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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Preparing For A Thunderstorm

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

  • 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.
  • Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
  • 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 before the storm arrives.

Hiring A Contractor

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Once your insurance company gives you the go-ahead, you will need to hire a contractor for repairs. Your insurance company might recommend someone to you. If not, search for someone local if at all possible, inquiring with friends, neighbors, and area businesses for references.  Check the credentials of prospective contractors, and as The Balance explains, you should get estimates from them at no charge. Your insurance company will pay the contractor directly for the storm damage.

Smart Alterations

You should rebuild in a manner that will improve your situation and help prevent future storm damage. Some experts suggest high-impact glass and functional (versus decorative) shutters to protect windows. You can also reinforce your attic area and roof, and consider replacing the roof with a high-impact material. Another suggestion is to brace your garage door to better withstand storms. Any changes from the original dwelling will need to be paid for by you.

Keeping your property safe!

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

A torrential downpour has finally subsided. Perhaps a long winter has finally come to an end, and the deep snows have started to melt.

While the pleasant weather may appear to be a welcome break, the risk of water damage may only be beginning. Flooding and property damage can occur when storm water runoff overwhelms natural and manmade systems.

When bad weather strikes, the efforts you take today to prepare your home and yard for adequate drainage will save you time and money in the long run.

Stormwater runoff is absorbed by the soil, evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs into bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and rivers in the natural environment.

Secure Valuables

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Secure equipment and valuables

If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hail, keep an eye on the weather forecast so that you can protect your valuables before a storm hits. Ensure any high-value items are in a safe and secure area, stored up high and away from windows. Any outdoor equipment should be securely fastened so it’s not lost or turned into a projectile during a storm.

Keep your employees safe

In the event of a storm, safety is of the utmost concern. Stay away from windows, and take shelter in the safest part of your property. If your building doesn’t have a designated storm shelter, have employees take shelter in an area devoid of windows, such as a lavatory or break room. Prepare an emergency plan ahead of time and communicate it with employees, so they’ll know what to expect. Practice an emergency drill if possible, so that everyone will be prepared if weather conditions are threatening your safety.

Inspect Gutters and Drainage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect gutters and drainage

Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior and interior walls of a building. Regularly inspect your business’s gutters, downspouts, and drainage system, and remove any debris or buildup. Have gutters professionally cleaned on a regular basis to ensure water is draining properly and away from the building.

Clear your roof

Snow and ice accumulation on your business’s roof can result in weakened roofing materials and create “ice dams,” which prevent melted ice and snow from properly draining. Regularly remove snow and ice from your business’s roof to prevent structural damage. Know your roof’s load-bearing capacity, and periodically check to ensure that snow and ice aren’t accumulating beyond its weight limits.

Locate your shut-off valve

If a pipe breaks, you’ll need to act quickly. That means you should know the location of the main shut-off valve for your building’s water supply. Shutting off the main valve will temporarily cut the flow of water to the building, preventing flooding until you are able to fix the problem.

Office Water Damage Prevention

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

How Can Water Damage In The Office Be Prevented?

Place office supplies and stationery in the appropriate locations.
Keep permeable materials like boxes and paper off the ground. While this may appear to be plain sense, people frequently overlook it, resulting in a disaster. Stationary and paperwork should be stored in higher cabinets so that nothing is lost if the floor floods. It's not a good idea to stack paperwork so near to the ground since water will rise to other papers if it comes into contact with the papers below. Computers and other electronic devices should also be hiked in price. Many offices have a policy of keeping CPUs under their desks.

Demolition Costs

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

The Cost of Demolition and Repairing a Damaged Structure

Many water pipes are hidden under walls, ceilings, floors, and other difficult-to-reach places. When an inside pipe bursts, you may need to demolish a piece of the structure to fix it.

Most property insurance policies, fortunately, cover the expense of ripping out and replacing any component of the structure you remove to repair damage to the plumbing system or an appliance (such as a boiler) from which water or another substance has escaped.

Assume that the supply line for the water fountain is positioned inside a wall in the scenario described above. A piece of the wall must be removed to obtain access to the damaged pipe.

Long-Term Flooding Can Be More Harmful

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Long-term flooding or moisture is likely to harm most interior finishes and contents, although the following methods may be viable if the flooding is brief and cleanup started quickly. Delay permanent repairs until the building has completely dried out, which could take many weeks.

Subfloors

Subfloor layers of submerged plywood or OSB will most likely separate or swell. To keep the new floor covering from buckling, affected parts must be replaced.
Allow the subflooring to dry thoroughly after removing floor coverings, which may take months without a dehumidifier.
Before installing new flooring, inspect it for warping.

Wooden Flooring

Remove a board carefully every few feet to prevent buckling caused by swelling. Consult a carpenter or flooring professional if the boards are tongue-and-grooved.
Before replacing boards and undertaking repairs, properly clean and dry the floor, which could take weeks.

Helpful Shelter Info

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Are you in need of a place to stay? The United States has been split into four zones based on 40 years of tornado history and more than 100 years of hurricane history, which geographically represent the number and strength of violent windstorms. Zone IV has seen the most and the most powerful tornadoes. Zone III comprises coastal areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes and has seen a lot of tornado activity. Check with your local building official, meteorologist, emergency management official, or television weather reporter to discover more about the wind history in your area. Your home was most likely constructed in compliance with local construction codes that take into account the impacts of "code-approved" design winds in your location.

The Foundations of Shelter Design

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

The Foundations of Shelter Design

A shelter's objective is to provide a safe haven for you and your family to withstand a tornado or hurricane with minimal or no damage. The shelter cannot be built in a storm-prone area where it will be swamped during a hurricane. Your refuge should be easily accessible from all sections of your house and be clutter-free. The shelter must be adequately attached to the home foundation to prevent overturning and elevation in order to protect the residents during severe windstorms. The connections between all sections of the shelter must be robust enough to withstand failure, and windborne projectiles must not penetrate the walls, roof, or door.

Crime Scenes, Bloodborne Pathogens and more!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO of River Oaks removes and disposes of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.  

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals ued in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO of River Oaks follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of River Oaks can clean and restore your property and contents.

Please never try to attempt to clean up any of these with out professional help. You always want to have the right protection, equipment and chemicals.  

SERVPRO of River Oaks is 24/7 and always here to help!

Faster To Any Size Disaster

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster.

This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO-it is a commitment to be there when you need us most.

Whether you are a small business or a home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, the SERVPRO Hero's have the resources needed to respond quickly and efficiently.  The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.

Our SERVPRO of River Oaks team is just the tip of the iceberg.  Should a major disaster such as a flood or wildfire occur, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is always poised and ready to go were they are needed.

If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO of River Oaks.  Backed by a system of more that 1,700 Franchises strong, we will help make your property disaster "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Large Loss

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies

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

SERVPRO of River Oaks is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large aloes Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of four SERVPRO franchises throughout DFW, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.

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

Control the Environment

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

Remove Contaminated Material 

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

Dry the Structure

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

Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.” Reach our office at 713-666-9222.

Stop The Leak Fast!

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today at 713-666-9222.

Before you add a clamp, add a block of wood.

If you're in a hurry and don't have the proper tools, you can improvise by placing a block of wood over the piece of rubber before tightening a clamp. The block of wood will help to spread the pressure and keep the pipe from collapsing.

Obtain a C-Clamp

For a temporary remedy, place a C-clamp over the block of wood and a piece of rubber to plug the leak.

Remove the faulty pipe.

If you're more experienced with plumbing repairs, you might go ahead and cut out the damaged section of the pipe. Turn off the main water supply valve, empty the damaged water line, and cut out a length of pipe that extends about 1 in. on each side of the leak with a pipe cutter. Begin by securely grasping the pipe in the cutter's jaws and tightening the cutter's screw. As you tighten the screw handle, rotate the cutter in the direction illustrated until the pipe snaps.

Prevent Frozen Pipes!

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today for you restoration needs.

Winter storms can cause plumbing lines to freeze and perhaps burst, resulting in flooding and costly water damage to your home. Preventing frozen pipes and other cold-weather risks can be reduced or eliminated by taking preventive actions before winter arrives. "Because of their location in the residence, some pipes are more prone to freezing than others."

The following pipes are particularly vulnerable to freezing:

Pipes that are exposed in unheated portions of the house.
Pipes that are positioned on the outside of the walls.
Any plumbing on the home's outside. 

If you have a busted pipe emergency call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222, we are here to help.

What Happens When A Frozen Pipe Busts?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today at 713-666-9222.

The easiest method to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

But, if the unexpected happens, you'll need to act quickly to limit the damage and restoration costs.

Why do frozen pipes burst?

According to Roto-Rooter spokesman Paul Abrams, not all frozen pipes explode. However, when one does, it is due to the fact that water expands as it freezes, putting significant pressure on inflexible plumbing pipes. That pressure can induce a small breach at a joint or crack in a length of pipe, allowing full flow of water into your home.

Water damage caused by burst pipes is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims, with an average claim cost of around $5,000.

How to Spot Freezing Pipes

A frost-coated water line (or one that bulges like a well-fed python) is a solid indication that it's frozen, although not all plumbing pipes are visible.

"If your faucets aren't working and your toilets aren't refilling after a flush, it's a good

sign your pipes are frozen,"

Blood Cleanup?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222.

The most prevalent location for blood spills is on a hard, non-carpeted surface. Tile, ceramic, vinyl, linoleum, metal, wood, cement, and any other non-absorbent flooring, such as a pool deck, are examples of these surfaces. Cleaning up blood and other bodily fluids from various surface types is easier than cleaning up on absorbent surfaces, but there are still vital precautions to take.

Spills on hard surfaces can spread over larger regions, so the spill must be contained fast. The following are the processes for cleaning up spills on these surfaces:

Close off the area until the cleanup and disinfection are finished. The location should not be accessible to tourists or unprotected staff members.
Don a pair of disposable gloves.
Wipe up as much of the spill as you can using a paper towel or other absorbent material.
Pour a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) gently over all affected areas.
Allow the bleach solution to remain on the contaminated area for 20 minutes before wiping up any residual bleach solution.
All non-disposable cleaning materials, such as mops, brushes, and rags, must be disinfected by soaking them in a bleach solution and allowing them to air dry.
Remove the gloves and store them in a rubbish bag with the rest of the soiled cleaning supplies.
Garbage bags should be double-bagged and tightly tied before being discarded.

Flood Water Cleanup

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today at 713-666-9222

You can start cleaning after you've recorded the damage and filed your claim. Depending on the extent and source of the flooding, you may be able to handle the cleanup on your own or you may need to contact a professional.

Open windows: Unless it will result in more flooding, open as many windows as possible to encourage air circulation.
Remove standing water as soon as possible with a shop vacuum or water pump. Prolonged contact with water can cause additional damage, such as swelling of timber floorboards, so attempt to remove standing water as soon as possible with a shop vacuum or water pump.
Cleanse carpet: Use a carpet cleaner to thoroughly scrub salvageable rugs and carpet, then quickly dry them. If the flood water is tainted with sewage, however, throw away all carpets.

Clean upholstered furniture: Hire a professional to clean your upholstered furniture, and dispose of any damp mattresses.
Remove floorboards: If you have hardwood floors, remove a floorboard every few feet to prevent swelling from buckling the floor. Your adjuster will inform you whether any further floors, tile, or vinyl must be removed to allow the subfloor to dry. Allow wooden floors to dry gradually to avoid cracking.
After you've washed any hard surfaces, sanitize them with diluted chlorine bleach.

What To Do In A Flood Situation

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you or your business had a flood, call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222.

What Should You Do If There's a Flood?

If your home or apartment has been flooded, the first step is to ensure that there are no new safety hazards.

To prevent further damage, turn off the water line if it is the source of the flooding.
To avoid electrocution, disconnect all electrical equipment and turn off any electrical fuses, even if the power is already off.
Notify your utility providers if you suspect any damage to your gas, water, electricity, or sewage lines, since these would necessitate professional assistance.
Examine your home for structural damage caused by floods, such as a warped floor or a sagging ceiling.

Hire A Mold Inspector

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Hire a Mold Inspector First

If you find mold growing on drywall, trim, or unfinished wood surfaces, and especially if the affected area is more than 10 square feet, hire a mold investigator to discover the root and extent of the problem. They’ll also be able to direct you to a reliable mold remediation company. Reputable companies work with third-party inspectors instead of doing the inspection themselves. 

But be sure to check credentials when hiring an inspector. The mold industry is largely unregulated, but there are guidelines to help you know when you’re hiring a true professional

Expect to spend $200 to $600 for a site visit from a qualified inspector, which will take 2 to 5 hours. The inspector will take air samples and may open up walls to find mold.

Once you have a good idea of what you're working with SERVPRO of River Oaks is HereToHelp

Commercial Wind and Hail Insurance

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your business with adequate wind and hail insurance coverage

A destructive storm can hit anywhere, but certain areas of the country are more likely to experience windstorms – a fact that may be reflected in your business’s insurance coverage. Wind and hail insurance claims are covered through commercial property insurance which can help you pay to repair or replace damaged property, including equipment, supplies, and structures. A business owners policy (BOP), which is specifically designed for small businesses, bundles commercial property with general liability insurance at an affordable price, and can also potentially pay for business property damage in the event of a storm.

If you’re in an area with a high risk of windstorms like Houston, review your policy language carefully with your Insurance agent. If you’re located in a high-risk zone, you may be able to purchase coverage as an endorsement to your standard small business insurance policy. This could mean a higher premium but more coverage in the event of a serious storm.

Why Basic Appliances Leak Water

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Why Home Appliances leak water

Where is water, there is also a possibility for a leak. And although nobody likes to point the finger, there are some home appliances responsible for leaks. Take your washing machine, freezer, dishwasher, and refrigerator for example. They all have some relation to water. They are either connected to the water supply or refrigerate it to keep food cold.

 When appliances leak, the water ends up on the floor. Although water damage is not as catastrophic as if the plumbing pipes burst, you will still deal with a serious problem. First of all, you will need to do appliance repairs to fix the problem. And this is not easy. Take your washer for instance. The failure, which has caused the leak, might be associated with a broken or worn rubber tube, overflow tube, drum, seal, or drain hose based on the appliance’s type. So there is no doubt that you will need an appliance service technician to determine and fix the problem. But then again, it’s a matter of your floor damage. Can you imagine having laminate in the flooded kitchen? Chances are you might need to replace or at least repair it.

Indoor and Outdoor Leaks

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Leaks Can Run, but They Can't Hide

Are you ready to chase down leaks? Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide. You can find and fix leaks inside and outside your home to save valuable water and money all year long.

Outdoor Leaks

If you have an in-ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing. An irrigation system that has a leak 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.

Leaks still Flowing?

If you've already determined you have leaks and you find these step-by-step solutions aren't enough to stop them, it might be time to replace your leaking fixtures. When you consult with a plumbing professional, and look for the Water Sense label when considering a new toilet, faucet, or showerhead, you could increase your home's water efficiency.

Don't Mistreat Your Home Drains

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Home water damage can lead to unnecessary stress and thousands of dollars in repairs. Although you cannot prepare for all plumbing-related accidents, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of a flooding due to mishaps, damage or neglect in your home. Keeping an eye on potential sources of leaks is just one of the many steps you can take to prevent home water damage.

Treat Your Drains Well

Improperly using your drains can lead to backups and flooding. In the kitchen, do not depend on your garbage disposal to grind up food pieces that could potentially get stuck in your pipes (e.g. pasta, egg shells, fibrous foods); simply throw these items away or put them in a compost bin. Grease and oils should never go down the drain. In the bathroom, use hair catchers to prevent hair from going down the drain and creating a clog.

Preventing home water damage can save you from both stress and money problems. Good prevention starts by becoming more aware of your home’s plumbing and appliances.

Signs You Have Or Are Going To Have Water Damage

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Wetness in the Cabinet

The only things you want hidden in your bathroom cabinet are extra rolls of toilet paper and cleaning products. But finding water or moisture in there is a sign of a hidden leak. It might be an easy fix, like tightening a nut, but it could also be a sign a valve needs replacing.

Damaged Flooring

If your bathroom floor is buckling, cracking, or beginning to stain—and you didn’t let the bathtub overflow—odds are you have a leak. The water could be from a pipe directly underneath the floor, or it could have traveled there from another area.

You might notice the floor feels soft or spongy. You might even be able to pick up a tile right off the floor. Either way, it needs to get fixed to prevent any further damage.

Winter Storm Damage Tips for Businesses

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222

6 smart steps to protect businesses from winter storm damage

As winter storms arrive, they bring with them massive destruction to property and the economy. Businesses must take preventive measures to protect themselves in the event of a winter storm. SERVPRO of River Oaks, a flood damage restoration company, shares some tips below.

An average winter storm in the US can cost $3.9 billion per event. Although the characteristics of winter weather vary with location, every business faces varying threats as winter nears. A small business or a large-scale enterprise must have a winter weather preparedness to mitigate the impact of such incidents on employees, customers, and the bottom line.

Here are six steps to protect a business all season long.

Step 1: Assess the risks

The various hazards businesses need to watch out for during cold weather are:

  • Icy roads and snow accumulation
  • structural stress and damage
  • Dangerous fire activity
  • Slip and fall injuries 
  • Seasonal illnesses
  • Unsafe driving conditions
  • Road closures
  • Flight delays and cancellations
  • Local school delays and closures
  • Electrical fires and other hazards
  • Power/systems outages (both in the workplace and for employees working remotely)

Assessing the unique risks that a business faces is imperative for the preparation of a plan. Factors such as the location of employee residences, office location, type of industry, employees' work routine are some of the questions that help identify the threats that must be considered while making winter storm preparation plans. For instance, the increase in remote work presents its unique safety and preparedness challenges.

In the event of a storm forecast, the management must vigilantly check local news and follow travel safety recommendations to stay atop the regional threats. 

Step 2: Delegate responsibility

Assigning the responsibility for the safety of employees as well as the business facility is important to ensure there is no confusion during the emergency event. All processes and responsible parties must be laid out for internal functions such as keeping employees informed of rapidly developing situations, ensuring all employees are accounted for and keeping facilities and equipment in safe operating condition.

Any organization is accountable for its employees’ overall safety and well-being for which all necessary safety precautions must be taken. A project team of involved stakeholders must be assembled to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each function. A clear, documented plan of who will do what during a winter storm is important to help avoid confusion, finger-pointing, and missteps during the emergency.

Step 3: Plan for each threat

A specific action plan must be prepared for each winter storm threat that has been identified. From extreme cold, freezing rain, heavy snow to carbon monoxide poisoning, and blizzard warnings, a specific plan must be created. The people responsible for each storm threat management must be kept in the loop to eliminate ambiguity. These people including employees and managers must be trained to watch out for signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and other health threats.

A winter storm preparation checklist must be prepared with each step explained elaborately. Include preparation items like filling gas tanks, dripping faucets, and buying extra supplies. All these winter weather scenarios must be rehearsed in drills with key leaders and people managers while employees must be trained on the safety measures during the seasons.

Step 4: Fortify against extreme cold

A business facility must be fortified to withstand winter threats and hazards. Regular inspections and maintenance of offices, supplies, and equipment must be conducted. Carbon monoxide detectors, elevators to walkways, and evacuation routes must be checked. These regular inspections allow timely maintenance and a functional system.

Additionally, a power outage backup plan must be made. Winter storms often knock out power lines, which can hamper employee productivity, threaten employee safety, and impede vital business operations. From keeping a variety of portable chargers and battery banks and investing in a backup generator to a secure data backup solution and communication plan, an organization must take necessary preventative measures before a storm arrives.

Step 5: Equip the people

Employees must be prepared and provided with the equipment and resources they need to stay safe.

  • Share tips with employees on staying safe this winter, at home or work. 
  • Review space heater and backup generator safety reminders. 
  • Ensure employees that work outdoors have adequate protective clothing and know how to recognize the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Company vehicles should be serviced before the winter season to ensure the battery, tire tread, windshield wipers, and antifreeze levels are satisfactory. 
  • Make sure that employees have access to emergency supplies at home, at work, and while driving.
  • Stock up on winter safety essentials at the facility such as flashlights and first-aid supplies.
  • Make a winter emergency vehicle kit for employees who travel for work.

Step 6: Keep everyone informed

Build a communication plan for how and who needs to be contacted when a winter storm hits. Have accurate contact information on hand for third parties such as clients, vendors, utility providers, the landlord, and insurance company. Identify how storm-related information will be disseminated and maintain contact with employees during winter weather events. Have a plan to inform clients and supplies about important information such as office closures or delayed openings. An emergency communication system—with features such as multichannel delivery, two-way messaging, and pre-built communication templates can help when there are power outages. 

Why SERVPRO?

  • SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of River Oaks is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Houston, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 
  • With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
  • The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

When Lightning Strikes a House

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of River Oaks is Here to Help 713-666-9222

When lightning strikes a house

Lightning is the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. This violent and sudden electrostatic discharge generates a bright flash and thunder. SERVPRO, a storm restoration company, explains the impact of a lightning strike on a house.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes a House

A cloud-to-ground lightning bolt will find the path of least resistance from the cloud to deep into the ground. Most houses have a path that the lightning can follow, causing immense damage in its wake. From gas and water pipes, electric lines, phone lines, cable TV/internet lines to gutters, downspouts, and metal window frames, any reasonable conductor becomes an opportunity for the lightning to continue its journey

Only a home with a professionally installed lightning protection system can prevent a direct lightning strike. It is important to be aware of how lightning can damage a house and the dangers it poses. Here are some damages that may occur to a house when lightning strikes:

  • Shock wave damage: Lightning can crack and break bricks, concrete, stone, and even cinder blocks. It can damage chimneys which are made from brick and stone. Lightning's shock waves can blow out plaster walls, shatter glass windows, create trenches in soil, and crack foundations.
  • Power surge damage: The electrical system of a house is the most common point of entry of increased voltage from a lightning or surge event. When lightning strikes a nearby power line, it can travel from the power line to the meter and then into the home’s electrical panel into the home’s wiring, burning the insulation and fusing the wires. It can travel through the wiring to the outlets and damage the electrical appliances as well. This can be a potential fire hazard as well. 
  • Fire damage: A house is made of highly flammable materials such as wood. As lightning travels through the house, it can easily ignite a fire. The attic or the roof is the most common area where lightning can start a fire since it has to pass through some structural material before reaching a conductive path. As the wiring or the pipes come in contact with lightning, a fire hazard becomes a very imminent possibility.  

Preventive measures 

It is always wise to take preventive measures in anticipation of a storm.

  • Trim the trees: Tall objects attract lightning. A tall tree near a house can become a possible direct route for lightning to enter the house. So trimming the trees close to the house is a safety measure homeowners can take. 
  • Pay attention to the shingles: Repair and replace shingles that are damaged or missing to protect the house from a devastating lightning strike. Ideally, replace shingles made from wood with shingles made from fire-resistant asphalt, tile, or metal to prevent possible fires.
  • Be cautious: During the storm, avoid direct contact with any potential lightning routes. Appliances or landlines should be avoided. Do not take a bath or do dishes during the storm. And unplug the computers and large appliances. 

Why SERVPRO?

  • SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of River Oaks is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Houston, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 
  • With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
  • The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry

Can Plants Save You From A Fire?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222.

The “home ignition zone” encompasses the house itself and everything up to 100 to 200 feet around it. Radiant heat from a severe wildfire can ignite a house from up to 100 feet away, and if there’s enough combustible material in the way, the flames themselves can quickly travel that distance. So if you happen to live in a wildfire-prone area, safeguarding just your home and the five feet surrounding it leaves significant risk on the table.

The area between 30 and 100 feet of a home is a property’s front-line defense against a wildfire. The principle guiding your preparation in this zone should be to create a “defensible space” that can prevent flames from approaching your home, and give firefighters a safe place to combat the blaze. For instance, once you remove fuel sources from the area immediately surrounding the house, the area between 30 and 100 feet out should be maintained as a “reduced fuel zone.” In this zone, plants should be spaced out, low-hanging tree branches should be pruned, and all vegetation should be watered regularly.

Steinberg notes that some homeowners go overboard when creating a defensible space by clearing the area surrounding their home of all vegetation. It seems counterintuitive, but well-spaced plant life can actually block wind-blown embers from reaching your home. A defensible space completely devoid of vegetation creates a “bowling alley” for embers.

Proof Your Roof

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of River Oaks is Here To Help.

Proof your roof

Embers from nearby wildfires often land on roofs, where they can ignite a blaze that quickly envelops the whole home. "A flammable roof will make the difference of your house being destroyed and not being destroyed, regardless of what else you do," says fire scientist Jack Cohen. The best possible protection in this case? A roof constructed from nonflammable materials like asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or tile. While wood shingles are the most common flammable roof covering material, homeowners who don’t want the hassle of reroofing can treat their wooden roofs with fire retardant, or install a rooftop sprinkler system. However, experts warn that such solutions may be inadequate—so you might want to consider changing materials altogether. A nonflammable roof is easy to achieve. If you get a typical asphalt shingle roof with a good installation, you really don’t have to worry too much.

Also note that leaves and pine needles that collect in gutters make for a dangerous ember landing bed. Make sure to clean your roof’s gutters regularly.