Your Home is your Safe Haven

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Your home should be your place to rest. But when water begins leaking, even small leaks in areas you can't see in your home quickly become a source of stress. The possibility of potentially harmful mold, rot and unseen damage may affect the value of your home and the health of your loved ones.

We at SERVPRO of South Elkhart County understand how disruptive water damages can be for your entire family and will help ensure the water is identified, regardless of where it hides. SERVPRO of South Elkhart County are those Professionals. We are proudly serving our Elkhart County residents 24 hours a day. To reach us day or night, rain or shine call (574)533-2500 or go to our webpage at http://www.SERVPROsouthelkhartcounty.com.

From Carpets to Catastrophe

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Elkhart County can provide an array of services. This list will provide you with an idea of some of the services we provide.

Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration. 

Pretesting helps 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 damage.

Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup.

Our technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Our technicians work to control and re-mediate mold contaminants while protecting your health and safety.

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

Our technicians can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.

Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care

Our technicians use the latest IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.

Odor Identification and Deodorization

Our technicians will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate it.

Upholstery Cleaning

Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method.

Feel free to call SERVPRO of South Elkhart County with any questions and/or concerns at:

(574)533-2500

Leave The Dirtiest Of All Jobs For SERVPRO - The Experts!

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re like most homeowners, when faced with a task or question you probably head to the internet for answers…that’s how you found this article! And if you’re dealing with backed-up sewage, it only takes a few seconds of searching to find hundreds of articles describing how to clean-up sewage.

It goes like this:

** Put on some rubber gloves

** Scoop out the waste

** Take some water and bleach solution and apply it to the affected areas

** Let it dry

Most articles will throw out a warning saying “if you’re not sure whether you can do it, or don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional”. That’s where you would call SERVPRO.

We’d like to throw out another warning!

Cleaning up raw sewage on your own is something you should never do! 
Here’s why:

#1 – It can be hidden. – Any SERVPRO crew member can tell you stories about customers that decided to clean-up their own feces only to call in weeks or months later complaining about smells and disfigured walls, cabinets, and floors. Sewage will find its way into any and all porous surfaces. Even things like drywall and cabinetry aren’t safe. And it’s not as simple as just spotting the sewage with your eyes. It requires state of the art equipment, which SERVPRO has, to identify areas that have been damaged by sewage. So unless you have an infrared detection system handy and know how to use it, call SERVPRO.

#2 – It can be costly. – Times are difficult for everyone and money is tight. It’s easy to justify doing it yourself instead of paying to have SERVPRO  clean and disinfect for you. But today’s shortcut is tomorrow’s nightmare! Again, you’re dealing with a toxic situation that if not handled properly can create very real health dangers for you and your family. Not only that, if not properly mitigated, you could be looking at a serious mold issue in the not so distant future on top of all of the other issues described above. And if you think sewage cleanup is costly, wait until you’re stuck with a bill for mold remediation services! At least your sewage clean-up is covered by insurance…that’s not typically the case if you’ve got mold and it’s the result of you not taking appropriate measures when dealing with the sewage issue that created the mold!

So, if you’ve stumbled upon this article due to a sewage back-up that’s spilled into your home or office, do yourself a favor and call us, SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified to perform raw sewage cleanup and can provide you with peace of mind knowing the area affected is professionally cleaned.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together.

Call SERVPRO When Storms Cause Damage

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. If you are having a problem with your hot-water heater, contact a qualified plumbing contractor right away. Once you have called a plumbing contractor, contact SERVPRO of South Elkhart County to provide an inspection utilizing advanced technical equipment.

Upon inspection, if damages are determined, SERVPRO of South Elkhart County will address the water damage and provide a full repair service estimate. SERVPRO of South Bend has a 24-hour emergency service team that is highly trained and ready to help you at your home or business.

Contact SERVPRO of South Elkhart County at 574-259-8348 to help save your home or business.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Service Response Guidelines

1. Within 1 hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of South Elkhart County will contact you to arrange for services
2. Within 4 hours SERVPRO of South Elkhart County will be on-site to start mitigation services.
3. Within 8 business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by SERVPRO of South Elkhart County.

SERVPRO of South Elkhart County  are qualified but not limited to the following

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Contents Claim and  Inventory Services
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or dry Cleaning Methods

For all Your Fire, Water and Restoration needs call (574)533-2500 or go to the webpage www.SERVPROsouthelkhartcounty.com

SERVPRO Is Here For You, When Flash Floods Hit Your Home Or Business

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. According to running up a $2.4 billion-per-year tab in average annual losses in recent years. While some of Mother Nature's more demonstrative displays, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, get more public attention, floods are the number one weather-related killer in the US. Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of flood, because they combine the nearly unstoppable force of a flood with deadly unpredictability and speed. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), more than half of all flash floods fatalities are related to automobiles.

The truth is simple as it is tragic: Just six inches of fast moving flood water can knock a grown man off his feet, and just two feet of water can cause a car to begin floating. SERVPRO of South Elkhart County can help you to be equipped with tips to keep you safe. CallSERVPRO of South Elkhart County 24/7 at (574)533-2500 or go to our webpage at http://SERVPROsouthelkhartcounty.com

Don't Forget To Keep Your Eyes On The Sky!

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

It is nearly impossible to underestimate the destruction and loss of life a tornado can cause. Though tornadoes are only thought to pose potential danger in southern states and in "Tornado Alley" area of the United States,   Alaska is the only state that did average at least two tornadoes per year over the past two decades (according to DisasterCenter.com). Research continues to indicate there is a direct correlation between how prepared the area was for a tornado and how many casualties were caused by the tornado. 

• Be aware of your communities severe weather warning system. Know in advance where you will take shelter if at a home, office, etc.
• Put together an emergency kit. Contact your SERVPRO of South Elkhart County for a list. 
• Do not open your windows. This does not help save the house, as once thought, but it could make things worse by allowing rain and debris a chance to blow into your house. 

For all your clean up and restoration needs call your SERVPRO of South Elkhart County @ 574-533-2500 or go to our page   http://SERVPROsouthelkhartcounty.com

You Won't Believe The Top Five Causes Of House Fires (Part 1 of 2)

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Here are top 5 most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. That is an average of 29 candle fires per day.

Safety tips:

• 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 sleeping.

2. Smoking

While the number of fires caused by smoking is trending downward, the NFPA found that there were still an average of 17,600 related fires per year resulting in 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage.

Safety tips:

• 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.
• Don’t smoke in bed, when you’re tired or around medical oxygen.

You Won't Believe The Top Five Causes Of House Fires (Part 2 of 2)

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

3. Electrical & Lighting

According to the NFPA, in 2011 approximately 47,700 home structure fires were caused by some sort of electrical failure or malfunction. These resulted in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.

Safety tips:

• 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. Dryers & Washing Machines

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage. 

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

5. Lightning

From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.

Safety tips:

• Stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
• Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
• Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
• Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm.

You experience a fire in your home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Elkhart County (574) 533-2500.

Spring Time Storms Are Here! Are You Prepared?

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

The combination of thunderstorms and flooding is spring’s recipe for disaster. And because the weather is so unpredictable in spring, it’s important to prepare for it ahead of time. Here’s how to protect yourself, your family, and your property from severe spring weather:

Before a Storm

• Create a disaster preparedness plan. Establish an outside meeting place and escape routes from each room in your house. Practice the plan with family members. Include your pets in the plan and make sure they wear an ID tag.
• Make sure you and your family know how to turn off utilities and how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Create an emergency supply kit.
• Get flood insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies. Don’t wait – flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.
• Make a home inventory in case you need to file an insurance claim. Also, secure important information, such as documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies.
• Make sure your home is in good shape to withstand powerful storms. Tighten your roof shingles and waterproof your basement, windows, and doors.
• Prune the loose branches and remove the dead vegetation in your yard.
• Keep drains and gutters clean to ensure proper drainage. Make sure gutters are tightly attached to your house to guard them against strong winds.

During a Storm

• When a storm is imminent, bring the valuables in your yard inside and move all vehicles and equipment to high ground.
• Don’t walk through moving water. Just a few inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• If you’re outside, get to higher ground and avoid low lying areas that are likely to flood.
• Don’t drive through floodwater even if you have a large van. Two feet of moving water are enough to take it away.
• If you’re inside, make sure the doors and windows are securely shut. Stay away from windows to avoid the risk of getting struck by shattered glass. Take shelter in your basement if the storm is severe.
• Avoid using utilities and wired electrical equipment. Turn off utilities to mitigate potential damages in case of flooding or other disasters.
• Stay up to date on weather conditions and listen to local authorities if they tell you to evacuate your home.

After a Storm:

• Ensure everyone is OK and check for damage to your home. Be aware of potential hazards.
• If you suspect damage to utilities, call local authorities and wait for their approval to turn them back on.
• If your home has been flooded:
  
  • Avoid contact with floodwater, which is very likely contaminated.
  • Make lists of the damaged or lost items, and take photos.
  • File the flood insurance claim.
  • Hire a professional damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO of South Elkhart County, to get your home back in order safely and efficiently.

Remember, spring doesn’t wait for you to get ready, so make a plan and act now before a thunderstorm or flood strikes your area. For emergency flood repair or mold removal services, call SERVPRO of South Elkhart County