Protecting What Matters: The Emergency Plan Every Parent Needs Before School Starts

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Protect what matters most. Have a back-to-school emergency plan.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

No one likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disaster can happen anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared—just in case. Having a detailed plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind, and—in the event of an emergency—could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

1. List 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school if you are unable to do so.

2. Confirm their availability and willingness to be emergency contacts.

3. Teach your child how to contact each person by phone.

4. Familiarize your child with each contact's appearance and vehicle.

Communicate with the School

1. Keep school up-to-date with who is allowed to pick your child up.

2. Provide correct contact information and identification for their records.

3. Inquire about the school's policies for emergency situations and designated pick-up areas.

Alternative Drop-Off Locations

1. Establish an alternative drop-off location in case emergency contacts cannot be reached promptly.

2. This location could be a trusted friend or family member's house, or another secure spot.

3. Familiarize your child with the alternate location's address and phone number to accurately guide authorities there.

Re-Evaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan annually. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here. Your family's safety and preparedness are paramount, and having a well-structured emergency plan is a crucial step in ensuring their protection.

Unseen Water Leaks Can Cause Damage, Too

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

There's always cause for concern whether you come home to a small water leak or a large water leak. Why should someone worry about a small leak?

It is the water you can't see that causes the most damage! Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive unseen water damage is. The water can contain bacteria, within a few days causes mold, and stopping the source can be very difficult if you can not easily see the water. That is where we can help! Do not risk secondary damages trying to clean up the mess yourself. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth to ensure the source of the leak is stopped. We can thoroughly dry the structure with our top-of-the-line equipment so that mold will not spread and give you peace of mind.

Here are a few tips to prevent leaks and a headache when they do happen:

1. Always keep your roof inspected and up-to-date on all repairs.
2. Document your possessions.
3. Keep your trees trimmed to prevent them from falling onto your roof.
4. Keep all gutters and spouts cleared out to make sure they are draining properly.
5. Guard your foundation and basement.
6. Keep up with your HVAC equipment and appliances.

3 Step Plan for a Flooded Furnace

7/12/2023 (Permalink)

Document the Damage

The furnace can be the most costly loss in a flood, other damaged property also needs to be considered when documenting damage for insurance. Use the following process to record losses and assign values in a notebook or spreadsheet.

• Photograph the damage.
• Write down the serial number or another unique identifier if available.
• Assign a value.

Don’t forget to include items that may have little to no monetary value but are still of high value to your business, like important documents. Search professional recovery services within the area to save irreplaceable items such as documents or photographs.

Investigate Coverage and Decide to Repair or Replace

A burst pipe resulting in a flooded furnace is an insurable event, so be sure to check with your provider that you are covered. If a natural disaster occurred, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to inquire if government aid is available. FEMA offers financing options to those who qualify for HVAC and furnace replacement costs.

According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, flooded furnaces should be replaced rather than repaired. For a professional opinion, contact a qualified heating and cooling contractor to inspect the damage. They may advise that the furnace will be operational after a total dry-out and minor electrical repair. However, the life of the unit reduces. You likely don’t want to choose repair over replacement and have a related problem surface a couple of years later, long after the claim closes.

Take Care of the Air Ducts

The air quality from a furnace is often only as good as the ducts it travels through. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004 to schedule a professional air duct cleaning to ensure ducts are clean, dry, and free of mold and debris.

Tasks associated with a furnace flood are something nobody wants on their to-do list. Take this systematic approach to efficiently ensure the return of a safe and comfortable environment in your commercial or residential property in Fort Worth, TX, for years to come. To ease your mind even further, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in cleaning, restoration, and construction. Whether big or small, we can make your disaster feel, "Like it never even happened." On top of that, we are local and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We proudly serve Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding areas.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

With over 20 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or click here to check out our current job openings.

What is SERVPRO’s Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies

From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.

Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:

Control the Environment

Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.

Remove Contaminated Material 

To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning. 

Dry the Structure

Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process. 

Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Why It's Important to Clean Your Air Ducts

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in low indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your Texas home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used in homes for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten your system's life. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, several other factors can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

• Pets
• Occupants with allergies or asthma
• Cigarette or cigar smoke
• Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• Home renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers and young children, and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of low indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth professionals routinely inspects the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. For additional information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (817) 557-6895.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895, available 24 hours a day.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.

Communicate with the School

Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.

Drop Off Location

It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.

Reevaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here.

Reduce Business Disruption After a Commercial Disaster

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 460-7766 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:

• financial and emotional stress
• production downtime
• sullied reputation
• a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a trauma like a fire, flood, pipe break, or other form of disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO, we regularly see local companies go through this and want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

How To Minimize Risks and Loss of Revenue?

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business, entirely. And the planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. SERVPRO of Southwest Ft. Worth is here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

We Generate A Plan For You

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate action plan. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the severity of water and fire damage on your business.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile Advantages Provide You With:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  
  This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
• Professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!
  
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for an emergency response.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  
  This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.
• Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
  
  You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency so that you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 460-7766 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

We are here to be your total solutions provider during an emergency commercial disaster so you can do what’s important: taking care of your clients, employees, and other business needs. 

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth Introduces Employee Volunteer Time Off

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

In support of our core values and a healthy work-life balance, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth rolled out a Volunteer Time Off.

Introducing Volunteer Time Off

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is uniquely positioned to help people during and after disasters with our immediate response to fire, water, storm, and smoke damage. Our company culture of helping others is not just confined to the workplace, but extended into our daily lives.

Healthy Work-Life Balance

In support of our core values and a healthy work-life balance, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth rolled out a Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy that allows all full-time employees to take up to 16 hours of paid leave to complete volunteer work of their choosing each year.

Employees are already enthusiastically using this time in a way that supports their personal values. This policy gives employees a greater capacity to donate time and energy to causes near to their hearts and have a direct impact on their communities.

The goal is to aid local organizations in a tangible way while fostering stronger, more meaningful community connections in all six SERVPRO Team Nicholson locations. This includes Clarksville and Memphis in Tennessee; St. Pete, Orlando, and Tampa in Florida; and Fort Worth in Texas.

With about 160 full-time employees in six locations across three states, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida, if each eligible worker uses their 16 hours of VTO each year, SERVPRO Team Nicholson will contribute around 2,500 work hours to local charities.

SERVPRO® of Southwest Forth Worth Promotes Seven Employees

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of East Arlington Promotes Jason Killion, Adam Martin, Sean Brown, Dustin Ingram, Evan Cluck, Austin Bucko, Amber Gillig

SERVPRO® of Southwest Fort Worth Promoted Jason Killion, Adam Martin, Sean Brown, Dustin Ingram, Evan Cluck, Austin Bucko, Amber Gillig

SERVPRO® of Southwest Fort Worth promoted seven team members to new positions!

Austin Bucko and Jason Killion move from Crew Chief to other positions within the company. Bucko moved from our Clarksville, TN, location to be a crew chief for our Southwest Fort Worth location and has since been promoted to a production manager. As a production manager Austin is responsible for analyzing components of the job; assigning, monitoring and managing production crews; and ensuring SERVPRO customers are well-pleased with our work. His flexibility and willingness to serve our SERVPRO team is invaluable.

Jason Killion is now a member of our dispatch team. As a part of our dispatch, Killion is responsible for connecting clients with the proper SERVPRO services and making sure a project manager is informed of the job and client’s specifics. As a previous member of the crew, Killion has a good grasp on the restoration industry, allowing him to better assist clients in moments of great stress and tragedy.

Sean Brown, Dustin Ingram, Evan Cluck, and Amber Gillig step up from production technicians to crew chiefs. All have shown dependability and competency in their roles and now take on the responsibility of establishing workflow and coordinating requirements for the job and their crew. This role requires thorough knowledge of SERVPRO processes and commitment to frequent training in order to continue improving and ensure a job well-done. 

Adam Martin also moved from production technician to warehouse manager. He works to maintain the facility’s order which is key to the efficiency of our crews and contents cleaning.

Congratulations on these achievements and your continued growth! Thank you for your commitment to bettering our company.

About SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in the cleanup, restoration, and construction of residential and commercial property after a fire, storm, flood, pipe break, or other disaster. Mold remediation, commercial cleaning, smoke/odor removal, HVAC cleaning, contents restoration, and pack-out services are also available.

Our Employees

We pride ourselves on hiring people with a good work ethic, high integrity, and the ability to work in and adapt to tough conditions. We are continuously seeking individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and service-oriented team players. If you are highly dependable and excited about exceeding expectations, consider joining us in our mission to help our customers in their greatest moments of need. See our available positions here any time.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is locally owned and operated and takes pride in being a part of the Arlington, TX community. We want to do our part in making it the best it can be. We proudly serve Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding areas.

Space Heater Safety and Fire Prevention Tips

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Stay safe when using a space heater and remember, all heaters need space.

Cold temperatures inevitably make us want to cozy up under a blanket and crank up the heat, but before you bring the space heater up from the basement to get extra toasty, consider these safety and fire prevention tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the leading cause of all house fires. 

Space Heater Safety First! 

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth has compiled some space heater safety and fire prevention tips to help you stay warm, but most of all, to keep you and your home or office safe from fire damage. 

• Keep 3 feet of distance between your space heater and anything that can burn, including people!
• Never plug your space heater into a power strip; always plug it directly into the wall. 
• Turn off and unplug the heater whenever you leave the room, especially when leaving for the day or going to bed. 
• Always place your heater on a flat surface, away from foot traffic. 
• Educate your family and coworkers about the dangers of space heaters.
• Keep the heater away from wet areas. This includes bathrooms, basements, and even wet hands and materials. 

Buy the Right Heater 

• Check to see if your heater has a seal marking that it’s been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. 
• Purchase a space heater that is suitable for the size of the room you would like to heat. Use small heaters for small spaces, and large heaters only for big, open spaces. Using a small heater in a large space will cause the heater to overwork and reduce its lifespan.
• Know your heater’s wattage. Higher wattage = higher energy output. Low wattage = less energy. 
• Choose a heater with an automatic shut-off that engages if the heater is knocked over or overheats. 
• Know about the different types of space heaters: oil or water-filled radiator heaters, fan-forced heaters, ceramic heaters, and infrared heaters. 

Using these space heater safety and fire prevention tips will help prevent fire damage in the home and workplace. If you have any questions about fire prevention or if your property experiences smoke or fire damage to your home, call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth for assistance. We’re available 24/7 at (817) 557-6895.

Fire Prevention, Protect your Home and Family

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

You protect your family by locking doors at night, monitoring who they spend time with and where they are going. It’s important to add fire preparation to your safety regimen. As a homeowner, the thought of a fire breaking out in your house is a nightmare scenario. Your family’s safety is at risk, and you could lose precious possessions and your home itself. The preparation steps below will reduce the risk of fire and potentially save a life. 

Maintain Smoke Alarms

All homes should have smoke alarms to alert you to fire danger. One or two devices are not enough. Your home should have one in every bedroom and an additional alarm per floor. Maintain your smoke alarms to ensure they are effective.

• Test your smoke alarm once a month.
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year.
• Never disconnect your smoke alarm.

Keep an Eye on the Dryer

Of all your appliances, your dryer is perhaps the most significant potential culprit for starting a fire. Check the filter and remove lint buildup after every load. We also recommend inspecting the outside vent and the hose leading from the dryer to the vent for proper ventilation.

Watch the Outlets

Being aware of electrical problems is an important fire precaution. Never overload your outlets with cords. Also, be mindful when you use power strips, especially with computers and TVs.

Be Careful When You Cook

Fire prevention starts in the kitchen, where there are many different heat sources. Make sure your oven is clean and functioning correctly. Also, never leave food on the stove unattended.

You can have peace of mind when you follow these fire prevention guidelines. If you need further direction, contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895.

Preventing Electrical Fires in Your Ft. Worth Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 47,700 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions each year. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system.

Overloaded Circuit Warning Signs

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Warm or discolored wall plates
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

When choosing to light for your home, it is essential to understand that some light switches have more functions than merely turning on lights. These added features such as timers and dimmers can make your home more convenient and efficient. If you are thinking of making a switch, contact a qualified electrician to ensure that the lighting you choose is compatible with your home. And remember, all light switches should be installed by a professional.

Don't Take These Warning Signs Lightly

• The wall plate is hot to the touch.
• There is discoloration of or around the switch plate.
• Lights dim and/or flicker without cause.
• You hear crackling, popping, or buzzing from your outlet.
• Often Breakers trip or fuses blow when the switch is turned on.
• You detect an odor when a switch is used.
• The switch leans to one side or feels loose when operating.
• You often experience a shock when operating the switch.
• Lights get brighter or dimmer when other appliances turn on or off.
• The home is over 40 years old and has aluminum wiring but has not recently undergone a safety inspection by an electrician. 

If any of the above characterizes your lighting control points, have your home's electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Electrical Overloads

• Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
• Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet
  
  

Hopefully, these tips can help keep your home safe and protected from fires caused by an electrical malfunction, though accidents do occur. Our crews here at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth see a handful of electrical fires each year, especially during the summer when extra fans and a/c units are plugged in and in winter when plug-in heaters are in use as well as holiday lights. 

If your home or business is affected by an electrical fire. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is ready 24/7, 365 to help deal with the smoke and fire damage that can occur and get your house back to pre-fire condition.

Dealing with Smoke Damage After a Fire

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re dealing with fire damage, it’s time to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth. Several little-known facts are crucial to smoke damage restoration procedures. Put your health and property first by learning more about the recovery period.

Ventilation is the First Step

Immediately following a fire, focus on ventilation for the home. The professionals may not be on-site yet, but you can improve the situation right now. Open the doors and windows. Use any fans within the home to move air out of the structure. Our Technicians will bring in industrial fans for this purpose, but get the process started yourself.

Consider your health when it comes to ventilation too. Wear dust masks if you must be inside the home. Remove children, pets, and older residents from the premises. The particles in the air can be irritating to some people.

Odors Don’t Dissipate on Their Own

There’s a misconception about fire damage cleanup and ventilation. You might believe that fire odors will dissipate with enough fans blowing in the house. Soot and other fire byproducts are chemically based substances. Unless they’re physically removed, they’ll continue to react with the drywall, wood, and other materials.

Our smoke damage restoration professionals will clean, remove and service the structure as necessary. They’ll deodorize rooms with careful attention to humidity and corrosion issues. There shouldn’t be any remaining odors after a professional cleanup job. Subtle odors equate to dirty conditions that will only grow stronger over time.

Soot Moves into Every Crevice

Cleaning off the walls and ceilings is only the beginning of the fire damage cleanup process. Most people don’t realize that soot is an excellent article. It floats and lands on nearly every surface. If you have light fixtures near the damaged area, be sure to remove the bulbs and clean them. Soot finds its way into the threaded base. Hazards arise if you turn the fixture on without cleaning it first. Soot can be a fire hazard if it’s not cleaned away in its entirety.

Smoke Damage Restoration Applies to Electronics and Antiques

If soot can find its way into light fixtures, your electronics might fall prey to it too. Discuss fire damage cleanup about your televisions, audio receivers, and other devices. It may take time to restore these items, but it’s worth the effort when it’s done right.

Think about any antiques that you might have as well. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth restoration experts can bring these items back to life. When an antique has either sentimental or monetary value, restoring it should be part of your recovery process.

Call us anytime at (817) 557-6895. We are available 24/7 for any size fire damage emergency. Our team is trained to work with your insurance to ensure a smooth claims process. We’re committed to making your fire-damaged home look “Like it never even happened.”

Pets & Fire Safety, Prevention & Planning

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

No one wants to consider the possibility of facing a fire emergency in their own home, but it could happen at any time. Coming up with a fire plan is key to getting yourself and your family out safely. But what about your pets? Including pet preparation in your fire safety plan is crucial to get your furry friends out in time. Keep your furry companions safe by following these steps to create a fire evacuation plan for your pets. 

• The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their disaster supplies kit and arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
  
  
• When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call.
  
  
• If you must evacuate in the event of a disaster, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family to rescue a family pet.

Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets.

• Extinguish Open Flames: Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame, and make sure to extinguish any open flame before leaving your home thoroughly.
  
  
• Remove Stove Knobs: Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cooktop is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
  
  
• Invest in Flameless Candles: These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
  
  
• Secure Young Pets: Keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  
  
• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating their pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Be Prepared. Have a Plan.

• Know their hiding places! During a fire, your pets will be terrified, and they'll most likely run to the places they feel most safe. If you don't know their common hiding places, you could run out of time to save your furry, scaly, or feathered friend.
  
  
• Map it out! Find their hidey-hole and niches. Map these out on a piece of paper, and include the map in your fire escape plan.
  
  
• Always evacuate your pets on a leash or in a pet carrier. Pets will panic at the smell of smoke and may bolt when outside, making them impossible to find.
  
  
• Prepare an emergency kit for each of your animals. The kit should contain your pet's food, veterinary paperwork, prescription medications, and an updated photo and description of each animal. You may have to board your pet at a kennel or other facility until you get settled after a fire, and they will require proof that your pet has current vaccinations.
  
  
• Have an evacuation plan. If you have to evacuate your home, and you cannot return for a while, have a plan of action!

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth Has an Ozone Room

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you have contents that need cleaning after a fire, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth today at (817) 557-6895.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud to announce we have our very own, on-site Ozone Room! 

Ozone treatment is a powerful way to eliminate odors without the use of chemicals or masking deodorizers. The ozone room can be used after a fire to get soot smells off of contents. We set the contents in the room, set the timer, and let it work its magic!

The ozone room works by utilizing an electrical current and breaks down odors. The ozone room is an essential tool that SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth utilizes when cleaning contents and deodorizing because it kills the source's odors without using harsh chemicals.

Here is the science behind the ozone room: Normal oxygen is mixed with an electrical current such as lightning, transforming normal oxygen into activated oxygen. The activated oxygen is what cleans the air, contents, etc. This is why it always smells so fresh outside after a thunderstorm! The activated oxygen from the electrical currents is cleaning the air naturally! Electricity is nature's way of cleaning the air.  

If you have contents that need cleaning and odor removal after a fire, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth today at (817) 557-6895.

Got Mold? What Now?

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is concerned, the mold can release microscopic mold spores that become airborne and circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in mold cleanup and restoration. It’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals who use specialized equipment and techniques to quickly and safely remediate your mold problem. Give us a call at (817) 557-6895.

Are you Prepared for a Tornado?

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as guaranteed safety. 

Freak accidents happen, and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and occupants. Extremely violent EF5 tornadoes are very rare. 

Most tornadoes are much weaker and can be survived using these safety ideas. 

Signs of a Tornado

• Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.
   
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base-tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!
  
  
• Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen. 
  
  
• Day or night- loud continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.
  
  
• Night- small bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). A very strong wind is snapping these mean power lines, maybe a tornado.
  
  
• Night- persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning, especially if it is on the ground or a blue-green-white power flash underneath. 

Prevention and Practice Before the Storm 

Have a tornado plan in place. Know where to take shelter. Practice a family tornado drill. Name a place to meet after a disaster—store protective coverings in or next to your shelter space for flying debris. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and make sure safety supplies are handy. Turn on a local TV, radio, or NOAA weather radio and stay alert for warnings. 

The Storm Hits: Where are You? 

In a house with a basement

• Avoid windows, get in the basement and under some protection. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above and do not go under them. They may fall through a weakened floor and crush you. 

In a house with no basement

• Avoid windows, go to the lowest floor, small center room under a stairwell, or a small interior hallway with no windows.
  
  
• Crouch as low as possible to the floor, face down, and cover your head with your hands. 

In an office building 

• Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building. Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter. Stay off the elevator. 

In a mobile home 

• Get out! Even if your home is tied down. It is not as safe as an underground shelter or a permanent, sturdy building. 

At school 

• Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly as you were told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms. 

In the open outdoors 

• If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as possible. 

In a mall or store 

• Do not panic; watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room, or other small enclosed areas. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. 

In a car or truck 

• Park the car safely, stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, cover your head. Suppose you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway. Leave your car and lie in the area, covering your head with your hands, avoid seeking shelter under bridges. 

After the storm passes, assess your property for damage and contact your insurance provider. When you are ready to begin repairs, call in the experts at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth. Our highly trained team specializes in storm damage restoration. We can do the clean-up, pack-out, water extraction, drying, reconstruction. We also work with your insurance to ensure a smoother claims process. We’re committed to helping our community. Call us anytime at (871) 557-6895.

Protecting Your Home or Business from Wind Damage

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Many areas in the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms this past year. The intense, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. It can happen from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

Thunderstorms are the most common cause of wind and storm damage. However, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more robust and can cause severe damage. It can produce many types of adverse weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, etc.

Thunderstorms are responsible for wind damage cases in the U.S. However, storm damage repair may be costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. Understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

It's important to know when and what type of storm is approaching in your area. You'll learn the potential level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the likely wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize property damage when severe weather strikes.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage

Flying Debris

Most wind damage starts with unsecured flying debris. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes, such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects, are secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.

Roof Materials

Roofing material should latch to the deck. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck. Siding damage reduces at the construction phase. Fastened siding isn't as likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a more robust storm-resistant structure.

Roof damage reduces during the construction phase when the roof deck, shingles, or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind.

Tree Maintenance

Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of structural damage. Trees, at times, won't shift positions. If it does, it can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nails over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up. Fallen trees may cause other severe safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If your home or business sustains wind or storm damage, contact a restoration professional. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. Call us 24/7 at (817) 557-6895.

Step-by-Step Lightning Safety

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning causes around 27 deaths in the U.S. annually, based on statistics gathered by the National Weather Service. Nationally, lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths. Lightning is the most frequent important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season. Unfortunately, Texas has observed several lightning fatalities and injuries. Why? The main reason is that people stay outside too long as thunderstorms approach or form nearby.  During the early part of the thunderstorm season, for example, May and June, "dry" thunderstorms are quite common. With these types of thunderstorms, little or no precipitation reaches the ground and, as a result, people are less likely to seek shelter. If thunder is heard, then the storm is close enough for a lightning strike.  DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended. Did you know?

• The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 ° F, which is hotter than the surface of the sun!
• The average flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms.

It's not raining, is there still danger from being struck by lightning? YES! Lightning often strikes outside of the heavy rain area and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Will the rubber soles of my shoes or tires on my car protect me from being struck? NO! However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the car than outside. To roughly estimate the distance in miles between you and the lightning flash, count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder and divide by 5. When skies darken, or thunderstorms are forecast, look and listen for increasing wind, flashes of lightning, the sound of thunder, and static on your AM radio. While no place is safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others. 

Where you can go…

1. Get inside a house or large shelter
2. Do not use a corded telephone during a thunderstorm.  Only use cordless or wireless phones instead.
3. Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles.
4. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, or metal pipes and rails.
5. If you are caught outside, away from shelter, you need to get to a place of safety as quickly as possible.
6. Wait 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder before going outside.

What you can do...

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.  This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
• REMEMBER if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning
• If possible, move to a sturdy building or hard top automobile
• If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land, and find shelter immediately

Our team at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth wants everyone in our community to stay safe during major storms. If you need emergency board-up to protect your home or storm damage restoration, give us a call at (817) 557-6895.

Preparing your Business for Storm Season

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

While it is still “winter” in Texas, it is never too early to prepare for storm season. The rain and winds blow in before we know it, and homeowners possible water and storm damage if either strikes their property. But what about your business? Doesn't it need preparation too? Well, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is here to help with some tips and tricks to get storm (and possibly a tornado) ready this coming spring.

Include shelter-in-place information in your EAP: Knowing when and where to take shelter during a hurricane is a crucial part of emergency preparedness. It is something that ALL of your employees should be familiar with. A basement is the best possible place to be during high winds. However, if your building does not have a basement, you should make sure all employees go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor with no windows.

Implement an emergency notification system: Despite most likely having sirens in your area, strong hurricane winds can often occur with little to no warning; because of this, many people find themselves ill-prepared for a storm with little time to take shelter. Using an emergency notification system like Disaster Alert (iPhone) or Natural Disaster Monitor (Android), employees can be made more aware of severe weather in their area. The app can alert them of the tornado so they can seek shelter immediately.

Have a work from the home policy: Within minutes, a tornado or hurricane can destroy everything in its path. This includes property, homes, and businesses, but it can also disrupt business operations for extended periods. To ensure not all operations come to a stand-still, it is in good practice to implement a work from the home policy if it makes sense for your business. This allows employees to continue working, even if they are unable to make it to the office.

Include training in your plans: If employees are not familiar with using emergency plans, they become essentially useless. Ensure that all employees have been adequately trained on how to respond to a tornado to avoid confusion and future injury while looking for shelter.

Being prepared for a storm will keep you and your employees safe and help ensure that your livelihood is still there after the storm. If your business experiences storm damage, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can get you up and running again with our trusted water removal, clean-up, and reconstruction services. Call us anytime at (817) 557-6895.

Commercial Fire Damage Repair

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage repair is something you never think you'll need for your business, but the unfortunate reality is some companies will experience fire damage. Fires can occur by an electrical shortage from overloading an extension cord to a lightning strike. As the flames extinguish, you may begin to worry about what steps to take to resume business. The best advice is to have a plan.

The Damage Caused by a Fire

When you experience commercial fire damage, you may reflect on the mess left in the charred ruins of the property. However, the damage you need to contend with will go beyond the ashes. To repair the property, seek the help of a professional team like SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth. Water extraction will occur after the firefighters' efforts. The smoke damage may cause a problem that the burnt materials from the fire. While a fire may be contained in one area of the building, smoke can fill most of the areas, and it can cause significant damage and odors. Our trained Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can resolve these issues. When smoke and water damage are dealt with appropriately, the structure will not show any aftereffects. "Like it never even happened."

A fire loss within your enterprise, whether a retail store, rental apartment building, professional office, or a warehouse, can cost you customer goodwill and loss of profitability. We can generate a corporate program called the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). This report will categorize all affected materials, furniture and equipment, stock, electronics, and documents. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth will suggest what's salvageable, non-salvageable, or questionable. The final decision rests with you and your insurance company as to how we proceed. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is a preferred commercial fire damage restoration company to more than 300 insurance companies, federal and municipal entities, and property management companies. We willingly coordinate efforts with your insurance adjuster to efficiently and economically restore your business in the best manner possible.

When to Make the Call

After dealing with commercial fire damage repair, you may ask yourself when you need to make the call to a professional for assistance. The time to contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth as soon as the fire is out. Our business is to get you back in business! Rely on us 24/7 for an immediate response. Call us anytime at (817) 557-6895.

Cleaning Your Business for the New Year

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips and for a deep clean, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth At (817) 557-6895.

The turn of a new year inspires us to clean out the clutter. Homes, garage, and shed are usually purged of those old unneeded items as we make room for new things like outdoor equipment and begin pulling out the things we haven't used most of the past year. But what about your office? Often work is seen as something separate and can often become stagnant. 

This new year, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth wants to remind you that having a clean and organized office space is just as important. Getting rid of those piles of old papers, creating a new system to stay organized, and removing the clutter can help make your business and workload more efficient and easier to handle.

Tips to Help Get You Started

1. Gather and redistribute

Gather up every item that isn't where it belongs and put it where it does.

2. Clear off your desk

Remove everything, clean it thoroughly, and put back only those essential items for daily use.

3. Organize your desktop

Now that you've streamlined your desktop, it's a good idea to organize it. Use desktop organizers or containers to organize the items on your desk. Use trays for papers, boxes for smaller items.

4. Organize your drawers

Put items used together in the same drawer space, stamps with envelopes, sticky pads with notepads, etc. Use drawer organizers for small items – paper clips, tacks, etc. Use a separate drawer for personal items.

5. Proximity

Position the equipment and supplies that you use most within reach. Things that you rarely use can be stored or put away.

6. Sort mail

Don't just stick mail in a pile to be sorted or rifle through and take out the pieces you need right now and toss the junk before it begins to pile up. Sort it as soon as you get it – To act, To read, To file, To delegate or handoff.

7. Assign discard dates

You don't need to keep every piece of paper indefinitely. Mark on files or documents when they can be tossed or shredded. 

Note: Legal or financial documents must be kept for a specified length of time. Make sure you know what those requirements are.

8. Filter your emails

Some emails are essential to read; others are just not that important. When you use the filter system to label different types of emails, you know their priority and reply first.

9. Consider going digital

How much of the paperwork that you have could be scanned and saved? You may be able to eliminate some of the files and folders you've used in the past by scanning and uploading them to your computer. Make sure you are doing regular back-ups.

10. Straighten your desk

Do a quick straighten at the end of the day, so you have a clean start the next day.

Now that you've decluttered and organized your space, you may notice the dirt and dust left behind where you've moved your desk from, or the path you take to talk to and from your office might look a bit dirtier than others. Let SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth take it from here, cleaning the carpets and furniture in your office and business to make it all look fresh and new again.

Ceiling and wall cleaning should also be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. If you're thinking about adding a fresh coat of paint to your office to help freshen it up after you've reorganized, you should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can help. Schedule your cleaning today by calling (817) 557-6895.

What is SERVPRO’s Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth crews are ready to clean after a commercial large loss. We can handle large restoration jobs in Fort Worth, TX.

SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies

From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.

Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:

Control the Environment

Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.

Remove Contaminated Material 

To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning. 

Dry the Structure

Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process. 

Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Extinguisher Ready

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are staples in disaster-ready homes and provide billions of people with a quick, effective way to respond to sudden blazes. With proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save your life and your property. For hands-on training, contact your local fire station. Generally, all fire extinguishers are alike, as they follow the same usage procedure known as PASS:

• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle and release extinguisher chemicals.
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it’s extinguished.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Not every fire extinguisher is suitable for every job. Research different types of extinguishers before deciding where to place them around your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping multipurpose fire extinguishers in your home close to an exit. Class B extinguishers should be located in the kitchen and garage, as they are effective for putting out small grease and gasoline fires. 

Emergency Services

If a fire sparks, call 911 first, then use a fire extinguisher if the situation allows. This ensures you will be able to get the assistance you need if your attempts are unsuccessful. Furthermore, know when to leave the house. The first priority is a safe escape. If the blaze becomes large or your extinguisher runs out of fumes, it’s time to get out of the house. Let firefighters and emergency responders take care of the fire. Work with SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth afterward to get your home back to normal. We specialize in fire restoration services such as smoke and soot cleanup, water removal, repairs, and more.

Being knowledgeable of fire extinguisher handling tips can save your home and your family. Discuss the above tips with every member of your family and create a fire escape plan. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895 for additional information regarding fire damage cleanup.

How Can SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth Help with Hazardous Waste?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth Helps with Hazardous Waste

Although SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is well-known for fire and water restoration, you may not know that we offer hazardous waste disposal. Our highly-trained professionals can help you or your business with biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup. We specialize in removing and cleaning common hazardous wastes such as bloodborne pathogens, sewage backups, illegal drugs, hoarding situations, crime scene residues, and more. We are trained to safely decontaminate these situations in accordance with OSHA and CDC regulations. Our sanitizing agents, antimicrobial treatments, thermal foggers, and deodorization agents help us make your property “Like it never even happened.” 

When you experience a biohazard concern or have hazardous waste on your property, leave the responsibility of hard cleanup to us. Bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other contaminated waste can put you at risk. Follow these steps after contamination. 

• Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth immediately at (817) 557-6895 for biohazard cleanup. 
• Stay out of infected areas. 
• Call first responders if the situation is life-threatening. 
• Treat all areas and/or bodily fluids as if they are contaminated. 
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage. 

Don’t wait to call us when you have a biohazard emergency. These situations can leave home and business owners feeling vulnerable, violated, and unsafe. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (817) 557-6895.

What to Look For in a Restoration Company

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is a trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The Ability to Deal with Multiple Damage Types

Many professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth offer the ability to work with multiple damage types. This is because one kind of damage can lead to another. For example, fire eliminated by water can result in mold if the water stands long. Most restoration companies can help with fire, water, mold, and storm damage.

A Quick Response Time

Being faster to any size disaster means arriving with the materials and equipment required to do the job. Locally owned franchises such as SERVPRO® have locations across the country that allow them to respond faster when a disaster strikes.

They Offer a Variety of Services

A restoration company such as SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth offers various services designed to help your agent process the insurance claim. These include an electronics inventory service and an online database that provides access to information.

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish makes your life easier and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in multiple types of restoration, Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895 today.

Overview of our Cleaning Services

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Yes, we clean too! Call us today at (817) 55-6895 for an estimate.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, we offer a large variety of cleaning services. We can handle the simple cleaning that comes from general day-to-day wear and tear and significant cleanups after sewage spills, biohazard contamination, and crime scene messes. This article showcases the range of cleaning services we provide.

Standard Cleaning Services

Life is busy, and you don't have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your property. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth for prompt service. Whether it's removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.

Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in low indoor air quality. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, or other contaminants. Keeping your HVAC system clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can, in turn, save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by cleaning and maintaining your carpet and upholstery. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth offers a range of specialized cleaning methods and products to treat the various carpet and upholstery types.

Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floor Cleaning

Ceiling, wall, and floor cleaning should be part of your home or business's cleaning maintenance. These surfaces are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. We have specialized training in time-tested and industry-approved cleaning methods. Our proprietary cleaning system allows our professionals to clean and restore your ceilings, walls, and floors properly.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from several sources, both inside and outside a structure. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is severe or persistent. We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors.

Contents Cleaning

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored to their preloss condition. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, depending on the extent of the damage. We also specialize in restoring your damaged electronics. We have the training and equipment to restore many of your electronic devices.

Other Cleaning Services

When cleaning goes beyond the everyday cleaning needs, give SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth a call. We offer a wide array of services to help you get back to business after your property experiences a crime, death, or other disaster.

Biohazard Removal and Cleaning

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is trained to safely remove biohazards and adequately dispose of them by OSHA and health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Sewage Cleaning

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized, making it "Like it never even happened."

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other hazardous contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.

Vandalism Cleanup

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often, simple vandalism acts, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed promptly. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth will quickly remove vandalism and graffiti from your home or commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.

Our large range of restoration and cleaning services allows us to restore your property, no matter what is needed. If your property has cleaning needs, give SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth a call at (817) 557-6895.

Flood Warning vs Flood Watch

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth wants you to be prepared in case of severe weather and know what to do if flooding occurs at your Fort Worth home or business. 

A warning means “Take Action Now!” and if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
  
  
• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

A watch means “Be Prepared” because flooding is possible within your area. 

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared! A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will happen, but it is possible.
  
  

Flood Advisory

A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten your life and property.

Storm Aftermath: What Next?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with repairs and insurance companies after severe weather hits your property can be difficult. Homeowners can use the following tips to help tackle the storm damage caused by hard rains, flooding, or storm-related issues.

Safety First

If you and your family were away from home when the storm hit, do not return until it has been confirmed safe. Contact a storm damage expert like SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth; we'll help you determine if your home is safe to return to.

Insurance

You will need to contact your homeowners' insurance adjuster as soon as possible. If your neighborhood has sustained widespread damage, find out if any special teams of insurance agents, relief workers, or contractors are coming to the area. Check your policy to determine what actions you need to take or talk to your agent to make sure you are following the proper procedures. Not following these actions correctly could result in a reduced claim. Inspect your property and make a list of all damages; take photographs of all noted damage if at all possible.

Recording And Documenting

Document your neighbor's damages, as well; this can prevent the insurance provider from downgrading your claim by saying the damage is from your neglect of maintenance or other unrelated issues by giving them away to compare. Keep a record of all the communication you have with your insurance provider and don't do any unnecessary repair work yourself. Hire a trusted storm damage restoration service provider such as SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth to handle any repairs.

Be Scam Free

Always check the adjuster's identification. If you are evacuated, ask for money from your claim upfront. If they agree, you will be given a check for an amount deducted from your final settlement. Some providers will automatically offer a partial payment early on during the process. Review it carefully and decline it if you feel uncomfortable with any part of it. Never be afraid to ask questions and to expect an answer that makes sense or seems fair. 

Dealing with a storm's aftermath is stressful, but reacting quickly and effectively will prevent problems down the road.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is ready to help 24/7. Call us for your fire or water damage issues at (682) 708-1001.

4 Easy Tips to Prevent Water Damage

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most costly disasters your home or business can experience. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that billions are spent on water damage each year. View these suggestions from SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth for preventing water damage. 

1. Be careful where you plant.

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters.

On a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some severe water damage So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. If your gutters are too high, be safe, and get a professional to check them.

3. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals.

Most folks don’t realize these chemicals are eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is an excellent solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

4. Never pour grease down your sink.

It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water; grease can still cling to your pipes and could even cause some severe damage and blockage. The safest thing to do is pour your grease into an empty can and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens, you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done. However, we know that water and flooding emergencies can happen any time, so we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays. Contact us at (817) 557-6895. 

What to do About Roof Water Damage

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners know how expensive roof repairs and replacements can be. When looking to buy a new home, one of the first questions often asked is “how old is the roof?”. Different roofs typically last different lengths of time. Generally, asphalt shingle/composition roofs last around 20 years, fiber cement shingles last around 25 years, and wood shake roofs last around 30 years. Since it can thousands of dollars to replace a roof, it is important for homeowners to keep their roofs in the best shape possible.

Things like heavy rains, storms, and any type of adverse weather can reduce the life of a roof or require repairs along the way to keep it functioning. Some of the most common signs of water damage on your roof include:

• Ceiling is discolored
• Mold begins to grow in rings
• Smelly odors coming from the walls
• The texture of the flooring begins to change
• Water begins to accumulate

Roof damage signs can be misleading since they often appear in places other than the roof. For instance, you may have roof damage but the issue appears on the ceilings, floors, attic, walls, around home appliances, or even along the home’s exterior or foundation. The most important thing to know about roof water damage is the need to act quickly. If left untreated, damage repair can become extremely costly as the fallout reaches different areas of the home.

If roof water damage is discovered in your home, it is extremely important to take specific safety measures. 

• First, catch any dripping water with buckets. 
• Then, determine whether or not the leak is coming from the roof. 
• Next, talk to a roofer to decide what the next step should be.
• Finally, reach out to a water damage restoration specialist to address the issues caused by the roof problem.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, our water damage repair and restoration team is highly trained and has many years of experience in restoring a home after roof damage. Contact us today at (817) 557-6895  and we will send our team out to get your home back to normal in no time.

How to Restore Your Belongings After Water Damage

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

After severe water damage, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can clean and restore your belongings-even important documents and antiques.

Water in home settings can be devastating, whether from leaking pipes or backed-up drains or toilets. While there may be nothing you can do to prevent your items from becoming waterlogged in the event of an unexpected water leak, there are some things you can do to restore your belongings after water damage occurs. Here are a few ways you can clean up various items in your Florida home.

1. Separate Items

Before you officially begin the cleanup process, separate your items into those that are porous and nonporous. Porous materials may include wood, paper, rugs, and other types of fabric. Generally, these are more likely to harbor mold and bacteria from broken pipe water, so it’s essential to clean them quickly. Nonporous items are usually much easier to clean since they don’t absorb water and are less likely to harbor bacteria and mold.

2. Dry-Clean Nonporous Items

Dry cleaning may be appropriate when removing light water residue from nonporous items in your home. Items can also be dry cleaned before floor restoration professionals come in and thoroughly clean your items. 

3. Air-Dry When Appropriate

If you’re not dealing with dangerous water, such as sewage, it may be appropriate to gently air-dry most of your belongings. If possible, do so indoors unless the weather outdoors is ideal. You can increase the airflow inside your home using open windows, air conditioners, and fans. 

4. Toss Dangerous Items

Depending on the nature of floodwater in home settings, it may be dangerous to keep saturated items. If there is a high likelihood of the floodwater containing harmful bacteria, it may be best to throw away contaminated objects. In other cases, professionals may be able to safely clean and salvage some of your valuables. 

While you may be able to clean some of your belongings that water has damaged in your home, safety should always be your top priority, whether you’re dealing with a broken pipe or a sewer backup. It’s best to wait for professional help to arrive for help with dry-cleaning or salvaging contaminated items. 

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth (817) 557-6895. for additional information regarding water damage. We can professionally clean and restore the contents of your home. We are experts in water damage restoration and have top-notch equipment to dry out your home and get your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Faster to Your Water Damage Disaster

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't wait too long to call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth to clean up water damage in your home.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage are very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Severe biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Check for Roof Damage After a Storm

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

After a significant storm, it's a good idea to inspect your damaged property as quickly as you can. Your home's main line of defense is your roof, and it takes a beating. Pay attention to dings in your gutters or tears in your window screens, which indicate hail damage. You may also see missing shingle tiles from the ground, but those don't always represent a need for whole roof replacement. Usually, the leak is coming from a more minor roof feature.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, we:

• Find the source of the leak
• Stop the leak &
• Clean the water damage.

Find the Leak

During storms in Texas, wind damage can let rain in through your roof. From the inside, look for water stains on your ceiling and walls that indicate the leak.

Common places to see leaky roof damage:

1. Vents and fans
2. Chimneys
3. Window dormers
4. Vent pipes
5. Unsecured nails and nail holes

Dealing with Water Damage

1. Check for discolorations and rotting wood, wet drywall, and insulation.
2. If you haven't found mold, start drying any wet materials immediately. Complete drying is critical to preventing mold, and it may take longer than you realize. 
3. If you find mold, remain careful to not spread it during cleanup. Mold grows on wet, damaged materials in as little as 48 hours. A mold remediation professional creates a containment area while working on the water and mold damage. Specialists have monitoring equipment that they use to ensure materials are dry.
4. For more assistance, call a local construction, restoration, and mold remediation crew like SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895.

Commercial Cleaning for the New Year

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips and for a deep clean, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth.

The turn of a new year inspires us to clean out the clutter. Homes, garage, and shed are usually purged of those old unneeded items as we make room for new things like outdoor equipment and begin pulling out the things we haven't used most of the past year. But what about your office? Often work is seen as something separate and can often become stagnant. 

This new year, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth wants to remind you that having a clean and organized office space is just as important. Getting rid of those piles of old papers, creating a new system to stay organized, and removing the clutter can help make your business and workload more efficient and easier to handle.

Tips to Help Get You Started

1. Gather and redistribute

Gather up every item that isn't where it belongs and put it where it does.

2. Clear off your desk

Remove everything, clean it thoroughly, and put back only those essential items for daily use.

3. Organize your desktop

Now that you've streamlined your desktop, it's a good idea to organize it. Use desktop organizers or containers to organize the items on your desk. Use trays for papers, boxes for smaller items.

4. Organize your drawers

Put items used together in the same drawer space, stamps with envelopes, sticky pads with notepads, etc. Use drawer organizers for small items – paper clips, tacks, etc. Use a separate drawer for personal items.

5. Proximity

Position the equipment and supplies that you use most within reach. Things that you rarely use can be stored or put away.

6. Sort mail

Don't just stick mail in a pile to be sorted or rifle through and take out the pieces you need right now and toss the junk before it begins to pile up. Sort it as soon as you get it – To act, To read, To file, To delegate or handoff.

7. Assign discard dates

You don't need to keep every piece of paper indefinitely. Mark on files or documents when they can be tossed or shredded. 

Note: Legal or financial documents must be kept for a specified length of time. Make sure you know what those requirements are.

8. Filter your emails

Some emails are essential to read; others are just not that important. When you use the filter system to label different types of emails, you know their priority and reply first.

9. Consider going digital

How much of the paperwork that you have could be scanned and saved? You may be able to eliminate some of the files and folders you've used in the past by scanning and uploading them to your computer. Make sure you are doing regular back-ups.

10. Straighten your desk

Do a quick straighten at the end of the day, so you have a clean start the next day.

Now that you've decluttered and organized your space, you may notice the dirt and dust left behind where you've moved your desk from, or the path you take to talk to and from your office might look a bit dirtier than others. Let SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth take it from here, cleaning the carpets and furniture in your office and business to make it all look fresh and new again.

Ceiling and wall cleaning should also be part of the cleaning maintenance of your home or business. If you're thinking about adding a fresh coat of paint to your office to help freshen it up after you've reorganized, you should also clean walls before painting so that the primer and paint can adhere properly. Whether you are preparing to paint or just looking for professional cleaning, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can help. Schedule your cleaning today by calling (817) 557-6895.