Tornadoes in the DFW Area

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year?

During a Tornado

Impacts of a Water Damage

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Houses flood, pipes burst, and roofs leak.

What might not seem like a big deal initially may become much worse if left unchecked? Water damage in a home can have a substantial negative impact on those living in the house. Water damage and freezing as a category is the second-most common type of home insurance claim.

Did you know?

• Nationwide, household leaks waste an estimated one (1) trillion gallons, or enough to supply 11 million homes with water for a year.
• 10% of homes with leaks waste 90 gallons or more per day.
• A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons per year.
• A leak in an irrigation system can waste 6,300 gallons in a year.
• An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.
• Annual water wastage from a typical household leak is equivalent to the water used for 270 loads of laundry. 600 showers. 1,200 loads of dishes in a dishwasher. 6,250 flushes of a standard toilet. 80,000 servings of water.

Flooding and water damage are very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

Trust SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

When you experience commercial or residential damage, do you know who to call next?

Why SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony?

• Services on Time: We provide emergency services and are at your service as soon as you reach out to us for help.
• Expert Personnel and Technology: We provide highly trained technicians who are familiar with advanced technology designed for property damage restoration. With IICRC industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
• Low Restoration Costs on High-Quality Process: Our “restore first” mentality helps to lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This focus relies upon our specialized training and equipment to restore your property back to pre-event condition.
• Insurance Claim Handling: We are also experts in handling insurance matters. If you have no experience in filling insurance claims, then we can provide a stress-free claims process where we manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Water Heater Tips

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that in a home, the water heater accounts for about 18% of the energy used?

• To determine if your anode rod needs to be replaced, inspect it every two years or if the warranty has ended every year.
• Attach a garden hose to the valve at the base of the water heater tank every six months to remove sediment. Please turn off the electricity and run the hot water until it cools down for safety.
• A plumbing specialist should perform a yearly check of the shut-off valve and all piping. Broken valves, loose or moist joints, and rust are signs that more severe harm is on the way.
• Turn the temperature down to one. There is no reason to keep your water heater above it. At that temperature, you can do everything you need. But, of course, keeping your water heater hotter can cause it to break down much faster.

Fire Tips for your Dallas Home

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our team knows what it feels like to lose a home.

• Install smoke alarms that combine flashing lights on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries every six months.
• Keep grills, cookers, and fryers at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes.
• Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Service your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, and central furnace once a year.
• Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
• If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
• Never smoke in bed
• Always stay near cooking to monitor it closely. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and wear clothes with short, rolled-up, or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where kids can't see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Look for frayed wires and damaged cords. If you see any exposed wires, unplug the electronics, and replace them immediately.

Should You Restore or Replace During a Loss?

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our team strives to restore the items in your life that may have more meaning

When your commercial or residential property has been damaged by fire or water, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony's mission always has been to provide the best customer service possible, to support your business or home during the mitigation process, and to make it "Like it never even happened". Our team works to provide this service as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost to you. We understand that time is money and our team makes it their job to help you get life back to normal. Part of recovering the belongings in your home or business includes identifying which items and structures can be preserved. Our team strives to restore the items in your life that may have more meaning. Sometimes it is actually more of cost savings to restore something than it is to completely replace it. This also allows our team to maintain those items which have sentimental value. Did you know that according to research conducted by the insurance and repair industries, restoring property after fire and water damage is less expensive than replacing it? Restoring is also less disruptive to your home or business, allowing you to stay in their homes or continue conducting your business throughout the process and rapidly return to normal. Our team is trained to identify when restoring can be performed with the high-quality outcomes that our clients deserve as a preferred mitigation and restoration partner for most major insurance companies. This "repair" rather than "replace" mindset can help you save money while keeping family treasures, keepsakes, and other impossible or prohibitively expensive items to replace. If your home or business has been impacted by water or fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony.

Disasters Don't Take Days Off

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime is here and we are all looking forward to warmer days and vacation getaways. The changing season presents us with the opportunity to lay back, enjoy the sun, and let the wind carry our worries away. 

But even with your away messages set and your phones on do not disturb, in our line of work, we’ve noticed that water damage doesn’t always get the memo. While you are away from home, water (in all classes) could be trickling inside your home just waiting upon your return. 

Summer storms, flash floods followed by sewage backups , clogged gutters and downspouts, cracks in the foundation that expand due to the heat; these are all common culprits when for this season’s water damage events. 

One of the easiest ways to prevent these potential dangers from ruining your summer is: (1) Regularly keep up with maintenance on the outside of your home and (2) If you plan to be away from your home for an extended period time, it’s best to shut your water main off. You won’t need it and it greatly minimizes the risk of water running through your home. 

Don’t let the headache of a water damage keep you from enjoying your summer vacation, but if you do arrive and notice that you now have an indoor pool in your living area, our team of IICRC water damage restoration certified professionals are more than happy to help get you back to a vacation state of mind! 

Why Work for SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people around you each and every day. We are seeking individuals who are self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and service-oriented teammates. Please join us in our mission to help our customers in their greatest moments of need. Coupled with a family-oriented culture and a standard of excellence in all we do, not only do our team members feel right at home, but they also end the day knowing that the work they deliver is among the best in the industry. At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony, positions are always available for the right individuals who wish to join us in our vision of becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. Not only is it our mission to develop a team of quality people who focus on fairness, excellence, and mutual respect, but we are also creating opportunities for our team members to grow within the organization. We desire to see you succeed!  So no matter which role you play in our organization, whether it is at the front desk taking calls or on the front lines extracting water, you can be certain that you are fulfilling duties that go beyond administrative tasks or heavy lifting, you are helping us restore hope and normalcy to the lives and daily routines of some of the most vulnerable and even traumatized members of our communities.  If you are highly dependable and excited about exceeding expectations, then you may be just the person we're looking for. To apply, visit our South Frisco/The Colony Career Page!

Fire Damage at Your Commercial Property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Most commercial insurance policies cover fire damage. These policies should also cover additional or secondary damage caused by the water used to extinguish a fire or smoke. The following factors may impact the cost and limits of a business insurance policy.

The Type of Business

• Alcohol
• Chemicals
• Cooking equipment
• Smoking
• Vehicles 

• Alarms and detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinklers 

Where Do You Put Home Fire Alarms?

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

How safe is your Dallas-Fort Worth Area home?!

Waiting for an Adjuster

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

 Don't wait for a flood insurance adjuster following adverse weather or flooding. Contact water and storm damage specialists if you need assistance with flood damage mitigation or restoration. Our team has put together a few reasons not to wait before documenting the damage and taking steps to limit the extent of secondary damage to your home. 1. Documentation Is All You Need to File a Claim: An insurance adjuster does not need to witness damage firsthand to process a claim, but you do need to document the damage. Take extensive dated photographic or video evidence. Keep records of possessions, as well as their condition and value, and locate receipts for high-value items if possible. Footage and itemized records should be enough to prove your home and possessions sustained the damage you claim. 2. Adjusters Are Likely To Be Backlogged: Depending on the extent of a flood or storm and how many homes and businesses were affected, it may take adjusters a while to follow up on your flood insurance claims. It is better to document and immediately take steps to mitigate damage to keep conditions in your home from worsening. As a matter of fact, your insurance may not provide as much of a payout if you cannot prove you did everything in your power to limit damage in a timely manner. 3. Secondary Damage Can Start In Hours: The longer water damage sits, the more likely it is that building materials and contents will need to be replaced rather than restored. Mold damage can start to emerge within only 24 to 48 hours following a flood. You should take steps to eliminate the presence of water and moisture in your home as soon as possible.

Protecting Your Property From Hail Damage

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

What Exactly is Hail?

How Does Hail Damage Your Roof?

Repair Hail Damage with SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

How To Handle a Clogged Sink

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

The last thing you need in slowing down production at your business is a clogged drain! Something like this could easily cause water damage that has you closing your doors for more than a day! If your sink is draining slowly or not at all, producing an odor, there may be a clog. It is critical to take care of these as soon as possible. In the event that a blockage is allowed to accumulate, it can result in burst pipes and a need to reach out to a professional plumber. Prior to unclogging a sink with water, use a basin or cup to remove the standing water. Always attempt to plunge the water first. Small clogs are often easily dislodged with the standard cup plunger. It's recommended to try using one with a flat rim that creates a seal over the hole to apply the pressure necessary to dislodge it. Ensure that the sink contains the right amount of water to submerge the plunger's head.  Another way to solve the issue can involve taking a half-gallon of water and bringing it to a boil with heat. After taking measures to remove the sink's standing water, pour the boiling water directly towards the drain with the aid of a steady stream. It should start to drain. If it fails, let the water cool completely, then repeat an additional time. Baking soda mixtures offer a natural way to unclog a sink, as it proves gentle on the pipes in comparison to chemical openers. Pour a single cup of baking soda down the drain in addition to white vinegar of the same amount. Place a sinkhole cover or rubber stop over the opening. Wait 15 minutes, then remove the cover and run the water down to clear out the clog. If these solutions do not work, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony will be there to help find the solution.

Construction is Complete! Now What?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

With all of the fast-paced commercial building construction and remodeling going on who has time to do your after-construction cleaning?  SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is here to ensure your finished building projects always look their best. During construction, a building can often trap moisture.  excessive moisture could result in mold growth.  If you think that your project may have a potential for moisture, rely on our experts at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to provide you with the tools that you need to eliminate that humidity in the air by placing dehumidification to stabilize your environment and prevent the potential for mold growth. Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the dust, dirt, and construction debris from the structure in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate.  Our team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is here to ensure that your project is ready for interior design. This step in the process is referred to as post-construction cleaning. After all, designs are completed along with fresh paint and flooring, the final cleaning will make your project complete. You will want your facility to look its best when the doors are scheduled to open.  SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony can provide a final detail clean to give the building that extra shine that will surely impress your customers. Let the professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony help to ensure your post-construction needs are handled in a timely manner so that you can open or reopen your business on time and as quickly as possible.

It Only Takes Two Minutes

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape? The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from a fire are to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 % of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Fire Safety Tips

• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Our Disaster Response Team Is Ready to Handle Your Storm Damage

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storm season is well underway in our region of North Texas and our teams have stayed active in serving our communities following the aftermath of heavy winds, rain, hail, and even tornado watches and warnings. 

While the meteorologists can predict what will be the cause of storms, it’s hard to determine what the effects will look like once the winds have settled, the sirens go silent, and all that’s left is the debris and damage.

At SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony we’ve witnessed first hand the magnitude of damages these storms have caused. They wreak havoc on homes, businesses, school, hospitals, and whatever structure stands in their way. 

Though we have absolutely no control over when, where, or what will be affected, we stand firm in the fact that we are “Ready for whatever happens” whenever it happens. 

Our Disaster Response Team is complete with experienced project managers that travel at a moment’s notice to site locations of large scale storm events, making us “Faster to any size disaster.” Backed by one of the largest Emergency Response Teams in the country, we are uniquely equipped and positioned to take on even the largest restoration project; whether in North Texas, or beyond. Our fleet of cars, trucks, vans, and yes — even 18-wheelers — are fully stocked with the resources needed to respond to disasters of any scale, anywhere. 

Whatever this storm season looks like, it is no match for the force that is our Disaster Recovery Team. 

April Showers Cause Water Damage By The Hour

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

As one of the wettest months in the year, April is known for its rainy days and perpetual showers. Though spring is officially here, we hardly get to enjoy the nice weather until late in the month or on those rare days when the weather allows some sunshine to peek through the clouds. 

One thing we can consistently expect from April is the amount of water damage claims our teams respond to. Though the after effects of water damage are all the same. the causes can vary depending on where the damage takes place. To minimize the risk of water in your home or office, here are a few of the top causes of spring water damage:

1. Flooding 

Whether because of heavy rains, a low water table, or leaks and cracks in your, flooding is the top cause of spring water damage. Waterproofing your basement and properly weather-sealing doors and windows can help in minimizing the risk of water damage in your home. 

2. Roof Leaks and Drain Back-Ups

Second to noticing cracks in your foundations, this can be one of the trickiest to get ahead on, mainly because most of us don’t spend much time out on our roofs. Periodically checking your roof and gutters is key to getting ahead of leaks and drain backups that can seep into your home.

3. Frozen Pipes

Last, but not least — frozen pipes. You may think frozen pipes are only a danger in the colder months, but the truth is, plenty of water damage claims happen when these pipes defrost in the warmer months. That’s because outside faucets and water irrigation systems that were shut off during the colder months, yet not properly insulated, begin to leak into your home once it is turned on. So instead of only watering your lawn, you may see these pipes have also watered your indoor living space.

There are plenty of other causes of water damage ranging from leaking AC units, downed trees, and even heavy storms. Whatever the cause, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is only a call away. 

No Job To Small

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. Our team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony has the resources and more than 30 years of expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Senior Facilities
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Why SERVPRO?

• FASTER: With more than 1,900 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned throughout the nation to be faster to any-sized disaster.
• READY: SERVPRO is always ready to help when disaster strikes but also knows the importance of ensuring home and business owners are “Ready for whatever happens.”
• PROOF: The science of Drying was developed out of the need to further validate the drying process and use more precise documentation on defining when a structure is dry.
• HERE TO HELP: Communication is the most important part of the process to keep everyone informed during cleanup and restoration.  We accomplish this through the Here to Help Connection process.

Our team responds quickly to your DFW area fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building, a senior facility, an apartment complex, or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our network of 1,900+ Franchises gives us access to trained restoration technicians and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency.

Safety Tips for Fire Pits

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Here in Birmingham, AL it's a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips on fire pit safety: 

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Keep these tips in mind during your s'mores night so that the only fire you have to put out is the one around the pit. 

Benefits of Claims Inventory System

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance companies prefer to work with mitigation and restoration services that maintain up-to-date systems. 

The SERVPRO Claims Information System enables an insurance agent to access the information he or she needs to process and settle an insurance claim. Here are four benefits of this system.

1. Access To Individual Claim Information

Insurance agents and adjusters can gain access to information for each claim through the Claims Information System. Local franchises upload damage information and estimate to an internal database. Documentation is then made available to representatives of property owners' insurance providers to facilitate the claim process.

2. Ease of Data Comparison and Research

Agents and adjusters can also access information to ensure that each estimate falls within the normal range nationwide and for the region, state, county, or the surrounding area of Frisco, TX. Discrepancies may be due to extenuating factors for a particular job, such as secondary damage. A claims inventory system makes it easy to sort data based on causes of loss, types of claims, and job costs.

3. Shorter Processing Times

It may take less time to process an insurance claim if all of the information about the job is available in one convenient online resource. Insurers can access updated information at any time, which should prevent delays due to communication. An estimate that accounts for both damage mitigation and restoration may make it easier to settle a claim.

4. Updated Estimates and Job Information

Experienced mitigation professionals and the option for pretesting can increase the accuracy of initial estimates. If additional damage becomes apparent later in the mitigation or restoration process, this information is made available to agents and adjusters through the claims inventory system.

Insurance companies seek out Preferred Vendors for mitigation and restoration services. The SERVPRO Claims Information System is one of many features that can help an agent or adjuster settle an insurance claim.

Leaky Roof?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony has you covered! 

We have experience flash flooding from excessive rains this year all over North Texas, actually we just experienced it this week. Due to the flooding, there have been many homes experiencing basement flooding damage. With further inspection, some homeowners have found slab leaks (roof leaks) that were not noticed before the heavy rains. If you find any roof leaks, call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony to help extract the water and treat your home to prevent conditions favorable to microbial growth.

We always respond to your call within one hour, begin the water extraction process within four hours, and notify the adjuster within eight hours from the time of your loss. 

Water damage must be handled quickly and properly to prevent severe damage to your home. Calling us as soon as you see the leaks will prevent the problems from worsening. SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony has you covered!

Do You Know What Is In Your Water?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that the water either coming into your home or from your home due to busted pipes or leaks has what we call a “category”? When it comes to handling mitigation in your home it is better to allow the professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to deal with the emergency because you have to treat the water correctly to be safe. You never know what is either in your water or what the water has passed through to create contamination.

The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.

Category One: Clear Water

This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer for you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sinks overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category Two: Gray Water 

Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a speedier removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Cat 2 water include, but are not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure and broken aquariums.
If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into category 3.

Category Three: Black Water

Cat 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Cat 3 water can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows from beyond the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.

The team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is skilled in the safe handling of the different categories through training and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness.

Common Causes of Fire...

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Do you and your family know the common causes of fires?

 Here are a few common causes to look out for: 

• Cooking
• 48% of all fires are caused by cooking.
• Remember to turn off source of heat.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Heating
• Do not put anything close to the heater.
• Follow guidelines on how the heater can run.
• Electrical Fires
• Make sure fireplaces and lighting are up to code and are safe.
• Ensure alarms are replaced
• Smoking
• Never lay cigarettes, cigars, etc., down and forget about them.
• Smoke outside to avoid any potential fires related to dropping or forgetting about the item.
• Candles
• Never leave a candle unattended.
• All materials should remain 12 inches away from all candles.

These are just some tips in order to prevent fires. SERVPRO at South Frisco/The Colony keeps your safety a priority and we hope you and family values that as well. Other things to have in place is a route for you and your family if there ever was a fire. Also, everyone in your family should know the route and plan in place. IF there is a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony.

What To Do After A Fire?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have you had a fire in your home?  "Devastating" is an understatement when experiencing the chaos of a fire in your home. Not only is it difficult to deal with the loss, but the clean-up can be, too.

If it is a small isolated fire, getting the area cleaned and repaired should be a priority! The first thing to consider is the ash and smoke damage. These can lead to corrosion, unpleasant odor, and discoloration. Getting ash and smoke cleaned up immediately will prevent any of these from leading to an even larger problem.

Take immediate action by following these steps if you find yourself handling the aftermath of a house fire:  

1. Contact your insurance company. 

2. Contact your local fire restoration company, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony. 

3. Take photographs of the damage. 

4. Keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company. 

5. Make a list of everything you lost or that was destroyed. 

6. Find a place to stay while your restoration company cleans up your property. 

While a house fire is a difficult experience, it helps to have a game plan in place. So remember these steps for the next time you or someone you know is handling the aftermath of a house fire, and call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony.

Commercial Cleaning Tips

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Spring & Summer time has become a great time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects.  Although spring cleaning is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for commercial places as well.  The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and bacteria & messes start to grow.  A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers. Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your deep cleaning cleaning:   

OUTSIDE

• Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to keep clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term. 

• Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business. 

• AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period.  

• Pest Maintenance

Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in. 

INSIDE

• Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas.  

• Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean. 

• Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up and breathe some fresh air into the workplace.  Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of cleaning takes priority. If you need extra help or an even deeper clean call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to help!

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is IICRC Certified

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo. 

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration. 

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals. Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace. 

About SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Are The Air Ducts In Your Business Clean?

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that investing in regular air duct cleaning can reduce indoor allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander?  Air duct cleaning is vital to the cleanliness of the air you breathe in.

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork in your home or business should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony provides commercial and residential air duct cleaning that can improve the air quality in your home or business.

How often do you need your air ducts cleaned?

It is recommended to get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.  However, if you have elderly family members, pets, allergies, or young children it may be beneficial to clean your air ducts more often.  If you see a lot of dust gathering on furniture just after cleaning, that could be one sign that your air ducts need cleaning.

Our Duct Cleaning Process

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which aromatically adapts to the shape and diameter of the duct while traveling through the duct, removing debris and dirt before vacuuming begins
• Next, powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfer the debris from the ducting to a collection bag.
• Air is then filtered through a HEPA filtration system removing 99.97 percent of particles in the air-stream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Always have a replacement filter on hand so that we may change them out at the time of service.

What To Do Before a Thunderstorm

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and not taken for granted. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and other hazardous weather conditions, which can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding.

In Birmingham, AL we tend to get a mix of heavy rain and dry thunderstorms. Below are great tips from the READY to help prepare you for what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm.

What to do before a thunderstorm

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard-top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
• Lightning Risk Reduction When Outdoors

SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony and SERVPRO of North Frisco / Prosper / Celina, SERVPRO of Aubrey / Little Elm urges each and every one of you to PREPARE before a thunderstorm comes. And whenever they do come, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony and SERVPRO of North Frisco / Prosper / Celina, SERVPRO of Aubrey / Little Elm will be here to help.

Cleaning Tips for Outside Your Home

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

With Spring approaching, it’s time to check your home and see if the wintery cold caused any damage to your home or building. Signs of winter damage start to show themselves once the weather warms up and the surrounding environment starts to thaw. This article will help you get out of winter hibernation and back into barbeque season! Here is a quick maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of your building.

1. Start at the Top (Inspect the Roof)

A healthy roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Ensuring it is sturdy and sealed is central to keeping your entire home efficient. Damage to your shingles, flashing, or any leaks can quickly trickle down and affect other areas of your home. When looking at your shingles look for curled edges, tears, or loose stones in your gutters, these are all signs of damage and could be a signal for replacement.

2. Check the Structure (Inspect the Foundation, Walls, Windows, and Doors)

Do a walk around of your home and check for cracks/holes in the foundation. as well as inspecting the exterior walls, siding, windows, and door. If you identify a foundation issue, contact a specialist to take a look. When inspecting the windows and doors, pay special attention to the caulking and weather stripping, issues in the seal are often harder to find than obvious holes or tears. 

3. Independent Structures (Garages, Sheds, Fences, etc)

Make sure the garage door is functioning properly and has a strong seal at the bottom. Sweep and vacuum dust, dirt, and debris around the doors. Also, make sure there is nothing that could fall off the ceiling and impede the doors from working properly. Look for signs of cracked or split fencing boards, especially near any gates, and ice can raise fence boards and make gates stick.

4. Spring Yard Cleanup

It is almost grass-cutting season! Before you get ready to use that lawnmower, make sure to change the oil, and get the blade sharpened. Now, head to your local hardware store to restock on supplies such as landscaping bags and grass seed. Don’t forget to pick up the tools you need to thatch, weed, and clean out your garden beds. Now that you are ready, fire up the BBQ, pull out the cooler and invite the family and friends.

Men (And Women) On A Mission

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO Of South Frisco/The Colony, our mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect and our vision is to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. From Celina to Sanger, our “world” is wherever our customers are. Our team not only memorizes this mission but they are sent to fulfill this mission every day. 

When our community needs our team, we are always ready to respond to the call. Whether that  call is for fire damage, water damage, storm damage, or biohazard and disinfection; our crews’ focus is in ensuring our customers are satisfied. 

We understand that when our customers need us, they really need us due to the services we provide which is why we alway strive to provide a positive experience for our customers who are going through such stressful and difficult times. Our mission is more than a statement that our team has memorized, it is the heartbeat behind what we do.

What is Packout and Content Restoration?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When you have fire damage at your home or business, our team can properly catalog your belongings and perform what is called a “pack-out”.  Our technicians treat the items from your home or business with respect and empathy while ensuring your belongings are handled with care.

When you have fire damage at your home or business, our team can properly catalog your belongings and perform what is called “pack-out”.  Our technicians treat the items from your home or business with respect and empathy while ensuring your belongings are handled with care.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO ofSouth Frisco/The Colony can conduct an organized, efficient plan of action.  Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• Quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs.

Content Restoration

If your belongings are affected by fire damage, we can restore them with content restoration.  SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony has the expertise and a "restore" versus "replace" mentality that can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that cannot be replaced.  Our team of professionals will pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to preloss condition.  We use several methods of cleaning your contents including:

• Dry Cleaning -used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to we cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning -An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can not withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning -used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning -Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning -Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Let SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony be the professionals that will take care of you!

7 Reasons To Replace Polybutylene Pipes

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you have polybutylene pipes in your business, you are going to want to replace them. Even if they seem to be in good condition, there are still plenty of reasons to go with newer materials. Here are a few of those reasons:

1. Damage
If a polybutylene pipe breaks in your wall, you are going to experience a lot of damage Even small leaks from this type of pipe can cause damage to your flooring, walls, HVAC units, equipment, and furniture.

2. Mold
Everyone knows about the danger of asbestos in old buildings. Roofing, siding, insulation, ceilings, flooring, and structures themselves all contain this toxic material. However, mold is also a danger you have to worry about. If your building has polybutylene pipes that leak, you could wind up with mold growing in your floors, walls, and HVAC units.

3. Exterior Pipe Breaks
If a pipe breaks outside of your business, dirt under your parking lot, sidewalk, and walkways can be washed away. This can lead to cracks and be a hazard for customers and employees.

4. Utility Bills
Even the smallest leaks can cause big problems with your bills. This is especially true as the leaks worsen, and your water bill rises.

5. Water Pressure
These pipes are small and require low water pressure to avoid leaks and bursts. When you replace them, you will be able to utilize the full water pressure that you need.

6. Hot Water
When you get new plumbing installed, you won't have to worry about hot water problems anymore. This is especially great news if there are many employees in your business or you need a lot of hot water.

7. Peace of Mind
Having these pipes can leave you worrying about the safety of your building. Replacing these outdated pipes will give you peace of mind and let you know your building is safe. There are many reasons you should consider replacing these pipes in your business. In particular, it can save you from having extensive water damage that requires a remediation company to fix.

Protect Those Pipes!

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Almost one year after the historic freeze event that paralyzed the south central region of the United States and halted the flow of our communities, Frisco and surrounding areas find themselves once again heading into a week of below freezing temperatures and snow and ice accumulations. 

Most Texans, or rather, most of the country still remember the events of the freeze which proved to be the costliest weather event in the history of the state, surpassing even more claims than Hurricane Harvey. Nevertheless, our team wants to remind you and members of our household, or facility management team, of steps you can take to minimize your risk of pipes bursting due to below freezing temperatures. 

1. Insulate pipes

Exposed pipes are most likely to freeze. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Make sure to drain the water from outside faucets and insulate them from outside elements.

2. Let water drip

Simply maintaining a light trickle or steady stream of water in your faucets can go a long way in preventing water to freeze up in your pipes.

3. Steady thermostat 

Keeping a consistent temperature in your home or office puts less strain on the furnace. 

All we need to follow these tips is to reminisce on the events of the freeze of 2021. Rolling blackouts, homes completely destroyed due to burst pipes, and citizens stranded with no place to go to keep warm and stay safe; it was indeed a trying time for our region. We are grateful we were positioned to serve our community during such a difficult time, and will remain available in the event that the elements prove to be unbearable. Our team is here, and we are Ready for whatever happens®.  

Let Us Help Your Business Succeed This Year

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

New Year, New Plans.

At least that’s what most of us have in mind when the clock starts a new cycle into a new season. We can’t help but conjure up strategies to help better serve our customers, build our brand, and grow our business. As a business owner, we can imagine your plans are similar to ours. 

But what if the best way to accomplish your plans isn’t on your carefully thought-out to-do list?What if the best way to plan for success is actually to plan for disaster? This plan is called our Emergency Ready Profile. It is a unique and customized emergency plan to help you and your business in the event of a disaster. 

Prepping for your best year yet looks a lot like putting contingencies in place to prevent it from being derailed by forces out of our control. When we consider previous events such as historic freezes, never ending rainstorms, tornadoes even, one thing is made clear: we cannot control the weather, but we can do our best to prepare for it. 

By utilizing our Emergency Ready Profile, business owners and facility managers will have a clear and refreshed perspective of their property. Conducting our walkthrough and gathering pertinent information regarding the structure allows responsible parties to remind themselves of points of improvement that could eventually lead to potential headaches down the road. Overall, it’s an excellent way to keep track of your facility to ensure nothing catches your team off guard.

So whether you’re planning on growing your business, or you’re in maintenance mode, the ideal time to prepare for a disaster is before one even happens. For more information contact your local SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony representative and schedule your complimentary walkthrough. 

National Preparedness Month Week Two - Build a Kit

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Do you and your family have an emergency storm kit?

Texas is no stranger to severe storms that cause power outages, flooding, and severe damage. Therefore not having an emergency storm kit that has at least several days of supplies in it, can cause some serious issues whenever the Birmingham area does have a major storm come through. As the second week of National Preparedness Month wraps up, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony wanted to address putting together an emergency kit. To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Here are a few items to keep in mind while putting together an emergency kit in the event of a severe storm approaching.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Any medicine currently being taken
• Emergency food and water
• Extra change of clothes and shoes
• Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. Residents can add whatever else they may need. There should be an emergency kit in every residential building as well as all commercial buildings if possible. Aside from having an emergency kit ready, a plan should also be in place. If there is a designated storm area inside the home or office, occupants should head there with the emergency kits. Severe storms cannot be avoided, but with the right tools and resources they can be easier to deal with.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony wants to make sure the surrounding North Texas Areas are prepared!

National Preparedness Month Week Three - Low Cost, No Cost Preparedness

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

The North Texas area receives tornadoes, hurricanes and an immense amount of rain each year. It is said that 30% of Americans make little to no preparations for a hurricane. And since, this month is National Preparedness Month and September is the most common month for hurricanes to make landfall, here at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony we thought we would go over what kind of damage hurricanes can bring. Hurricanes can produce:

• High Winds (155+ mph)
• Tornadoes & Microbursts
• Flying Debris
• Heavy Rainfall
• Flooding
• Storm Surges

• Keep your emergency kit ready and easily accessible.

• Prepare for any power outages.

• Keep up with your trees.

• Verify insurance coverage.

Ready to Restore

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

September marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month as well as the month that historically sees the most named storms. The Gulf Coast is especially vulnerable to hurricanes and other disasters leading multiple goodwill and restoration personnel to prepare to make their way to provide help for those in need. 

Among those making their way south west, SERVPRO crews are also assembling to assist in restoration efforts following these disastrous events.

Our Disaster Response Team has traveled all throughout parts of the United States to assist various businesses and commercial properties in getting back on their feet following storm events. These properties range from manufacturing plants to child daycare facilities; industries where quick production time is necessary to ensure business continuity. 

In events such as storms, hurricanes, and large scale disasters, our designated Disaster Response Team has the capacity to scale up or down depending on the magnitude of the event. Large scale disasters such as the Texas/Oklahoma Freeze of 2021 required the presence of our team of over 100 technicians and experienced project managers to have boots on the ground for months at a time. 

Our team has walked through multiple commercial buildings, met with various facility managers to assess the needs of their properties, and assembled and dispatched crews to begin the restoration and eventual reconstruction of these buildings. In large-scale events such as the freeze or Hurricane Ida, readiness is of the utmost importance and our team always proves that they are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

Not only in our hometown of Frisco and communities in North Texas, but wherever the winds may blow: we are always Ready to Restore. 

Into the "Ida" The Storm

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Tropical Storm Ida is headed for the Gulf Coast and is expected to turn into a major Hurricane. Therefore here at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony, we want you to be prepared in the event you may experience a storm similar to this one.  Storms often cause flooding which may cause a lot of damage to your home or office. First thing is first: Know the Difference Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. What to do:

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).-
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.-
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.-
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. 

 Lastly if you experience flooding or damage to your home, call us at SERVPRO.

Beware of Batteries

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Technology turning against humans almost sounds like a 2000s horror movie. Unfortunately, that was the reality of a local family when their tech-savvy toys decided to spontaneously combust while charging. 

As this family’s toys started charging up for a fun time, what they got was something else entirely. As the batteries began to combust, the living room quickly caught on fire and the flames began to spread throughout the entire first level. 

How could this have happened? 

The lithium-ion batteries used on the hoverboards, although small, store a lot of power. These batteries are also prone to overheating, which can unfortunately cause explosions; and as this family quickly learned — explosions big enough to set an entire house on fire. What seemed to be a fun time, ended up turning into a homeowner’s nightmare.

Thankfully, the fire was put out in less than 5 minutes after it started, but before the fire department arrived. Those 5 minutes however, caused extensive damage.

Once the fire got going, it moved into their newly renovated, all-white kitchen with customized cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Though the flames didn’t directly affect the hardware, the soot and smoke from the fire settled into the crevices of the heart of the home. If not addressed immediately, the soot could cause rust and the deterioration of the appliances and potentially causing them to lose their sparkle. 

As you can tell by now, one small spark can set a house ablaze. The focus of attention now is what to do after the fire has been put out? Do what this family did: call SERVPRO of South Frisco /The Colony. Not only are our technicians restoring the fire and water damage, but our reconstruction team is also gearing up to ensure their house is back to feeling like home.

Is Your Business Disaster Ready?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Have you stopped to consider whether or not your business is truly ready for whatever happens?

Sure, you may have your shelves stocked and your labels printed with restock orders on the way. But do you have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens and you’re stuck with picking up the pieces?

Disasters are a natural part of life here in north Texas. When you take into account the year, or better yet, the decade, we’ve had so far, it would be wise to consider how your business may be affected when these disasters strike. Whether it’s an unprecedented pandemic, a historic freeze that forced the whole south central region of the United States to come to a screeching halt, or your average thunder, lightning, and hail storms that seem to make a weekly appearance. In this region, anything can happen. 

You may know SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony as your go-to disaster restoration company, which we are. But do you also know that we specialize in helping your business get disaster ready as well? One of the ways we enjoy serving our community partners is by creating Emergency Ready Profiles, or ERPs, for their commercial properties. 

When our dedicated, local SERVPRO Representatives meet with local business owners and facility managers, we gather important materials such as building information, utility shut off locations, and key contacts. Not only is this information important as it pertains to the daily tasks of a facility manager, but it’s also pertinent in the event of an emergency or disaster when time is of the essence. 

One of the key benefits in setting up an ERP with our team is having all of your essential property information in one place. In addition to keeping such relevant information organized, your local SERVPRO representative will contact you periodically to update any changes to your profile. 

Becoming disaster-ready is a process and our team is eager to help you get started! To set up your free Emergency Ready Profile, call our office today to speak to one of our representatives and ensure that your business is "Ready for whatever happens", just like SERVPRO. 

Can Your Business Get Through Disasters?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that 50% of businesses that suffer a disaster never recover?

Those are sobering statistics. Oftentimes as business owners, one can be focused on merchandising, services, customer retention, pricing... the list goes on. Disasters are usually not the main concern. After a year like 2020, it can be hard just to stay above water. Especially as statistics indicate that our Frisco and North Texas region is the fastest growing region in the country! And you know what they say, with growth comes growing pains. 

While disasters may not be your top priority, it is ours. Which is why SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is committed to making sure businesses stay up and running even if disaster happens. Our trained and certified technicians are available 24/7/365 days a year, including years like 2020, to handle disasters on commercial properties with the least amount of business interruption possible.

Disasters shouldn’t have the final word when it comes to running your business. And because SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony works to restore your business back to preloss condition, they won’t. 

Red, White, & Barbecue

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Red, White & Barbecue... One of the main ways The Fourth of July is celebrated in America is through fireworks and grilling. Every year thousands are injured by unsafely handling grills. Here at SERVPRO of Birmingham we care about fun and safety: therefore, we are giving you a few do's and don'ts when grilling, that way you can stay safe and grill your favorite meal at the same time.

What TO DO when grilling:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house.
• Clean your grill regularly, this will decrease the amount of fuel the grill would have if there was ever a fire.
• Check for gas leaks.
• Keep decorations like umbrellas or plants away from your grill.
• Keep a bottle of water near your grill just in case it is ever needed.

What NOT To Do when grilling:

• Don't turn the gas on when the lid is closed: this causes gas to build up.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Overload the grill with food.
• Never use a grill indoors.

Reminders:

1. Do not panic if an emergency occurs, instead call SERVPRO.
2. Keep safety always at the forefront of your mind.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

Team Wilson Leads In The Restoration Industry

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

When you’ve been in the restoration industry for over 26 years, you get a very good sense of what to do in the aftermath of disasters. That’s especially true when you’ve been a leading franchise in one of the most well known restoration companies in the country. That’s the experience and expertise you get when you choose SERVPRO of South Frisco /The Colony, a SERVPRO franchise owned and operated by Team Wilson. 

It’s no secret that ever since our team started restoring homes in 1984, we’ve continued to build on the foundation of excellence, fairness, and mutual respect in which our original owner, David Wilson, had laid. This is the legacy that lives and breathes in each member of our SERVPRO organization today. And it’s this legacy that has consistently placed us in the top ten out of 1700+ franchises for the past 26 years.

As far as the quality of our service, we strive to always turn our customer’s ordeal into a positive experience with our company. We see disasters as an opportunity to serve our communities through our experienced and highly skilled technicians.

When you call on SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony for your disaster, you’re not just calling one of the leading brands in the restoration industry, you’re calling on a team that leads within the restoration industry.

Firework Safety Precautions

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS! As Memorial Day and the 4th of July approach, make sure you and your family are aware of firework safety! We want the holidays for you and your family to be just as they were meant to be, FUN! Oftentimes, though people handle fireworks in an unsafe manner. I am sure everyone has seen the viral video, "Back up Terry." In this video a man in a wheelchair lights a firework and there is a malfunction with his wheelchair. He can't get away from the firework fast enough, and the fireworks start going off right next to him. And yes, although we thought this video was funny, we need to realize that this could have ended entirely differently and Terry could have been badly injured. DID YOU KNOW? During the holiday months, on average 180 people a day go to the hospital for firework related injuries. We encourage you here at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony to: 

BE PREPARED!

• Store fireworks away from children
• Always read the labels and follow directions
• Keep small children and pets indoors: they are easily frightened
• Always have water near, in case of an incident

BE RESPONSIBLE!

• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water afterwards
• Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly
• Never re-light "dud" fireworks
• Never keep fireworks in your pockets: the friction could set them off

BE SAFE!

• An adult should always be the one lighting the fireworks
• Keep matches & lighters away from children
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand
• Don't be like "Terry", light firework and move away quickly

BE AWARE!

• Use only legal fireworks
• Make sure you are able to set off fireworks (every state is different)
• Fireworks are prohibited on all state parks, and state or federal forest land
• The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the local fire department responds to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. THEREFORE, DO NOT point fireworks toward homes and keep away from bushes, leaves, and flammable substances.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FIRE, SERVPRO CAN HELP!

Have You Considered A Career At SERVPRO?

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

In today’s job market, job seekers are no longer looking for a place where they’ll make a paycheck, they are searching for a place where they’ll make a difference. At SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, our team members do just that on a daily basis. Not matter which role you play in our organization, whether its at the front desk taking calls or on the front lines extracting water, you can be certain that you are fulfilling duties that go beyond 

Coupled with a family-oriented culture and a standard of excellence in all we do, not only do our team members feel right at home, but they also end the day knowing that the work they deliver is among the best in the industry.

At SERVPRO, positions are always available for the right individuals who wish to join us in our vision of becoming the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world. Not only is it our mission to develop a team of quality people who focus on fairness, excellence, and mutual respect, but we are also create opportunities for our team members to grow within the organization. We desire to see you succeed! 

So no matter which role you play in our organization, whether its at the front desk taking calls or on the front lines extracting water, you can be certain that you are fulfilling duties that go beyond administrative tasks or heavy lifting, you are helping us restore hope and normalcy to the lives and daily routines of some of the most vulnerable and even traumatized members of our communities. 

If you’re looking for a place where you will make a difference in the lives you touch and have the opportunity to grow and develop your skills, a career at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony may be a great fit for you!

If you or someone you know is looking for a career change, click this link to apply. 

Surviving the Flood...

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Surviving the Flood... We live in a world where mother nature has a mind of her own at times, and natural disaster can strike at any time and can ruin the "normalcy" of the life we once had. The nice furniture, flooring, and decor that once occupied our home, now washed away by water. Whether the flooding has occurred in your house because of a pipe bursting, a sewer backup, faulty appliance, a heavy rain or rising floodwaters, there are important steps you should take in order to keep you and your family safe. After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Reminders:

1. Do not panic, take a breath and understand that although today feels like the worst day ever. Things WILL get better.
2. Keep safety always at the forefront of your mind (stop the water source, shut all electricity off, etc.)
3. Call SERVPRO in order to get things clean, dry and back to beautiful as quickly as possible.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

Beware of Hail and Flood Damage

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

We all know the children’s song we used to sing when we wanted to stay out for a little longer, “rain, rain, go away, come again another day.” But what happens when the rain isn’t just keeping your kids from enjoying the sunshine, but it’s also putting your property at risk for severe flooding and water damage?

When flash floods occur, all bets are off. There’s no predicting the amount of damage a flood can cause to your home or business. This is especially true if you live in a flood zone, hurricane evacuation zone, or any area that is prone to flooding. North Texas flash floods can be so severe that one of the most important things one can do is pack an emergency safety kit in the event you have to evacuate. Another key step would be to prepare your home for flooding. This could include removing any dead trees from your property to boarding up windows, or clearing clogged rain gutters. What is most important is that you take the necessary precautions to help minimize the chances of water seeping into your home and causing water damage. 

Keep in mind that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance. It’s always better to review your policy before a disaster so that you know exactly what you’re covered for. Consider purchasing flood insurance through an independent party if you believe you are at a higher risk for flood damage. 

Usually followed by flash flooding are the hailstorms that are so prevalent in the Frisco and surrounding areas. Hail damage can severely affect your home and property by causing window damage, roof damage, and more. In the past years damage from hail is among the top homeowners claims each year causing costly damages and an increase in insurance claims.

To minimize the damage during a storm, maintain your home and property free from outside furniture and decoration so that it is not blown away by the wind. Also regularly inspect and maintain your roof regularly by not neglecting minor defects that could lead to major problems down the road. 

However, even with all the precautions a home or business owner can take to prevent damage, there is always the possibility of disaster striking your home or office. Thankfully, our SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony technicians are available 24/7 to not only mitigate the damage, but also provide reconstruction work following disaster remediation. 

If your property has been affected by recent storms, call our office to schedule a free estimate 972-335-9900.

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2021

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

As we get ready to enter into hurricane season, we want to make sure our community is well prepared and informed of what to do in case the storms get way out of hand. To ensure you and your loved ones are safe during this upcoming storm season, read along for these tips on what to do to be storm safe:

1. Know Your Risks: One the most important things you can do is understand how susceptible your area is to hurricane weather. Being informed pf the likelihood of how a hurricane can effect your area by keeping up to date with weather announcement and local and governments 
2. Build an Emergency Kit: This one sounds simple, but it is often overlooked. Keeping an emergency kit that is stocked with water, canned foods, non perishables, and comfort items such as blankets and toys could be the difference between a disaster and an inconvenience. 
3. Review And Gather Documents: Review your policies ahead of time to see what is covered and if flood insurance is available to you. Gather important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, birth certificates, deeds, or even sentimental documents and keep them in a fireproof and waterproof safe. 
4. Be Informed: Knowing where to go and who to call is key to staying safe. Having an evacuation plan in place in the event of a disaster ensure members of your household know what to do in case home isn’t the safest place to be. Have a planned route and an alternate route to get to a safe place away from the storm.
5. Strengthen Your Home: Taking a look around your property to see if you are vulnerable in the event of a hurricane is a key factor in minimizing your risk of damage. By looking for vulnerable areas, you’ll be able to address them and fortify and susceptible areas around the home or property.

Implementing these tips will help you face this hurricane season and minimize the risk of your property being a victim of the elements. Keep SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony in mind for all your storm damage restoration needs. 

Do You Have an ERP?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

DO YOU HAVE AN ERP?An ERP is an Emergency Ready Program. As a business owner you always want to make sure you have an action plan if ever an emergency occurs. If there was a flood, major leak or a tornado, as a commercial property you would want contacts and action plan close by. We couldn't imagine the amount of stress whenever something like that ever occurred! SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony wants to ease that stress and we realize that you might not think about the unexpected things that may happen, therefore we have implemented the ERP program. 

What is the Emergency Ready Program?

• As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research.
• Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.
• By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Why Implement the Emergency Ready Program?

• The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile Advantage is of no-cost assessment to 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.
• It will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• An ERP can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action. Establishes SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

DON'T HAVE AN ERP? CALL US! (469) 225-9137!

Pay Attention To Your Ducts!

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

When was the last time you paid close attention to your air ducts? 

The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” rings especially true when it comes to regular HVAC maintenance. More often than not, property owners and facility managers neglect regularly maintaining their HVAC system unless something goes wrong with it. However, if there is one system that could really ruin a work day if not functioning correctly, it’s the HVAC system. Whether it’s in the middle of a North Texas heat wave, or if we’re dealing with below freezing temperatures. A maintained HVAC system is a trusted HVAC system and what better way to maintain it than regularly scheduling an air duct cleaning?

By regularly cleaning for your air ducts, you not only make sure your HVAC system is in working order, but you also get a routine look to make sure there isn’t any mold growth taking place. 

Among the many other benefits of regularly maintaining your air ducts clean is the increased productivity and better and cleaner air flow. 

It’s no secret that your air ducts must be regularly maintained, so why not call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to provide your facility with exceptional air duct cleaning services? 

Call our office for a free estimate: (972)335-9900

The Danger Is In the Soot

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Long after the fire has been put out, long after the flames stop blazing, and even long after the insurance adjusters leave after assessing the damage; after a fire occurs, one thing still lingers: soot damage.

Soot is comprised of very small and very fine black particles that are primarily made up of carbon and contain traces of metals, dust, and chemicals. It is always present after a fire and poses as a danger to human and pets because of it small size and how easily it can get into the lungs. 

Outside of the health hazards soot damage poses, it can also cause damage to furniture, walls, and equipment in your home or office. Because soot is so fine, it so easily gets into tight spaces and if not addressed quickly, can eventually cause metals and objects to rust and break down. 

To prevent further damage after a fire, it’s important to address affected areas right away. Not only that, but also any other areas that seem to be “dusty” as this is usually the result of soot particles flowing through ventilation units and appearing in other rooms throughout the structure. However, one of the primary mistakes home and property owners make following a fire is to try to do the clean up on their own. We recommend DIY for when it comes to refurbishing headboards or coffee tables, not for when it comes to restoring your structure and furniture. 

For professional help after fire, smoke, and soot damage, call the experts in fire damage restoration: SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony.

Don't Let Water Damage Ruin Your Summer

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

With the temperatures quickly rising and the hot summer season headed straight towards us, our natural inclination is to turn up the A/C indoors and head to the pool each chance we get. 

However, just because the risk for frozen pipes have passed, the risk of water damage still poses a threat even during the summer months. 

With the extended use of air conditioning units, if not properly maintained, can cause drainage issues. To avoid this, make sure to change your air filter regularly. Regular inspections and cleanings are also important to prevent and stop any issues in your unit from worsening. One thing to keep an eye on is the drainage pan. Check to make sure water isn’t leaking and accumulating in the pan. Especially in the hotter weather; mold, mildew, and fungus can easily grow and spread. 

Another thing keep in mind is the potential for pipes to burst. Although burst pipes are more common during the colder months, hot summer weather can still cause this headache for a home or property owner. A good rule of thumb is to notice whenever there is a change in your water pressure. While it could be simply just an irritation, it could also be a sign that something bigger is on the verge of happened. This could be a result of corrosion build up which leads to leaks and eventually, water getting into your home or office. 

The risk for pipes bursting don’t stop there. As a result of the dry and hot North Texas climate, droughts are a common cause of pipes bursting as well as foundation shifting because of the heat. If you notice cracks appearing on the walls, especially around the corner, it’d be safe to assume there have been changes in your foundation. An easy solution however, is to consistently water the soil and even place plants around the perimeter of the foundation. The plants helps moderate the temperature of the soil and can also serve to hold the ground together with their roots.

The last thing any home or property owner wants to deal with is water damage, no matter the weather! Don’t let water damage ruin your summer, but if you find yourself in a situation that requires the help and expertise of water damage restoration professionals, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is more than ready to help. 

Trust SERVPROXIDE™ to Disinfect Your Commercial Space

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

One of our products SERVPROXIDE™ is our proprietary hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. It is a stabilized chlorine dioxide based antimicrobial which carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. The product itself doesn’t carry any fragrances other than a mild cleaning odor which dissipates quickly making it a great product for people with chemical or odor sensitivities. There are many different applications for SERVPROXIDE™. It can eliminate odors through disinfecting and oxidation rather than just covering them up. That can be done by applying the product directly with towels or through misting or spraying which is often used when we clean HVAC systems. It has even been utilized in electrostatic spraying for an even application on surfaces inside buildings. In fact SERVPROXIDE™ is the disinfectant we have used when we have been asked to clean and disinfect COVID-19 in homes and businesses here in Frisco and throughout North Texas. The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar types of organism to COVID-19 and SERVPROXIDE™ has EPA-approved claims against things like Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, staphylococcus, E.coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Swine flu. When you use SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, you can have rest at ease knowing that our team is using hospital-grade disinfectant registered with the EPA. Our chemists are even able to advise us in unorthodox situations to utilize our suite of cleaning products to clean and deodorizing even the strongest and strangest combination of smells and soils.

New Homeowners - Watch Out For These Common Causes of Water Damage

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

They say its a buyer’s market in the real estate industry, which means plenty of first time home buyers are making the jump from renting to property ownership. Adding in that Frisco is among the fastest growing cities in the country, plenty of individuals and families are making the move to North Texas. If this is you, congratulations! While the thought of home ownership is exciting and filled with endless possibilities of design and style; there are also endless possibilities for disasters. Below are a few common causes of water damage that SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is often called to. Make sure to look out for:

1. Air Conditioners

Make sure your A/C unit is serviced regularly, at least once a year. As the A/C removes moisture from the air, it can build up in the unit and leak into the flooring and drywall, potentially ruining it and causing a mold problem.

2. Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn’t properly sealed, this could be because the latch is broken or the wrong soap was loaded. Address any leaks immediately and repair or replace your unit if needed.

3. Washing Machine

Check the underbelly of your washing machine to ensure it is not leaking beneath the unit. Performing regular checks and inspections will also go a long way in preventing more serious water damages from occurring.

4. Leaking Pipes

Probably the most obvious cause of water damage on the list. A good way to keep an eye out for leaky pipes and faucets is keeping tracking of your water bill. If you noticed a spike in the bill recently, it could be cause for concern. Contact your plumber to inspect the pipes as there could be quick fix as easy as tightening bolts.

5. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause more than water damage, these issues can lead to mold growth if not properly and timely addressed. Clogged drains can cause all kinds of nasty backup problems in the toilet, showers, and sinks. The best way to avoid this stinky disaster is by calling a plumber to check your drains if they are frequently clogged.

Don’t let the excitement of home ownership keep you from the responsibilities that come with it. As fun as it is to have a space to call your own, keep in mind that it’s up to you to care for.

If you find yourself muddy waters (that’s probably not actually mud) or with any kind of water damage on your hands, feel free to call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony to make all you water damage issues “Like it never even happened.”

10 Fire Pit Safety Tips

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a great way to gather friends and family around in the backyard during the warmer months. Burgers on the grill, drinks in hand, and some background music is a sure way to have everyone in a good mood. Which is why SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony wants to ensure it’s only the barbecue sizzling during your next get together. Here are some quick and simple fire pit safety tips to keep the fire bright and the mood light:

1. Clear all flammable materials away from your fire pit. Make sure it’s kept 10 feet away from the home or building. 
2. Pile dirt or rocks to keep the fire on the ground from escaping 
3. Before lighting your fire, check wind direction. If it’s too windy, do not light your fire pit as the wind can cause the flames to travel.
4. Contrary to popular belief, lighting fluid is not safe for lighting a fire pit. Use a commercial fire starter kick with kindling on top. 
5. Once the fire pit is lit, never leave it unattended and never leave children or pets near the fire pit without adult supervision.
6. Avoid  soft woods like pine or cedar to prevent flying sparks and flame “pops”, 
7. Only put enough fuel to keep the fire burning gently to prevent flare ups and uncontrollable flames. 
8. To extinguish the flames, use water to drown out the fire and stir it with a shovel to make sure it’s fully extinguished. Use the shovel to extinguish any escaped flames as well
9. Dispose of the ashes in a metal can used only for fire pit ash storage. Careful, even after a few days the ashes are still hot enough to cause a fire. 
10. Accidents happen, even with the correct preventative measures taken. Having a fire extinguisher nearby can greatly reduce the risk of the fire getting out of control. 

Make sure to keep these tips in mind for your summertime fun. If you have any additional questions, or were affected by open flames from a fire pit, feel free to call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony. 

SERVPRO Is Ready For Whatever Happens

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

As a home or property owner, it can be worrisome to hear the meteorologist on the news issue flash food warnings or storm and wind advisories. While there are alway precautions that can be taken, Mother Nature has a mind of her own, and one that doesn’t mind manners when it comes to affecting homes and businesses.

At SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, we understand the dangers that storms can bring to properties in the areas it affects. No matter how well you prepare, disasters happen unexpectedly and can trump even the best laid plans and systems in place to keep things running smoothly.

However, when systems fail and disasters strike, it’s good to have a restoration company you can trust to get your home or business back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO has the expertise and capabilities to be the restoration company you call on when the unexpected happens by not only offering restoration services, but reconstruction as well! If you ever find yourself as the victim of the latest storm, call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, we are “Ready for whatever happens.”

Do You Have A Plan in Place?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Business owners, do you have a plan in place in the event of a disaster?

We often see how easy it is to get so caught up with running a business that many business owners forego an emergency plan because they are “too busy.” And while disasters and daily operations don’t usually mix, if the former happens, it usually interrupts the latter as well.

However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. By having an Emergency Ready Profile in place, you can make sure a potential business interruption is just a hiccup in daily operations.

While 50% of businesses never recover after a disaster, our ERPs help to navigate these kind of events without the frantic stress of finding key contacts and shut off valve locations by compiling this information beforehand and putting it all in one place. Whether that’s a binder or on our Emergency Profile app. You can find all the information you need with a quick turn of a page or a scroll on the screen.

Don’t wait until it's too late to put a plan in place. Contact SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony today to schedule your FREE Emergency Ready Profile.

When's the Last Time You Checked Your Insurance Policy?

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The only bad time to review your insurance policy and what it covers is after a disaster has already happened and when you desperately need know what you’re actually insured for.

Especially in times where you’ve found yourself with winds battering against your house, it made you think the roof was going to come down. Times such as these may have even made you consider hiding in the bathtub because you were sure the house was going to be knocked over.

These are the moments in which you don’t want to wonder if you have enough coverage in the event that damage does occur to your home or property. In those moments, the only thing on your mind should be the safety of you and your loved ones.

At SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, we’re quite familiar with the damages storms can cause to a structure. Fallen trees, downed wires, water damage, and even fire damage can all come with storm surges, and with it, a hefty price tag for repairs. This is why we always recommend checking your coverage to make sure you’re properly insured for the will north Texas storms. And always remember, no matter what kind of damage happens, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is here to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Beware of Storm Chasers

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Ever notice that after a major storm a bunch of construction companies pop up that you’ve never heard of with addresses and locations that are anything but local?

Maybe you never noticed them because you’ve never had the need for them until recent storms damaged your property, or you were never looking so you didn’t find it. As likely as that can be, we caution against using construction and repair companies outside of your local area. The reason is, we’ve found that many of these “companies” pack up their gear and head to where the most recent storm took place and prey on vulnerable families that need emergency repairs. After the repairs are done, they pack up and move to the next storm-shattered city, leaving you to fend for yourself in case anything goes awry after the repair. Without a local office to contact, you’re usually the one paying the price for their “quick” work.

While the prices may be enticing, and the promise of getting it done quickly appealing, the cons outweigh the pros. Always go with a local and reputable company when choosing to do repairs on your house. Whether that’s gathering information from others who’ve used the company in question in the past, or doing your own research online.

When it comes to disasters, you want to choose the best. Which is why SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is here to help. Not only are we a locally owned and operated franchise, made up of employees and members in your local community, we also have other regional franchises at our disposal, should your storm damage restoration and clean-up be bigger than anticipated. We’re dedicated to making your disaster, “Like it never even happened.”

Our advice when it comes to storms and disaster restoration? Choose wisely. Choose local. Choose SERVPRO.

Finding Local Fire Restoration Companies

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony Can Provide Fire Damage Restoration

What Can SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony Do About a Small Kitchen Fire? 

• Grease fires can leave greasy soot on your walls
• Burning plastics can leave lingering malodors
• Ashes can get stuck in your carpets or rug

What Can SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony Do to Remediate These Damages? 

• Use house-made cleaning agents designed to break down grime
• Set up odor-reducing equipment, such as hydroxyl generators and thermal foggers
• Professionally clean your carpets and upholstery to take the smokey smell and ashes away 

Why Choose SERVPRO for Storm Damage Restoration

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Let us give you 5 Reasons...

24-Hour Emergency Service

Unfortunately, disaster can strike at any time, and when it comes to water damage after a storm, time is of the essence. Every second a structure is exposed to water increases the chances of mold growth.  Our SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony team is on-call 24-7, including holidays, to help after a storm. The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24-hours a day and work to provide storm restoration services for both residential properties and commercial buildings. They respond to calls quickly to minimize damage and, in turn, the costs of cleanup and restoration. 

Certification and Experience

It is very important to have experienced professionals when dealing with water or fire damage. Look for a company with certifications backed up by real-world experience. The technicians at SERVPRO are all IICRC certified. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets high-quality standards for restoration companies. Employees at SERVPRO are constantly learning new techniques through e-Classes and certification training. 

Advanced Technology

Storm damage restoration is a complex process and requires advanced technology. Choosing a restoration company with the proper tools is crucial to minimizing damage. SERVPRO only uses the best technology and equipment, including water removal machines, moisture exposing tools, and deodorization materials. They have access to equipment housed in over 1,700 franchises and even have designated disaster recovery teams.

Locally Owned and Operated

Locally owned companies are more invested in ensuring communities bounce back after major storms. Their clients aren’t just clients—they’re neighbors, friends, and family. SERVPRO is a nationwide franchise, but each franchise is locally owned. This combination gives home and business owners the best of both worlds: the customer care and localized knowledge that comes with a local company and a large corporation's resources.

Familiar with Insurance Requirements

Storm damage restoration can be stressful. However, dealing with insurance providers afterward can be even worse. The best storm restoration companies are familiar with all major insurance providers and provide assistance with the claims process.

When Was the Last Time You Cleaned Your HVAC System?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

During this winter season are you thinking about the air quality in your business or commercial property? Air ducts and a lack of HVAC cleaning can be to blame for this. In fact, a non-maintained ventilation system is usually the culprit behind getting good, quality air circulation in any building. This is why you should make it a priority to get your air duct systems maintenance by professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony Take a moment and think about how long have I had this system in place?  Have you ever taken the time to have the system cleaned? Do you know what is hanging on to the vents in that system? You always want to take time to be mindful of your HVAC systems. Our professionals can evaluate air quality and the system to see if it’s time for servicing.  If your system has been around for a long time and you have not conducted a thorough HVAC cleaning, there is a chance that your air ducts have begun to accumulate a lot of the following:

• Contaminants
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dust
• Dirt
• Debris

When It Counts, Count On SERVPRO

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Everyday we make decisions. There are some decisions that are as irrelevant as choosing between lilac and lavender, tan or sand; meaning, in the grand scheme of events, they don’t carry much weight.

However, there are other decisions that can make or break your day and in many cases, the day after and the day after that. Sometimes, these are decisions we don’t plan on making but have to be resolved quickly. Decisions such as choosing between which restoration company to choose when your home or office suffers a disaster is one that most people never stop to consider because most people hope to never need our disaster restoration services. But, disasters do happen.

In events like these, the future of your residence or commercial space hangs in the balance. Depending on the company you choose, you could get premier service: help that is available 24/7/365, and IICRC certified technicians who know what they’re doing. In which case, you’d be choosing SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, the best choice for clean-up and disaster restoration. Not only will you have access to the quality and professional service, but you’ll also have a nationwide team that comes together when large-scale disasters happen, such as the disaster that followed the freeze caused by Winter Storm Uri. During the following weeks and months, SERVPRO franchises from every state traveled to the south central region of the United States to help residents and business owners restore their properties after pipes froze and flooded their space.

That’s why, whether it’s flooding in your home, or your hometown, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is who you trust to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

In Regional Disasters, SERVPRO Is One Team

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

When the south central region of the United States endured below freezing temperatures for multiple consecutive days, they turned to one brand to help restore their homes and businesses that were affected by burst pipes and water damage: SERVPRO.

On what was meant to be the day of expressing love and warm emotions instead turned to be the beginning of what would be a long week of record breaking freezing temperatures that affected multiple states in the southwest, mainly Texas. As the temperatures dropped, the number of customers affected with flooding caused burst pipes quickly increased. By the end of the week, tens of thousands of home and business owners were calling SERVPRO to mitigate the damage.

There’s a reason why during the most the historic cold snap in 70 years, Texans and residents of the south central and southwestern part of the United States called SERVPRO. In fact, there are about 1700. These 1700 reasons show up in the form of franchises and crews that have left their home states, some for extended periods of time, to travel with their equipment and assist local franchises in the restoration of these homes and businesses that suffered water damage.

The amazing thing about choosing SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is that our customer’s don’t just get access to one restoration company, but they partner with a trusted name in the restoration industry that has access to a network of franchises that are willing to come and assist in historic events such as the one we as a region experienced in February of 2021.

So no matter if it’s hurricanes or freezes, SERVPRO is always at the ready to unite forces to help a region restore their communities, living true to the tagline: One Team.

What To Do After Your Pipes Burst

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

As much as we do our best to prevent disasters from happening, there are always certain things out of control. These things range from the ever-changing Texas weather, to faulty electrical appliances to even clumsy pets that race around the house. The point is, disasters unfortunately do happen, no matter how much we try to stop it.

One of the most common disasters Texans have recently faced comes in the form of burst pipes. Although these disasters are more common in northern and colder states, due to extreme temperatures caused by February’s historic freeze, many Texans were left with what felt like swimming pools in their kitchen. As a result of now knowing what to do, the damage got worse.

Here are some things to keep in mind if your pipes burst to prevent any further damage:

1. Turn off the main water supply

This is the most critical step. As soon as you notice water damage to your home, the most important thing you can do to keep the damage from escalating is shutting off the main water valve. This helps to ensure water does not keep flowing through your pipes and cause even more damage.

1. Call a plumber

A plumber will help determine what caused the pipe to burst and offer solutions to fix the problem.

1. Clear the water

Once the water has been shut off and the plumber ha fixed the pipe, there is still standing water that must be extracted before secondary damage such as mold growth begins to occur. This is where the certified water damage restoration technicians at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony come in. Though your first inclination may be to simply mop up the water that’s on the floor, there is likely water that is still stuck behind the walls that must be dried up. By utilizing specialized drying equipment, our crews are trained to restore your home back to it’s preloss condition.

No matter how it happens, water damage in your home or office is a headache to deal with, especially if it’s not addressed right away. That’s why it’s important to call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony to mitigate the damage as soon as possible.

Disasters Are More Than What Meets the Eye

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

An unfortunate characteristic about disasters is that they often don’t warn us when they’re going to come around; and usually, when one disaster strikes, another is almost certain to follow. 

After a pipe burst in a local apartment complex following freezing temperatures, the water valves were quickly shut off and so was the electricity. However, when the facility operators returned power to that unit, remaining water in the electrical outlets caused a short circuit that affected the laundry room next door. 

The effects? The laundry room caught fire and quickly spread causing damage to multiple floors.

One of the most important things to consider following a disaster is to recognize that the environment is vulnerable and unsafe. Even if you believe that the damage has already been done and nothing can get worse, there are still elements that have been affected that the naked eye doesn’t pick up. This is why SERVPRO is equipped with specialized equipment to not only mitigate and restore the damage caused by water or fire, but also to prevent the damage from spreading and escalating. 

This is especially true for properties affected by fire damage. Though the fire has been put out, the structure is still unsafe due to the events that have transpired. Following a disaster, it’s important to call the professionals, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, to get started on the restoration process before the situation escalates and to properly evaluate the safety and integrity of your property.

SERVPRO Responds to Record Breaking Winter Storm in North Texas

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

As a major Winter Storm Warning went into effect early Valentine’s Day weekend, north Texas settled in for what was expected to be a long and cold week of record breaking temperatures.

With almost 2 million residents losing power and multiple businesses closed due to dangerous road conditions, the White House had officially declared a state of emergency over Texas. Rolling blackouts and empty grocery stores cast an eerie, almost apocalyptic spell over the usually warm and sunny climate the state is known for. Amidst unprecedented times, Winter Storm Uri was as singular in its effects as it was harsh in its weather.

Although the DFW area reached a new record low temperature of negative two degrees, making it the coldest day in 72 years, the real danger lied in power outages that shut down homes and businesses for hours at a time making it extremely difficult for residents to keep warm in the midst of what had already proven to be a historic event.

Rising up to the challenge, the crews of SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony have been responding to countless calls from home and property managers regarding water damages caused by burst pipes. Our trained technicians have slushed through several inches of water to find collapsed ceilings, ruined furniture, and buckled flooring that have forced residents into the homes of friends and neighbors. Though this event was uncommon, this is what we have been trained for.

As a result of the record-breaking number of people who have been affected, SERVPRO franchises from across the country have mobilized crews and equipment to assist in the restoration and reconstruction of properties that have been damaged throughout the state of Texas and in the south central United States. This is what sets SERVPRO apart — when you call us, you get access to over 1700 franchises who are ready to respond to disasters at this scale.

Winter Storm Uri was unprecedented and unlike anything we could have expected. However, we are grateful to our crews and our SERVPRO franchise teams who have once again looked into the face of disaster and got to work. While this storm has certainly exposed areas of weakness that must be addressed in regards to infrastructure and planning, it has also revealed the depth of commitment and strength that flows through the SERVPRO system. There’s a reason why tens of thousands of people have called us to restore the damage from their homes and businesses: because we show up.

You can rest knowing that no matter how large a disaster may be, your local SERVPRO franchise, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony has the full force of the SERVPRO system behind them, ready to take on any size disaster.

Trust Us to Restore Your Damaged Documents

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

In the digital age we live in, it can hardly seem like anyone still uses paper as the only written record of important documents. However, in our industry, we see it happen quite often. 

While most documents can be saved in the cloud, there are special records that cannot be simplified to a few gigabytes stored in a flash drive tucked away in a junk drawer. 

Documents such as old yearbooks, family recipes passed down throughout generations, handwritten notes from those that have gone ahead of us, or even delicate photos of the past. 

Such documents can hold important legal and sentimental value, and when disaster strikes, such as water damage, the restoration of those documents is just as important as the rest of the affected area. 

That’s why one of the benefits of choosing SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is our ability to offer document restoration services. 

If important documents, photo albums, or even yearbooks are damaged in the event of a water loss, SERVPRO has the ability to restore those documents back to preloss condition. By implementing vacuum freezing techniques, our technicians are able to restore important documents and get them back to you with minimal damage, basically making it, “Like it never even happened.”

Though some documents only hold sentimental value, we believe that if it’s important to our customers, it’s important to us. Which is why our document restoration capabilities are just another way we can better serve you.

How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

As the weather conditions take a dive from cold to freezing temperatures, the only rise we’re expected to see is the increase in water damage calls related to burst pipes. 

At first, what may seem to be just a cold spell to most, can quickly turn into a waking nightmare involving two feet of your water in your living room — a disaster that doesn’t go away as quickly as it came. 

So how should you properly prepare for below freezing temperatures to keep you from having to call our water damage restoration professionals in the middle of the night? It’s easier than you think. Below a few steps you can take to help decrease your chances of dealing with pipe bursts as a result of the cold weather:

• Leave the Heat On

This may seem self-explanatory, but if you’re away overnight or gone for long periods of time, setting your indoor temperature no lower than 55° F helps ensure your pipes aren’t as exposed to the cold.

• Insulate Pipes

Though you should always ensure your attic and crawl space are properly insulated year round, a makeshift quick and inexpensive way to insulate your pipes would be to wrap pipes in heat take or heat cables with a thermostat control. This will work in a pinch, but we recommend properly insulating these high-risk areas. 

• Seal Cracks and Opening

To prevent drafts, seal or caulk cracks and openings around windows, doors, dryer vents, water pipes. and sill plates.

• Open Cabinets

Opening cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom allows for warmer air to circulate around the pipes and plumbing. Just make sure to move any cleaners or household chemicals away from the reach of children.

• Keep Garage Doors Closed

Protect your home from being exposed to colder temperatures and shield any water supply lines that may be in the garage by closing the garage door.

• Keep Interior Doors Open

For the same purpose of allowing warmer air to circulate around pipes and plumbing, keeping interior doors open helps to spread the warmth. 

• Let Faucets Drip

Letting cold water drip from a faucet helps to keep water flowing throughout the pipes. As the water flows, even if it’s just a trickle, it helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Though these steps aren’t guaranteed to keep your pipes from bursting, they do go a long in preventing this disaster from falling on your home or office. 

If you do find yourself in ankle deep water, call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, our water damage professionals are trained and certified to handle any disaster you find yourself in during these colder months. 

A Legacy of Restoration - Frisco 75034

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

If there was ever a year to highlight the importance of disaster restoration services, 2020 was it. 

It’s no secret the past year was a rough year for many. In the midst of a global pandemic, national crisis, and new guidelines that determined the “new normal” for the time being, it felt like the world was coming to a stop. Yet, in the midst of all the change, fire and water damages were still regular occurrences that our crews responded to while also attending and shifting our services to provide preventative disinfection for properties affected by COVID-19.

Though this previous year introduced new difficulties for all of us, from health care workers to business owners to children navigating distance learning, our crews once again rose up to the challenge, looked into the eyes of disaster, and got to work. 

Our trained technicians don’t just restore homes and offices. We restore comfort, control, and peace of mind to our customers when they need it most. It’s the promise that we have made to our community: that when they need us, we’ll be there. It’s the commitment and consistency of the SERVPRO brand that recognizes us as the best in what we do.

Whether it was extracting water caused by a pipe burst, clearing debris from a fire, or donning hazmat suits to disinfect COVID-19 positive homes and offices, our techs have continued the legacy of restoration that causes SERVPRO to stand out from its competitors. A legacy that has been recognized for the past 21-years as #1 in the industry. 

And it’s because of this legacy that our customers call us; because they wouldn’t trust anyone else.

What to Look For When Choosing a Disaster Restoration Company

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is known for being faster to any size disaster.

If you’re like most homeowners, the last thing you want to deal with is a disaster to your home or property. In addition to dealing with insurance policies and the well-being of those closest to you, the stress that comes with having to choose a restoration company can seem a bit overwhelming. 

Here are a few things to be on the lookout when choosing a company to restore your home or office after a disaster:

• Trained and Certified by the IICRC  

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Company) sets the standard in the disaster restoration industry. Choosing a company that has been trained and certified by the IICRC ensures you are working with professionals who truly know what they’re doing. SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony consistently goes through training and certification by the IICRC. 

• Response Time

Disasters rarely happen on the clock. This means you need a restoration company that is always available to help whether its on a weekend, holiday, or even during pandemic shut downs. It’s important to choose a company that is always open. SERVPRO not only remained open during the shut down, but we also assisted other essential businesses in keeping their doors open and employees safe by providing proactive disinfection services. We pride ourselves in not only always being open but also being faster to any size disaster.

• Manpower

Major storm events can place a huge strain on restoration companies as they try to help their communities put the pieces of “normal life” back together. If the company isn’t adequately scaled to deal with the needs of their customers, this could result in job delays and cause even more damage than the storm itself. When that happens, instead of trusting out of town storm chasers who are here today and gone tomorrow, it’s critical to be able to count on your local disaster restoration company to answer your call among the dozens or hundreds of others that come in as a result of these storms. Thankfully, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is not only capable of dealing with the needs of our customers in the territories we serve, but at our disposal are 1700+ franchises that are able to work together to serve our customers following large-scale disasters. 

The aftermath of these events, though shocking, do not have to be stressful. Whether its water, fire, or storm damage, the result of these disasters require the attention of a professional and trustworthy disaster restoration company, a company such as SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony.

SERVPRO Professionals Know Storm Damage Restoration

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to hurricane season and major storms, Texas is no stranger to the devastation
these forces of nature bring. Each year, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony, led by Team
Wilson deploys countless storm teams to aid SERVPRO franchises in Texas, especially in
southern Texas and the Gulf Coast.

However, North Texas is not exempt from the damage that comes as a result of unpredictable storms and weather. This is especially true in regards to the frightening thunder and lightning
storms that prove just how erratic our climate is.

A consequence of this unpredictable climate is the unforeseeable damage it can cause to homes
and properties. This includes minor damage such as fallen shingles that leave leaks in your roof
to major damage like fallen branches that leave large gaps where your living room used to be.

As a home or property owner, you can do your part to help decrease the chances of storm
damage by clearing your yard, covering or boarding up windows and doors, cutting off
dangerous branches or clearing trees that are too close to your home. Another thing to also keep
in mind is knowing where your water shut off and power shut off switches are located in the
event of an evacuation as these storms can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Now, for most, the damage that could be caused is a major source of worry and concern. But for
the professionals at SERVPRO, it’s just another day doing what we do best: making disasters,
“Like it never even happened.” Our crews are trained to deal with all kinds of catastrophes, in
particular storm damage restoration. Whether that may be major storms such as category 5
hurricanes to a smaller scale, isolated thunderstorms, and showers. No matter what the damage looks like, SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony is “Ready for whatever happens.”

3 Ways to Prevent Spring Water Damage

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

As we prepare to enter into the spring season, it’s important to note what we should be looking for to help minimize the chances of water damage affecting our homes.

Usually, transitional seasons such as spring and fall bring unpredictable weather patterns and this year
will be no different. Springtime in North Texas is notorious for its storms and lightning shows. These
storms often cause wind and water damage. While we can’t control the weather, we can do our best to
ensure our homes are properly prepared for whatever happens.

Here are a few things to inspect before the storms hit:

• Basement pumps - A working sump pump is crucial for helping to prevent water accumulation in your basement. Consider
  installing one with an alarm that warns when there is any water accumulation so you can attend to it quickly and prevent secondary water damage.
• Debris removal - Make sure to clear debris from your gutters, downspouts, and window wells. This allows water to flow away from your home freely instead of flowing back in because of debris buildup.
• Landscaping - This is an important and often overlooked step. Protruding branches and rotten trees often cause the most damage to homes and structures once strong winds and rain take place. The best way to prevent this is by trimming branches and clearing away trees that are too close to your home.

These are only a few things to keep in mind to prepare for the spring storms coming our way. If water damage does occur as a result of storms, call SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony to assist with the restoration and prevent secondary water damage such as mold growth.

Waterproof Your Basement to Prevent Water Damage

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Have you considered remodeling your home?

During the quarantine months, there was a major uptick in DIY home projects and renovations being
made throughout the country.

If you’re looking to change things up a bit, finishing your basement is one of the most common areas to
start. A finished basement is a great place for older children to have their privacy, it can serve as space for a home office, and in some cases, it can even be used as a rented out space to bring in some extra income.

However, one of the most common occurrences the crews at SERVPRO of South Frisco / The Colony see
is water damage resulting from finished basements that were not, in fact, finished. A key factor the
homeowner missed is making sure their basement was properly waterproofed.

Not only does this prevent your basement from flooding and potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the event of a storm or flood by reducing damage, but it also creates a healthier environment in your home and lowers heating and cooling costs. It also goes a long way in protecting your sump pump and preventing structural damage.

As we enter into the volatile spring season, we can expect to see more rainwater getting into the basement as a result of storms. If not addressed quickly, water damage of this kind can lead to mold problems and potentially ruin furniture, not to mention, undoing the hard work that came with remodeling your space.

The best way to keep your finished basement actually finished is by waterproofing and preventing it in the first place.

If you find yourself ankle-deep in water in your basement, you can always call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony for all your water damage restoration needs. 972-335-9900

Cold Weather and Your Business

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that your place of business can become damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health & the health of your customers are also at risk. Based on a report done by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), they estimated that in recent years, U.S. death rates in winter months have been 8 to 12 percent higher than in non-winter months. Much of this increase relates to seasonal changes in behavior and the human body, as well as increased exposure to respiratory diseases. Cold temperatures can also worsen pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For example, death rates from heart attacks increase as temperatures drop, likely due to the way cold affects blood circulation, blood vessels, and other factors With information like this, you must be aware of what could happen in your business should water damage or fire damage cut off your heat source. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused by long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. We understand that a loss of heat from an emergency can affect your business. If you experience an emergency, know our team is ready to help you get your business back up and running.

What Do Frozen Pipes Mean for Your Business?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

When pipes freeze, they expand and may burst, leading to major water repairs. While our team will always be there to help mitigate these emergencies when they occur, we want to do what we can to provide information to you that can potentially help keep your business out of these situations. Tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Water conservationists’ frown on allowing faucets to drip, but letting even a small amount of water to flow through pipes at all times can do a lot to prevent pipes from freezing. A steady drip is all that is needed to keep the pipes free from ice accumulation.
• Many pipes do not have proper insulation to prevent them from freezing in cold weather. Pipe sleeves and heating tape can be applied to insulate the pipes. It is also a good precautionary measure to caulk around gaps where cold drafts can affect pipe temperatures.
• Shut off any outside water sources that you don't need, especially if you are expecting particularly low temperatures. When a building is left unattended, make sure the thermostat is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate uninsulated pipes.

Dealing with frozen pipes:

• Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.
• Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe.

 Make sure you and your employees know where the shut off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony as soon as possible.

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

The holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year! Are we right?! There is nothing better than putting up those Holiday lights and having the home feel warm and cozy. Not to be forgotten the rides at night to see all the homes dressed up with holiday lights! No matter what type of decorations we hang up during the holidays, we’re surrounded by electricity! If we aren’t careful, it can be a huge hazard if not used or maintained properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), Holiday fires caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually. On average, one of every 52 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 135 total reported home fires. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony what to help keep you safe during this Holiday season, with the help of the NPFA, we’ve pulled together some safety tips for you to keep in mind! Electrical Fire Safety Tips

• Make sure that there are smoke detectors installed on every floor of the building, inside each room and right outside of every sleeping area to ensure that the alarms can be heard even when sleeping.
• Test smoke detectors monthly to make sure that they’re working properly and have working batteries.
• Have your electrical system inspected by a certified professional to make sure that all of the electrical work meets the National Electric Code safety standards.
• Look and listen for signs of electrical problems such as, flickering or dim lights, buzzing or sizzling sounds from electrical outlets, or insulation and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. If any of these or any other electrical problems are found, contact a professional as soon as possible for the issue to be inspected.
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many electronics. Consider having more outlets or circuits installed by a professional.
• In homes with children, install tamper-resistant devices to keep children from getting electrical shocks or burns.
• Create an evacuation plan that can be used in the event of a fire.

Mold Tips for your Commercial Property

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building recently experienced water damages, you're probably unsure of the next step. Not only are you worried about property damage from the water, but you also have to worry about mold in your business. Mold can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage, and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of! Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold in Frisco, TX area.  

1. Get Rid of Moisture - This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.
2. Protect Yourself  - You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask.
3. Hire a Professional - The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the future. 

Fire Safety Tips to Consider During Halloween

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Keep Halloween Safe and Fire Free!

Unfortunately, symbols of Halloween and activities while fun can also present fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in over 1,000 reported home fires each year. Whether you are trick or treating, throwing a party, or staying inside, decorations can be a lurking fire risk and it is important to be aware. Planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like keeping decorations far away from open flames and using battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun.  From the National Fire Protection Association, here are five Halloween fire safety tips:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from the long trailing fabric.
• Teach young children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames, especially cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper.
• Provide young children with glow sticks or flashlights to carry with their costumes.
• Remember to keep all exits clear of decorations so escape routes are not blocked. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.

In the case of an emergency, know that the team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is going to work around the clock to help keep your Halloween season a good one! Give our team a call at 972.335.9900

Are You Ready for a Flood?

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

This hurricane season we have already had two hurricanes hit our coastline at the same time. Many times when moments like this occur, our cities and towns are able to hand the onslaught of rain due to the fact it may not be typical to get so much in such a little time. It is important to make sure to share some flood preparedness tips with you. Below are some tips which were provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help you prepare your home or business for a flood.

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel is susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood:

• Turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters.  Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.  Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

As always, our team at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is part of the larger, national Brand of SERVPRO Industries. In the event of a storm or flood, our teams have the ability to call in reinforcements from the Wilson Storm Team. Know that you can trust our team to put your home or business back together, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Can Result from Rainfall

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain is considered rainfall at rates over 0.3 inches per hour and can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. We have put together a list of how these rapid rainfall rates can cause issues.

Backup of clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. If there is debris in the gutters, it will be difficult for water to drain away, which can then result in leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors

Windows and doors are supposed to be sealed against the elements, but as their weatherproofing ages, it can deteriorate as well. When heavy rains roll through, water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damages.

Poor drainage around the foundation

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or does not have adequate drainage around the foundation, heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and lead to leaks in your basement or crawl spaces.

Leaks in and around the roof

Roof leaks are one of the leading consequences of heavy rains, and they can sneak up suddenly. All it takes is for a shingle to be scraped away or a weak spot to form and rainwater can begin seeping in as it falls.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system

For homes with sump pumps, doing regular maintenance and checking for issues is key—otherwise, the pump system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to effectively move water away from the home.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights

Houses with chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains than homes without them. While they are nice features to have, the seals where they meet with the roof can grow vulnerable over time and become overwhelmed when rainfall is heavy.

4th of July Safety Tips

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

This is a time when people typically enjoy the summer holiday with backyard barbecues or water fun. But this year, celebrating Independence Day will be different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The American Red Cross offers safety tips you can follow.

Community Safety

If your community is reopening, know which precautions to take in public settings.

1. Continue to social distance by staying 6 feet away from others, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (over age 65 or any age with underlying medical conditions).
2. Continue to wear cloth face coverings in public. Face coverings are most essential when social distancing is difficult.
3. Follow guidelines for your area when it comes to how large gatherings can be. Avoid crowds and mass gatherings.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
5. Stay home if you are sick.

Fireworks Safety

While most kids love playing with fireworks, it is important to never toss or throw the fireworks at anyone. If dealing with fireworks, please consider the following safety tips and suggestions.

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

Grilling Safety

Grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year in the U.S. To avoid this:

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, stays away from the grill, including children and pets.
4. Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire.
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

If you are choosing to build a bonfire this weekend make sure that you are using only dry material and make sure that all debris is at least 10 feet away. When you are finished ensure that you extinguish the fire, pour water on all embers until the hissing sounds stop. Always keep a fire extinguisher close by when having bonfires or grills going so you can keep any fire damage from spreading in the case of an emergency. If you do have a fire damage know that SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is a call and ready throughout the entire Holiday weekend! We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and/or smoke damage.  We will ensure the highest care to get you back to celebrating the Freedom we have so graciously been given. 

Hidden Appliance Leaks Can Cause Water Damages

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Many of the appliances we use each day require a water source

Think about the last time your appliances were moved or inspected

Many of us don’t think about the household appliances that we use every single day. For most, they probably become a passing thought about how much wear and tear they are receiving. Most of the appliances we use to make our everyday lives easier to utilize water. This means they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on.  Water damage can sit for ages before you as a homeowner realize. This is why regular inspections are important for prevention.

Inspect These Appliances for Leaks Often

• Hot Water Heater
  • The lifetime of a hot water heater will typically span 10 to 15 years, but leaks can start much earlier than this. The seals and pipes connected to the hot water heater can often break down, so keeping an eye out for any accumulation both during and after use is a smart move.
• Refrigerator
  • The rarity with which refrigerators are moved can lead to secret water damage that festers for ages before it is brought to light. A refrigerator’s water lines are typically made from a soft plastic that can easily fail, so checking for leaks behind and under the fridge as part of your annual home maintenance is wise.
• Dishwasher
  • A dishwasher’s tubing is just as problematic as a refrigerator, but is even more isolated and utilizes far more water. Additionally, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover water damage caused by older models of dishwashers, so regular checks are extremely important to keep up with.
• Washing Machine
  • Washing machine hoses are some of the most common sources of leaks. Because they are notorious for this, it is recommended that they are inspected at least once a month by homeowners so you can be sure no issues have arisen. In addition to these regular checks, they should be fully replaced every five years in order to prevent hidden deterioration.
• Air Conditioner
  • The drain in your HVAC unit is designed to keep condensation from pooling in and around the unit, but if this drain malfunctions, water damage can quickly be caused. Reference your manufacturer’s manual to determine how often your unit should be inspected and serviced—having a professional technician evaluate your machine is the best defense against HVAC-created water damage.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today at 972.335.9900 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

#1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers on the first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Spring Watering Tips

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

One of the best parts about spring is the fresh flowers, fresh-cut grass, and the planting of gardens. We thought while everyone is at home during this quartine, what a better time to review some water tips to ensure that a water damage doesn't occur in your home!

INDOOR WATERING TIPS:

Everyday Water Use

• Do not let the faucet run while brushing your teeth. Just wet your toothbrush and fill a small glass with water for rinsing out your mouth.
• Limit showers to no longer than 5-minutes.
• Select the appropriate water level for the size of your load of laundry or dishes.

Watering Plants

• Rotate plants toward the light whenever you water them to keep them growing straight.
• Water hanging plants with ice cubes to keep water from spilling out of the bottom.
• Use pots made from non-porous material such as plastic to help plants retain moisture longer

OUTDOOR WATERING TIPS:

Lawn care When the weather is hot, outdoor water usage increases significantly. The good news is that most lawns can thrive with less water than you think.

When to Water

• To determine if your grass needs watering, step on it. If it springs back up, it doesn’t need watering. If the blades of the grass lie flat, it’s time to water.
• Turn the sprinklers on at a low speed to avoid a wasteful run-off. Remember, over-watering promotes shallow root growth, making your lawn less hardy.
• Water early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set to help prevent losing water to evaporation. As much as 30% of water can be lost to evaporation.
• If using automatic sprinklers, install a rain sensor to avoid watering on rainy days.

How to Water

• Water slowly and thoroughly during cool, windless hours, and as infrequently as possible. Never water to the point of run-off.
• If necessary, water in several short sessions rather than one long one. Three ten-minute sessions spaced 30 minutes apart will allow your lawn to better absorb moisture.
• Let grass grow taller in hot weather. Most southern lawns will thrive if they receive one inch of water per week during the summer.

Just a reminder to ALWAYS check your faucets for leaks. Make sure your outside and inside faucets are all tightened and secure to keep from wasting water or having a water damage. Leaks wastewater 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Basement Flooding

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

A large amount of rainfall brings the potential to see flooding in the basement of your home. By understanding the usual causes of water retention in the lower floors of your home, you can take the necessary maintenance steps to ensure that your property stays dry for years to come.

Check out a few tips we have for you

Location and Climate Factors

• A primary cause of excess water is above-average rainfall. Choosing to reside in a coastal area, for example, can increase the risk of a basement flood. Even in dryer climates, laying your home’s foundation on a low-lying or sloped part of the property can cause water to pool under walls and seep through the outer layers of the building. 

Basement Drainage

• Should your home sit near or on the water table, a basement drainage system and the sump pump will likely be necessary to prevent excess dampness in the flooring. If the pump system breaks down due to electrical or plumbing problems, contact a qualified professional who can perform wiring or pipe repair. A powered mechanism for removing water from the basement after flooding is the most robust method for the prevention of property damage. 

Sources of Leakage

• Sometimes the biggest issues facing the homeowner lie in the ingress of water. Cracked walls or insufficient sealants and waterproof coatings can allow water that would otherwise drain away to enter the basement. Improperly positioned or damaged gutters and downspouts can divert water toward the house rather than into the yard. Gutters can also become clogged with leaves or other material, causing them to overflow. Gaps in roofing tiles or shingles can also cause undesirable water redirection, especially in periods of extreme rain or snowmelt. Controlling the water volume before it reaches the basement is often the best preventative measure. Following the above checklist of troubleshooting tips will usually stop the problem before it begins. 

How do you Handle a Water Damage

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Even clean water can cause damage to your home or business

What do you do now?!

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony arrives.

• Shut off the source of the water.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

If you have any questions about how to handle a water damage, check out the SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony Facebook page or give us a call at 972.335.9900

The Science Behind our Drying

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

What goes into drying your water loss?

The knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. Your initial reaction will be to grab towels and a mop to clean up the water, maybe even a fan or two. Our professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony will inspect to detect everything that is wet, measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly and also speed up the process by using professional drying equipment. 

We use the latest technology and tools; The SERVPRO DryBook allows us to capture and track the steps of a restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. This will ensure that your restoration is done properly and efficiently as well as improving results and restoring your property faster! 

Preventing Flood Damage

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States causing $2.7 billion in losses between 2001 and 2010.

The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. It does so by providing affordable insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. Overall, the program reduces the socio-economic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but also of flood insurance, specifically.

Flooding is not covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies so it may be necessary to buy a separate flood policy for your home. Here are a couple of tips to keep water from entering your home during a heavy rain event:

• Fix foundation leaks that may allow water to enter your home.
• Make sure your roof is secure and protected.
• Clear gutters and drains

If water ever floods your home, getting someone on-site as soon as possible is key to keeping the amount of damage to a minimum. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is ready to respond at any time and also provides a free assessment and estimate.

What is Water Restoration?

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine you come home for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and you walk into your living room covered with 8 inches of water.

What do you do or who do you call? Do you call your family-friendly local contractor or Water Restoration Company? What is the difference?

After the water mitigation process, many trained water damage restoration specialists will focus on reconstructing and rebuilding your home through a variety of applications. The water damage restoration process is intended to help homeowners recover from all damage.

There are many differences between contractors and Water Restoration Companies. Here are a few:

• A contractor’s job is to replace everything that is affected. This will include all flooring, walls, cabinets and even furniture. SERVPRO is certified in drying water damage to industry standards. We will not remove materials unless it is necessary. This prevents further interruption to your daily life.
• A contractor will have to replace all of the materials they took out of your home. This can take weeks waiting for material decisions, insurance approval, shipping, and installation time. SERVPRO’s average drying time is only 3 days. We have crews available 24/7/356 and someone to monitor your job daily.
• Replacing flooring, drywall, and all of your furniture is expensive. Restoring your home is a lot less expensive than replacing everything in your home.

Disaster Recovery for Commercial Business

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony not only covers the Dallas/Fort Worth Area but is also 1 of 2 national SERVPRO storm teams.

Team Wilson understands that disaster can strike and any moment. When a disaster emergency hits your area, it can completely halt production in your business. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is part of what is called Storm Team Wilson. Our team organizes and manages efforts in 17 states if a wide-spread disaster were to strike. The 17 states we cover are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Florida.

During these catastrophic events, Storm Team Wilson would mobilize in the area bringing a large number of crews, equipment, and resources to customers affected. The team is managed from the main storm office which is located in Pelham, AL where we receive customer information, organize that information and respond to that customer quickly and professionally.

We recruit crews starting with the closest to the affected area and move outward in concentric circles to ensure we are “faster to any size disaster.” As a SERVPRO national response team, we respond to disasters as large as Hurricane Sandy and Irene to local flooding or freeze events.

Prepare Now, Not Later

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Does your business have a disaster readiness plan?

Business owners also need to be disaster prepared

Join your business community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the business community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods but entire business communities. Learn how to be prepared at Ready.gov

According to the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration), 25% of all small businesses will not survive a disaster because they had no disaster plan in place. How do you help keep your business out of that stat?

• Make and Practice Your Plan Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?
• Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan.

Learn Life Saving Skills Do you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake?

Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app which can be downloaded here.

Commercial Mold Tips after a Flood

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building has recently experienced flooding due to storm damage or some sort of plumbing issues, you might not be clear on what your next steps should be. You want to limit the damage to your business and extended water can bring mold. This can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of!

Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold. 

Get Rid of Moisture

This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.  

Protect Yourself 

You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, PROTECT YOURSELF by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask. 

Hire a Professional

The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the future.

Signs of Sewer Line Issues

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer lines with a blockage can have backflow into your business

Blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties

However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

Odors - While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

Clogged Drains - A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

Indentations in Landscaping - Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots in the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

Deformations in Landscaping - In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

Facts about Smoke and Soot Cleanup

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home

Smoke and Soot Facts

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, our team will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Fire Damage Content Restoration

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony Can Restore you Fire Damaged Contents

From furniture to antiques to artwork and appliances, we'll treat your treasures with the care they deserve. While some items can be cleaned on-site, in many cases we'll need to inventory, pack out and transport the contents of your property to our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best care possible.

Contents Inventory

We arrive on-site and inventory all of your personal belongings. Our team will carefully pack all salvable items to transport to our secure warehouse and cleaning facility. Unsalvageable contents are inventoried and discarded at the approval of the customer.

Contents Valuation

We have trained professionals to help you establish replacement values versus restoration costs. We are also available for the pricing of non-salvable inventory items.

Restoration

• Thorough cleaning
• Proper handling of all electronics
• Photographs and artwork
• Fabrics
• Clothes
• Memorabilia
• Antiques
• Softgoods
• Dry Cleaning
• Appliances
• Surfaces
• Odor Removal

Every Moment Counts in a Fire

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

An in-home fireplace can bring joy but also be dangerous

This time of year means that the fireplace uses are coming to an end. Of course, playing with fire is dangerous for children, so please remember these tips from HealthyChildren.org before you light your hearth. 

• If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.

• Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.

• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,

• Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.

• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.

• The chimney should be checked annually by a professional.

• Even if the chimney is not due for a cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.

• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.

• Minimize your child's chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.

• Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child's reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.

• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

• Communicate to children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat generated from them.

What are Smoke Webs?

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke webs result from residues

What is a smoke web?

Smoke webs result from residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!

The picture is from fire damage in an Elementary School our large loss division assisted within Birmingham, AL that luckily occurred only days after the students got out for summer vacation. The building's entire kindergarten wing was affected, it took our team a summer break to completely clean and restore the facility. 

Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:

• Protect your people: Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.
• Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

What to Do Before SERVPRO Arrives to a Fire Damage

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Take the necessary steps to prevent damage before help arrives

A fire can be devastating. It leaves behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Fire damages can affect ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until our team can arrive on site. 

The following tips may help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. n Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system

Call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony at 972.335.990, if you've had a fire or would like to know how we can help in the event you do.

Pet Fire Safety

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Pets can be considered family, too!

At any given moment, a fire emergency can take place in the Dallas Fort Worth area or abroad, and though unexpected; it can be beneficial to already have a plan in place for everyone in your home to evacuate and meet in a safe location. While you should always be most focused on keeping yourself and your family safe, you can also spend some time on pet preparation so that you can have a better chance of getting your pets out of danger as well.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets. The American Kennel Club and American Red Cross have provided the following tips:

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 thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Remove Stove Knobs

• Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or stovetop 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.

Facts about Tornado Season

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Being prepared before storm season begins will help keep you and your family safe.

Are you Prepared in the Event of a Tornado?

We are about to enter in storm season here in North Texas. During this time of year, our main threat comes mostly from tornadoes and wind damages. Here are a couple of tips from Ready.gov about Being Prepared for a Tornado.

To begin preparing, you should consider the following:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
• Have a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

NOAA Storm Data

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

What is the Storm Events Database?

It contains the records used to create the official NOAA Storm Data publication, documenting: 

• The occurrence of storms and other significant weather phenomena having sufficient intensity to cause loss of life, injuries, significant property damage, and/or disruption to commerce;
• Rare, unusual, weather phenomena that generate media attention, such as snow flurries in South Florida or the San Diego coastal area; and
• Other significant meteorological events, such as record maximum or minimum temperatures or precipitation that occur in connection with another event.

The database currently contains data from January 1950 to November 2018, as entered by NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS). Due to changes in the data collection and processing procedures over time, there are unique periods of record available depending on the event type. NCEI has performed data reformatting and standardization of event types but has not changed any data values for locations, fatalities, injuries, damage, narratives and any other event-specific information. Please refer to the Database Details page for more information. 

You can register your email address with NCEI to receive future information regarding access system downtime, data issues, new features and general news about the Storm Events Database. 

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database:

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Power Outages are never a comfortable situation to be in especially because of the comfort level we have grown to be in. Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.

A POWER OUTAGE MAY:

• Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.

• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.

• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

• Prevent the use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.

• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

• Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

For more information on making sure how to handle a power outage, make sure to visit Ready.gov

Storms and the Technology that Keeps Us Safe

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Technology can be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters

From common technology you already use on a day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare. Below are a few things that will help you be ready in the event of an emergency or disaster. Check out some helpful tips on how you can use it to your advantage. 

Store Information Online

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer a free way to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents.

Follow the News

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.

Mark Yourself Safe

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you’re located in the affected area at that time.

Get in Touch

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in your phone and e-mail for communication with family, friends, business contacts, and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster.

Charge Up

Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well. 

Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your property or business. Put help in the palm of your hand with the Ready Plan App.  

Get in touch with SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today for more information on developing an ERP for your property or business! 

What Are the Different Storm Damages?

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Storm season brings a wide range of storm types.

Anyone of these storm types could easily cause damage to your home or business. It is important to know the different damages that a storm can cause. 

Wind Damage 

Storm damage sometimes includes severe wind damage. Roof damage in this situation may range from a missing roof due to strong winds that may loosen flashing. This can cause your roof shingles to be removed from your home or business causing leaks. Even a subtle roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions. One of our restoration experts can help property owners address storm damage and roof damage more effectively.

Flooding Damage

Heavy rains can cause river flooding all around the Dallas/Fort Worth areas. Flooding may disrupt municipal water systems which call for experts to assess groundwater and evaluate the condition of pipes following flood damage. Our team can assist in your cleanup process after flood damage has occurred.

Lighting Damage

When a storm occurs, many times it brings the loud sounds of thunder which mean lighting is striking. Your home or business may have objects attached to the building that can attract a lightning strike that can cause a fire. According to Weather.gov a bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of roughly 30,000 kelvins (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightning strikes, or discharges of massive charges of static electricity, cause about 2% of all fires.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony has the team to help handle the restoration of both the fire and smoke damage.

Pet Preparedness

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Pet owners, it is important to make sure you have a pet preparedness plan

Many of you probably have a disaster kit for yourself and family, so if you have a pet, it is important to make sure you have made one for your pet. This includes medical records and medication, food and water with can openers, leashes, and carriers.

Below are some tips from ASPCA on how YOU can make sure your pet is prepared for a storm.

Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers and that it includes the types and number of pets in your home as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. 

Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of an evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards.

Choose "Designated Caregivers”

This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. 

Prepare Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. 

IICRC Certified Business

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who have been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Commercial Properties after a Water Damage

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events in Dallas/Fort Worth commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

What to Expect from SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

What should be expected when you contact SERVPRO?

Expect our 24-hour availability! Whether you are calling day or night, weekday or weekends, and even during the holidays, you can always expect to speak with a real person about the emergency you are experiencing. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is the top choice for many insurance agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas. 

Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony: 

Quick Response - When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted them about the emergency. Once you have provided them with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your client.

Arrive Time - Our technicians can be on-site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make the difference if your home or commercial business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money.

Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. Our team has the ability to let you know in the emergency is claim worthy or not as well. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our team's quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.

Call us any time, day or night at 972.335.9900

Always Ready to Help

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

The mess left by floods, fires, or mold is a lot to handle by yourself. We provide emergency cleaning services for any of these problems. Let us help you get your life back to normal after an emergency. Sometimes the most damaging thing from a fire is the smoke and soot that comes with it. Our cleaning professionals will remove any traces and odor left by smoke and soot after a fire. Getting rid of the mess after a fire is a difficult job, and it requires knowledge and experience to be completely successful. The same is true when it comes to removing mold, mildew, and sewage. With our trusted professionals, you can be sure the damage from any disaster will be minimized as much as possible.

Mold Damage

• Mold grows when water damage has not been dried properly. If you have had previous water damage and are now seeing fuzzy or wet spots of mold somewhere in your home, call us today. The quicker a mold problem is taken care of by our professional restoration team, the less overall damage you will have to deal with.

Water Damage

• Immense water damage, like a flood from a burst pipe, always happens when you least expect it. Our emergency restoration services are available 24/7 because these emergencies cannot wait. Immediate action must be taken in order to save your home or business. Our trusted team will respond quickly to clean up the mess and lower the possibility of mold growth.

Fire Damage

• Fires are destructive, as well as the smoke and soot that comes with them. If these problems aren’t taken care of very quickly, the damage will be severe and permanent. Take action instantly after a fire and call our restoration team. We can fix all of the problems that come after a fire, and we do our best work to return your home or business to normal.

We are available any time, day or night, to help with any problem, and you can trust us to do our best work every time. No matter what emergency you’re facing, contact SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today at 972.335.9900 and let our emergency restoration services team take care of it!

What does a Noisy Water Pipe Mean?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Grey metal pipe with a large crack that has clear water spraying out

We all know the noises our home makes. That cracking when it is quiet, the sound of someone walking around in the attic or the quiet drip of the shower even hours after it has been used. Our homes all have a set of familiar noises! However, not all those sounds can be good for your home or your wallet! Especially, the sounds coming from your water pipes may be a warning. While a whistling faucet may simply require a new washer to quiet down, if you have a hissing, whistling sound in multiple fixtures and a hammering noise coming from your pipes, you could be headed for a pipe break! Residential water pressure is usually around 80 psi, but sometimes municipalities have to increase pressure for nearby non-residential facilities. When this happens the increased water pressure can damage your home’s plumbing. In addition to the irritation of noisy pipes, high water pressure can:

• Erode pipes
• Reduce life expectancy of fixtures
• Increase water bills
• Result in leaks
• Cause a pipe burst

What’s Causing the Noises?

As a large amount of water is forced through fixture openings designed to handle a lower flow, it makes a whistling sound, just like forcing a large amount of air through pursed lips causes a whistling sound. When water suddenly stops flowing through pipes, the momentum causes it to slam around inside the pipe, which causes a clanging or banging sound. Your plumbing has built-in air chambers to prevent this from happening, but when water pressure is higher than normal, the chambers aren’t enough to prevent the hammering sound. The longer you wait to address high water pressure in your home, the more likely it is to cause a pipe break.

What To Do About High Pressure

If you suspect your water pressure is too high, call a plumber in to test the pressure for you. A device called a pressure regulating valve, or PRV can be installed to control the water pressure inside your home. Hiring a professional to prevent a pipe break is far preferable to hiring one to fix a broken pipe inside your walls. If an emergency was to occur, know that we are ready to help you at a moment’s notice. Our team of highly trained technicians will assess the damages and take the necessary steps.

What is Hoarding?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter

What is Hoarding?

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging. Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

Did you know that hoarding is considered a disorder by The American Psychiatric Association? The APA states:

"People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or workspaces. Hoarding is not the same as collecting. Collectors look for specific items, such as model cars or stamps, and may organize or display them. People with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them haphazardly. In most cases, they save items that they feel they may need in the future, are valuable or have sentimental value. Some may also feel safer surrounded by the things they save. Hoarding disorder occurs in an estimated 2 to 6 percent of the population and often leads to substantial distress and problems functioning. Some research show hoarding disorder is more common in males than females. It is also more common among older adults--three times as many adults 55 to 94 years are affected by hoarding disorder compared to adults 34 to 44 years old” ~ Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H. in July 2017 via www.psychiatry.org

How can SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony Help?

We encounter hoarding situations in several different ways. We may be called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. We will communicate with the insurance company regarding the customer's contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored in our temporary storage in our warehouse so work on the fire or water loss can begin. Another way we encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, caseworkers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well. Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you encounter a hoarding situation at one of your properties, or with your insureds, call us at 972.335.9900

Unpleasant Home Odors

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

The Hydroxyl Generator is designed to treat unwanted odors

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition or mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn’t necessarily get rid of these smells. With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), we provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by smoke, mold or other sources.

Our professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Some of the tools we use include 

Ozone Generator: The Ozone Generator is one of the quickest ways to eliminate odors from a home or office. We use the Ozone Generator to oxidize odor and eliminate odors from mold, mildew, pets, nicotine, smoke and more without the use of chemicals. Though the room being treated cannot be occupied while in use, the generator works quickly to clean, sanitize and remove offensive odors.

Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main benefit is that the room being treated can be occupied during the deodorization process; though it does work slower. The Hydroxyl Generator can be used to treat fire and smoke, as well as biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors.

Air Filtration Device: This piece of equipment, also known as an air scrubber, is used to remove airborne contaminants during water, fire, smoke, mold, and sewage restoration work. These work by pulling air through HEPA filtration to remove airborne particles from the air. This helps clean the air and remove odors. Whether you are a building manager who needs an apartment cleaned for the next tenant or homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Why Document Dry?

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Freeze Drying Chamber

When you experience a flood at your home or place of business, you can't afford to lose important documents or paper goods to water damage. Using state of the art technology, SERVPRO is well equipped to properly dry and recover paper goods ranging from paper files to books to x-rays and photos.

Why use SERVPRO for document restoration?

The SERVPRO document restoration facility uses the latest vacuum free-drying method in addition to gamma irradiation technology for sterilizing. The facility is under 24-hour surveillance and is managed by HIPAA Master-certified technicians to ensure proper safety and privacy of your documents. The SERVPRO document restoration team has the capacity to handle large scale commercial losses and smaller residential jobs.

Are there other services than just document drying?

Yes, there are! In addition to drying your documents, SERVPRO also offers cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization. No matter your document restoration needs, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony is "Here to Help"!

Fire Safety Tips for Children

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

Cleaning salvageable items after a home fire

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

A home fire is devastating. The most important aspect is that you made it out of your home safely and are now able to return to it. You might ask yourself if some of your belongings can be saved. SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony, experts in content cleaning, know that most smoke-damaged belongings can be cleaned.  Here are some tips on how to clean your salvageable belongings.

• Get Rid of the Water

The first thing you will have to do is get rid of the water and moisture. Not doing so will cause further damage and give mold a chance to grow. The way to do this is with a powerful water pump and press extractor. Dry wet carpets and furniture and hang clothes, draperies and pillows outside to dry. For non-damaged items, content storage is recommended so nothing can cause harm to them.

• Dry Clean Clothes

For clothes, most restoration professionals recommend dry cleaning. Don’t attempt to clean clothes, draperies and any other textile items yourself as this can cause permanent damage to them. A restoration expert can assess if the soot can be removed from your damaged items.

• Remove the smoke smell.

After you get rid of the soot, you will want to get rid of the smoke smell in textiles and throughout the home. Thoroughly vent your house and get box fans and dehumidifiers to help expedite the process. The experts at SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony use specialized procedures such as ozone treatment and thermal fogging to effectively remove the smell. 

• Clean Non-porous Items

Non-porous items are generally easier to clean than porous items. Ultrasonic treatment and high-pressure water are some of the procedures SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony are utilizing. Our equipment can remove contamination from your belongings and help restore them. 

Your local SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony restoration professionals have the proper expertise, tools and equipment to get the job done right and can help with dry cleaning, content cleaning and content storage.

Why do I need SERVPRO® professionals to help clean after a house/building fire

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. At SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony, our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber:

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood:

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire:

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony has the equipment, expertise, and experience to help properly restore your fire and smoke damaged home or business.

How to reduce your risk of a house fire?

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

In this blog post we will explain how you can reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home. We also want you to consider the five most common causes of house fires:

1. Cooking equipment 
2. Heating equipment 
3. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment
4. Intentional fires 
5. Smoking materials 
6. Candles

In this blog post we will explain how you can reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home.

1. Cooking equipment.
   • Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended
   • DO NOT throw water on a grease fire- put a lid on the pan or powdery material such as baking soda to smother the fire
   • If an oven fire flares up, turn the oven off and leave the door shut until the fire extinguishes itself
   • Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from fires
   • Keep working smoke detectors in the house, and have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case
2. Heating equipment.
   • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
   • Maintain a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
   • Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home
   • If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes; keep children and pets away from space heaters
   • Make sure your fireplace is properly cleaned and checked before the cold weather season starts.
   • Keep the fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs
   • Make sure wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces are professionally inspected and cleaned once a year
3. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment.
   • Don’t overload outlets or electrical cords
   • Make sure you have the right cord for the job – inside cords for inside, heavy duty/outside cords for outdoor use
   • Don’t leave Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or halogen lights on overnight, or when not at home
   • Consider having an electrician perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring
4. Intentional fires.
   • Consider what could burn
   • Remove overgrown vegetation
   • Remove abandoned cars
   • Secure vacant homes
   • Watch for kids
   • Get to know your neighborhood
   • Report suspicious activity
   • Work with your community
   • Watch local businesses
   • Organize a watch program
   • Install and test smoke alarms
   • Call 911
5. Smoking materials.
   
   • If you smoke, consider smoking outside
   • Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes
   • Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen someplace where they can’t be seen
   • This one might be obvious, but nonetheless, don’t smoke in bed, when you’re tired, or around medical oxygen
6. Candles.
   • Never leave a candle burning near flammable items
   • Never leave a candle burning in a child’s room or an unoccupied room
   • Make sure candles fit securing into candle holders so they won’t tip over
   • Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

     Insurance coverage is very important in protecting your home and belongings.

     Know what you own- document everything in a video. Educate yourself on the policy you are buying and choose your agent based on your needs.

You can follow every piece of advice above, and the chances are positive that you’ll avoid any type of fire in your home. However, even though the risk is greatly reduced, accidents still happen.

Know what you own- document everything in a video. Educate yourself on the policy you are buying and choose your agent based on your needs. The bottom line is that you need to make sure you have enough coverage in the event of a major loss. Insurance coverage is very important in protecting your home and belongings.

DO's and DON'TS Emergency Tips for water damage

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

These DO's and Don'ts Emergency Tips for water damage will assist you in taking quick proper action to help you reduce damage and increase the chances of successful restoration, before help arrives.

Sanitary water-clear:

DO: Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

DO: Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

DO: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

DON'T: Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazard may occur.

DON'T: Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

DON'T: Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as this may cause staining.

Contaminated water-gray, black or sewage:

DO: Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

DO: Wash you're hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T: Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

DON'T: Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

DON'T: Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

DON'T: Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area.

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

In the event of water damage please call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony. We are always here to help!

What happens to your home? Minutes to 1 week after water intrusion

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony 972-335-9900.

Water Damage Timeline

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.
• Serious 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 bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

At SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony our staff and technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The Water restoration Process

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Repairing a water damaged home involves a process starting with a thorough inspection of the damage to the of flooring, walls, and ceilings.

Step 1: Inspection – A SERVPRO® professional can best assess the extent of water damage in your home. Each inspection determines a class and category of water damage. Defining the class and category of water damage helps outline the best means to restore your property.

Classes of Water Damage

• Class 1 damage involves part of a room that has absorbed little moisture. It’s the least level of damage, represents less than ~5% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface the space.
• Class 2 (significant amount of water absorption and evaporation load) represents ~5%-~40% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area in the space. 
• Class 3 (greatest amount of water absorption and evaporation load) has absorbed up into the walls, saturated most of the area, and may have come through the ceiling. Represents more than ~40% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area in the space. Class 3 damage is considered the worst.
• Class 4 (deeply held or bound water) damage requires specialty drying and longer dry times due damage done to materials such as hardwood, stone, and concrete.

 Categories of Water Damage

• Category 1 involves damage from a clean water source such as toilet tanks, broken pipes supplying clean water. Category 1 water damage can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long.
• Category 2  involves damage from “grey water,” such as washing machine or dishwasher water containing detergents. It may also involve water containing urine from toilet overflows.
• Category 3 involves completely unsanitary water that can easily cause illness, disease, or death. Category 3 water comes from sewage, river flooding, flooding from sea water, and standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other microbes. This category of water can carry trace levels of regulated or hazardous materials (e.g., pesticides, or toxic organic substances).

 Step 2: Water Removal – Water extractors are used to remove water from your home. The type of equipment needed depends on the extent of the water damage. Water removal begins as soon as possible to prevent secondary damage, mold and bacteria growth.

Step 3: Drying – After all standing water and absorbent surfaces are vacuumed, drying and dehumidification begins. This step is important to clear up any remaining moisture after water removal. The drying out process typically can take 3-5 days, maybe longer for larger losses.

Step 4: Cleaning – All personal belongings need to be cleaned and sanitized to prevent unwanted mold and bacterial growth. Carpeting, clothing, and drapery are given antimicrobial treatments. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove particles and moisture from the air.

Step 5: Restoration – The biggest step in the process is restoration if materials had to be removed. Restoration involves replacing materials like drywall and insulation. Sometimes this process is as simple as installing a few panels of drywall, while serious cases could require replacing entire walls. 

In the event of unknown water damage, many homeowners aren’t able to prevent mold growth. A tiny leak in the roof or pipes can persist for months before you notice it. In a situation like this, the restoration process takes even longer.

Acting Fast

Whether your home has been flooded by broken pipes or a leaky roof, it’s important to remove all contaminated and wet materials in your home as soon as possible.

We are local here in Frisco and can respond faster to start your water restoration process. Please call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony! We are always here to help!

Commercial Building-Water Damage NEEDS

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SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense. When an emergency arises time is crucial, as well as dependence on our state-of-the-art technology and our up-to-date equipment to perform the job efficiently and effectively. SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will answer your call with fast action, exceptional equipment, highly trained and uniformed personnel.  

• Extraction equipment- the most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. this is why it is critical to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the equipment is extracted quickly then the environment can usually be dried much faster.
• Air moving equipment- Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level,thereby reducing drying time.

• Dehumidification equipment- By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damage structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the wet materials. The two main types of dehumidifiers used by SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony are "Refrigerant Dehumidifiers", which work similarly to air conditioners; and "Desiccant Dehumidifiers", which use chemicals, called desiccants, that readily absorb moisture from the air.

Commercial Spring Cleaning Tips

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Spring time has become a staple time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects.  Although this is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for workplaces as well as homes.  The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and messes start to grow.  A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers.

Here is a list of some important areas to inspect during your spring cleaning.  

OUTSIDE

• Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.

• Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.

• AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period. 

• Pest Maintenance

Along with the re-birthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems each year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.

INSIDE

• Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas. 

• Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.

• Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself. Ideally, this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up the office and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. 

Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of spring cleaning takes priority. 

Emergency Tips for water damage

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These emergency tips for water damage will assist you in taking the necessary actions to help you reduce secondary damage and increase the chances of successful restoration, before help arrives.

Sanitary water-clear:

DO: Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

DO: Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the dwelling when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

DO: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping.

DON'T: Do NOT enter rooms with standing water where there may be an electrical shock hazard.

DON'T: Do NOT enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. ALWAYS avoid electrical shock hazards.

DON'T: Do NOT any colored items on wet carpets or floors as this may cause bleeding or staining.

Contaminated water-gray, black or sewage:

DO: Avoid ALL contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage in any affected areas.

DO: Wash your hands/any exposed areas of body/items thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'T: Do NOT spread contaminated water by walking through damaged or wet areas.

DON'T: Do NOT turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. Use of any HVAC system or fans to “dry” the structure will spread contaminants into unaffected areas of the dwelling.

DON'T: Do NOT use products that are exposed to the contaminated area. (personal hygiene, etc.)

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

As always, in the event of water damage please call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony at (972) 335-9900. We're always here to help!

Plan Ahead in case of a potential catastrophic event

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PLAN AHEAD-Be prepared at your home or business with a "What IF" emergency kit in the event of a catastrophic event. Ready.gov suggests you
have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to
include in your kit:

- 3-day supply of nonperishable foods
- Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medication
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Hygiene products
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Cell phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Matches in waterproof container
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Whistle to signal for help
- Pet supplies
- Infant formula and diapers
- Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well. For a more extensive list,
check out Ready.gov

Be Storm Ready for 2019

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We can't predict what storms will hit in 2019 or what damage it will cause but you can be prepared. Ready.gov has information regarding planning ahead of a storm.

2017 was a hard year for storm season and Houston and surrounding areas felt the affects of storm season worse than most. 

Texas storm season, is June 1st to November 30th. This is 6 months out of the year, but August and September, historically, is when Texas experiences the majority of it's storms.

One of the best ways to be prepared is to stay informed. Between the news channels, weather apps and social media; it is easier than it has ever been to stay informed. Follow the advice of the local government and when evacuation orders are given, follow them.

In the event of a local disaster, your home and belongings can possibly be saved and restored. After the storm subsides and you suffered home damages, call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony at 972-335-9900 and let us help you!

Dangerous Weather Tips

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With the spring season comes lush green lawns and warmer sunny days. However, spring is also the prime season for severe weather such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods. There are steps that can be taken to help ensure your safety if dangerous weather is predicted in your community. 

Although tornadoes can happen anytime throughout the year, however there are 3 months when they more likely to occur: April, May and June, a transition time when unsettled weather is more likely to occur. The following are a few safety steps that can be taken to be ready if a tornado warning is issued is your area:

• Know what your community’s warning system is.

• Choose a safe room in your home for your family to meet if a tornado is headed your way. This room should be a basement (most Texas homes don't have basements), storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor and should have no windows. 

• Prepare your lawn for strong winds by removing any damaged limbs from trees and making sure your lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, etc. are secured.

Thunderstorms are also common in the spring and can produce very dangerous lightning. A few thunderstorm safety tips recommended by the American Red Cross are:

• Where there is thunder, there is lightning! If thunder can be heard, then you are close enough to be in danger of lightning strikes. Go indoors!

• Postpone any outdoor activities, such as sporting events and picnics until the storm passes. It is possible to get struck by lightning even if it is not raining.

• Take shelter in a building or vehicle with windows closed and stay clear of the windows.

• Do not shower or bathe during a thunderstorm.

Flash floods occur suddenly when water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area. Below are some safety steps recommended in the event of flooding:

• Be prepared to evacuate and head for higher ground.

• Stay away from floodwaters.

• Do not drive on flooded streets.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood danger.

While severe weather can be frightening, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of the ones you love, by being prepared and taking precautions.

How we SPEED UP the drying process so you can get back to business!

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PSYCHROMETRY-A sub-science of physics relating to the measurement or determination of the thermodynamic properties of air/water mixtures (e.g., humidity and temperature).

The knowledge of psychrometry is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony is trained to the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony Professionals will:

- Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

- Measure how much moisture is in wet material and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

- Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material – but only if the air is indeed drier. Nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

Your local Frisco/The Colony SERVPRO® is trained to use top of the line equipment to help "Mother Nature" along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls and much more.

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony uses state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your business.

Response time is Critical on saving your business time and money

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Commercial Building Restoration Services

Fires or water damage happen, they may occur at your office or business. Who do you call? Knowing the right company to help in an emergency is important to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. 

Response time is crucial!! We are located in Frisco and can respond faster to get the help you need and begin services promptly.

We can access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle larger commercial projects and major storm events.

SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony are available 24/7 to help you restore your commercial property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage.

For All Your Commercial Needs

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• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning: We use the latest IICRC standards as well as state-of the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.
• Upholstery and Drapes: Using wet or dry methods fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method.
• Odor Identification and Deodorization: We will identify the source of the odor and determine the best method to neutralize and eliminate it.
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning: Cleaning services can provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.
• Crime Scene, Bio-hazard and Vandalism Cleanup: Technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper OSHA, EPA and state/local health regulations.
• Contents Claim Inventory Service: Accurate inventory helps keep costs low and reduces job completion time. We can provide an itemized, area-by-area loss inventory.
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: We work to control and remediate mold contaminates while protecting your health and safety.
• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration: Pretesting helps us determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration.
• Water Removal and Dehumidification: We identify the source and type of water, which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damages.                                                                                  When you need it done right and done fast call your local Frisco/The Colony SERVPRO® for all your commercial needs.

Safety rules to follow during a lightening storm

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1. 30/30 rule – if the time between lighting and thunder is 30 seconds or less, go to a safe shelter. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

2. Move to a sturdy shelter or vehicle. Do not take shelter in a small shed, under isolated trees, or in a convertible-top vehicle. Stay away from tall objects such as trees or towers or poles.

3. If in your vehicle when lightning strikes – don’t touch a metal surface. You are safer in a vehicle than being outdoors.

4. Remember that utility lines or pipes can carry the electrical current underground or through a building. Avoid electrical appliances, and use telephones or computers only in an emergency.

5. If you feel your hair standing on end – get down into a baseball catcher’s position and plug your ears with your finger tips so if lightning does hit it will not blow your ear drums out. Do not lie flat!

6. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Lightning can travel 5-10 miles away from the thunderstorm and strike the ground with blue sky overhead. The storm doesn’t have to be overhead in order for you to be struck.

Sewer System Failure

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

This Frisco, TX. home experienced flooding after many days of torrential rain causing sewage water to back up into their home.  They called SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony to handle the mitigation.

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

We will inspect damaged property and determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (972-335-9900)

Wind and Hail Storms can cause water intrusion into your home

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Determining whether or your roof has sustained damage from a wind or hailstorm may be difficult. After a strong wind and/or hail storm hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof to guarantee the roof has no signs of storm damage. It is important to keep your roof in top condition to avoid structural deterioration that may cause leaks. 

The wind can blow shingles off or displace shingles and leave areas on your roof susceptible for water intrusion. Strong winds can cause tree branches to fall on your home's roof or cause debris to fly and hit parts of your home.

Hail can disrupt the integrity of your shingles leaving places for water to seep into your home. Often times this type of water intrusion will travel in between the walls from the roof leak and will go unnoticed until drywall and insulation begin to show signs of water damage. 

If you sustained storm damage that caused water damage, please call us, we are always here to help!!  

Fire Safety Tips for Children

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According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

Protect your most valuable possessions: Review and Practice Fire Safety

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Many home fires can be prevented if you learn, follow and teach family members safety and prevention guidelines. 

• Smoke Detectors: on every floor of your home. If you call our local Fire Departments they can you decide the best location to have them installed. Be certain to test and replace batteries on your smoke detectors on a regular basis.
• Portable fire extinguishers: can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. A fire extinguisher should be tested yearly to ensure they are in working order.   

• In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

  Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

  Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

  Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

  Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

  It is always a good idea to show EVERYONE in your household how to use a fire extinguisher in case of fire.  You never know when or where the fire will start and having more than one person know how to use an extinguisher could save you from excessive damage to your home or save a life.

• Store flammable liquids in appropriate containers: Dispose of all unused newspapers, rags, and other flammable material. Keep everything away from electrical outlets.
• Create an emergency escape plan with your family in case of a fire. Agree on meeting place outside of the home where you will meet and ensure everyone is out safely. Have a practice fire drill. 

• If your home is on fire DO NOT STAY IN THE HOUSE!
• If your house is on fire and you are inside a closed room, feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it to see if it hot. 
• Breathing smoke can be very dangerous! Heat rises, so there will be more smoke higher in the room. Get on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit away from the fire.
• If your clothing should catch on fire, DO NOT RUN! REMEMBER STOP, DROP, and ROLL! If your sleeves are not on fire use your arms to cover/protect your face.These safety tips can help keep you and your family stay safe! 

We respond Faster to Any Size Disaster

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

Every hour spent restoring your business back to preloss condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business. We are located in Frisco and distance matters for response time after your business has suffered a loss.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

When you need a professional restoration company you can count on, call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony at (972)335-9900.

Tips for Winterizing your Commercial building

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Fire Protection Systems

• Sprinkler pipes: protect any sprinkler pipes that are exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees to protect from freezing.
• Antifreeze systems: have antifreeze systems been tested for adequate concentration in the past year?"

Building Interior

• Furnaces: inspect, tune-up, check filters, check venting and assure property clearances to combustibles.
• Space heaters: prohibit or minimize use and assure safe location and operation.
• Wood-burning stoves and chimneys: inspected for safe use.
• Interior pipes: protect from freezing. Be very careful if attempting to thaw a frozen pipe. Do NOT thaw frozen pipes with open flames or torches.
• Faucets: leave dripping during intense cold.
• Alarms: test all fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Smoking: it may be cold outside but do not allow smoking inside of your building.

Building Exterior

• Roof: inspect and repair. Seal around vents and other protrusions to prevent roof leaks.
• Gutters and downspouts: remove all obstructions and make sure they are properly secured.
• Exterior water lines: drain and winterize to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Drains: clear debris so that water drains away from your property.
• Basements: are you prepared for water backups?
• Trees: inspect trees near structures and walk areas and remove unsafe branches.

The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your water damage.

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We are able to respond quickly to your call! We are located here in Frisco!

30 MINUTES-ONE HOUR: Within 30 minutes to one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professional will contact you to arrange for service. You'll know help is on the way!

ONE HOUR-FOUR HOURS: Within one to four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. We will thoroughly inspect your home using moisture meters and infra-red to identify water damage areas. 

DETAILED EXPLANATION: A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

SETTING UP DEHUMIDIFIERS/AIR MOVERS: A SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professional will begin setting up equipment to affected areas to begin the drying process. 

EIGHT HOURS: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope and plan of action will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

CLEANING & RESTORATION: SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. We will use State-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH: After the work has been completed, which typically takes 3-5 days to dry affected materials. A final walk-through will be conducted with you to help insure your satisfaction.

24/7 EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE SERVICES

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SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO® Professionals may be needed.

We will ask you several questions:

• Your name and contact information.
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business.
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?
• Your insurance information (if applicable)                                                                    We answer the phone ready to help.      SERVPRO ® of South Frisco/ The Colony (972)-335-9900. 

Move Outs Aid in Timely Recovery

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

When an insured experiences a fire loss, it is often necessary to move the home’s contents to another location for storage, security and restoration of damaged contents. This process is also referred to as a pack out.

Damage to a structure requiring a move out will involve the entire structure rather than be localized to one room. If only one room is affected, the contents may be moved to other rooms in the structure while repairs are being made instead of out of the house. In other occasions, it is necessary to move contents out of the entire structure. Once a move out is decided upon, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony follows a precise process to ensure that it is done correctly.

When arriving to assess the damage professionals will pretest items to determine their clean-ability. This process will help to determine what items are restorable and what items need to be deemed claim items. In all situations, our priority is getting your customer back into their home or office in a timely manner. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will make a complete inventory of all items being moved out of the structure on a room-to-room basis to ensure all items are detailed. Those items that are restorable will be carefully packed for removal.

Ask about our “Claims Items” inventory service. Call SERVPRO of  South Frisco/The Colony to get an accurate claim list fast.

After the contents are packed and the furniture is labeled, the professionals from SERVPRO will check off each item on the inventory list as it is being loaded into the moving can for removal.

Once removed, each item will be carefully restored and stored until the structure is ready for the move back. When the structure has been restored, SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will return the cleaned and restored contents to the insured.

SERVPRO Will Help You Get Back To Business After A Fire

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It can be very disheartening to see your business engulfed in flames and to grasp just how hard restoring it will be. In between salvaging what you can, unraveling the appropriate paperwork to file for your insurance claim and ensuring the safety of all involved it is hard to know where to start. Moreover, of course, there are the financial considerations that come from your business not being able to operate. 

For all commercial fire damage needs, SERVPRO is here to help. Our team of experts is here to help you set priorities and relieve you from the work we do best. As tempting as it may be to enter your business with mops and cleaners, restoring your business after a fire is best handled by experts. Time is of the essence, and we can set things in motion as soon as you reach out to us. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and begin the restoration process. 

When there is fire, the damage comes not only from flames but also from the water and chemicals used to douse it out. Deciding what is salvageable and what is not can be time-consuming, but our well-established procedures are designed to make the decision more effective, thus saving you time and money. Our SERVPRO team first concentrates on eliminating any standing water and removing any materials that cannot be salvaged. Once our monitoring equipment verifies that moisture is back to acceptable levels, we utilize air movers and dehumidifiers to ensure everything is dry. 

Our work is not done until we rid your business of unpleasant odors. To remove smoke and soot we use specialized solutions specific to each surface to clean and disinfect, but for odors, we use different approaches to neutralize and eliminate the offending smells. Our SERVPRO team understands how smoke travels, so we understand how to fight its remnants. By using charcoal activated filters, we clean the air through your HVAC system, and we complement those efforts with deodorizing pellets and even an ozone generator if appropriate.

We hope your business never falls victim to fire damage, but we are here to help if it does. Just call us at (972) 335-9900 and allow our experts to work for you. Every minute we can help you gain in opening your business again is time well spent.

Will A Failing Water Heater Damage Your Frisco Home?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

A common issue in homes, including in The Colony and Frisco, is water heater failure. Most of these issues result from a sudden burst or a slow leak. Since these devices usually reside in a closet or somewhere else out of sight, you can wind up with a big problem on your hands. Therefore, taking steps to reduce these risks is essential to keep your home dry and safe.  

A failing water heater is one of the top five sources of residential water damage. If your home’s water heater has created a water disaster like this, get in touch with SERVPRO staff right away for water removal services that are top-notch. We have been professionally trained and equipped to handle all kinds of water damage emergencies and respond to your call quickly, so it is not difficult to see why SERVPRO is the choice you should make to restore your home.  

You can many times avoid water heater failure by taking a few simple steps. First of all, know how old your water heater is. If it has reached its life expectancy, the risk of a sudden burst or slow leak goes up. When your water heater has burst and dumped water all over your floor, SERVPRO techs can arrive at your home fast to pump the standing water out with truck-mounted pumps. We also have dehumidifiers and industrial fans to help dry the area out quickly to avoid mold growth.  

Another thing to check is the anode rod of your water heater. These are installed to help stop corrosion of the tank. You should inspect it every two years and at least once per year once the warranty has expired. You also need to clean out your water heater on a regular basis. Sediment can be removed by flushing out the tank every six months. Attach a garden hose at the base to the valve there to do so. Make sure you first turn the power off and run hot water until it cools before you flush the tank.  

Get a professional plumber to inspect the water heater piping and shut-off valve once per year. Signs of rust, lose or wet joints and broken valves are all signals that more severe damage is possible.  

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony can come to the rescue after your water heater in your home. With the amount of water these appliances can unleash on your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 972 335 9900 any time you need us.

What To Expect After Contacting SERVPRO

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

What To Expect After Contacting SERVPRO

If a client has suffered damage to his or her home, it is important to act quickly. SERVPRO’s 24 hour availability makes them a top choice for many insurance agencies. Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting the restoration company.

1. A Quick Response
When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted them about the emergency. Once you have provided them with the necessary information, they will begin preparing to address the needs of your client.

2. Arrival to the Damaged Site
With over 1,700 locations, SERVPRO can arrive quickly to any emergency. They can be on site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make a huge difference if your client’s home has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money.

3. Inspection and a Verbal Briefing
Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. This should all happen within eight hours of your initial call. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you and your client are aware of what will happen next. Their quick 24 hour response will allow them to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before they begin work on necessary repairs.
Because it can spread and worsen quickly, the 24 hour period after damage has occurred is crucial. SERVPRO’s fast response will save the agency money and allow your client to have their home back sooner.

It's Elemental

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Mother Nature is a force no one can reckon with. The elements are an unpredictable enemy that anyone who owns property needs to take into constant consideration. With little or no warning, a natural disaster can wipe your business off the map within the blink of an eye. It is vital to be prepared for what could potentially be in store in your future and the damage control you can have prepared for these very situations. Listed below are a few examples of how you can defend your assets against the unforeseen elements.

Risk Assessment:  Where you are located can dictate your plan of action. If you are living in an area prone to flooding or located where tornadoes are common it might seem obvious in what coverage you require. A risk assessment is an important tool as it can identify the lesser probable causes of loss. Just because some events are less likely to occur than others, does not prevent the possibility of them happening. The best offense is a great defense. So be prepared.

Business Interruption Insurance: When you lose your ability to earn income do to damaged property your business interruption insurance will cover most of your loss. Some scenarios are straightforward as in water damage due to a burst pipe or structural damage caused by a fire. Natural disasters are not as specific. Secondary issues such as closed roads due to down trees can cause a loss of income and a basic interruption plan will not cover these situations. It is very important to look into supporting insurance that can be added on to cover such events.

FEMA Funding: Flooding is one of the most common side effects of natural disasters. While rain might be covered by your Business Owner's Policy, once it settles in any location it is no longer considered rain and is now defined as flood water. Flood water can only be insured by The Federal Flood Insurance Program which is administered by FEMA. 

Consider all options: When insuring your commercial building it should be of highest priority to be sure all options have been considered. Be completely aware of the threat that the elements pose and the steps you can have in place to insure your property should disaster strike.

Greased Lighting

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a universal meeting point to converse while rummaging for a snack and is an essential part of any household. So it should be no wonder to know that nearly 41 percent of fires originate in the kitchen area. Multiple factors can play into the dangers of in home fires, many of which we overlook. We will be going through a list of steps to take when confronted with a grease fire and how to practice the proper techniques to either get the fire under control, or remove yourself to seek help.

Once a fire ignites:

• The most immediate approach you can take is to smother the flames with a cooking lid or cookie sheet. Leave on flame until it has been extinguished and the surface has cooled.
• Immediately turn off the heat source
• Baking Soda or Salt are the only two kitchen ingredients to be used when putting out a grease fire. Never use flour or any other substance to extinguish flames as they can make the fire worse.
• If all else has failed and the fire is still manageable, use a fire extinguisher to control situation.

NEVER USE WATER TO PUT OUT GREASE FIRE FLAMES. Do not attempt to move burning items outside.

If all else fails:

• If you cannot get the flames smothered it is imperative to immediately vacate the home and seek help. Kitchen fires can spread very quickly leaving you vulnerable and reduces your points of exit.
• Close all doors behind you as you leave as it can help contain the spread of the flames.
• Call 911 immediately from a safe distance.
• Never under any circumstances reenter your home while fire is in progress.
• Always have a current evacuation plan composed for your family to know which route is best to safely leave in the case of an emergency.

Home fire loss makes for a long process of recovery as well as the possibility of losing precious items that cannot be replaced. These simple steps and help you prevent disaster from striking and keep your family safe.

Insured: How To Know You Are Covered in a Flood

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Your homeowners' policy is likely designed to take care of accidents that were unable to be foreseen. While it can secure against most of the things that can go wrong with your home in Frisco, TX you may need additional insurance for certain issues. Sometimes your basement flood can be covered, and sometimes it cannot.

What Isn't Covered?

There are several things your homeowners' policy probably doesn't insure:

• Flood damage
• Issues resulting from negligence or improper maintenance
• Backup of municipal sewer lines
• Repair of the flood's source

You may have to purchase additional insurance coverage for some of these issues. The cost of some of the repairs, however, such as repairs done by restoration professionals for problems caused by poor maintenance, will probably have to be paid out of pocket.

What Is Covered?

If the accident that causes the damage is sudden and unavoidable, such as a water heater that breaks and causes a basement flood, your homeowners' policy will probably protect you. If your floor or a wall needs to be replaced, your dwelling insurance can take care of it. If items are ruined in the flood, the personal property clause in the policy can help you pay for their replacement after the deductible is met.

What Additional Protection Is Needed?

If you experience frequent flooding it is a good idea to purchase flood insurance. Water backup coverage can help you when your basement is flooded by a backed-up sewer line or a clogged pipe outside your home. Talk to your insurance agent about other options that may be helpful for you to have to protect your home.

If a sudden accident causes a basement flood, a lot of the damage is probably insured by your homeowners' policy. Some special circumstances might require further coverage, though. It is important to make sure you understand your policy and have the right one in place before a problem occurs.

What You Should Do When Dealing with Fire Damage

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

What You Should Do When Dealing with Fire Damage in Your Home

Life has enough interruptions and bumps along the way without the unwanted disaster of a house fire. The aftermath is almost as bad but much longer-lasting. Even small fires can use the assistance of a professional cleanup/restoration company. Cooking fires that spread beyond the stove, barbecue grills that go up in smoke, and even small appliances that catch fire can cause damage to surrounding areas. 

Small Fires can Pose High Risks 

While you should never pour water on a grease fire, nor on an electrical one, many times that is a person's first reaction anywhere. This can cause even more damage. Cooking fires and electrical shorts are common causes of Seattle home and business fire damage.  It can also create physical risks to people standing nearby. With grease fires, baking soda should be poured into the pan and any grease or oil that has caught fire outside of the cooking pan or skillet instead of water. 

With electrical fires the appliance should be unplugged if it can be safely done, but not by pulling on the cord. This can cause the cord to snap, leaving the plug, without the cord, still in the outlet. The power to the area where this is happening should be shut off at the fuse box as quickly as possible to eliminate the hazard. 

After the Fire is Out, It's Time to Repair the Damage 

When there's been a localized fire, you should have someone assess the damages for you. This can often help with insurance documentation.

Damage can range from blackened walls and countertops to heavily burned surfaces, electrical wires being damaged and requiring replacement, to floors suffering damage so severe they must be replaced to be safe again. Having experts conduct the repairs needed can expedite insurance claims being resolved, as well. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We have highly trained and skilled professionals who are experienced in all sizes of fire damage clean up and restoration. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help clean up and repair fire damage, no matter how large or small. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

customers home affected by microbial growth after a slow leak occurred.

Homeowners insurance does not usually cover mold damages. Although, there are instances when mold is covered. These instances are generally when the cause of mold is due to an incident that homeowners insurance does cover. For example, if mold has grown due to accidental and sudden pipe burst or if a recent fire has caused mold, your homeowners insurance will likely cover the mold damages. On the contrary, if mold has grown due to improper maintenance practices, such as on-going humidity exposure or a continuous leak, homeowners insurance will not likely cover the damages.

If you believe you may have a mold issue give us  a call today to have one of our experienced technicians come out and access your concerns!! (972)335-9900

Lightning Safety Tips

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning Strike.

1. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Lightning can travel 5-10 miles away from the thunderstorm and strike the ground with blue sky overhead. The storm doesn’t have to be overhead in order for you to be struck.

2. Move to a sturdy shelter or vehicle. Do not take shelter in a small shed, under isolated trees, or in a convertible-top vehicle. Stay away from tall objects such as trees or towers or poles.

3. If in your vehicle when lightning strikes – don’t touch a metal surface. You are safer in a vehicle than being outdoors.

4. Remember that utility lines or pipes can carry the electrical current underground or through a building. Avoid electrical appliances, and use telephones or computers only in an emergency.

5. If you feel your hair standing on end – get down into a baseball catcher’s position and plug your ears with your finger tips so if lightning does hit it will not blow your ear drums out. Do not lie flat!

6. 30/30 rule – if the time between lighting and thunder is 30 seconds or less, go to a safe shelter. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder

Spring Cleaning for Businesses

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Spring Cleaning

Spring time has become a staple time of year to undertake deeper cleaning projects.  Although this is commonly associated with residential homes, it is just as much needed for workplaces as well as homes.  The cold winter months keep everyone cooped up inside and messes start to grow.  A good cleaning helps to give workers a more open and less hectic environment; additionally, a clean and welcoming place of business helps to attract customers.

Unless you’re an archetypal Danny Tanner or Monica Geller, chances are cleaning isn’t near the top of your to-do-list.  Lucky for you, we are here to help make that part just a tad bit easier with a list of some important areas to inspect during your spring cleaning.  

OUTSIDE

• Windows

Windows are one of the simplest yet crucial areas to clean.  Beyond making sure you have squeaky clean windows, check to make sure they have tight seals.  Small gaps in window seals can cause cool air to seep out (and warm air in the winter months), as well as allowing water to trickle in. Checking caulking and weather stripping remains intact and up to par can save you money in the long term.

• Landscaping

This is very important for the presentation of your business.  Now the grass, flowers, weeds and other plants are starting to grow, it’s important to start grooming your landscape.  Don’t wait till your plants get out of control, hire someone now or take some time yourself to pull the weeds, mow the grass, and trim any trees or bushes.  Additionally, this is a great time to plant some flowers if you want to spruce up your place of business.

• AC/HVAC

When converting your buildings air flow system from heating to air conditioning now is the best time to quality check your system.  Test your system by running it for a while to make sure it’s working properly, check any old or out of date parts that might need replacing.  Clean out the ventilation system by removing dust particles and any other debris lying inside.  Ventilation systems are rarely cleaned, which is why lots of building owners tend to find pest infestation or mold problems when cleaning their vents/ducts.  It’s best to take these precautions while the temperature is in a transitioning period. 

• Pest Maintenance

Along with the rebirthed trees and plants, spring also brings back hordes of pests.  Ants, spiders, termites, mosquitoes, and even bed bugs can become a problem.  It’s best to take preventative measures to ward off pests instead of being forced to shut the business down for a couple weeks in order to fumigate for pests.  Keep in mind your locale because different areas attract different pests, this will help inform you what to spray for. If you’re located near a ditch you’ll have more mosquitoes, among other pests, than a more urbanized area. Lastly, if you are continually having the same pest problems year after year, try to identify exterior factors that might be attracting those pests and any defects in your building that might be letting them in.

INSIDE

• Dusting

Simple and effective.  Even if you already dust on a regular basis now’s a good time to dust those harder to reach, and often ignored, areas. 

• Flooring/Carpets

As people come in from the rainy times and wipe their feet on your carpets, dirt begins to build up.  Don’t let this grime buildup in your building; buy some strong cleaning products for your floors and a top quality vacuum for carpets. In addition to constantly maintaining floors and carpets, now is a great time to hire a professional carpet and floor cleaner to give your floors a deep clean.

• Reorganization

Reorganizing comes in two parts.  The first is the organizing of all the previous years files into a consolidated area for ease of access.  Best practice is to do this at the beginning of every year so that your files are neatly organized and easy to find when needed.  The second is the reorganization of the office itself.  This is more to keep a clean and presentable workplace.  Ideally this is a continuing process year round.  If the office has gotten out of hand this can be a good time of year to tidy up the office and breathe some fresh air into the workplace. 

Depending on your type of business will help determine what type of spring cleaning takes priority.  For example, if you are in a retail business many of these basic cleanings, such as windows and organization, might already be factored into your weekly/monthly workflow.  Although it never hurts to go over all areas to make sure everything is getting done properly and efficiently.  Additionally, there will be some other more industry specific actions that require priority over window cleaning.  Remember, it’s most importantly to consider your specific business and the area in which you are doing business when prioritizing your spring cleaning.

Always Call An Expert

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. A certified water damage restoration service like SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, we have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony utilizes advanced equipment and technology to quicken the restoration time and to minimize cost. We proudly serve our community and surrounding areas with 24/7 emergency availability. Give us a call today! (972) 335-9900

How To Eliminate Mold Odor

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Air Scrubber used to remove odor from home

While many people think of mold as having a musty odor, the truth is mold can release a wide variety of unpleasant odors, depending on the type mycotoxin it releases. If you notice a strange smell you can’t seem to get rid of, you may be dealing with mold. 

What Causes the Smell?

Mold releases small molecules called mycotoxin that cause bad smells. Different species of mold have different odors. Some of the most common mold odors smell like:

• Cat urine
• Car exhaust
• Grease
• Earthy
• Musty
• Old cheese

If you smell mold in your home, it means you have a mold problem, even if you can’t see it. You’ll need to eliminate the mold in your house in order to get rid of the smell.

Get Rid of the Source

Perform a visual inspection of the room or area where the smell is strongest. Check in the back of closets, behind furniture and under carpets. If you can’t locate any mold, you may need to call in mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO of South frisco/The Colony. They will know how to locate moist areas in your home and check inside walls to locate the mold.

Killing mold is not enough to get rid of odors. It must be removed completely, either by scrubbing it off building materials with a biocide or by removing affected materials and replacing them. 

Prevent Reoccurrence

If you notice the odor returns, chances are good the mold has also returned. It’s critical to discover the cause of excess moisture in your home and eliminate it to prevent mold regrowth. Check for leaks and broken water pipes to discover where the moisture is coming from. Your mold remediation specialist at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The colony can help you do this.

You can also install a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA air filtration device, to help speed the process of musty odor elimination. These air filters are designed to remove very small molecules from the air, including mycotoxin. Just remember that an air filter can’t solve your mold problem. You still have to eliminate the mold to eliminate the odor.

"WHAT IF" Preparations!

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared at your home or business with a "What IF" emergency kit in the event of a catastrophic event. Ready.gov suggests you
have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below are some suggested items to
include in your kit:

- 3-day supply of nonperishable foods
- Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medication
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Hygiene products
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Cell phone charger
- Change of clothes
- Matches in waterproof container
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Whistle to signal for help
- Pet supplies
- Infant formula and diapers
- Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

You can also keep a condensed emergency kit in your vehicle as well. For a more extensive list,
check out Ready.gov

Dangers Of Extreme Cold

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, $2.84 million dollars in property damage was caused by extreme cold in 2015. Even scarier? Fifty three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold the same year.
It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm and/or numbness.
Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95 F, Seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

Mold 101

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Yeast is a great example of how some molds and fungi enrich our lives. Yeast is used to make bread. Yeast helped create those refreshing Kombuchas you have sampled at Farmer’s market. Yeast is also present in the fine wine and bleu cheese you are enjoying on your patio this summer!

Sadly, there is also a dark side to fungi and mold. Some molds are harmful to your health. An intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks (that small leak under the sink) and poor humidity control (tenants/family members not turning on the fan while showering). If water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. 

If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your building, be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odors, which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
• Excessive humidity

If any of these signs are present let SERVPRO know. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals care about proper restoration of your structure and, in most water damage situations, can safely restore your building to preloss condition.

Dont fear, call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony at (972) 335-9900

Questions About Mold

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Many customers call SERVPRO inquiring about the potential health effects of known or suspected mold growth.  The only way to truly determine the extent of mold spore migration is through lab testing.  SERVPRO does not conduct air quality inspections, however we do have trusted vendors and subcontractors that provide these services.

Air or surface sampling can be helpful in determining the scope, or extent of a mold infestation.  Air samples are taken by drawing a predetermined volume of air through a sterile media, which is then sent to laboratory for analysis.  Lab analysis is able to determine type of spores found, as well as extrapolate estimated quantities of the spores identified.  Upon request most labs will include a report detailing any issues regarding the indoor air quality.  Most Indoor Environmental Professionals will complement the lab report with a recommended remediation plan. 

If you find yourself on the receiving end of this type of report for your home or business, call SERVPRO!  We have the experienced and trained technicians coupled with the proper equipment to execute mold remediation on any scale

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Cold Weather Killer

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov an average of 430 American's die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often it is the result of faulty, improperly used or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, space heaters, and combustion engine-powered equipment, such as portable generators.
However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes.
-Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO.
-Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including outside of all bedrooms.
-Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional.
-Use portable generators only outdoors away from doors, windows, vents or any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.
For additional CO safety information, visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov

Are you Storm Ready For 2019?

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Building that was flooded during Hurricane Harvey,16 days after the water receded.

We can't predict what storms will hit in 2019 or what damage it will cause but you can be prepared. Ready.gov has information regarding planning ahead of a storm.

2017 was a hard year for storm season and Houston and surrounding areas felt the affects of storm season worse than most. 

Texas storm season, is June 1st to November 30th. This is 6 months out of the year, but August and September, historically, is when Texas experiences the majority of it's storms. One of the best ways to be prepared is to stay informed. Between the news channels, weather apps and social media; it is easier than it has ever been to stay informed. Follow the advice of the local government and when evacuation orders are given, follow them. In the event of a local disaster, your home and belongings can possibly be saved and restored. After the storm subsides and you suffered home damages, call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony at 972-335-9900 and let us help you!

Are You Hurricane Ready?

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

According to Helen Lowman with FEMA unlike most natural disasters, hurricanes rarely take us by surprise. There’s a season (June 1 – November 30) when forecasters can see hurricanes developing off the coast, hundreds of miles away, and can track them as they move closer to land. However, when they hit, high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and even tornadoes are all part of the hurricane package that can really pack a punch. That’s why if you live in an area where hurricanes are a threat, now is the time to prepare. The following tips can help you get prepared:

1. Be prepared if you lose power.  If you or anyone in your household depends on medical devices that are powered by electricity, this is a priority. Talk to your medical equipment company to find out what will happen to your equipment during a power outage.
   Make sure you have extra compatible batteries for your flashlights, radios or any device that can run on battery power 
   FEMA recommends each person have at least a three-day supply of food and water, and more if possible.
   Set your freezer and refrigerator to the highest temperature so that it can stay cooler longer if you lose power.
2. Have an emergency supply bag. Food, water, medication and batteries are just some of the basic emergency supplies you’ll want to have ready in a “Go Bag” that you can grab quickly before evacuating. Take time now to make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
3. Know your community’s evacuation plans. Many communities have designated “evacuation routes” and some even have evacuation zones. You will want to be familiar with these so if your local authorities issue an evacuation order, you’ll know exactly where to go.
4. Make provisions for your pets.  Arrange a place for them to stay if possible. If you are taking them with you locate hotels that are pet friendly and bring their food along.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Spring is here and with it comes the blooming flowers, nice weather and the threat of tornadoes. Although tornadoes can happen anytime throughout the year however there are 3 months when they more likely to occur: April, May and June, a transition time when unsettled weather is more likely to occur.  

Tornadoes often appear with little warning and possess strong winds that can cause serious damage and according to The National Severe Storms Laboratory you don't have to live in Tornado Alley to experience a tornado, around 1,200 tornadoes touch down across the United States each year so preparation and understanding your risk is key.

Here are four things you need to know about tornadoes and tornado season:

1.Tornadoes can happen anywhere, any time of year.

When people think of tornadoes they often associate them occurring in Central Texas, Oklahoma and other Great Plains states commonly known as Tornado Alley but tornadoes happen outside this area every year and, in fact, they can happen all over the world anytime the conditions are right.

2.The difference between tornado watches and warnings.

Many people are not aware of the difference in a tornado watch and a tornado warning, but the difference between the two is simple:

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather such as thunderstorms in an area could produce tornadoes but it does not mean that a tornado will occur, it simply means you should be alert and pay attention to weather updates.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted on the ground in your area or that the storm circulation seen on Doppler radar may produce a tornado. You should seek shelter now. Even though there is a chance that the tornado will miss you or that one won't form, it is always best to be safe.

Remember if there's a tornado watch, you should keep watching the weather. If a warning is issued, that’s your warning to take shelter.

3. Never open your windows and doors or take shelter under an overpass.

While there are many good safety tips on tornadoes there are some that can put you in danger instead of making you safer. Here are two safety tips you should know:

Do not open your windows or doors during a tornado. It will not help, it just makes it easier for debris to fly through the open windows into your house.

If you are on the road during a tornado try to get inside a building as soon as possible. Do not stop and take shelter under a bridge. Taking shelter under a bridge or overpass if you're on the road is very dangerous. The winds from a tornado could blow you out from underneath or the structure could collapse on top of you.

4. Tornado season can't be forecasted.

Unlike hurricane season, there is not a forecast for the whole of tornado season, though various large-scale atmospheric patterns, such as the El Niño-La Niña cycle, can affect how a tornado season plays out. Tornado season starts roughly in April and is at its most active from May to June, but there have been many tornado outbreaks through the year so there is not a clear pattern. While some tornado seasons start out busy, they can diminish gradually and stop while some seasons have been known to be the exact opposite.

The only effective thing a forecaster can say is when and where a given storm system is likely to produce tornadoes with the next few days or hours, then watch for signs of them on radar or for spotters to see one on the ground and send a warning that generally only amounts to a few minutes. Those few minutes can be crucial so if you're under a tornado warning, pay attention.

Review Safety Tips before dangerous weather stikes

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

With the spring season comes lush green lawns and warmer sunny days. However, spring is also the prime season for severe weather such as tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods. There are steps that can be taken to help ensure your safety if dangerous weather is predicted in your community. 

Although tornadoes can happen anytime throughout the year, however there are 3 months when they more likely to occur: April, May and June, a transition time when unsettled weather is more likely to occur. The following are a few safety steps that can be taken to be ready if a tornado warning is issued is your area:

• Know what your community’s warning system is.

• Choose a safe room in your home for your family to meet if a tornado is headed your way. This room should be a basement (most Texas homes don't have basements), storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor and should have no windows. 

• Prepare your lawn for strong winds by removing any damaged limbs from trees and making sure your lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants, etc. are secured.

Thunderstorms are also common in the spring and can produce very dangerous lightning. A few thunderstorm safety tips recommended by the American Red Cross are:

• Where there is thunder, there is lightning! If thunder can be heard, then you are close enough to be in danger of lightning strikes. Go indoors!

• Postpone any outdoor activities, such as sporting events and picnics until the storm passes. It is possible to get struck by lightning even if it is not raining.

• Take shelter in a building or vehicle with windows closed and stay clear of the windows.

• Do not shower or bathe during a thunderstorm.

Flash floods occur suddenly when water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area. Below are some safety steps recommended in the event of flooding:

• Be prepared to evacuate and head for higher ground.

• Stay away from floodwaters.

• Do not drive on flooded streets.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood danger.

While severe weather can be frightening, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of the ones you love, by being prepared and taking precautions.

What To Do If You Suspect Mold Growth In Your Commercial Building

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

As commercial buildings are become more energy efficient often these energy efficient buildings do not have proper ventilation or air exchanges. Poor air quality then becomes a perfect breeding ground for mold and other contaminants. Even as you’re HVAC systems become more energy efficient, costly, and with the addition air filters exposure to indoor mold has become a major hindrance. Fortunately, there are several different solutions to this issue. When mold growth does occur, it is very important to know the right steps for properly removing it from an indoor environment, and ensuring that it doesn't re-occur.

Any area that contains the right levels of water has lack of light, and no exposure to fresh air can cause mold to begin growing in as little as 48 hours. Since mold tends to grow in cramped, closed, and damp spaces, the reality is that for every visible colony of mold that you see, there could be several more square feet (millions of spores) of mold in areas that you do not. Simply put; an area that can hold moisture and no easy access is vulnerable, especially in commercial buildings where there are numerous places mold can grow, and are often difficult to locate.

If you suspect that your building has mold growth you should call a licensed professional

It’s a task which should be firmly limited to qualified professionals who have the proper knowledge and equipment to safely remove mold and mold contaminated materials. Just inhalation or exposure to mold could cause significant health problems.

The Steps for Removing Mold:

 Plan and Prepare. Contact a licensed mold remediation company such as SERVPRO to safely remove mold and mold contaminated materials. Just inhalation or exposure to mold could cause significant health problems.

Identify, and Protect. When remediation is performed, take special care in inspecting “unseen” areas where mold could potentially grow, and have them cleaned accordingly. Protect your building by having any water damage completely remediated by a water mitigation company such as SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony and by having air inspections to detect spores that could cause resurgence in mold growth.

Act Quickly. Mold begins growing within 48 hours, but some can begin colonizing a surface even sooner, so don’t wait when it comes to contacting a mold remediation professional such as SERVPRO. If you have had an area flood with water, water removal and potential remediation needs to begin as soon as it is detected or mold is a real possibility.

Turn Off the HVAC. Mold is spread through airborne spores, and your HVAC can transport those spores throughout a building. It can also grow in any ventilation shaft where there's condensation to feed growth. Until the mold has been properly removed, don’t give the mold potential routes of access throughout your building, or you could be dealing with a much more extensive growth.

What To Expect During Mold Remediation

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the back side will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a preloss condition

The IICRC outlines five major principles of mold remediation.

1. Make sure safety and health precautions are taken by cleanup professionals and occupants. Mold-contaminated buildings can be associated with many health problems. Anyone involved in the mold remediation process must be protected from exposure through a combination of practices and controls.
2. A post-cleanup assessment by an independent environmental expert. An effective mold remediation cannot be developed without first determining the extent of the contamination to be removed. To ensure that remediation work is being properly performed, it is highly recommended that appropriate documentation of the remediation process be kept by project management
3. Control of mold before it spreads further. Eliminating mold at the source of contamination is essential. Once mold spores spread through the air, it will be much more difficult to capture.
4. Oversee the proper physical removal of the mold. The mold must be physically removed from the structure. Attempts to isolate mold or remove signs of mold on the surface are not adequate. Note that bleach alone cannot kill mold.
5. Ensure that moisture is controlled to limit future contamination or re-contamination. Mold growth is virtually inevitable if moisture is not controlled. Moisture problems must be identified, located and corrected or controlled as soon as possible

How to Detect and Prevent Carpet Mold

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Carpet mold is very serious but often goes unseen. It develops beneath the carpet fibers making it hard to detect. A leak in one part of a house can trickle into another. This leads to nearly invisible carpet mold.

Detecting Carpet Mold               

Some carpets are visibly moldy. They may look like white, black or green splashes on the carpet. These carpets need to be discarded. Carpets that are completely soaked probably have mold. A plumber might need to check for any leaky pipes within the walls. Wet carpeting must be cleaned and dried within 48 hours to ensure that mold has been completely removed. Mold in carpets is usually beyond repair. Professional cleaners may be able to quickly dry the carpet. They usually have the necessary equipment needed for fast mold remediation.

Mold usually has a distinct smell and the odor is unforgettable. If you see mold within your house, you may want to quickly smell it. You’ll be able to recognize it more easily in the future. There are a few different types of mold. Black mold is the most toxic. Those with black mold in house should get it removed immediately. It often appears in carpets and on walls. Black mold is dangerous because it is heavily associated with respiratory issues. It usually resembles black splotches in the carpet. It can also trail up against walls in thick lines. The circular patterns in black carpet mold may resemble burn marks.

How to Kill Mold

Killing mold in a carpet is almost impossible. Carpet mold usually seeps all the way through the fibers. It is better to focus on mold prevention and keeping the carpet clean. Carpets are less likely to visibly develop mold than other parts of the house. This is why mold detection is the key to prevention. Those looking to kill mold and mildew should consider hiring certified professionals like SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony because there is health risks involved. Home cleaning methods may make the mold less visible, but the spores will still be embedded in the carpet.

Preventing Carpet Mold

The one major cause of mold is moisture. Reducing the humidity within a house is the best way to ensure mold goes away forever. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier. These are designed to suck moisture out of the air. Make sure that there aren’t any leaks within your house. Broken air conditioners and leaky bathroom pipes may create puddles that result in mold.  Mold grows the most in places that are dark and damp. Mold prevention is harder in areas that are humid. Detailed cleaning of your carpet will greatly help in preventing mold.

Beware of Mold

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors? This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If you suspect Mold in your commercial or residential building call SERVPRO South Frisco/The Colony. Our professional Mold team can inspect and access your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation

Fire Caused By Lightning Strike

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning strike causes total loss

Whether you are building a new home, remodeling an existing home or even repairing a home that has been damaged, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) a lightning protection system can be a worthwhile investment.

Damage caused by lightning, such as fire, is covered by standard homeowners insurance policies; and some policies provide coverage for damage from power surges that are the direct result of a lightning strike.

“Lightning losses were $790 million in 2015 and the average cost per claim rose 64 percent from 2010 to 2015,” explained Loretta Worters, a vice president with the I.I.I. “The $3,000 or $4,000 it will cost to install a lightning protection system could prevent a deadly house fire and save on costly repairs,” she added.

The growing market for smart home technology makes installing a lightning protection system even more important, noted the I.I.I. It is also an opportunity for designers, builders and code officials to include lightning protection systems in their plans.

A lightning protection system does not attract lightning, a common misconception, noted the LPI. Lightning will strike a location whether there is lightning protection in place or not. A lightning protection system directs the harmful current from a lightning strike to the ground, leaving the structure and its contents undamaged.

“Keep in mind lightning protection system design and installation is complex and not a do-it-yourself project,” said Loehr. “Installation is not typically within the scope of expertise held by general contractors, roofers or even electricians--which is why the work is typically sub-contracted out to specialists.”

Always hire an LPI-certified expert who specializes in lightning protection and utilizes UL-listed components and equipment to install your system, and make sure the materials and methods comply with national safety standards. 

“If you contract to install a lightning protection system, keep the receipt and let your insurance professional know about this improvement. That will ensure it is included in the cost of rebuilding your home should a disaster occur,” said Worters. “It may even help reduce your insurance costs.”

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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

Beware of Fire Damage from Your Clogged Dryer Exhaust Duct

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Most of us don’t think about maintenance on our clothes dryers, but we should! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year there are thousands of home fires started by clothes dryers. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, which can result in a fire hazard. It is recommended you have your dryer exhaust system cleaned at least twice a year.

How to tell if you dryer vent is clogged

• Normal drying cycle is not drying clothes
• If it takes more than 40 minutes to dry a load of clothes
• Clothes smell musty after normal cycle
• Clothes are hotter at the end of the cycle
• Large amount of lint accumulates in the lint trap
• Your laundry area is more humid
• Burnt smell in your laundry room
• Outside dryer vent cover is not lifting

What you can do to reduce the risk

• Clean your lint filter after each load of clothes
• Use dryer sheet and fabric softener sparingly
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that is trapped
• Keep area around dryer free of dust and debris
• The duct line that vents outside should be as short as possible

There are tips online on how to clean you dryer vent system, but it is recommended you hire a professional. The cost is $100 - $150 depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.

A Clean Work Area Is Important

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Is your work space clean?  Do you know what can happen if your work space is not clean? 

“Here are some results of poor housekeeping practices:

• Injuries, when employees trip, fall, strike or are struck by out-of-place objects;
• Injuries from using improper tools because the correct tool can't be found;
• Lowered production because of the time spent maneuvering over and around someone else's mess, and time spent looking for proper tools and materials;
• Time spent investigating and reporting accidents that could have been avoided;
• Fires due to improper storage and disposal of flammable or combustible materials and wastes;
• Substandard quality of finished products because of production schedule delays, damaged or defective finishes, ill-equipped employees, etc.;
• Lack of future work due to a reputation for poor quality;
• "Wall-to-wall" OSHA inspections due to the "first impression" of the compliance officer.”

The right equipment (part two)

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

different types of dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony understands that using the proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing claims loss expense.When time matters,technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony professionals will answer your call with fast action,exceptional equipment,and trained,uniformed personnel. Certainly,the right tool for the job is vital to timely mitigation,but perhaps more important,these water damage professionals thoroughly understand how to dry a structure and personnel property effectively. 

Dehumidification equipment- By extracting water vapor from the air,dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity,which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damage structure,dehumidifiers pull in the moist,humid air and then discharge dry,warm air.The dry air acts like a sponge,absorbing moisture from the wet materials.

The two main types of dehumidifiers used by SERVPRO of South Frisco/the Colony are "Refrigerant Dehumidifiers" which work similarly to air conditioners; and "Desiccant Dehumidifiers", which use chemicals,called desiccants,that readily absorb moisture from the air.

SERVPRO Knows Deodorization

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in master bathroom

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places.  Unless fast, Professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

SERVPRO Professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO Professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today at (972) 335-9900

Educational Facilities

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded school that SERVPRO performed mitigation services at.

AT SERVPRO® we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or cancelled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and Flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue while we restore your facility. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so. 

Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities:

K-12 Schools Colleges & Universities Dormitories Event and Sporting Arenas Libraries Daycares / Pre-K Facilities

Call SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony today at (972) 335-9900

Industry terms for Fire damage

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

When a property experiences a fire, a homeowner and commercial property manager will begin to hear a lot of terms they may be unfamiliar with.  Familiarizing yourself with this vocabulary will help facilitate your understanding of what is happening.

Rest assured that if you should ever need our help, our expert team will walk you through the process of cleanup and restoration.

Fire Damage:  This is a general term that says a fire was the cause of loss.

Stabilizing the Structure:  This refers to the need to make a structure safe enough for our technicians to begin cleanup and remediation work.  The fire must be completely put out.  It may also include roof tarping, board-up, temporary fencing, and a security guard.

Roof Tarping:  A thick, weatherproof piece of plastic tarping will be attached to the roof to prevent precipitation from entering the building and causing secondary damage.  

Board-Up:  When pieces of board are placed over damaged windows and doors to prevent precipitation from entering the building and also to deter possible break-ins.

Temporary Fencing:  When a temporary fence is installed around the perimeter of the property or highly damaged areas to prevent possible break-ins and keep the general public away from sensitive areas.

Security Guard:  When a structure cannot be immediately stabilized (for example, it’s raining and it’s not safe to tarp the roof), a 24-hour security guard can be hired to protect the property.

Secondary Damage:  A damage that occurred which did not come from the original source.  For example, in a fire damage, the fire is the primary damage.  Secondary damage may come from the water used during firefighting efforts.

Pre-Loss Condition:  Means to put the property back together the way it was before the fire damage. This is the goal of the insurance company when a fire damage occurs.

Smoke Damage:  When smoke particles have embedded themselves in a material, like a wall, clothing, or piece of furniture.  Smoke damage cannot usually be seen, but it can be smelled.  Cleaning and deodorization should take place.

Soot Damage:  When soot has sullied a material.  Soot is produced by the incomplete burning during the fire.  It is acidic and causes damage to materials when it’s not properly or promptly cleaned.  Cleaning and deodorization should take place.

Demolition:  When a material has experienced permanent damage and cannot be cleaned, it is removed and thrown away.

Containment:  When thick plastic is set up in order to isolate the airspace of a room.  This is done so that deodorization techniques can be more effective or to prevent an unaffected area of a property from becoming contaminated.

Air Scrubber:  A machine that cleans the air.  

HEPA Filter: High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance filter can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns.  This is our filter of choice when using an air scrubber.

Deodorization:  When an item or property is rid of smells caused by the fire damage.

Structural Framing:  The structure of the property, like beams.  If the structure has been damaged, it must be replaced.

Contents:  Anything that is not part of the structure, like furniture.  When affected, contents can either be cleaned on-site or taken back to our cleaning facility.

Textiles:  If you turned the property upside down and everything fell out, the items that fell and did not break are textiles.  These include clothing, shoes, plush animals, etcetera.  When affected, textiles are taken back to our facility for cleaning.

Pack-out / Pack-Back:  When the structure isn’t safe, contents and textiles are moved out of the property and taken to our facilities for cleaning and storage.  They are returned when the property is clean, reconstructed, and safe for inhabitants.  Items may also be delivered to a second location if the owner would like them returned sooner.

Storage:  Items that have been packed-out are stored in our facilities until they can be returned.

HVAC & Duct Work:  Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition system.  Ducts are the pathways for the cold or warm air to travel around the property.  Many times, the HVAC system needs to be cleaned after a fire damage because smoke has accumulated inside of it

The SERVPRO difference.

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Equipment stored inside a SERVPRO warehouse

The SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony difference

The People- Professionals from SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony are available 24 hours a day,365 days a year to help you get your life back.

Experience-SERVPRO is a franchise system with over 45 years of leadership in fire and water restoration and cleanup. Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry,countless homeowners,commercial property managers and in one unforgettable instance,even the Pentagon.

Training-Mitigation professionals at SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony undergo extensive water restoration training and certification.

Equipment- with tens of thousands of building space,housing hundreds of pieces of cleaning and restoration equipment,SERVPRO of South Frisco/The Colony's professionals have the resources to help you take back control of your life.

Tips on Preparing Your Home Before Vacation

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Appoint an Emergency Contact

• Arrange for someone to collect mail and newspaper or Contact the US Post Office and your local newspaper and ask to have your mail held and services suspended.
• If family member or friend will collect your mail and paper instruct them to do daily, as full mailboxes and porches can tip potential burglars.
• Place various house lights on a timer to give impression someone is home. 

Entrust this Emergency contact person with your trip itinerary, contact information, and leave written instructions for alarm codes in the event a problem arises.

Take Plumbing and Electric Precautions

• Adjust your thermostat for the season this will help control usage and maintain proper temperatures in your home.
• Double check smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Unplug electronics this will guard against possible shortages, which could potentially cause a fire.
• Turn off the water valves to appliances, sinks and toilets
• Prevent leaks and water damage from the source by shutting off water at the meter, supply tanks or appliances. Your local water company can help with this.

Tips to Preventing Frozen Pipes!

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes due to the water pressure build up.

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Tips to prevent pipes from freezing at your home:

• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets that connect to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. The cost of the extra water is a low cost compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Insulate pipes that pass through unheated spaces (i.e. crawlspaces, basements, garages).
• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and eliminating drafts near doors.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
• When away from the house for an extended period, be careful how much you lower the heat. A lower temperature may save on the heating bill, but there could be a disaster if a cold spell strikes and pipes that normally would be safe, freeze and burst.

Weatherproofing your home against the cold will help protect your indoor plumbing against the threat of breaks.