Preventing Water Damage Caused by Frozen Pipes

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services During the Winter in the Kearney and North Platte area

As most people know, winterizing your home in the fall can help prevent issues in the winter when the temperatures drop and snow flies. Prevention is always the key to avoiding costly damage caused by cold temperatures or snowfall. 

When it comes to deterring frozen pipes and ice damming in the Kearney and North Platte area, most homeowners know the basics of winterizing your home. However, for houses that seem to be prone to damage in the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent issues related to cold weather. First off, it is always wise to remove outdoor water fixtures, including hoses and sprinkler systems.

If certain sections of your pipes have frozen in the past, you may need to take steps to keep them warm in the wintertime. One way is to wrap a UL-endorsed heater tape to your water lines with a thermostat to prevent overheating. A less expensive way is to cover all of your pipes with foam insulation. It is also wise to heat your sink drain lines with a lamp or leave your cabinets open, especially on cold nights.

If your power happens to go out during a storm, you should open both your cold and hot water faucets so the water keeps moving. You can also go through your hose and seal off any gaps or cracks near any of your water pipes. Other more permanent prevention methods are a thermal convection-powered hot water recirculation valve or installing a "RedyTemp" system that monitors the water temperature inside your lines.

But, if you still notice a leak caused by a pipe freeze or ice dam, our SERVPRO technicians can help in the following ways:

• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Clean Up

Anytime you notice water inside your house where it is not supposed to be, call SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte at (308) 535-1115.

Training Employees for Fire Safety

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

The P.A.S.S Technique

If employees aren't confident they can safely put out a fire, they should evacuate instead. The acronym P.A.S.S. helps employees remember each step of using an extinguisher to reduce fire damage.

• Pull the pin. Find the pin at the top of the canister and pull it out to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. When the source of water is doused, the flames should die down.
• Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized chemicals inside the canister.
• Sweep the spray from side to side, maintaining your focus at the base of the fire.

After working through the steps, keep your eye on the area. If flames reappear, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Annual Fire Response Drills

Use the following steps in case of a fire (and during yearly drills.)

• Pull the fire alarm and alert the fire department.
• Protect the designated evacuation path. If fire, heat, or smoke threatens to come between employees and the exit, personnel should evacuate instead of fighting the fire.
• Choose an appropriate extinguisher.
• Complete the P.A.S.S. technique.
• Observe the location of the fire to catch any flames that may reignite.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is too big, if the air isn't safe to breathe, if the room is too hot or smoky, and/or if the evacuation path is compromised.

Once the ability to use the fire extinguisher has been mastered and employees have been trained in the fire response routine, schedule opportunities for employees to practice their responses to a fire.

Practice Safety

It doesn't take long for a kitchen fire to pop up in a restaurant or flames to appear in an industrial setting. Protect your employees with training on how to use a fire extinguisher and regular drills in fire safety techniques. Fire damage restoration professionals could provide you with further resources.

Continuing Education Classes

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte offers both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, and Real Estate professionals. Our offered Continuing Education (CE) Courses provide you and your employees with information that will allow you to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. Our franchise has held Continuing Education Courses on various topics including:

• Biohazard Cleanup
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminars
• The Hazards of Hoarding

Our upcoming CE Course will be December 9th through our zoom link.

"Ethics"

The premise for this ethics course is that although we may have solid ethical foundations and usually make rational ethical decisions, ethical lapses are likely to come when we are stressed, angry, upset, worried, or otherwise disengaged. Each and every day we are faced with decisions that could cause harm to others or ourselves. Facing ethical decisions can be very difficult, especially when we make decisions that may seem correct at first, but we later find out were not so great. As we explore what "Ethics" is, you will be challenged to become involved in group activities. The group activities will help reinforce what has been learned, as well as increase your ability to better deal with ethical decision-making in your own life.

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Koerner at nathan@goSERVPRO.com or give him a call at 712-253-3852 

Reviews and Why They Are Important

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte has been restoring homes and commercial properties for sometime now.

SERVPRO strives to provide the highest quality and efficient work possible. No matter what your expectations are for fire and water damage, mold remediation, or COVID-19 cleaning, we strive to exceed them.

This is where YOU come in.

As a customer, we understand that you want to know how great the technicians are at SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte.

Check out our current testimonial page for a vast representation of what our customers think about us.

Have you been serviced by SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte but haven't left a review yet?

Whether we provided our restoration or remediation services a year ago or yesterday, there is still more than enough time to write about your experience. 

We want to know what you think about our services so we can continue our high quality and efficient work!

Have Questions? Call Us Today: 308-535-1115

Faster to Any Disaster!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If a storm strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings at 308-210-2960. SERVPRO franchise professionals are leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration.

Even minor water intrusion has the potential to cause major damages to a structure, if not treated quickly mold can become a concern as well.  

Why you should call SERVPRO

SERVPRO has over forty years of experience on restoring water damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters. 

Floods can strike anywhere

• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snow melt and rainstorms. 
• Underpasses can be extremely dangerous during a flash flood especially at night.

If you have any water damage that is caused by storms call SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings at 308-210-2960.

We're Here to Help

Storm Event Response!!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Grand Island and Hastings specializes in storm damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quickly and with all the right resources. A fast response will lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduce the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Large Storms

When storms hit the Grand Island and Hastings area, we have the resources to scale up our response to handle a large storm or flash flood disaster. When needed we can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and we have elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO^© Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

What Makes SERVPRO Stand Out

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

As a restoration company, our aim is to be the trusted resource among clients. We ensure that we follow industry standard protocols. Our staff members go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration) training to be best prepared for all the services we offer. They are also certified with OSHA, Lead, and Asbestos awareness. We maintain a large inventory of equipment for residential and commercial work. The extensive list was added to this past week with more equipment being sent to our team. Air movers, dehumidification equipment, air scrubbers, specialty drying equipment including desiccants and generators all help complete the work in a timely manner. Lastly, our team members utilize technology and client documentation to make sure that everything is recorded properly. Our proprietary software that documents and records all the essential information is needed to make sure that these pieces are easily accessible. 

The Principles of Drying

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of trained professionals utilize their expertise to make sure your home or business can get back to normal.

The restorative drying process is meant for restoration professionals and is designed to ensure that each component and variable is considered to achieve all drying goals.

Principle 1: Provide for the safety and health workers and occupants

Principle 2: Document and inspect the project

Principle 3: Mitigate further damage

Control the spread of contaminants

Control moisture intrusion

Principle 4: Clean and dry affected areas

Our team uses cleaning procedures whenever soils and debris must be removed to expedite the drying process. Restorative drying for professionals is used to control as many factors as possible to complete the most efficient drying process. Once enough water is extracted, evaporation is enhanced by:

• Lowering humidity
• Increasing airflow across wet surfaces
• Controlling temperature of air and surfaces
• Using outside air when possible
• Creating a drying chamber

Principle 5: Complete the restoration and repairs

With Colder Weather Comes Fire Risk

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas require adjustments to our daily routines as the thermometer drops in the region.  With these changes come unwanted risks including fire hazards from additional holiday lights, candles and cooking.  Below, we list some preventative measures you can take now in order to prepare for the colder seasons.

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process should be completed on an annual basis, preferably at Daylight Savings Time or the beginning of a new season to ensure your home and business is safe and prepared for potential emergencies.
• Check your heaters and HVAC systems for signs of failure and damage. Heating systems pose a significant threat of fire damage during the fall and winter months, so preparation and HVAC system inspections are critical in order to eliminate the risk of fire or lack of heat in your home. Any space heaters should be also be placed away from items that pose a risk such as clothing.
• Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose a risk, and combustible materials should be kept a safe distance away.
• Clear your roof and gutters of debris that can collect and pose a risk if ignited.
• Do not leave a fire of any kind unattended.

As colder weather ushers in to the metro-east region of Illinois, so does the risk of fires in your home or business.  SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte wants to remind you about safe practices and safety precautions this fall and winter.  Along with many other preventative measures you can take, these steps are critical in helping to keep you, your family  safe.

If your home or business does experience a fire damage event of any size, our team is here for immediate assistance.  Our fire restoration professionals can handle the entire restoration and reconstruction process for you in order to help ease the stress that often comes with these types of disasters.  For more information, give us a call at (308) 535-1115.

Why SERVPRO

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important in a disaster event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308-535-1115

Fire Drills are a Good practice to get into

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Drills

Fire drills are not just for schools, they should be practiced by businesses and families alike. It is crucial to the safety of all that everyone knows more than one way to exit your building or home. Important things to cover are a designated meeting spot (a safe distance from the structure where a head count can be taken to inform first responders of anyone left in the building), and what to do should you not be able to have an escape route. Here at SERVPRO we suggest that customers regularly perform a “fire drill” so that everyone knows what to do and how to keep themselves and others safe. If disaster should strike your home, we are ready 24/7, 365. Call us at 308.535.1115 to help walk with you through the cleanup and repairs to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.535.1115

Be ready for a Bio-Hazard

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard Clean up

Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and you are faced with situations you never could imagine. We will come out and perform an inspection with you to help determine the plan should a bio-hazard occur at your business. Our trained technicians will create a Ready Plan with you so that all your team members will know what to do and whom to call should a disaster strike. 

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte at (308) 535-1115.

Fireplace Safety Tips

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

With the winter season upon us and the temperature starts to drop, we often turn to anything that can keep us warm in our homes. From heating a certain room with our space heaters to cuddling up with your loved ones in front of a warm fire. All of which can be potentially dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe while turning up the heat.

Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Before starting a fire, make sure the damper or flue is open. Keeping this open will draw smoke out of the house. Using a flashlight to look up the chimney can check the damper. Never close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry or aged wood in your fire. With dried wood, it burns with less smoke and burns more evenly. If you use wet or green wood, this cause more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney.
• Smaller pieces of wood positioned on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
• Make sure to clean out ashes from any previous fires. The levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less. A thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• You should get your chimney checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is very important to check for animal nests or any other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
• The area around your fireplace should be clear of anything that is potentially flammable.
• Never leave the fire in your fireplace unattended. Make sure the fire is out completely before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Peace of mind over the holidays and winter season can be increasingly difficult. Educating your family on these safety measures can eliminate the likelihood of a fire in your home and keep your family safe and sound.  

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.535.1115

We are Cleaning Experts

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tablets. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us today at 308.535.1115

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Mold is nothing to mess with.

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Kearney & North Plate professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To learn more about our mold remediation process.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event; as well as mold remediation. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us today at 308.535.1115