3 Damage Mitigation Tips for Commercial Roof Leaks

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Leave storm response to the professionals.

Storm Restoration Process

When you experience a flood, overflowing sinks, or leaky plumbing, your business needs storm and flood damage services — and it needs them fast. Here is what you should do in the aftermath of an emergency situation:

1. Keep an Emergency Plan on File
You should have an emergency plan in place for your business that contains your insurance coverage, emergency contacts and other important documents. That way if you find yourself in an emergency situation, you won't have to scramble to find your preferred storm restoration provider and begin the restoration process

2. Call a Professional
While there are some things you can do on your own, it's best to leave storm response to the professionals. A SERVPRO Franchise Professional in Aventura, FL, can quickly assess the damage and get your business up and running in no time.

The restoration process typically includes:

• An initial assessment
• Water removal
• Drying and dehumidifying
• Cleaning and sanitizing
  
  

3. Safely Do What You Can Before a Professional Arrives

Your top priority after an emergency is safety. Electrical hazards should be one of your main concerns. If it is safe to do so, you can perform a few storm restoration tasks, such as:

• Removing antiques, books, art and other valuables from the area
• Mopping up excess water
• Moving furniture from wet carpeting
• Blotting wood furniture
  
  

4. Know Your Limits
Exercise common sense as you do what you can to begin the cleanup. Remember that wet materials are heavy, for example. Most household vacuums are not equipped to handle water, so don't attempt to remove water that way.

You can turn on air conditioning in the summer months to aid drying, but don't turn on ceiling fans or light fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Generally speaking, if the area feels unsafe, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

One of the most important aspects of an emergency situation is your quick response. Having a provider that's there for you at any time will help speed up the storm restoration process.

Emergency Response After Storms

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA and private insurers exist to alleviate the burden and get homeowners the professional cleanup services they require.

Emergency Response Following Storms

Many homeowners in Golden Beach, FL, are inadequately prepared for a life-threatening storm situation. Understand the role of FEMA and other agencies in responding to a natural disaster and assessing the damage.

1. The Aftermath

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will typically send an inspector or other government official directly to the site of a flood or other disaster in order to ascertain the amount of damage and the needs of the populace. At this stage, it is helpful to be present to expedite the process. If the home is safe to enter, you can assist the FEMA official in getting a rough tally of what belongings and parts of your home structure are inundated, wind-damaged, or contaminated. Some homeowners may choose to have a complete inventory of the home as a matter of course.

2. Proof of Ownership

In a disaster situation, the federal government needs to determine the owner of the damaged property. Ensure that during a disaster or evacuation you have access to the various deeds and titles that can prove legal ownership of your home, land, and vehicles. This will greatly expedite the process of disbursing federal aid and getting your life back on track.

3. Adjusters

After the danger of flooding is over, your insurance agency will send an adjuster to ascertain the validity of your damage claims and take a general inventory. This process is different from the type of inspection that FEMA performs to determine the severity of the disaster for the purposes of federal aid. Homeowners should be aware that public adjusters independent of any particular insurance agency also exist, and can be hired to assist with disputes over liability or coverage.

While severe storms and other natural disasters can cause significant damage and disruption, FEMA and private insurers exist to alleviate the burden and get homeowners the professional cleanup services they require.

How FEMA Helps Victims of Storm Damage

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

A huge disaster requires the assistance of a large number of individuals. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in charge of coordinating

How FEMA Assists Storm Damage Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA takes on several roles after a storm strikes a community. Most people understand the agency's role in helping displaced persons and families find shelter and assistance if they can no longer live in their homes. This role was seen prominently after Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans in 2005. The agency also coordinates many other aspects of recovery including contracting with companies that help restore homes to livable condition.

A storm recovery company can provide many services that minimize the damage from a flood in Hollywood, FL. Highly-trained workers remove standing water, dry out saturated materials and increase the safety of a property.

FEMA Adjusters
For many people, a weather disaster involves working with insurance adjusters, who look at storm damage and assign monetary values for lost items and repairs. The federal government also employs adjusters and inspectors to look over the damage. This is all part of the recovery process, which can take a long time, even running into several months.
Because flooding takes such a large toll on properties, it is sometimes necessary for people to get outside help. In cases where a homeowner is underinsured or uninsured, the costs could run into many thousands of dollars. In a federal disaster area, the government helps connect individuals to grant programs and lenders to procure money to rebuild.

Emergency Medical Personnel
Extreme weather also has the power to result in serious injuries. EMTs and other responders are another important piece of the recovery puzzle. These trained and certified individuals are some of the first people to come in after a disaster, and they treat victims suffering from a wide range of injuries and illnesses. They also transport patients to the nearest definitive care hospitals.

A large disaster requires the help of many people. FEMA plays a central role in coordinating all of these activities and resources.

3 Important Flood Prevention Techniques for Protecting Cities

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your local water, flood, and fire damage restoration professional. Call SERVPRO today to learn more about how we can help!

Cities Are Protected By Three Important Flood Prevention Techniques.

Sandbags and other similar alternatives are useful for reducing the damage caused by floodwaters, but there are several flood prevention methods that can be used to help protect the city of Hollywood, FL. Although storm damage restoration companies are very effective at reversing the damage flooding causes, the costs of these flood cleaning services are often too much for business owners to bear. By prioritizing prevention and implementing the following three techniques, cities can make the recovery process easier on all their citizens.

1. Vegetation

One easy method that cities and its residents can put into action to help prevent flooding is using vegetation as a means to stop erosion and stop floodwater in its tracks. Grass, trees, and shrubs help absorb water in the area and limit water run-off. Trees can also catch rainfall and help it evaporate before ever reaching the ground.

2. Drainage Systems

Poor drainage systems are a major cause of flooding. Typically, this is caused by improperly cleaned drains that collect plastic litter and result in a clog. Residents can participate in flood prevention by reducing their use of plastic, keeping trash off the streets, and bagging yard waste. It is also important that cities regularly clean their drainage systems and educate the public on what happens when their garbage ends up in the drain instead of the trash.

3. Coastal Defense Walls

For towns located near the ocean, tidal waves can easily cause flooding and damage homes near the shores. Many cities around the world have invested in building sea defense walls as a way to prevent waves from pushing too high up the shore and causing extensive damage. They also help limit the erosion waves can cause.

Investing in flood prevention is essential for cities that consistently receive heavy rainfall or are located near large bodies of water. It is important to remember that residents can have just as much as an effect as city officials in protecting their homes and businesses from floodwaters.

What To Do If You Notice Water Dripping From a Light Fixture

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has team members ready 24/7/365 to assist you after any kind of water damage. Call us!

If You Notice Water Dripping From a Light Fixture, What Should You Do?

If you notice that you have water dripping from a light fixture in your Royal Poinciana, FL home, you should take action immediately. Because water in light fixtures can be extremely dangerous, you should use caution when dealing with this problem. The following steps can help you to safely resolve the issue.

1. Turn Off the Electricity

The first thing you want to do in this situation is to turn off the electricity. Because electricity and water is a very dangerous combination, you want to make sure that the power in your home is off. The water in the light fixture could move electricity to other parts of the house and create a potential safety hazard for anyone who comes into contact with it. Use the service panel or breaker to turn off the power.

2. Determine the Source of the Water

Once the power has been turned off, you should try to figure out where the water is coming from. If the source of the water is a leaky pipe, you should turn off the water supply to stop the leak. If you allow the water to continue flowing, it could result in ceiling damage and create an even bigger problem.

3. Have the Light Fixture Replaced

In order to repair and replace the light fixture, you should first contact a professional water damage specialist to fix the leak. Once the water has been removed and the leak has been repaired, you should have an electrician replace the light fixture. If you attempt to do the repair work yourself, you may end up making the problem worse and causing more damage or injuring yourself.

Because water in a light fixture can be dangerous and can cause injury as well as damage to your house, you should be incredibly careful if you notice this problem in your home. Take every precaution and allow professionals to do the most important work.

How to Prevent a Fire

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

As a fire prevention Month, SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura would like to share some tips and facts about preventing from any fire disasters.

• The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO . SERVPRO'S 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can help prevent FIRE DAMAGE from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide timely response with MITIGATION services ranging from FIRE, SMOKE AND SOOT REMOVAL to contents claims inventory and document restoration. these services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.
  WHAT YOU CAN DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances petroleum jelly or oil 
• Place aluminum foil wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet. 
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set some odor.

WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A FIRE

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (954) 921-8992

Essential Information About Home Water Damage

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding water contamination levels may help you choose the best strategy for restoring your home and your peace of mind.

Essential Information About Home Water Damage

When water damages your Hallandale FL home, suddenly you have many tasks to take care of. Cleaning up and restoring your property can be both time consuming and expensive. This brief guide may help you identify your first steps and understand whether your insurance will help you. Home water damage generally originates from one of three sources.

Interior Water

Water-related damage often comes from sources inside your home. Here are some examples of interior, non-storm-related damage.

An appliance, such as a dishwasher or ice maker, leaks clean water.
A supply water line breaks.
A toilet or sewer overflows, introducing toxic sewage to your structure.
A washing machine leaks water contaminated by soil or grease.

If your offending water originated from a toilet or sewer, it is considered highly toxic, and a professional water remediation service should perform the cleanup. It is a good idea to inform your homeowner’s insurance agent about your water damage early on. They can tell you what level of coverage and reimbursement your policy carries.

Stormwater

When water enters your home before it reaches the ground, generally due to a weather event, it is considered stormwater. Hail, snow or rain entering through a broken window or roof leak describes this type of damage. Your conventional insurance will likely cover stormwater cleanup.

Floodwater

If water enters your home because of external, rising floodwater, it is considered to be highly toxic. Floodwater is called black water or Category 3 water, which is the highest level of toxicity. Water damage from Category 3 water can contain substances such as sewage, toxic chemicals or hazardous objects. For this reason, it requires professional crews to perform the cleanup. Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover this type of damage; a special government-issued insurance policy would be needed for you to receive help.
Whatever the source, water can cause significant damage and inconvenient interruptions to the lives of you and your family. Flood damage will require professional help for safe restoration. 

Mold Coverage and Commercial Property Insurance

5/9/2020 (Permalink)

Does your insurance company cover mold damage?

Mold Coverage and Commercial Property Insurance

As a business owner in Golden Beach, FL, you most likely purchased commercial insurance, hoping it would help you out in dire times. Like much in life, sometimes things go your way and other times it's a bit more difficult. When filing for fungus cleanup, this might be one of those times for a snag. Not all policies extend coverage to this situation. You'll have to ask yourself the following three questions to find out if you qualify.

1. What Conditions Are Accepted?
When you notice mold damage, you should immediately reach out to your insurance agent, requesting a claim, and discussing your coverage. Under your policy, you may be able to seek help for the mold growth remediation. However, it will depend on the written language of your agreement. Anything specifically listed as a cause is acceptable. For example, if you included flood coverage and your contamination occurred from that, then you likely can't file. In addition, you may ask about Limited Fungus Coverage. Often, this clause allows for water damage inclusion, one of the more prominent reasons fungus develops.

2. Have You Maintained the Structure?
Part of the approval for commercial insurance coverage is proving that you maintained the premises. In fact, delaying or allowing the trouble to grow worse would be negligence and grounds for refusal. Therefore, ensure that your plumbing is regularly inspected and repaired, saving receipts. It wouldn't hurt to annually take pictures of the grounds as well.

3. What Services Are Covered?
Your mold insurance often offers compensation for having a mold restoration company remove the impacted material and test for infestation. This includes tearing out anything ruined such as flooring and drywall. Be aware that the sky isn't the limit. The insurer will pay up to a certain amount, specified within your paperwork. Make sure to read through it carefully, understanding any noted limits.
Commercial insurance may help you out with your fungal issues. It's not always cut and dry though. Remain cognizant of your plan, and demonstrate the care you take to maintain the land.

The Advantages of an Emergency Ready Profile

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you want to be "Ready for whatever happens", an Emergency Ready Profile is the answer

The Advantages of an Emergency Ready Profile

A competitive advantage in your line of work can come in many forms. A great plan for dealing with an unexpected disaster is one way to strengthen your company in Royal Poinciana, FL. Disasters come in the form of fires, storms, flooding, cyber threats and more, and being prepared could save your company from going out of business after a disaster. An emergency profile allows a disaster remediation team quick access to your property and can significantly improve aid in the recovery process. The features of this program include the following highlights:

• A free assessment of your facility
  
• A Profile Document that contains critical information needed in an emergency
  
• A guide to minimize any business interruption caused by a disaster
  
• The establishment of a clear chain of command when it comes to authorizing work
  
• The identification of important facility details such as shut-offs and priority areas
  
  

Choose an Industry Leader

Your emergency profile should be set up by a recognized leader in the restoration business. SERVPRO has local disaster mitigation franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada, offering trained technicians and fast response times. They also have access to corporate resources that enable each franchise to deal with large events. Making the entire program more effective is the presence of a mobile ERP app that puts an emergency response in the hands of property managers and owners.

Protect Your Company From the Unexpected

Everyday companies experience major problems that are difficult to deal with and that result in a business interruption. About 50% of business may never recover from an emergency. The ones that do often fare better because of advanced planning. An emergency profile does not take long to set up and involves minimal costs, but it can be a big advantage for your company. If you want to be "Ready for whatever happens" and work with an industry leader in disaster response, an Emergency Ready Profile is the answer.

4 Strategies To Keep Claims Costs Down

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Calling SERVPRO right away helps lower the cost of the claim

No two disasters are alike. A flood might involve black water that poses a safety risk to humans. A fire could be relatively minor or result in a catastrophic loss. Certain aspects of disaster relief, though, benefit from standardized actions. A fast response is crucial, as a disaster relief team should arrive on the premises within four hours of being called. Technicians should be trained and should have access to the best equipment for the recovery process. A variety of methods, such as pretesting, should be used to minimize expenses.

Measures for Cost Containment

An insurance agent appreciates keeping costs down when practicable. This is one reason a SERVPRO franchise is preferred over other remediation teams. In many cases, items such as flooring, walls, carpeting and equipment can be restored instead of replaced. Pretesting of items furthers this concept of cost containment in the following ways:

• Testing of every item
  
• Analysis of suitability for restoration
  
• A philosophy of "restore when possible, replace when necessary"
  
• Testing to find hidden damages such as mold growth
  
  

With advanced technology, testing is an effective way to assess the level of damage of many items. Without this approach, a perfectly good material could be tossed out at an unnecessary expense. Furthermore, testing can find and treat hidden areas of water damage and soot odors, eliminating the need for additional restoration visits in Golden Beach, FL.

Steps for the Claims Process

Work on an insurance claim begins as soon as the recovery company is called. The initial inspection and damage assessment begins an orderly record of damages incurred. Digital photos are taken to record damages. Pretesting happens in the pertinent circumstances. Eventually, a detailed estimate is sent to adjusters, which is then communicated to the business owner. Information can be delivered via hard copy or electronic file. With all of these resources in hand, the insurance agent can better deal with clients.