Recent Posts

Crafting an Effective Winter Emergency Plan: Keeping Cleveland and Its Neighbors Safe

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

Winter in Cleveland, Ohio, and its surrounding towns can be a breathtakingly beautiful experience. However, it also brings its fair share of challenges, from icy roads to heavy snowfall and the occasional winter storm. To ensure the safety and well-being of your family, it's crucial to have an effective winter emergency plan in place. Let's take a closer look at how you can prepare for the season ahead, whether you're in Cleveland or one of the charming towns nearby.

Assess Your Unique Needs

Before you craft your winter emergency plan, take some time to consider the unique needs of your household. This includes factors like:

Location

Are you in downtown Cleveland, where road clearing is typically swift, or in one of the smaller towns where it may take longer for snow removal services to reach you?

Family Members

Do you have elderly family members, young children, or individuals with specific medical needs? Consider their requirements in your plan.

Pets

Don't forget your furry family members. Make sure you have a plan for their safety and well-being during winter emergencies.

The Essential Elements of Your Plan

Now that you've assessed your specific needs, here are the essential elements of an effective winter emergency plan:

  1. Communication

Ensure everyone in your household knows how to communicate during an emergency. Set up a family communication plan with designated meeting points and contact information.

  1. Emergency Kit

Prepare a winter emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, water, and a first-aid kit.

  1. Heating Plan

If you have alternative heating sources like a fireplace or a generator, make sure they are in working order. Have a plan for how you'll stay warm in case of power outages.

  1. Vehicle Safety

Equip your vehicles with winter supplies like snow chains, a shovel, and a winter emergency kit. Keep your gas tanks at least half full during the winter season.

  1. Stay Informed

Stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions. Sign up for local alerts and notifications to receive timely information about emergencies.

  1. Neighborly Support

Consider your neighbors, especially if they have special needs or may need assistance during an emergency. A tight-knit community can be a valuable resource in times of need.

Trust SERVPRO of the North Coast for Winter Preparedness

As you craft your winter emergency plan, remember that preparedness is key to keeping your loved ones safe. Whether you're in bustling Cleveland, one of its charming suburbs, or a nearby town, a well-thought-out plan will help you navigate the challenges of winter with confidence and resilience.

Professional Cleaning Services Beyond Disaster Recovery

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

When you hear the name SERVPRO®, you likely think of a trusted partner in disaster recovery and restoration. While it's true that we excel in helping you recover from the unexpected, our services extend far beyond that. Professional cleaning services offered by SERVPRO® can not only restore your property after a disaster but also provide numerous benefits in regular, day-to-day situations.

  1. A Healtheir Environment

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of professional cleaning is the creation of a healthier indoor environment. Regular cleaning removes dust, allergens, and harmful pathogens from surfaces, improving indoor air quality. In today's health-conscious world, a clean and healthy workspace is vital for the well-being of your employees and customers.

  1. Enhanced Productivity

A clean and organized workspace can have a significant impact on productivity. Clutter-free and sanitized environments promote focus and efficiency. Your employees are more likely to be productive when they work in a clean and orderly space.

  1. Impress Clients and Customers

First impressions matter. A clean and well-maintained business space conveys professionalism and attention to detail. When clients or customers walk into your establishment, a clean environment can leave a positive and lasting impression.

  1. Prolonged Asset Life

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your business property can extend the life of assets like carpets, upholstery, and furniture. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces the need for frequent replacements, benefiting the environment.

Professional cleaning services from SERVPRO® offer immediate benefits by creating a healthier, more productive, and impressive business environment. Additionally, taking proactive steps to disaster-proof your business is essential for its long-term success. By developing an emergency plan, safeguarding your property, and partnering with experts, you can protect your business from unforeseen events and ensure a smoother path to recovery if disaster does strike. Remember, at SERVPRO®, we're not just here for the unexpected; we're here to help you thrive every day.

SERVPRO: Your Trusted Partner for Water and Fire Mitigation

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your home or business, quick and effective restoration services are essential to minimize damage and get back on your feet. SERVPRO has earned a reputation as a leading water and fire mitigation company in the Columbus and surrounding areas, known for its professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

  1. 24/7 Emergency Response:

Disasters don't wait for convenient hours, and neither does SERVPRO. They offer 24/7 emergency response services, ready to spring into action when you need them the most. Whether it's water damage from a burst pipe or fire damage from a sudden blaze, SERVPRO's rapid response ensures your property gets the immediate attention it deserves.

  1. Highly Trained Professionals:

SERVPRO's technicians undergo rigorous training in water and fire mitigation, mold remediation, and restoration techniques. Their certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of restoration challenges, ensuring that your property is in capable hands.

  1. State-of-the-Art Equipment:

SERVPRO utilizes advanced equipment and cutting-edge technology to tackle water and fire damage effectively. From powerful extraction machines to industrial-grade drying equipment, they have the tools to efficiently restore your property to pre-disaster conditions.

  1. Comprehensive Services:

SERVPRO offers a full spectrum of restoration services, from water extraction and drying to smoke and soot removal. Their comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the mitigation and restoration process is handled professionally and thoroughly.

  1. Insurance Coordination:

Dealing with insurance claims can be daunting after experiencing a disaster. SERVPRO assists in navigating the insurance process, providing documentation and direct communication with insurance companies to streamline the claims process for you.

  1. Compassionate Customer Service:

Facing water or fire damage can be a distressing experience, and SERVPRO understands the emotional toll it takes on property owners. Their compassionate and caring approach ensures that you receive support and reassurance throughout the restoration journey.

  1. IICRC Certification:

SERVPRO holds Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), showcasing their dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards and best practices in restoration and mitigation.

  1. Proven Track Record:

With over 50 years of experience in the restoration industry, SERVPRO has built a solid reputation for excellence. Countless satisfied customers testify to their reliability, professionalism, and exceptional results.

When it comes to water and fire mitigation services, SERVPRO stands out as a trusted and reliable partner. Their commitment to rapid response, highly trained technicians, advanced equipment, and compassionate customer service makes them the best choice for restoring your property after a disaster. If you're ever faced with water or fire damage, don't hesitate to call on SERVPRO for expert assistance and peace of mind during the restoration process.

Fire Pit Safety

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

These cooler evenings seem to be starting sooner and lasting longer here in the Columbus area. While they provide a cozy and inviting setting, they can also be dangerous. As with any open flame, safety should always be the top priority. Let’s explore essential tips and precautions to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor fire pit safely.

  • Location and Placement: Choosing the right location for your fire pit is crucial. Ensure it's placed on a non-flammable surface and keep it at a safe distance from any flammable materials. Clear an area around the fire pit to prevent accidental sparks from igniting nearby objects.
  • Keep a Fire Extinguisher and Water Source Nearby: Always have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water or a hose nearby. These tools can be essential in quickly extinguishing small flames or sparks that may escape the fire pit. You can pick up a fire extinguisher from Home Depot, Kroger’s, Meijer or other local grocery stores near you.
  • Mind the Wind: Be mindful of wind direction when using the fire pit. Wind can blow sparks and embers, potentially causing fires elsewhere in your yard. It is vital in the Downtown areas including Grandview, Franklinton, and German Village that there is No burning when an air pollution alert, warning, or emergency is in effect. Its also important for areas like Blacklick, Pickerington, or other rural areas that the smoke doesn’t obscure visibility on roadways.
  • Properly Extinguish the Fire: Before leaving the fire pit unattended or going to bed, ensure the fire is entirely extinguished. Use water or sand to douse the flames and stir the ashes to cool them down.
  • Be Mindful of Fire Regulations: Check with your local authorities for any specific fire regulations or bans in your area. During dry seasons or high-risk fire periods, there may be restrictions on open fires. Some local regulations in Bexley include keeping the fire pit at least 15 feet from a structure. In other areas like Westerville, Worthington, and Dublin it’s a law to keep fires more than 1,000 feet from neighbors.

An outdoor fire pit can be a source of warmth, comfort, and joy for your home. By following these safety tips and using common sense, you can enjoy your fire pit with peace of mind. Remember, safety should always be the priority.

What You Need To Know About Fires!

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Timing is everything. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

  • Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.
  • Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes on your skin. Always crawl on the floor!
  • Fire is DARK! Fires start bright but quickly produce black smoke and complete darkness.
  • Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient you. Asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home-related fires.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a bit different, each one requires a customized solution tailored to the specific conditions. Our SERVPRO Team has the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire or smoke-damaged property. Most importantly, we will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

building burned after fire Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Cleveland commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:


1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.


2. Assemble Your Records.
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business' essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.


3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately.
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.


4. Get Permission To Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County today at (440) 324-2620!

Steps To Take When Your Basement Floods

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

flooded basement and flip flop floating in water Don't let a flooded basement ruin your week, call our SERVPRO Team today!

Even if you’ve taken steps to protect your basement from water damage, a burst pipe, broken sump pump, or heavy storm could cause your basement to flood, leaving you with a long cleanup and restoration project. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes can dramatically reduce the damage to your home.

First, the health and safety of you and your family is paramount to all else. Stay out of the basement until you’re sure the conditions are safe. As soon as you can and always before returning to basement, turn off all electricity and gas lines to that area. If you are unsure how to do this, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for 24/7 emergency assistance.

If the flood is due to rainfall, wait until the storm passes before attempting any cleanup. If the flood is not due to rain, take action immediately. Locate the cause of the flood and take steps such as unblocking drains or shutting off water valves to stop waters from rising.

Once you are sure no more water will enter the basement, start by ventilating the area. Open windows and doors to promote airflow and speed up evaporation. Collect and move boxes, documents, and small items away from the flood. Leave electronics in place; they pose a risk of electrical shock even if the electricity is off.

To remove the water, you will need a wet-vac or pump. Never attempt to collect water using a household vacuum. If you haven’t already, call SERVPRO and let our highly-experienced team take it from here. We will extract the water from your basement and remove damaged items such as carpet and drywall.

After the area is 100% dry, disinfecting and mold prevention measures are taken to ensure no lasting effects. Finally, the damage is repaired and rebuilt so you can get back to normal. SERVPRO can also restore many electronic items and dry documents and photos to minimize the water damage to your possessions.

If your basement is flooding, you should consider it an emergency situation. Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County anytime for immediate service and the best name in water damage repair and restoration!

Storm and Wind Damage

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

tree fallen on pole barn and truck A tree blown over caused damage to a pole barn and truck.

With summer upon us thunderstorms can not only bring water damage to homes, it can also bring wind damage. Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes.

Below are some steps to take if your home is damaged by wind.

Documenting Damage:

  • Call and report your damage to your insurance company.
  • From a safe location, take pictures of any damage.
  • Inventory any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price, age, etc.
  • If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.

Preventing Further Damage:

  • If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
  • Cover broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage. Save repair receipts for reimbursement. 

Repairs and Cleanup:

  • Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until your property has been inspected by an insurance representative.
  • If your roof needs to be replaced, hire a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured.
  • Fallen trees or large branches also are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage.

If your home suffers wind damage, please contact SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County at (440) 324-2620 for any board up, tarp up, tree removal, or roof replacement services.

Unexpected Summer Storms

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

flooded basement hallway The flooded hallway in this Cleveland home was caused by a recent storm.

It's official, summer is FINALLY here! It's the time of the year that we have all been waiting for. It's a time for us to be outside, enjoy the sunshine and get ourselves a nice tan. But we always forget that summer also brings us storms, which means rain! Bummer!

You have probably already noticed that our forecast lately has a lot rain in the future. Does the upcoming rain make you think about your home? Probably not, you're too busy waiting for the rain to go away so you can get back outside again. But you should be thinking about your home especially with the upcoming storms we may have this summer.

Thinking about your home and the rain, you should have SERVPRO in the back of your mind! Our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Team is here for all of your water damage needs. Our Team follows IICRC Standards when restoring your home after a storm.

Here at SERVPRO we are prepared for any upcoming storm even though you may not be. We have a 24-7 on-call technician available for you, even in the early morning hours. We are ready to address your next residential disaster and send a crew right out to you. We want to get a crew out to you quickly, we don't like to wait around, that causes secondary damages to your home which means more downtime. No fun!

SERVPRO is prepared for the unexpected! That's our business and we love it! SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is always here to help. Call us today at (440) 324-2620!

Restoring Carpet After A Flood

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

water damaged carpet with footprints on it In some situations, only padding under a carpet needs replacing after incurring water damage.

Carpet replacement can be one of the costliest parts of a water damage cleanup process, but it does not always have to happen. While carpet can easily be damaged beyond possible repair, in many cases SERVPRO can restore your carpet without needing to replace part or all of it. The most important and deciding factor is the severity and type of water damage in your Cleveland home - storm flooding and some other forms of damage are typically irredeemable. If the flooding is benign, or if the damage is light overall, we can help save your carpet (and your wallet).

 
Rapid Drying
 
Our primary method of softening the impact of water damage in Cleveland is our time-tested strategy of mitigation. If the carpet is allowed to stay damp for too long, damage can become permanent, and mold can begin to grow. Within four hours of your first call to us, our personnel should be on-scene to evaluate and respond to damage.

Floodwaters can be extracted before they have time to settle in and cause more severe damage, and we can quickly set up powerful air movers to create powerful, water-removing air currents in your home. Finally, we then use dehumidifiers to take water back out of the air, leaving any scene of water damage completely dry within a short time frame.
 
Restorative Techniques
 
Once the carpet has been dried, it likely still needs some restorative processes to be back in top shape. SERVPRO specializes in this, with dedicated cleaning tools and techniques to help maintain color, texture, and integrity of carpeting. During this time, if we determine that a region of carpet is more seriously damaged or otherwise needs replacing, we can typically cut off that spot alone for replacement without removing the rest of the carpet.
 
SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is available around the clock to respond to water damage emergencies in the local area. If water damage has hit your home or if you would like to learn more about our services, call us today at (440) 324-2620!