Three Tips for Roof Repair After a Fire

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service.

Three Things You May Want To Know About Fire Cleanup

If your business, has suffered roof damage as a result of a fire, when you may be looking for tips on how to go about a fire cleanup. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Protect the Damaged Area

It's important to protect any damaged areas to your company property until repairs can be made. You may want to consider boarding over the damage or taking advantage of tarp services offered by your local fire restoration company. Doing so can help prevent inclement weather from making any damage worse, as well as prevent wild animals from getting into the property.

2. Contact a Professional

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service. This is largely due to the fact that a fire can cause a number of types of damage, and that these professionals have the tools and knowledge to look for and repair any related damages along with the original problem. A restoration service may also be able to communicate with your insurance company in order to provide them with information they may need to process your claim.

3. Understand Possible Related Damage

In many cases the initial damage caused by fire can lead to additional problems, and it's important to understand this when dealing with a fire restoration. After a fire you may be looking at water damage and flooding, as well as roof repair, smoke damage, and potential mold problems. Understanding that these issues can be related to a fire can help you take the appropriate safety and clean up steps.

When conducting a fire cleanup at your place of business it's important to remember these three things. Protect any damage areas against further damage until repairs can be made. Contact a local fire restoration company, like SERVPRO of West Brevard, in order to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. Understand any damages related to fire such as water damage or flooding so that proper clean-up procedures can be taken.

Hire a Professional to Clean Up Fire Damage

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to wreak havoc on your in West Brevard, FL.

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to wreak havoc on a commercial property or home. The first thing you will want to do if there is a fire is call the fire department to extinguish the fire. Many people believe that they can re-enter the property and begin restoring it after a fire. However, there are still threats that linger for the property. Due to those threats, it is best to hire a professional West Brevard fire restoration company.

The Aftermath Of A Fire

Many people believe that once the fire has been put out, the danger is no longer present. However, fire leaves behind remnants that can cause serious damage to the property. The smoke and ash that is left behind cause discoloration, etching and an unpleasant odor. The building will be less likely to suffer those problems if you call SERVPRO of West Brevard.

The Sooner You Call, The Better

It is best to contact a fire restoration company, like SERVPRO, as soon as possible in order to restore the West Brevard fire damages. Ash is one of the major concerns. It can discolor just about anything that it comes in contact with. Discoloration can begin just a few hours after the fire. Fiberglass, plastic and other finishes can turn yellowish. Metals will start to tarnish. You will have to replace or refinish certain items in your home after a few days because the damage will be permanent.

Hiring A Fire Restoration Contractor

If you have hired a certified and trained professional from SERVPRO, then they will be at your home in a short amount of time. They will assess the home in order to see the type of damage that is done. They will also perform a thorough cleaning in order to remove the ash, smoke and West Brevard fire damage. Items that are beyond repair will be removed, and specialized cleaning supplies will be used to neutralize odors.

Do-it-yourself techniques typically do not remove the smoke and ash that is left behind by a fire. You may cause further damage and contamination to your home if the correct techniques are not used. That is it is best to contact SERVPRO so that they can perform fire damage restoration.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of West Brevard is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

Restoring Documents After Water Damage

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

When a client's property suffers storm damage, it may be on more than just a building. A document restoration service like that offered by a local SERVPRO of West Brevard, can help your client get back on track. Documentation can include everything from account statements to invoicing, and the ability to salvage these can help save valuable time and money.

Services Offered

A professional restoration service can offer a number of ways to recover your client's documentation. These may include

• Freeze drying
• Cleaning
• Gamma irradiation sterilization
• Digitizing
• Deodorizing
  
  

Depending on damage type, these processes can be utilized to restore a variety of damaged documents, including X-rays and photographs.

Technology Used

The process of document restoration involves the use of modern technology. Gamma irradiation is used to sterilize the documents without causing further harm. The documentation can then be freeze-dried which is a process approved by the National Archives. Your client can trust that their paperwork will not only be in safe hands but can be restored. Taking advantage of additional services, such as digitization, may offer further benefit.

Additional Services

In addition to document drying, SERVPRO can offer several other services your clients may be interested in. They can also offer digitization services. This is the process of converting documentation into an electronic form so it can be stored on a server safely out of harm's way.

With a document restoration service, your clients may be able to salvage documentation that was damaged along with their other property. A restoration team can use the latest technology to help get these important pieces of paperwork in order. They may also be able to digitize the documentation allowing for it to be backed up on to the server, to help prevent any further loss. If you have any questions about what the service can do for your clients, a restoration professional may be able to help.

#waterdamagefastresponse #cleanupwestbrevard #SERVPROofwestbrevard

What to Do After a Hurricane Strikes

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

After a hurricane strikes your area, there are certain steps you should and should not take.

Hurricanes can be devastating, and to many Brevard County residents, Irma was just that. If your home had damages caused by the hurricane, here are the immediate steps you should take.

Photograph and Document Damage

Dealing with your insurance company is not always a walk in the park, but by documenting your damages, the process can go a lot smoother. Take photos of all damages, both inside and outside of your home. Also create a list of all damaged contents inside your home such as water damaged furniture.

Conduct Emergency Repairs

In many insurance policies, it suggests it is your responsibility to stop any future damages from occurring. For example, if you have a large hole in your roof, you need to place a tarp over the hole to prevent rain and other elements from causing further damages. Don’t make any permanent repairs until your insurance adjusters come out to reviews your home’s damages.

Secure Home Inventory

By securing your home inventory, this will help your claim process go much easier. A home inventory is a document detailing all your possessions in the home. Your inventory should include photos, detailed descriptions, and if possible, the item’s receipts.

File a Claim ASAP

If you experienced damages to your home from the hurricane, you should file a claim immediately. Be prepared to explain all the damages that occurred to your home in detail. This will help your insurance provider in starting your initial claim, and they can also provide you with some advice while waiting for your adjuster to come and assess the damages firsthand.

Secure Safe Lodging

If your home is damaged to the extent where it is no longer fit to live in, you will need to secure a place for you and your family to stay in the meantime. Check your insurance policy to see if you have coverage for temporary lodging while your home is being repaired. In standard homeowner’s insurance policy, this is typically covered as long as the overall damage to your home is part of the covered insurance claim.

Three Tips for Roof Repair After a Fire

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service.

Three Things You May Want To Know About Fire Cleanup

If your business and Viera, FL, has suffered roof damage as a result of a fire, when you may be looking for tips on how to go about a fire cleanup. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Protect the Damaged Area

It's important to protect any damaged areas to your company property until repairs can be made. You may want to consider boarding over the damage or taking advantage of tarp services offered by your local fire restoration company. Doing so can help prevent inclement weather from making any damage worse, as well as prevent wild animals from getting into the property.

2. Contact a Professional

It's often recommended that a fire cleanup be conducted by a professional restoration service. This is largely due to the fact that a fire can cause a number of types of damage, and that these professionals have the tools and knowledge to look for and repair any related damages along with the original problem. A restoration service may also be able to communicate with your insurance company in order to provide them with information they may need to process your claim.

3. Understand Possible Related Damage

In many cases the initial damage caused by fire can lead to additional problems, and it's important to understand this when dealing with a fire restoration. After a fire you may be looking at water damage and flooding, as well as roof repair, smoke damage, and potential mold problems. Understanding that these issues can be related to a fire can help you take the appropriate safety and clean up steps.

When conducting a fire cleanup at your place of business it's important to remember these three things. Protect any damage areas against further damage until repairs can be made. Contact a local fire restoration company in order to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. Understand any damages related to fire such as water damage or flooding so that proper clean-up procedures can be taken.

Wildfire Danger Index

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires are rapidly taking over our state of Florida. The lack of rain this spring is fueling wildfires across Florida, making 2017 fire season the most active fire season since 2011. So far this year over 2,000 wildfires have consumed more than 150,000 Florida acres.

With wildfires being so active, staying informed and being safe is of the up most importance. The state of Florida provides its’ residents with a Fire Danger Index (FDI), which is a continuous reference scale for estimating the potential for a fire to start and require suppression action on any given day. The Fire Danger Indices are classified as Low, Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme, and represented by a color. Below is a description of each fire warning level and the specific actions that should be taken.

LOW: Green

(FDI: 0-11) Easy for fires to be controlled, and there is little to no risk for life or property damage. Monitor the situation for changes and know where to get additional information

MODERATE: Yellow

(FDI: 12-24) Fires can be controlled. Expect embers to blown away, which can cause small fires around main fire. It is unlikely for loss of life, and there will be minimal property damage. Be well prepared and to defend home in case of wind speed or direction change.

HIGH: Orange

(FDI: 25-49) Fires may be difficult to control. Embers will blow ahead of fire, causing tree tops to burn and spot fires that can be up to 2 km from main fire. Some home and business could be affected, but there is a low chance for loss of life or injuries. Only stay at your residents if you’re well prepared and can actively defend it.

VERY HIGH: Red

(FDI: 50-74) Fires will be uncontrollable, move quickly, and flames may exceed the tree tops. Embers will blow around and cause spot fires that can be up to 4 km from main fire. Buildings may be damaged or destroyed, and there is a chance for loss of life or injuries. For insured survival, leaving your residents early is the safest option. Only stay if you’re well prepared and you can actively defend your home.

EXTREME: Purple

(FDI: 75-100+) Fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving. Flames will be higher than the tree tops, and embers will be blowing by the thousands. Spot fires will be forming in all directions and fast-moving. Anything that comes in the path of the fire will be affected. Hundreds of homes and businesses will be destroyed. Leaving is the best and safest option for survival.

If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw it. Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

Viera Black Water Damage Restoration

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

When flood water has different contaminating agents, as well as viruses that can present severe health risks, it is referred to as "black water."

Black Water Damage Restoration

When flood water has different contaminating agents, as well as viruses that can present severe health risks, it is referred to as "black water." In many areas of the United States, flooding is a serious risk, and Viera black water contamination is always possible. Storms, hurricanes, and the thawing of snow can all contribute to floods by leading to rising water from natural bodies of water and causing sewage back-flows.

If you want to remediate Viera black water contamination that is present in a building, it is best to contact SERVPRO. The task will necessitate a great deal of copious planning, and specialized equipment will be needed. A licensed contractor will have the expertise to assess the situation, as well as clean and dry the necessary locations. The following is a list of steps that should be followed in the case of black water damage:

1. Make sure that all building workers and other occupants are safe. Anyone who is working will need to don protective equipment, such as eye protection, boots, gloves, respirators, and waterproof coveralls.

2. The contractor who was hired must thoroughly inspect all of the affected areas to be able to assess the seriousness and nature of any damage, which will have an impact on the remainder of the restoration process.

3. Excess Viera water needs to be removed as quickly as possible, in order to prevent any further damage. It is also important to remove the sewage, contaminated porous materials, and any other waste. Negative air machines, air scrubbers, and other specialized tools may need to be utilized to stop the contamination from spreading. EPA-approved disinfectants will be used on affected surfaces.

4. Once the contractor has finished sanitizing, a balanced drying system will be put into place to restore damaged areas to their former conditions. Specialized procedures will be used here, as well as specialized equipment and products, including high capacity air movers and professional dehumidifiers.

In all situations of property damage, including that of black water contamination, contact the local SERVPRO office. These professionals will provide services to restore properties after disasters and minimize the overall losses.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Since every flood and water damage scenario is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. However, the overall water restoration process remains the same. The steps below detail our restoration process for the typical water-damaged property.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

5 Mistakes To Avoid With Flood Cleanup

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Brevard is here to help after water damage.

When flood water makes its way into your Melbourne, FL, home the thought of making repairs may seem overwhelming. However, there are few things that you won't want to do in such a situation. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when restoring your residence.

1. Don’t Wait To Make Repairs
One important thing to remember with a flooded home is not to wait to make repairs. Taking care of any restoration needs quickly can help prevent future problems.

2. Don’t Try To Do it All Yourself
Another thing to remember is not to try to perform the clean up all by yourself. A local flood damage restoration service often has the tools and equipment necessary to perform the job safely and quickly, and ensure the repairs are up to coding standards.

3. Don’t Ignore Safety Recommendations
When dealing with flood water it's important to observe all the safety recommendations. This may include reading the instructions for any equipment that you intend to use, as well as wearing proper safety gear such as masks, boots, coveralls, gloves, and even shoe covers.

4. Don’t Think Cleanup is Done Once the Water is Gone
Also remember that even though the flooding has been removed, the cleanup process itself may not yet be done. Water damage can persist even after the water is gone, and it's important to have an inspection done to look for any areas where structural integrity might be compromised, or mold may have set in, in order to get these properly remedied.

5. Don’t Forget To Talk To Your Insurance
It's also important to remember to talk to your insurance company. Your homeowner's policy may contain coverage for storm damage, and in many cases they may even recommend a restoration service.

When it comes to removing flood water and restoring your home, it's important not to wait to make any repairs. Don't try to do it all yourself, follow safety recommendations, and remember that even though the water is gone clean up may not be completed. Also, don't be afraid to talk to your insurance as they may be able to help.

7 Steps in Preparing For a Hurricane

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Even though hurricane season has just begun, it’s never too early to prepare. Unless you prefer to rush to several different stores and stand in hour long lines, within hours of the hurricane actually hitting.  I know I’d rather not do that! I’ve been in that situation, and let me tell you, it is not fun.

Instead, follow these 7 steps you should take before a hurricane hits.

1. Stay Informed

Make sure you know what is going on with the hurricane. Such as, what is the category of the storm, will it be hitting your area directly, if so, what time?  Make sure to know your county’s evacuation route, and customize your evacuation plan for your family specifically. The hurricane’s course is never set in stone, so be sure to establish a back-up plan for every scenario. There are great phone apps you can download and utilize while preparing your family’s hurricane plans and staying informed. Click Here to learn more about these apps.

2. Make a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Be sure that you create a checklist of supplies that is specific to you and your family and then more general supplies. Click Here

3. Do you have Hurricane Shutters?

Be proactive! Hurricanes are known for causing damage to houses, and the first thing that’s usually damaged is your windows. Florida Home Builders know this and sometimes provide hurricane shutters to new homes. Make sure to check and see if yours has or not.  If not, you can purchase shutters or you can pre-cut boards for your house windows.

4. Have a Backup Power Source

During hurricanes, it is likely that power lines get damaged or fall down, causing many people to go without power after the hurricane. It can take several days to several weeks for your local power company to repair the power line and get power up and running again. Because of this, it is a good idea to have a generator. Remember that they need gas to run and they are quite noisy.

5. Have at least 2 weeks of water and non-perishable food

FEMA recommends that each household has 2 weeks of food supplied. Hopefully you will not need to 2 weeks worth of food, but disasters do happen, and hurricanes can change on a flip of a dime. It is always best to be over prepared than under prepared.

6. Know How to Cook Without Electric

Without electric it can be hard to cook or warm up some of your food; considering this day of age, we rarely cooks without electric. But instead of trying to figure out how you are going to heat up the can foods you stocked up on, decide this issue before hand. Here are some ways you can cook without electric.

• Fireplace
• Canned heat
• Camping stoves
• Grills- propane or charcoal 

7. Remember to Relax and Stay Calm

Being relaxed and calm during disasters are much easier when your family and you are prepared for any kind of scenario a hurricane throws your way. Come up with some ideas and activities that can take your mind off of the storm or its aftermath. Pull out those dusty board games in your closet and take out the stack of books you’ve been meaning to get to. This should preoccupy you and your family, and give you some quality time together.

Bioremediation Services by SERVPRO

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Brevard professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business.

We are Here to Help

Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we are here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. SERVPRO of West Brevard, professionals is uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. 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.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

#covid #biohazard #SERVPROofWestBrevard