Preparing for End-of-Summer Storms

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Smith technician assessing storm damage in a local neighborhood with storm debris stacked up and ready to be loaded.

As summer comes to an end, Fort Smith homeowners need to stay vigilant about the potential for severe storms. The transition between summer and fall can bring unpredictable weather patterns, including heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms. At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we specialize in storm damage restoration and want to help you prepare your home for these end-of-summer storms.

End-of-Summer Storm Preparedness Tips:

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters:

   • Description: Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles and ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water backup.
   • Prevention Tips: Regularly maintain your roof and gutters to avoid leaks and water damage.

2. Trim Trees and Remove Dead Branches:

   • Description: Strong winds can easily break weak or dead branches, potentially causing damage to your property.
   • Prevention Tips: Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of branches falling during a storm.

3. Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment:

   • Description: Outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds.
   • Prevention Tips: Store or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other equipment to prevent them from causing damage.

4. Check Your Windows and Doors:

   • Description: Ensure that all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent water intrusion and wind damage.
   • Prevention Tips: Install storm shutters or use plywood to protect windows during severe storms.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit:

   • Description: Having an emergency kit ready can help you and your family stay safe during and after a storm.
   • Prevention Tips: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 479-452-8282

At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we provide 24/7 emergency storm damage restoration services. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any storm-related damage, ensuring your home is restored quickly and efficiently.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

• We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.
• We bill the insurance directly, so you have one less thing to worry about.
• Our technicians are highly trained in storm damage restoration techniques.
• We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment.

By following these tips and preparing in advance, you can protect your home from the potential dangers of end-of-summer storms. If disaster strikes, remember that SERVPRO of Fort Smith is here to help you recover and restore your property, making it "Like it never even happened."

For more tips and updates, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Stay safe this storm season!

Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent Fire Damage This Fall

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Close-up of meat and sauces grilling outdoors at an event, emphasizing the importance of outdoor grilling safety.

As the weather cools down and fall approaches, many Fort Smith residents enjoy grilling outdoors. While grilling is a great way to enjoy the season, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent fire damage. At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we specialize in fire damage restoration and want to ensure your fall is safe and enjoyable. Here are some essential grilling safety tips.

Grilling Safety Tips:

1. Keep the Grill Clean:

   • Regularly clean the grill to remove grease buildup, which can cause flare-ups.

2. Grill Outdoors:

   • Always grill outside in a well-ventilated area, away from structures, trees, and flammable materials.

3. Stay Attentive:

   • Never leave the grill unattended while in use. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.

4. Check for Gas Leaks:

   • For gas grills, check the hose and connections for leaks before lighting.

5. Use Proper Tools:

   • Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 479-452-8282

At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we provide 24/7 emergency fire damage restoration services. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any fire-related damage, ensuring your home is restored quickly and efficiently.

Why Choose SERVPRO®?

• We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.
• We bill the insurance directly, so you have one less thing to worry about.
• Our technicians are highly trained in fire damage restoration techniques.
• We use advanced equipment and technology for efficient and effective restoration.

By following these grilling safety tips, you can enjoy your outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of fire. If a fire does occur, remember that SERVPRO of Fort Smith is here to help you recover and restore your property, making it "Like it never even happened."

For more tips and updates, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Stay safe and enjoy your fall grilling!

How to Prevent Water Damage in Commercial Properties

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Smith employee cleaning the floor of a commercial property after water damage.

Water damage can have severe consequences for commercial properties, impacting not only the physical structure but also business operations and revenue. At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we understand the importance of maintaining a dry and safe environment for your business. Here are some essential tips to help prevent water damage in commercial properties.

Water Damage Prevention Tips for Commercial Properties:

1. Regular Maintenance Checks:

   • Description: Conduct routine inspections of your property’s plumbing system, including pipes, faucets, and water heaters.
   • Prevention Tips: Schedule regular maintenance checks to identify and repair leaks before they cause significant damage.

2. Install Water Detection Devices:

   • Description: Water detection devices can alert you to leaks or flooding in critical areas.
   • Prevention Tips: Place these devices near water heaters, sump pumps, and other vulnerable areas to receive early warnings of potential issues.

3. Ensure Proper Drainage:

   • Description: Poor drainage can lead to water accumulation and damage, especially during heavy rains.
   • Prevention Tips: Keep gutters and downspouts clean and ensure that the surrounding landscape slopes away from the building to prevent water pooling.

4. Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures:

   • Description: Older plumbing fixtures and pipes can be prone to leaks and bursts.
   • Prevention Tips: Consider upgrading to modern, high-quality fixtures that are less likely to fail.

5. Develop an Emergency Plan:

   • Description: Having a plan in place can help minimize damage and downtime in the event of a water emergency.
   • Prevention Tips: Create a water damage response plan, including shut-off procedures and emergency contacts, and train your staff to execute it efficiently.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 479-452-8282

At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services for commercial properties. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any water-related damage, ensuring your business is back up and running quickly.

Why Choose SERVPRO®?

• We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.
• We bill the insurance directly, so you have one less thing to worry about.
• Our technicians are highly trained in water damage restoration techniques.
• We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment.

By following these tips and maintaining regular upkeep, you can protect your commercial property from water damage. If an emergency arises, remember that SERVPRO of Fort Smith is here to help you recover and restore your property, making it "Like it never even happened."

For more tips and updates, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Keep your business safe and dry this season!

Large Loss Division

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. The rate at which things move with ease and precision is unparalleled.

The SERVPRO of Fort Smith's advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Our team is massive and can be readied quickly to save you time!

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

The Hospitality Industry
Property Managers
Universities
Municipalities
Healthcare Facilities
Food Service
Retail
Entertainment Venues/Casinos
HELPING TO MAKE FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE “Like it never even happened.”

Electrical Fires

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Houses go up in flames in about three minutes, eight times faster than they would have 50 years ago. By the time you see the fire, it’s too late to do anything but evacuate.
Having an emergency plan in place is crucial for times like these. Most do not know that water is a huge no-no for electrical fires, can increase your risk of electrocution, and will do nothing to safely smother the fire.
You may not see signs of an electrical fire in your home or business, but the following problems put you at risk.
1. You Have Damaged or Old Wiring
2. Lights Dim for No Reason
3. Use a Lot of Power Bars and Extension Cords

Also, beware if your breakers keep tripping, or if there are charred, discolored outlets and switches, you may need to take precautions to assure your home or property is safe and properly wired.

SERVPRO of Fort Smith is a leading fire damage restoration company and we specialize in removing water after the firefighting efforts, especially following an electrical fire. Our professionals assess the damage and handle the cleanup and restoration process from to start to finish. We even perform smoke and odor removals to assure we make your business or residence "Like It Never Even Happened."
Call us today for a FREE Estimate!

Fort Smith 24-Hour Large Format Drying Service for Commercial Properties

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Smith responds to significant water damage in a commercial property, using advanced drying techniques to restore large areas.

SERVPRO of Fort Smith is available 24 hours a day for large format drying services, designed to handle the biggest water damage situations in large commercial properties. Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water damage, especially in large spaces like warehouses or retail stores, where delays can lead to more severe structural damage. When you’re dealing with large-scale water damage in commercial properties, you need a quick and professional response. SERVPRO of Fort Smith has the expertise, specialized equipment, and trained professionals to tackle even the most challenging jobs. Large format drying is essential for drying wide, open spaces like the one shown in the image, ensuring complete recovery after water intrusion.

We Answer the Phone Ready 24/7 to Help
Call Today - 479-452-8282

Our specialized large format drying services ensure that commercial spaces and large areas are dried effectively, reducing the potential for secondary damage like mold growth or structural concerns. This method is ideal for restoring large properties and commercial facilities that have suffered significant water damage.

What to Expect

When you call, we’ll ask key questions to evaluate the severity of your water damage. This helps us determine the right equipment, the number of professionals needed, and the best strategy to restore your commercial space efficiently. Our SERVPRO® Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged commercial property
• When did the water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Fort Smith

SERVPRO of Fort Smith specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after water, fire, or storm damage events. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, including large format drying for widespread water damage. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured that our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to restore your property.

Specialty Cleaning Services

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

cleaning crew

When was the last time your home or business was deep cleaned? SERVPRO of Fort Smith understands maintaining a clean environment takes constant work and we are up for the job! Our certified technicians have the tools it takes to handle all your specialty cleaning projects. Most cleaning companies only have a couple of cleaning methods, but SERVPRO incorporates a variety of methods to assure your home, business, or property is properly cleaned and it looks "Like it Never Even Happened".

When we say SERVPRO cleans, we mean, carpet/upholstery cleaning, drapes/blinds/window treatments, ceiling/floors/walls, HVAC/air duct cleaning, biohazard/crime scene cleanup, document restoration, odor removal, vandalism/graffiti, and COVID-19 cleanings. Let us know if you think of anything else we can clean for you, we are always Here to Help.

Fort Smith 24-Hour Water Damage Restoration Using Industrial-Grade Equipment

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Smith uses industrial air movers and drying equipment to restore properties after water damage.

When water damage strikes, every second counts. At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we understand how critical fast action is to prevent further damage to your property. That’s why we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to water emergencies. Using advanced industrial equipment like air movers (shown in the image), we can effectively dry out your property and minimize the long-term impact of water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready 24/7 to Help
Call Today - 479-452-8282

Our highly-trained technicians use state-of-the-art tools to ensure a thorough drying process. From water extraction to structural drying, we make sure no corner is left untreated. The industrial air movers, seen in the image above, play a key role in speeding up the evaporation process by circulating airflow across surfaces and ensuring fast and efficient drying. This minimizes the risk of mold and structural damage.

What to Expect

When you call SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we’ll quickly assess the water damage and deploy our specialized drying equipment to restore your property. Our process includes moisture detection, water extraction, drying, and dehumidification to ensure a complete restoration.

Our SERVPRO® Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged property
• When did the water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Fort Smith

SERVPRO of Fort Smith is a trusted leader in water damage restoration. Our team is highly trained and equipped with the latest technology to handle any size disaster. Whether your property has suffered from a small leak or extensive flooding, we have the experience and industrial tools to get the job done right. The air movers pictured here are just part of our comprehensive process, ensuring that we provide thorough, fast, and effective restoration for homes and businesses alike.

How To Recognize and Clean Up Black Water Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

How to Identify and Repair Black Water Damage

Three hundred gallons per day: That’s how much water the average American household uses, most of which is indoors. What happens when it doesn’t go where it’s supposed to? When water escapes the confines of the pipes and tanks that hold it, severe damage can occur. The kind of damage done is divided into three categories based on the type of water and the possibility of harmful effects:

• Clean water
• Gray water
• Black water
  
  

What's the Difference Between Black and Gray Waters?

While clean water comes from water pipes and is clear of any substances, black and gray water are contaminated. Also called category 2, gray water is residential wastewater and contains quantities of physical, chemical, or biological elements such as soap and other residues. It does not contain feces. Possible sources include a washing machine, dishwasher, or bathtub. Untreated, this category can develop further contamination and be reclassified to the next level.
Black, or category 3, water is grossly contaminated and carries high levels of biological waste such as feces, urine, and medical or other unsanitary materials. It is the most serious category. Several possible sources are broken or ruptured sewer/septic lines, backed-up toilets or other clogged sewage lines, or storm surges. This type of water damage poses the highest risk and requires fast and specialized cleaning and restoration to prevent further problems.

What Can You Do About Black Water?

A leak or flood of unsanitary material, and the resulting damage to your home, can be frustrating and stressful. Residential water contamination of all types, especially that which is highly polluted and requires sewage cleanup, needs remediation as quickly and effectively as possible. Due to the potential for health risks and progression, cleanup should be left to restoration professionals. Improperly cleaned and dried items can cause more damage over time, such as mold, foul odors, and even structural damage.
Black water can pose immediate and long-term risks to health and property. Seeking professional cleanup services in is the best way to mitigate any risks and bring you peace of mind.

How Safe Is It to Handle Each Type of Contaminated Water?

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Types of Contaminated Water

Contaminated water can take many different forms. Some homes will experience a flood of predominantly clean other while other abodes have to contend with black water. No matter what type of water came out of the supply line, you need to take quick action to have professionals remedy the situation right away.

1. Clean Water

While Category 1 water is called “clean” professionally, it may still contain substances that make it unsafe to drink. This type of water generally comes from a sink or tub. It may even pick up contaminants from the ground. For instance, tub water that overflows may pick up particles from the flooring outside of the tub. While you should avoid getting any Category 1 water in your mouth, it should not cause any ill side effects by simply pooling there.

2. Grey Water

Grey water, also known as Category 2 water, often comes from washing machines, dishwashers and sump pumps. It will contain physical, biological or chemical contaminants, but it will not consist of any fecal matter. Bacteria will likely be in it, so it can result in health complications if someone touches it. Sometimes even simply being exposed to this kind of contaminated water can result in health problems.

3. Black Water

Black water is the most dangerous type of water to be exposed to. Houses fill with this when water backs up from the septic tank, meaning there will often be fecal matter within the water. It can be extremely dangerous to be exposed to Category 3 water for an extended period of time.

No matter which category of water you have in your home you need to get it removed immediately. Standing water, regardless of the type of contaminants within it, can result in mold development. The contaminated water, as well as walls and other items exposed to the moisture, will need to be removed posthaste.