. 

Regardless of the strength of the storm, preparing ahead of time and knowing what to do afterward can help you avoid more serious damage to your home and property. 

Getting Ready Around Your Home 

The road conditions can quickly deteriorate around our community, so we always advise avoiding travel when a storm is in the area. Ice, sleet and heavy snow can make travel really difficult or even impossible. 

Stay home and get your emergency kit ready to weather the storm. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions can cause power outages for hours or even days, so preparing ahead of time can help you stay safer and warmer. 

Track down your extra flashlights, first-aid supplies, blankets and safe drinking water and food and store it all in an easily accessible area. You should also have a reliable way of keeping you warm in case the power goes out, like a fireplace on standby. 

While these measures may be helpful in the short term, it simply may just become too cold in your home to remain there while you wait for the power to come back on. Have a few different locations in mind as backups to head to if you get too cold at home, like a friend’s home or a local warming center. 

Assessing Your Home 

Once the storm has blown on and it is safe to move about your home, it is time to take a look at your property. Strong wind and heavy snow can cause all sorts of issues for your home. 

If we get a lot of snow, grab your roof rake or a shovel and pull the snow off of the edges of your roof. Heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot, which can certainly build up over time and cause serious cave-in concerns. 

If the storm that came through brought strong wind, you should also be checking on your vents around your home. Drafts can build up along the side of your home and block important vents from working properly. Clear away these drifts and chip away any ice buildup to ensure any carbon monoxide can safely escape your home. 

Recovering After Storm Damage 

Storms can cause all sorts of damage to your property, which can lead to further issues if it isn’t taken care of right away. Ice dams can eventually lead to water damage or serious structural damage can occur if a part of your roof suffers damage due to the weight of excess snow. 

However, if your home damage happens, we can help you recover. Our team will secure your home, address any immediate cleaning needs and then tackle your repairs. We will help you recover faster and more efficiently! 

Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO® for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm. 

Tackling a Flood at Work With Confidence

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO a call to get that resolved!

The last thing you expect to encounter when you arrive at work is a disaster situation. Normally, you go about your day unlocking doors and turning on lights, so you can be taken by complete surprise by standing water all over your floor or water raining from the ceiling.

Whether the flood is from a plumbing failure or a heavy rainstorm, reacting quickly is crucial in order to avoid a worsening situation. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you react quicker and with more confidence.

Crucial Steps to Follow

Disasters are often unexpected and can be really unnerving when they happen to you. Try to stay as calm as possible and follow a few simple steps to help you stay in control and get things cleaned up quickly.

1. Stay safe. Your top priority should always be your safety and the safety of the people under your roof. Keep customers and staff out of the area, and try to avoid walking through the water. Assess the situation and then get us on the phone right away.

2. Control the disaster. Acting quickly can help prevent mildew and mold from setting in, so locate the source of the leak as quickly as you are able to. Shut off the appropriate water valve or shut off water to your entire building if you can’t track down the source right away.

3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can be contaminated with storm runoff, chemicals and even sewage, so stay out of the water while you walk around to open windows and turn on fans.

The Recovery Process

Once we arrive, we will start on removing the excess water right away. We will also do a total assessment of your space to make sure all of the hidden moisture behind your walls and under your floors is identified and removed as well.

We often are able to find ways to section off the damaged part of your building so that you can still operate in a reduced capacity. We know that every minute you are closed can be detrimental to your business, so we work quickly but efficiently.

After the water is removed, we will work on saving as many of your business’ possessions as possible while tackling repairs. We are a full-service restoration company, so we will do everything in our power to save as much as possible!

You don’t have to stand for standing water in your business. Call SERVPRO immediately for quick restoration assistance.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

When Disaster Strikes, Your Local Restoration Team Is the Answer

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO!

If you are a homeowner or business owner, you understand just how scary the thought of suffering through a disaster can be. Severe storms, unexpected accidents or manmade disasters can cause incredible amounts of damage in seconds, leaving you with a serious situation and a lot of questions. 

One of those questions is often centered around your recovery timeline and how that will look for you. A faster recovery can reduce the time you are displaced from your home or business, and it can also help you save money along the way. 

That’s why you deserve the talented team of SERVPRO®! Our restoration team is locally owned and operated in the Detroit area and we are always here for you. 

How to Choose your Restoration Team 

Even if you do everything right and are prepared for many different disaster scenarios, you can still get taken by surprise by property damage. While you focus on finding a restoration team to handle your recovery, make sure you are making an informed choice. 

Choosing the right restoration company can make all the difference between a quick recovery and a lengthy or frustrating one. The company you choose should be trustworthy, timely, friendly and have a variety of good reviews on their website and on search engines. 

SERVPRO® proudly boasts all of this and more! Our crew is also locally owned and operated, which makes us uniquely connected to the Detroit area. We know the weather patterns, the communities and the various threats that could impact our area at any given time. 

This connection to our community is important because it can help us to help you more thoroughly. We understand the different building codes and local guidelines, and we also can ensure that every member of our team knows how to get around the bustling streets of a downtown neighborhood. 

SERVPRO®’s History 

Another important part of disaster recovery is being able to trust that the team in your home will be able to handle your entire restoration with confidence. SERVPRO has the training and talent to do so, but we also are backed by a national brand that will ensure we have the tools, staff and equipment needed to help you however you need us to. 

SERVPRO® also has an extensive history as a trusted leader in the restoration industry. The national brand has been in business since 1967 and has grown to over 2,000 locations around the country, including ours in the Detroit area. 

Our crew is fully trained and certified to handle water, fire and storm damage repairs no matter the scale, and we will work hard no matter how long it takes to make a full recovery. 

When disaster strikes, our team gets to work. Let us help you overcome your next home or business disaster with confidence. 

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything. 

We Can Assist Your Business

12/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water damaged papers. Every little bit of support helps when it comes to keeping a company afloat.

Every little bit of support helps when it comes to keeping a company afloat. As a company owner or manager, you understand that finding business success requires the utilization of every available hand. Significant delays or commercial harm might result in the company’s permanent closure. 

Your company, on the other hand, already has a built-in secret assistant who can aid with cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO® can handle a wide variety of business demands; it’s as if you have a hidden business partner overseeing an important aspect of your company’s success strategy. 

Large loss recovery. Fires, hurricanes and floods are the most common causes of financial loss for businesses in the United States. They have the potential to cause considerable damage, particularly if they are not addressed quickly. When you call SERVPRO®, you’ll be speaking with a highly trained team that’s available 24 hours a day to deliver reliable emergency services and minimize your downtime and recovery time. 

Emergency Ready Plan. If your business has been adequately prepared, recovery may begin even before a disaster occurs. When the time comes, we can help you build a successful strategy. You may require an emergency chain of command, alternative meeting or workplaces or temporary suppliers after a disaster strikes, and we’ll get you set up with a game plan for all of this that you can initiate when you need to with a simple button click. 

Cleaning of All Kinds. From specialist cleaning services like trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to more normal cleaning requirements like carpet cleaning and upholstery restoration in high-traffic areas, we have services for every circumstance. We’ve been doing this for a while and have seen and cleaned pretty much everything. 

Restoration Services. You can’t predict when you’ll experience a property damage event like flooding or a kitchen fire. Any kind of damaging event will need SERVPRO®’s expert repair and cleaning services. From water removal to restoration, you can count on us to bring your company back to life after a disaster. 

Industry Specialization. We can help businesses in any industry since we have spent decades knowing the ins and outs of each. We can assist you with any one-of-a-kind or specialty cleaning and restoration needs your company may have. In certain cases, we may even erect a fence around the construction area to keep it from interfering with the normal activities of the surrounding regions. 

Three Types of Contaminated Water

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Black water in a basement. There are three major types of contaminated water. 

When you have water damage in your home or business, it’s important to know what type of water is in your property. There are three major types of contaminated water.  

Category 1: "Clean Water" 

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants. 

Category 2: "Gray Water" 

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine but no feces, or dishwasher overflow. 

Category 3: "Black Water" 

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

SERVPRO® will inspect contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business. 

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration Services

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke damaged walls and ceilings. Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive.

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. Our team has the specialized training and equipment to provide specialty restoration services when you have fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business. 

Structural Cleaning  

After smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need thorough cleaning. SERVPRO® will pretest damaged materials to determine the extent of products required to clean and protect from the different types of soot. We may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, we will clean to “prepare for painting.” This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.  

Contents Cleaning  

All the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We will begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. We can provide wet or dry-cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac, and much more. Finally, we can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items if requested.  

Deodorization 

We provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Our team does not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. 

Don’t Let Strong Winds Blow You Away

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Trees bending over from wind. At its most severe, wind can leave a trail of devastation that cannot be evaded.

On a terribly hot day, a cool gust of wind can offer a refreshing break from the warm summer sun. Wind, while you can’t really see it, is a dependable force that we can rely on, but it can cause serious problems when it’s at its worst. 

At its most severe, wind can leave a trail of devastation that cannot be evaded. Even on days with clear skies, severe winds wreak havoc out of nowhere. These winds can create major damage and leave a destructive mark on entire communities. 

To safeguard both yourself and your property from the dangers of strong winds, it is essential to take the appropriate measures, even on days you might not expect them. 

The Different Kinds of Wind 

Roughly half of the most hazardous wind occurrences are brought on by strong thunderstorms, making them a risk worth preparing for. Thunderstorm-related winds have the potential to be just as catastrophic as tornadoes. 

At times, thunderstorms can generate winds that can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, which can lead to expensive damage and a lasting impact on entire communities. 

Thunderstorms can produce straight-line winds, which are not associated with rotation and can cause damage even in areas without rainfall. These winds can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, making them a devastating hazard. 

It is the combination of different types of winds generated by tornadoes that makes them so dangerous to encounter. Tornadoes have caused some awful winds in Highland Park in the past, and they’ve only gotten more devastating. When tornadoes aren’t causing severe winds, thunderstorms do, and the effects on our neighborhoods can be considerably greater. 

Wind Damage and Prevention 

When winds exceed 80 miles per hour, even the most secure mobile homes can be easily picked up. Severe winds can also lead to toppling trees, thrown debris and downed power lines all over Highland Park. 

Taking early precautions, such as being able recognize weather alerts and securing loose outdoor items, can help prevent wind damage and ensure your safety during severe weather events. 

Take steps to maintain your trees, such as pruning and removing any overhanging branches, to minimize the risk of damage during high winds. Be sure to secure any loose objects outside and consider installing storm shutters or other protective measures to protect your home. 

Go out and take a stroll around your property to assess any damages after the winds have died down. Climb up on your roof and correct any misplaced or loose shingles, to prevent water from leaking into your home. If you do face severe storm damage, get in touch with SERVPRO®, and we’ll restore your losses in a flash! 

Commercial Fire Damage

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

Burnt apartment building after a fire. Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property.

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.  

Commercial fire damage restoration presents unique challenges. Every hour spent restoring your business back to its pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. The SERVPRO® team has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

If your business experiences a fire loss, call SERVPRO®, the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business. 

Biohazard Cleanup Services for Your Business

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Technicians in Tyvek suits with chemical sprayers. The decontamination of a business can be both dangerous and emotional.

The professionally trained experts at SERVPRO® provide biohazard cleanup services that utilize a science based, safety centered standard.   

The decontamination of a business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience are important when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances. 

We provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following: 

  • Sewage backups 
  • Crime scene residues 
  • Suicide/death accidents 
  • Homicide cleanups 
  • Blood cleanup 
  • Accident cleanup 
  • Hoarding scenes 
  • Animal waste/remains 
  • Chemical spills 
  • Tear gas cleanup 

Our team provides 24-hour service, seven days a week. We have qualified, trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. 

Faster To Any Size Disaster

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Green trucks and trailers in front of a commercial building. Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business.

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO® provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day, or night.  

Why Choose SERVPRO®?  

  • We are Faster to Any Size Disaster: Floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.  
  • We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists: As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.  
  • We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters: In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 2,000 franchises across the country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.