Quick Guide to Black Water

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you experienced a flood at your Geneva, FL, home recently, you might have been told your property has sustained Category 3 water damage. Here is some vital information on what Category 3 water damage is and how you can eliminate it from your home.

Damage Categories

There are three categories of destruction from water. They are classified as follows:

• Category 1 damage, also known as “white water” (clean water)
• Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water” (clean water that sat for a while)
• Category 3 damage, which is known as “black water”(usually stems from flood water)

Category 3 water is not only contaminated, but it can also cause damage to your home. In most cases, professionally trained technicians can, fortunately, help you clean and decontaminate the building when such an issue is present.

Cleaning Procedures

When facing water damage caused by a contaminated liquid, your safest plan usually involves contacting a local restoration company. These professionals can normally arrive quickly, work efficiently and assess any damage. After the assessment, the following cleaning steps typically occur:

1. Removal of water
2. Humidity reduction and drying of wet surfaces
3. Sanitation and cleaning of damaged areas
4. Remediation of damaged property

Many companies also offer digitization services for special situations, such as when a wet financial document or photograph needs to be preserved. Additionally, suppose a valuable or special part of your property cannot be salvaged. In that case, the trained technicians on the scene may have suggestions for a preservation method or a long-term storage situation to remedy the problem.

Being Prepared

Water damage can be a difficult situation that no homeowner deserves to experience. However, preparing for the possible event and accepting the disaster at hand if it occurs can help concerned Geneva, FL, residents like yourself persevere in the face of such a nightmare. It can also allow you to protect your investments better.

Approximate The Distance To Lightning Strike: Know How To Prepare for Storms

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Approximate The Distance To Lightning Strike: Know How To Prepare for Storms

7/11/2022 - Future Scheduled Date

Know How To Prepare for Storms

Lightning causes around 43 deaths in the U.S. annually (based on statistics from 1989-2018). Thankfully, this number is only 10% of the average lightning strikes, the other 90% are left alive, but with various degrees of disability.

Nationally, lightning ranks second only to flash floods in weather-related deaths. Lightning is the most frequent important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season. Since the threat of lightning is so common, it is typical that many have a lackadaisical approach to protecting themselves. The main reason is that people stay outside too long as thunderstorms approach or form nearby. 

For example, during the early part of the thunderstorm season, "dry" thunderstorms are quite common. With these types of thunderstorms, little or no precipitation reaches the ground and, as a result, people are less likely to seek shelter.  See lightning facts below for statistics on lightning events. 

Did you know?

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

While most lightning casualties occur at the beginning of an approaching storm, a significant number of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed.  If thunder is heard, then the storm is close enough for a lightning strike.  DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended. 

A Cool Lightning Hack

You can approximate the distance of lightning!

Did you know you can approximate the distance a storm is from you but counting the time between the flash of lightning and the thunder sound that coincides with the lightning flash? That means you can, at your own home, with minimal supplies, figure out how far a lightning strike is from you!

What You’ll Need:

1. You Ears
2. Your Eyes
3. A watch with a second counter or a phone

From the time you see lightning, it will take the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. To approximate the miles a strike is from you, count the seconds between the flash and thunder, divide by 5!

For example, if you see a flash of lightning, start a stop watch and hear a large crash of thunder 5 seconds after the flash, your lightning is only 1 mile away! Anything less than 5 seconds is definitely close, so seek cover!

It's not raining, is there still danger from being struck by lightning?

YES!  Lightning often strikes outside of the heavy rain area and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Will the rubber soles of my shoes or tires on my car protect me from being struck?

NO! However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car provides a sort of Faraday Cage or Faraday shield. This increases protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the car than outside. When skies darken, or thunderstorms are forecast, look and listen for increasing wind, flashes of lightning, sound of thunder, and static on your AM radio.  While no place is safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others. 

Where you can go…

• Get inside a house or large shelter
• Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles
• If possible, move to a sturdy building or hard top automobile
• If you are caught outside, away from shelter, you need to get to a place of safety as quickly as possible. If safe shelter is not possible, lie down on low lying ground or in a ditch.
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land and find shelter immediately

What you can do...

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
• REMEMBER, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning

If your home or property has been damaged by severe winds, water, or storms—call SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East for a free damage restoration estimate.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary. SERVPRO of Oviedo / WSE cleans microbial contamination. For a free estimate: (901) 382-0900

Mold damage can be costly and happen anywhere, so several insurance companies have restricted or eliminated coverage for this risk under standard policies. If you are concerned about fungus growth at a residence in Memphis, TN, try to identify the problem's source first, then check your policy for mold coverage.

The Cause of Mold Damage Matters

Restoration experts commonly refer to mold as secondary damage, as fungal growth typically results from direct water damage.

Insurers are more likely to cover mold damage that results from one of the following covered incidents:

• Appliance leaks
• Broken or burst pipes
• Pipe leaks

Even if a policy does not cover the cost of fixing the problem, the resulting damage may be covered. Check your policy and contact an insurance agent or adjuster.

3 Ways Insurers Limit Mold Coverage

Many homeowners insurance providers have removed or limited the amount of coverage for fungus growth because it is a higher risk peril. Since mold can grow practically anywhere, anytime in the right conditions—it’s not exclusive to one geographical location. Because of this an insurer may restrict coverage in these ways:

• Exclude mold damage completely
• Only cover microbial testing or cleanup
• Refuse coverage on properties with a history of mold

Read your policy carefully to determine whether there are any conditions under which mold is covered. If mold is not covered, you may want to add an endorsement.

What Is an Endorsement?

It may be possible for policy holders to pay for limited mold coverage. Ask your insurer whether any endorsements are available. This option may be costly, especially if your residence has a history of mold.Homeowners should determine the limitations of their coverage and decide whether to obtain additional mold insurance.

Paying for remediation out of pocket can be very expensive. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate water damage and potential damage. Don’t be caught without the right mold insurance.

Storm Restoration Experts Know How to Dry Your Property

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us today.

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East are Leaders in the Storm Restoration Industry for a Reason

Harsh weather conditions like flooding, wind, and storms cause devastating damage to homes and businesses. Property damage due to storm damage and flood water overwhelms many with concerns for personal safety and properties' security.

When this form of damage occurs to your home or business, the first step is to find safety, then contact a trustworthy storm damage restoration company.

An immediate restoration response reduces the extent of damage done to a property. Since roof damage is likely to be accompanied by water damage—a gaping hole is a recipe for moisture and storm water to make itself at home—a quick emergency response reduces the risk for internal and structural water damage and microbial growth.

When contacted, storm restoration experts will analyze the level of damage and make a judgment regarding how to begin. Professionals' main priority is to secure property before cleanup, repair, and restoration. Once a property's debris is removed from the exterior and roof repair is completed, experts move to drying and the internal cleanup of furniture, carpets, clothes, and other items. 

The Drying Process of SERVPRO of East Memphis

Oozing groundwater, especially in places prone to flooding, could cause damage, especially if no flood pump has been previously installed. SERVPRO of East Memphis has a thorough drying process.

First, our team sets up industrial-strength drying equipment such as air movers and HEPA filtered dehumidifiers. Special care is taken to thoroughly dry the area around the original leak or cavity.

If water has seeped to the surrounding areas, special drying equipment is used. It can take 3-5 days for traditional drying. However, hard-to-dry materials, such as wood floors and crawlspaces, can make the process longer.

After the property is dry, the restoration of any damaged materials can start. Restoration is the most time-consuming part, but is very important and the bulk of returning the property to its preloss condition. We strive to make a property look, “Like it never even happened.”

For additional information regarding storm damage, visit our service page or blog. We are available 24 hours for emergency response. Call us at (407) 985-3200.

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East Introduces Employee Volunteer Time Off

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

In support of our core values and a healthy work-life balance, SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East rolled out a Volunteer Time Off.

Introducing Volunteer Time Off

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

Healthy Work-Life Balance

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

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

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

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

The 3 Types of Smart Smoke Detectors

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Although classic smoke detectors haven't changed much over the past few decades, they have seen a few minor upgrades.

The 3 Types of Smart Smoke Detectors

Wait…there’s more than one type of smoke detector? Yes! That old smoke detector you grew up with is outdated. Although classic smoke detectors haven't changed much over the past few decades, they have seen a few minor upgrades.

Today's homeowner often opts for smart devices for added convenience. Perhaps it's time to consider adding your smoke alarm to the list of smart devices for your home. Take a look at three primary smart smoke detector options before choosing to upgrade:

1. Smart Battery

This is the most basic type of fire safety smart device available. Smart batteries have a short list of responsibilities, only notifying you, via push notifications, when your alarm goes off or when the batteries are about to expire. Batteries typically last for about five years, so you likely won't be receiving that type of alert all too often.

2. Smart Smoke Detector

The classic smart smoke alarm is a natural step up from the smart batteries. The primary difference between these alarms and classic detectors is that smart detectors connect to your internet. This allows you to receive notifications when the batteries are low or when the alarm goes off. This device also gives you the capability to silence incoming alarms from your mobile device.

3. Listener

If you're reluctant to replace your entire alarm, you can always opt for a listening device. These gadgets are intended to listen for alarms and alert you when one goes off. They're ideal if you have several alarms in your house and only want to install one device per floor, as opposed to replacing the smoke detectors in every room.

Replacing your smoke alarm with a smart device can help you stay vigilant. You can have the added ease of being able to deactivate alarms using your smartphone, and you won't have to put up with annoying low battery chirps. Contact fire remediation experts, like the local fire department, before you attempt to tamper with the alarms in your home.

How to Remove Odors from Your Oviedo Home

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East Removes Odors from Your Home

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East Removes Odors from Your Home

Odors from smoke, pets, decomposition, and mold can cause lingering odors in your home or business. A simple surface clean doesn't permanently remove offensive odors left by smoke, mold, and other sources. However, with technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East provides specialized services that can eliminate those foul smells. 

Our professionals don't cover up lingering odors with a fragrance. We seek out the odor's source.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO's proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will be cleaned and deodorized professionally. These items can include:

• furniture
• draperies and upholstery
• electronics
• art
• flooring, walls, ceilings
• HVAC air ducts & more

Along with our proprietary line of cleaning products, we use various techniques and equipment that are capable of penetrating surfaces to thoroughly neutralize unpleasant odors. 

Tools We Use:

1. 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 chemicals. While the room is being treated, a person should not occupy the space. However, the generator works quickly.
2. Hydroxyl Generator: The Hydroxyl Generator has several benefits that the Ozone Generator does not. The main advantage is that the treated room can be occupied during the deodorization process, though it does work more slowly. It's used to treat fire, smoke, biohazard jobs, water damage, crime scene situations, and animal odors. 
3. 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 a HEPA filtration mechanism to remove airborne particles, helping clean the air and remove odors.

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East is here for you 24/7, 7 days a week at (901) 382-0900.

When was the Last Time Your Air Ducts Were Cleaned?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Air Ducts and Indoor Air Quality 

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

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

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

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

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

Why HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning?

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

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

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

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East professionals routinely inspects the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment, save money on repairs, and give you cleaner air to breathe. For additional information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, at (407) 542-0000.

SERVPRO Removes Pet Odors

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t Live a Life Full of Unpleasant Smells.

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), SERVPRO provides 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 odor's sources.

Once the source is found, we use SERVPRO’s proprietary line of cleaning products to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more. Our proprietary line of cleaning products, SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East, uses various techniques and equipment to treat odors.

These techniques are capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

Some of Our Tools to Neutralize Odors

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 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 and 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 a homeowner who wants to get your home ready for sale, getting rid of offensive odors is a high priority.

Fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East is here to help make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East can help your residence if you have mold problems.

The perils covered by homeowners insurance policies vary depending on the insurer. Mold damage can be costly, and several insurance companies have restricted or eliminated coverage for this risk under standard policies. If you are concerned about fungus growth at a residence in Oviedo, FL, try to identify the problem's source and check your policy for mold coverage.

What Caused the Damage?

Restoration experts commonly refer to mold as secondary damage, as fungal growth typically results from direct water damage. Insurers may be more likely to cover mold that results from one of the following covered perils:

• Appliance leaks
• Broken or burst pipes
• Pipe leaks

Even if a policy does not cover the cost of fixing the problem, the resulting damage may be covered. Check your policy and contact an insurance agent or adjuster.

What Are the Limitations on Coverage?

Many homeowners insurance providers have cut out or limited the amount of coverage for fungus growth. An insurer may restrict coverage in several ways:

• Excluding mold damage
• Only covering testing or cleanup
• Refusing to cover properties with a history of mold

Read your policy carefully to determine whether there are any conditions under which mold is covered. If mold is not covered, you may want to add an endorsement.

Can You Buy Endorsements?

It may be possible for policyholders to pay for limited mold coverage. Ask your insurer whether any endorsements are available. This option may be costly, especially if your residence has a history of mold.

Standard homeowners policies may not cover fungus growth. Homeowners should determine the limitations of their coverage and decide whether to obtain additional mold insurance. Paying for remediation out of pocket can be very expensive. The best way to prevent mold growth is to mitigate water damage as quickly as possible by relying on a restoration company in Oviedo, FL.

Should I Reconsider Buying a Home Mold Kit?

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Things To Consider Before Buying A Home Mold Kit

If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, you may be considering a mold testing kit. While these kits might seem like an economical choice, the information they can provide is extremely limited, and you'll likely still need a professional inspection. Here are some things to think about before buying a home mold kit.

1. Home Kits Always Test Positive
If your DIY mold test indicates that there is mold in your home, you’re not alone: every home in Geneva, FL, has mold! Home testing kit results will always be positive, because mold spores are everywhere: outside, in homes and buildings, on surfaces, and in the air. The mere presence of mold is normal, and isn't always a cause for alarm.

2. DIY Mold Tests Leave Many Questions Unanswered
You may need to send your test kit results to a lab for analysis, which sometimes requires additional fees. Unfortunately, home mold testing kits often yield inaccurate and unreliable results, according to leading mold industry organizations. Even if the results are accurate, the analysis is missing a key component of mold investigations: a visual inspection. Without a visual inspection, DIY kits can't tell you what's causing the excessive mold, or the extent of mold damage to your home. Furthermore, you'll still need to find a way to remove the mold and make repairs.

3. A Professional Mold Inspection Offers a Complete Solution
If you’re concerned about mold in your home, your best bet is to contact a professional mold remediation company. These experts will inspect your home to determine the extent and location of any harmful mold, and to determine the cause of the problem. They can also remove the mold, repair any damage, and advise you as to how to prevent future mold issues.

While a home mold kit may be a starting point, only an environmental hygienist can accurately test for mold. For a full-service resolution, skip the mold testing kit and schedule a home inspection by a certified mold expert. Call SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East today!

Effective Ways To Get Rid of Mold in the Home

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Three Ways To Get Rid Of Mold

If you have visible mold in your home, it will need to be removed quickly and carefully. While hiring a mold remediation company is almost always the best way to safely remove house mold, here are some tips for removing minor mold from three of the most common household items and areas.

1. Fabrics

It can be devastating to find moldy fabrics in your home. In some cases, they may not be salvageable. However, if you catch mildew early enough, you can often remove it.

To do so, take the items outside and try brushing away as much of the mold as possible. Then wash them using the hottest temperature that's appropriate for the fabric. Heat can kill house mold spores.

If this does not work, soak the items in a mix of oxygen bleach and water for eight hours or more before washing.

2. Appliances

Any appliances that combine heat and moisture, such as your washing machine or dishwasher, need cleaning on a regular basis. You can use distilled white vinegar to wipe down your washer's interior and exterior surfaces.

You can also run it through your machine like you would detergent, using the machine's cleaning setting or, if it doesn't have one, the hottest setting.

Inspect every part of a front-load washer's door seal to make sure nothing is growing there either.

3. Walls, Carpet, and Flooring

If you spot mold on walls, carpet or flooring, it's a good idea to contact a professional in Winter Springs, FL, to deal with it.

Professionals with experience in mold remediation can inspect the current condition of the home and identify the safest way to clean it. Depending on the severity of the house mold, the technician may want to inspect the underlying area for structural damage.

There are some instances where you may be able to address mold growth without professional help. However, professional service will offer the best chance for the mold not returning and will also ensure the underlying cause is addressed.

For more info on mold and how to properly detect and remediate it, click here.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Interested in being a part of the SERVPRO family? Apply today!

With 17 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

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

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

SERVPRO of Oviedo / Winter Springs East is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office at 2120 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite B, Orlando, FL from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday or click here to check out our current job openings.

3 Things To Know About the IICRC

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Three Things To Know About This Certification

If a disaster were to strike your Oviedo, FL, business, would you know who to call for help? As a business owner, it’s wise to be prepared for emergencies such as floods, fires, and storms. Having the contact information for a professional disaster response team is the first step in minimizing damage. In addition to the right equipment and skills, a reputable company will possess certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Here are three things you need to know about this certification.

1. Company Certification

As a business owner or manager, it’s critical to surround yourself with companies and individuals who are experts in their field. Similar to hiring the best employees for your company, you want to hire the right professionals to restore your business in the event of a disaster. Look for a firm that holds a mitigation certificate from the IICRC. If the firm has earned this certificate, you can have peace of mind that your business will be restored the right way.

2. Individual Certification

In addition to granting company certification, individual certification can be earned as well. Courses and exams covered under individual certification include fire and water restoration, crew training and carpet and upholstery cleaning. It’s best to ensure that the restoration company you’re working with has certification; however, it’s even better if the individual employees have been trained as well.

3. High Standards

You want your business to be completely restored to safe working conditions after a disaster. The IICRC certification upholds high cleaning standards and can give you peace of mind that your business will be restored using the latest equipment, technology, and procedures. 

Be prepared for any emergency disaster by partnering with a restoration company that has a mitigation certificate. This will ensure that your business is fully restored and make it feel “Like it never even happened.”

Crucial Steps To Take When You Find Mold in Your Home

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

5 Ways to Decrease the Stress of Mold Cleanup

Finding mold in your home can be a real bummer. Mold forms moist environments, such as bathrooms, and is often the symptom of an underlying leakage problem. If you live in Winter Springs, FL, and are struggling with mold contamination, here are four things you can do to reverse course and decrease the stress of mold cleanup.

1. Understand What Mold is and How it Forms
Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally in the outdoors. In nature, mold breaks down organic matter and is a fundamental part of ecosystems; however, when these ecosystems occur inside, they should be removed.

2. Identify the Mold Correctly
The two most common fungi that form in apartments and houses are mold and mildew. If you suspect a fungal problem, it is important to identify which type of fungus is to blame. Mildew is a fuzzy, surface fungus, whereas mold embeds itself into surfaces and often has a fuzzy, black, or green appearance.

3. Contact Your Landlord
Mold can form for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, mold highlights an underlying water problem, such as a leaky pipe. Because landlords are responsible for the infrastructure of your apartment, they should respond quickly and help you with mold cleanup.

4. Identify the Underlying Problem
Once your landlord is involved, it is important to work with him or her to identify the underlying problem. If you ignore mold, it could cause a larger problem, such as harming the structural integrity of your apartment.

5. Bring in the Pros
Mold spores will continue to reproduce as long as water or moisture is present. Although it can be a pain to find mold in your home, a mold remediation company can help you eliminate the problem.
It is very common for people to encounter mold in their living spaces. If you find mold, it is important to take the necessary steps to identify its source and enlist the help of a professional mold cleanup company to eliminate the problem safely and efficiently.

Quick Guide to Black Water

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you experienced a flood at your Geneva, FL, home recently, you might have been told your property has sustained Category 3 water damage. Here is some vital information on what Category 3 water damage is and how you can eliminate it from your home.

Damage Categories

There are three categories of destruction from water. They are classified as follows:

• Category 1 damage, also known as “white water” (clean water)
• Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water” (clean water that sat for a while)
• Category 3 damage, which is known as “black water”(usually stems from flood water)

Category 3 water is not only contaminated, but it can also cause damage to your home. In most cases, professionally trained technicians can, fortunately, help you clean and decontaminate the building when such an issue is present.

Cleaning Procedures

When facing water damage caused by a contaminated liquid, your safest plan usually involves contacting a local restoration company. These professionals can normally arrive quickly, work efficiently and assess any damage. After the assessment, the following cleaning steps typically occur:

1. Removal of water
2. Humidity reduction and drying of wet surfaces
3. Sanitation and cleaning of damaged areas
4. Remediation of damaged property

Many companies also offer digitization services for special situations, such as when a wet financial document or photograph needs to be preserved. Additionally, suppose a valuable or special part of your property cannot be salvaged. In that case, the trained technicians on the scene may have suggestions for a preservation method or a long-term storage situation to remedy the problem.

Being Prepared

Water damage can be a difficult situation that no homeowner deserves to experience. However, preparing for the possible event and accepting the disaster at hand if it occurs can help concerned Geneva, FL, residents like yourself persevere in the face of such a nightmare. It can also allow you to protect your investments better.