Water Damage Restoration: Responding Swiftly to Protect Your Property

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike suddenly and wreak havoc on your home or business, causing extensive damage and disruption to your daily life. At SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties, we understand the urgency of water damage restoration and the importance of responding swiftly to mitigate further loss.

Here's why prompt water damage restoration is crucial:

1. Prevents Structural Damage: Excess water can weaken the structural integrity of your property, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Our team assesses the extent of the damage and takes immediate action to stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration.

2. Minimizes Mold Growth: Standing water and excess moisture create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Our experts utilize advanced techniques to thoroughly dry affected areas and prevent mold growth.

3. Salvages Belongings: Water damage can cause irreparable harm to your personal belongings and furnishings if not properly addressed. SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties offers content cleaning and restoration services to salvage as much as possible and restore your possessions to their pre-damaged condition.

4. Rapid Water Extraction: Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to quickly extract standing water from your property, minimizing the extent of damage and reducing downtime for you and your family or business.

5. Comprehensive Restoration Services: From water extraction and drying to structural repairs and reconstruction, SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties offers comprehensive water damage restoration services to address all aspects of the restoration process.

When water damage strikes, don't delay – contact SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties for swift and effective water damage restoration services. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and help you restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

General Mitigation: Proactive Measures to Minimize Damage and Loss

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Mitigation is the key to minimizing the impact of disasters on your property and ensuring a swift recovery process. At SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties, we specialize in general mitigation services aimed at reducing risks and preserving the integrity of your home or business.

Here are some proactive measures we recommend to mitigate potential damage and loss:

1. Property Inspection: Regular inspections of your property can help identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities, allowing for timely repairs and reinforcements to mitigate risks.

2. Emergency Preparedness Plan: Develop an emergency preparedness plan that outlines procedures for various disaster scenarios, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and essential supplies.

3. Hazard Mitigation: Take steps to mitigate common hazards such as fire, water leaks, and storm damage by installing smoke detectors, sump pumps, and reinforcing vulnerable areas of your property.

4. Building Envelope Protection: Ensure that your building envelope, including roofs, windows, and doors, is properly sealed and fortified to prevent water intrusion and air leakage.

5. Backup Systems: Install backup systems for critical utilities such as power and water to ensure continued operation during emergencies, reducing downtime and potential damage.

6. Education and Training: Educate yourself and your family or employees about disaster preparedness and response protocols to facilitate a coordinated and effective response in the event of an emergency.

By taking proactive mitigation measures, you can reduce the likelihood of property damage and loss, as well as minimize the impact of disasters on your daily life and operations.

At SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties, we understand the importance of mitigation in safeguarding your property and ensuring a swift recovery process. Contact us today to learn more about our general mitigation services and how we can help you protect your home or business.

Cleaning Services: Restoring Cleanliness and Sanitation to Your Property

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is essential for the health and well-being of occupants in both residential and commercial properties. At SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties, we offer professional cleaning services to restore cleanliness and sanitation to your property.

Here's how our cleaning services can benefit you:

1. Deep Cleaning: Our team utilizes industry-leading techniques and equipment to perform deep cleaning of all surfaces, removing dirt, grime, and contaminants to restore a clean and healthy environment.

2. Odor Removal: We specialize in odor removal services to eliminate unpleasant odors caused by smoke, mold, pet stains, and more. Our advanced deodorization techniques neutralize odors at their source, leaving your property smelling fresh and clean.

3. Air Duct Cleaning: Dirty air ducts can circulate dust, allergens, and other contaminants throughout your property, compromising indoor air quality. Our air duct cleaning services help improve air quality and reduce allergens for a healthier indoor environment.

4. Biohazard Cleanup: In situations involving biohazardous materials such as blood, bodily fluids, or hazardous chemicals, our trained technicians follow strict protocols to safely clean and disinfect affected areas, ensuring the safety of occupants.

5. Specialty Cleaning: We offer specialty cleaning services for unique situations, including hoarding cleanup, graffiti removal, and crime scene cleanup. Our compassionate team handles these sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.

6. Commercial Cleaning: In addition to residential cleaning services, we provide commercial cleaning services tailored to the specific needs of businesses, including offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

Whether you need routine cleaning maintenance or specialized cleaning services, SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties has you covered. Trust us to restore cleanliness and sanitation to your property, providing you with peace of mind and a healthier living or working environment. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning service.

Facts & Stats: Fires

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are "here to help" handle your home or business's fire damage restoration needs!

The unpredictable nature of fires can lead to so much devastation and loss for your home or business.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are around 346,800 house fires per year causing on average 2,620 fatalities.

Understanding the facts when it comes to fires can help you to better prepare your family and employees in case of disaster.

General Fire Facts & Stats

- Cooking is the leading cause of house fires, followed by:

• Heating
• Electrical Systems & Equipment
• Candles
• Smoking

- In 2020, fire and lightning insurance claims had the highest average payout of $77,340.

- On average, across the US, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds in 2021.

- In 2021, there were 1,353,500 fires reported, including residential and non-residential structures.

- In 2020, per 1,000 fires, the national average was 2 deaths and 8 injuries.

Ohio Fire Facts & Stats

- Ohio has the 7th most fatal home fires per capita in relation to the other 50 states, with Texas being the first.

- Smoking is the top cause of fire deaths in the state of Ohio, making up 20% of fatalities.

It's difficult and scary to imagine your home or business experiencing a fire. It can be hard to determine where to start when a disaster like this occurs.

If your home or business falls victim to a fire, SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is "here to help." Our experienced technicians handle the care and restoration of your property and its contents. We handle the cleanup and the reconstruction, so you don't have to worry about juggling multiple companies.

If you find yourself in need of fire damage restoration, give us a call today!

Facts & Stats: Water Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

We are "here to help" handle your home or business's water damage restoration needs!

It's no secret that April showers are the start of Ohio's rainy season. Despite the name, April is only the 4th rainiest month in Ohio, with May, June, and the rainiest, July rounding out the top three.

As we work our way through the wet season, it's important to understand the facts of water and storm damage.

National Water Damage Facts & Stats

- 14,000 people in the US are affected by water damage every day.

- The average insurance claim to repair a water damaged home is $11,605.

- 99% of US counties experienced a flood from 1996-2019.

- 98% of US homes will experience water damage in their basements at least once.

- Even the smallest leak can increase the average water bill by 10%.

- In 2020, almost 20% of home insurance claims were due to water damage and freezing.

Ohio Water Damage Facts & Stats

- In Ohio, 540,863 properties have more than a 26% chance of being affected by severe flooding in the next 30 years.

- In 2021, at least 142 people died in flooding incidents, 64 of which were driving.

Water damage, whether it be from flooding or a storm, can be a difficult process to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is equipped to handle all of your water damage restoration needs! From the drying process to reconstruction, we work with all insurances to get your home or business looking "like it never even happened."

Are You Prepared for Spring Weather?

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

We're "here to help" handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us this spring!

Storm Prep is Worth the Time

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $27 million in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Stay Safe During a Storm

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland today and let the experts take care of it! 

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is Ready for All of Your Storm Needs

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland will be there for you. Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm anywhere in the United States! We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes.

Commercial Water Removal: Technology Matters

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the best technology to quickly and efficiently dry your home after a water damage loss.

There are potential causes of water possibly flooding your business. Sometimes a pipe breaks or sprinkler systems default and go off overnight causing water to spill into the building all night long. In other scenarios, severe weather possibly causes unwanted, indoor moisture.

The extraction process is a vital step in mitigating moisture damage. SERVPRO's of North Richland and Ashland counties commercial water removal technicians always use the industry's best equipment during extraction. We implement the best procedures to complete the job in a way that does not negatively affect your business.

When first arriving at an emergency water situation our team ensures the work area is safe for our technicians, your employees, and customers. We fix as many hazards in the area as possible. Areas that are not safe to access are blocked off, and danger signs are posted.

Then, the source of the problem is repaired so that water is no longer pouring into the building. If the issue results from faulty sprinklers or a pipe break, a plumber is called and fixes the problem. If rainwater enters due to a broken or exterior wall, we board up the hole in the structure so that no more moisture enters.

Next, we begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors are used for places that can be awkward to get into, or if parking a van at your business is not possible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 lbs., hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater, and their vacuum power has 140 inches of water lift.

Truck-mounted extractors are used for severe projects that contain large amounts of water. The van that has the extractor gets parked close to an entrance to your business, so that the vacuum hose can be pulled in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have storage tanks that hold from 60 to over 100 gallons of waste. The vacuum lift capabilities for these extractors are more powerful, having between 185.71 to 198.98 inches of water lift.

Sometimes, we complete our extraction work during hours when your business is not open so that extraction does not hinder your normal operations. We may need to extract the water one small section at a time, so part of your business stays open. We work with you to ensure that your business is being properly restored, but we also make sure that you are back up and running as quickly as possible.

For professional help removing moisture from your place of business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland.

Know the Facts: Mold Growth & Remediation

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is there to help when you suspect mold in your home or business!

How Does Mold Spread in My Home?

Molds will grow where conditions allow. Molds require two things to grow – a food source and moisture. Food sources can be anything from dry wall and insulation to carpeting or mattresses. Moisture can come from many sources, including high humidity levels, leaky pipes or appliance hoses, neglected or inadequately repaired roofs, improperly maintained air conditioners, landscape and drainage problems, etc.

Should I be Concerned About Mold in My Home?

Yes. Indoor mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable. If you can see or smell mold inside your home, you should take steps to eliminate the cause by cleaning up and removing the mold. If left unchecked, mold growth can cause health effects and structural damage to your home.

What Can I Do to Prevent Mold From Growing in My Home?

Since mold needs a food source and moisture to grow, the best thing you can do is to prevent moisture problems that allow mold to grow.

• Maintain lower levels of humidity in your home (preferably between 30-50%) by: venting bathrooms and dryers to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation by adding crawlspace and attic vents; using exhaust fans when cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning, etc.
• Add insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces such as windows, pipes, exterior walls, roofs, or floors.
• Inspect your home regularly for indications and sources of indoor moisture such as leaking pipes, appliance hoses, showers, tubs, sinks and toilets. Replace plastic hoses with steel-reinforced hoses. Check windows, doors, attics and ceilings for leaks or evidence of water stains or odors, particularly after rains. Fix plumbing, flashing, and roof leaks right away.
• Don't carpet bathrooms, basements, kitchens or other areas prone to moisture. Clean bathrooms often and keep surfaces dry.
• Cover dirt in crawlspaces with a moisture barrier plastic sheeting.
• Prevent water from entering basements and crawlspaces by repairing holes and cracks in walls and foundation. Use landscaping to direct water away from your foundation.
• Clean and maintain your gutters and make sure drainpipes carry water several feet away from your home.
• Watch your utility bills. An abnormally high water bill could signal a water leak.
• Before you travel, turn off the water at the main valve. Have a trusted friend or neighbor check the inside and outside of your home periodically while you're away.

Where Does Mold Like to Live?

Just hearing the word “mold” can cause us all to cringe. It’s odorous, unsightly, and even dangerous to our health. Mold growth can appear quickly, so knowing where to look and what areas are best to practice preventive measures in can help give you peace of mind.

Here are the top three areas to check regularly for mold growth:

The Bathroom

Everyone knows that mold likes water and wet areas, making your bathrooms a hotbed for mold growth. Most bathrooms are cleaned thoroughly at least once a week, this is a great time to check for mold. Look in the least traveled areas, such as corners of the linen closet, behind the toilet, under the sink. If there are, or have been, any leaks in these places in the past, these areas are in danger until they are fully dry. Investing in a dehumidifier for your bathroom can assist in the prevention of mold growth.

The Kitchen

This area of your home is also a watery place; it is used more than any other area in the house besides the bath. Watch out for spills and leaks. Clean them up immediately to ensure that they are not attracting mold spores. Spores are always in our air and cannot be removed, the trick to preventing mold growth is not giving them a place to land and settle.

The laundry room

Because the laundry room houses large appliances, it also has nooks and crannies that are not cleaned often. Add to that the humidity in the air and possible unseen leaks or drips, and you have a recipe for the establishment of a mold colony. Pull the washer and dryer out from the wall regularly, and make sure the areas behind them are clean, dry, and disinfected in order to prevent mold growth.

Other areas to check frequently for mold include hall closets, garages, and basements.

Our team at SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland Counties is always here to help you with any issues related to mold remediation in your home or business. Large-scale cleanups after flooding and fire are our specialties.

Returning your home to its pre-mold condition is not a quick or easy set of processes. SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County has years of experience in helping our customers through each step to put you back into your home. If you need us, call (419) 207-8449 today to set up an inspection.

Safety First: Thunderstorms & Flooding

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is there right after the storm to start your water damage restoration!

North Central Ohio’s indecisive weather can often bring major water damage into your residential or commercial property. There are often a few different weather-related risks to be wary of that could cause serious damage to your home or business.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can occur anywhere at any time of the day, however they are most likely to happen in the afternoon during the spring and summer months. These storms are created by cumulonimbus clouds, and can produce extreme winds, lightning, and hail. Lightning can be very dangerous as well; in fact, more people are killed by lightning every year than they are by tornadoes.

When a thunderstorm is predicted in your area, there are some precautions you can take:

• If you can hear the thunder produced by the storm from your residence or business, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning.
• Keep an eye out for storm signs such as quickly darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds.
• Postpone any outdoor activities, and avoid driving in storm conditions.
• Find shelter immediately, in the basement of your residence or business if possible, closing all windows and doors securely.
• If you are driving when the storm hits, pull over and take shelter in your car immediately.
• Refrain from bathing, showering, using plumbing, or swimming during storm conditions.
• Ensure that storm drains near your property are kept unobstructed.
• Keep trees around your property trimmed; a severe thunderstorm might cause any straggling branches to break and damage your residence or business.  

Flooding

As the seasons change, heavy spring rains can overwhelm rivers and streams and cause flooding. When water rises rapidly along a stream or low-lying area, catastrophic flash flooding may occur. It is good to be prepared and have a solid evacuation plan for your family or employees when a flood or flash flood warning is issued.

Some basic flood safety steps include:

• Avoid flood waters at all cost. Just six inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you encounter a flooded road while driving, turn the car around and go another way. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Gather your family or employees, some emergency supplies, and any important belongings and evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible.
• Store your most important items such as photo albums, family heirlooms, and business documents in tightly-sealed plastic containers to ensure that they are well protected from floodwaters. As well consider storing valuables in the attic rather than the basement.

The key when it comes to thunderstorms and floods is to make sure that you have a safety plan in place. Ensure that your family members or employees know to take shelter in the basement during a thunderstorm or to retreat to the highest level of your property during a flood. It is advisable to keep a supply of food, water, flashlights and batteries, and a first aid kit in the case of any emergency.

SERVPRO of North Richland & Ashland Counties is dedicated to taking quality care of restoring your home or business after the inclement weather, so that the health and safety of your family and employees can be your main concern when a flood or thunderstorm hits.

SERVPRO is Faster To Any Storm Disaster When It Comes to North Richland and Ashland County, Ohio Homes.

The worst part of a major storm is typically not the storm itself, but the ensuing days after it. If your home is unlucky enough to be impacted by flood damage in South Richland County, it can take weeks to dry out after the storm on its own, and even longer for you to restore the damage without professional help. This is the problem SERVPRO sets out to solve. We cut restoration times to the shortest intervals possible while maintaining effective and thorough treatment solutions, meaning our services are unprecedentedly timely and comprehensive. 

Storms can cause a host of flood damage problems in North Richland and Ashland County, with entire blocks at a time sometimes becoming inundated with water during the worst storms. SERVPRO is always ready after major disasters to help, with a large stock of equipment and machines to best help residents in need. We offer full water removal solutions, including water extraction, assisted drying with air movers, and dehumidifiers. Once water has been cleared from the property, we can then begin work on restorations, applying our professional techniques and training to help save as many materials and belongings as possible from the costly tallies of full replacement. Restoring damaged materials almost always carries a lower cost than replacing them, so we evaluate each item separately to determine an appropriate treatment solution for it. 

We also have the resources to deal with other types of damage simultaneously. Many homes suffer from fire, mold, and other types of damage in tandem with flooding, but our well-rounded portfolio of certifications and training techniques allow us to combat these with ease. Our service helps to ensure that other types of damage do not gain the upper hand in your home or go undetected.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is a locally-owned franchise of a national company that provides professional water and flood damage removal and restoration services. Call us 24/7 at (419) 207-8449.

Cleaning Your Belongings After a Fire

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our crew handles your fire damage restoration needs from board up, to clean up, and all the way through the reconstruction process!

Once a fire takes place on your property, you will likely find yourself experiencing anxiety and concern regarding the condition of your residential living space. Smoke damage to your possessions presents unique challenges to SERVPRO for successful salvaging. For example, the smoke that results from a fire can leave behind a residue that coats your property and causes issues such as warping, rusting, corrosion, etching, discoloration, and staining. Smoke generates unwanted odors that are stubborn to remove. There are four categories of property items that are specifically susceptible to extensive, expensive damage from the smoke and soot that fires generate. 

Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture will often require careful, extensive treatment due to smoke and soot damage. Typically, wood is very porous, which makes it more susceptible to retaining odors, acquiring residue, and taking on staining. Hard surfaces offer a landing point for oily soot.

Carpets, Drapes, Upholstery, and Rugs
Each of these items is recognized for absorbing and subsequently retaining unpleasant smells. Depending on the level of penetration and type of material, the odors generated by smoke soot can be difficult to remove completely. SERVPRO utilizes specialized dry cleaning services for fabrics.

Books
A library replete with well-kept books in good condition can quickly deteriorate into a library full of damaged books. The heat and acid generated by the smoke can degrade book bindings and cause discoloration of the pages. If the books were wet, we have specific equipment and techniques for drying and restoring, if possible.

Artwork
Different media of artwork can be adversely impacted from smoke damage, including antique sculptures, original paintings and framing, and family photographs and albums.  Although you may feel inclined to complete the restoration process on your own, it is always best to contact industry experts to do the job. If you complete the cleaning process incorrectly or incompletely, you could permanently damage or even destroy your valuable artwork. SERVPRO can restore many artifacts, but recognizes limitations and liabilities. We can secure the services of an art museum or a private company for restoration.

Choose SERVPRO Now!
Once your property is impacted by smoke damage, there's only one company to call for professional restoration: SERVPRO. With over 57 years of experience in the industry and our team of IICRC-certified professionals, we are passionate about offering customized services that suit your individual needs and preferences. We offer free estimates, a fast response, and immediate customer service. Don't put up with unwanted smoke damage and odors for a moment longer. Instead, allow us to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Have Smoke or Fire Damage?

SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland Counties is dedicated to responding immediately day or night to your Mansfield or Ashland, Ohio home or business. We offer 24/7 service to Mansfield, Ashland ,and surrounding areas. Call us at (419) 207-8449.