Recent Posts
What to Do After a Flood at Home | SERVPRO of Greater Waco
5/6/2024 (Permalink)
If your home or business is hit with flood water, call SERVPRO of Greater Waco to help restore your property to preloss condition!
Rain can be beautiful! It’s important for the environment, helping flowers grow and wildlife flourish. However, an excess of rain can lead to flooding that can cause significant damage to your property and belongings.
As disaster professionals, we at SERVPRO of Greater Waco know that the key to recovering from any type of disaster is taking swift action! Here are a few critical steps to take after your home has been flooded so you can salvage your belongings and get back to normal life.
Stay Safe
Safety should be your top priority after a flood. Before reentering your home, ensure that authorities cleared the site and declared it safe for reentry.
Be cautious of any potential hazards, such as structural damage or electrical issues. Don’t walk through standing water as it may be contaminated.
Document Damage
Once it’s safe to enter your home, document the flood damage thoroughly. Take photographs and videos of the affected areas, including damaged belongings and structural issues.
Everything you record will become valuable proof later for insurance claims and assessing the extent of the damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the flood as soon as possible. Provide them with everything you gathered, including photographs and videos.
An insurance adjuster will assess the damage and guide you through the claims process. And there’s good news: We can help you through this process by working with your insurance provider.
Remove Standing Water
If there is standing water in your home, get it removed as quickly as possible. Our team of professional flood damage restoration technicians can handle draining the site.
Letting standing water sit or drain naturally on its own leads to a host of risks, including more damage and mold or mildew growth.
Dry Everything
While we do offer mold removal services, it’s important to reduce your risk of infestation first. Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation.
Remove wet rugs and furniture if you can as well to prevent dripping and additional water damage.
Salvage Belongings
Go through your belongings with a critical eye to sort between what can be saved and what can’t be saved. Valuable or sentimental items might be restorable at the hands of a professional, so don’t despair!
Call for Help
Restoring a home after a flood is not a task to be undertaken lightly, which is why it’s best left to the professionals. Our team has the knowledge, experience and specialized equipment to assess the damage accurately and provide efficient restoration solutions.
Water extraction, drying, dehumidification, mold remediation and structural repairs are just a few of the flood restoration services that we offer to help return your home to rights and minimize the long-term consequences of water damage.
If you need fast, efficient service in the Greater Waco area, look no further than our helpful team! Contact us today to schedule service.
A User’s Guide to Protecting Your Business From Disasters | SERVPRO® of Greater Waco
1/31/2024 (Permalink)
two SERVPRO workers unloading equipment
Commercial businesses are not immune to the various natural disasters and accidents! Unfortunately, they can strike at any moment.
Fire outbreaks, water damage, mold infestations and storms can wreak havoc on commercial properties, leading to damages, expenses and operational disruptions. Here are a few reasons why commercial businesses can benefit from a partnership with disaster restoration professionals to best protect their assets and ensure swift recovery from unforeseen disasters.
Fire Damage Repair
A fire incident can be devastating for any commercial establishment, resulting in structural damage, the loss of valuable assets and interrupted operations. Fire damage repair services are essential to restore your building’s integrity, remove smoke and soot and save any salvageable belongings.
At SERVPRO® of Greater Waco, we have the expertise and equipment to safely handle the aftermath of a fire and efficiently bring the property back to its pre-fire condition, minimizing downtime and financial losses.
Water Damage Repair
Water damage can stem from various sources, including burst pipes, leaking roofs or flooding due to heavy rains. Left unaddressed, water damage can lead to mold growth, structural deterioration and even damaged electrical systems.
A commercial business might need water damage restoration to promptly extract standing water, thoroughly dry affected areas and mitigate potential long-term repercussions. Our team offers top-tier water damage restoration services that can help get your business back to normal, while reducing disruptions to customers and clients.
Mold Remediation
Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, which means that you’re at high risk for mold growth in the aftermath of a water disaster. Mold is a hazard for customers, clients and employees, and it must be handled carefully to ensure it’s fully eradicated.
We can find hidden mold, address the root of the problem and offer solutions to prevent future outbreaks. Because mold is hazardous, its removal is a job best left to the professionals.
Commercial Storm Cleanup Services
Severe storms can cause significant damage to commercial properties, including fallen trees, roof damage and flooding. Commercial storm cleanup services are vital to swiftly clear debris, secure the property and prevent further damage. Our commercial services can help your business resume operations as quickly as possible, reducing financial losses.
Commercial businesses are vulnerable to a wide array of potential disasters, from fires and water damage to mold infestations and storms. Ignoring the need for prompt and effective restoration and cleanup services can have far-reaching consequences.
Luckily, our team offers commercial services designed to help your business bounce back from a wide range of potential disaster scenarios. Utilizing such services is a prudent way to recover quickly, protect yourself against future issues and provide peace of mind for other stakeholders.
If you need commercial services in the wake of a disaster, look no further than our team! Contact us today to schedule service.
What You Can Do About Water Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Greater Waco
11/13/2023 (Permalink)
Interior of home damaged by a flood water full of goods
Water damage can lead to chaos at home, causing structural issues and leading to mold growth. With proper precautions, however, you can minimize your risk of water damage!
Here are some of our best tips to keep your home free of moisture-related issues before you need water damage restoration services:
Inspect Plumbing Regularly
Perform regular inspections of your plumbing system, checking for leaks, drips or signs of water damage. Small plumbing problems can easily spiral into larger issues, so start repair work as soon as you notice anything amiss with your system.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from seeping into your home's foundation! Clean gutters and downspouts regularly, removing debris and ensuring that water flows freely away from the house.
Consider investing in professional lawn grading. It can help direct water away from vulnerable areas, like your home’s foundation, ensuring the structure’s longevity.
Invest in a Sump Pump
A sump pump can also help clear water from around your foundation, which curbs your potential for developing leaks that then ruin walls, ceilings and floors.
Once you have a sump pump, make sure to inspect it regularly. A malfunctioning pump can cause lots of damage, such as flooding during heavy rains.
Find Your Water Main Shutoff Valve
Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shutoff valve in your home. In case of a burst pipe or sudden water leak, knowing how to turn off the water supply quickly can prevent further water damage.
At the very least, knowing where your main water shutoff valve is can help you reduce the extent of the damage!
Call for Backup
Despite your best efforts, water damage can still occur from all manner of things—unforeseen circumstances, severe weather events or even plumbing mishaps. When faced with water damage, it’s always best to call in a professional for help!
That’s what our team at SERVPRO® of Greater Waco is here to do. We can remove standing water, evaluate and repair structural damage, dry affected areas and address mold and mildew issues.
Preventing water damage at home requires proactive measures and consistent maintenance. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your plumbing, ensuring proper drainage and being cautious with appliances can significantly reduce your risk of water-related disasters.
However, if water damage does occur, don't hesitate to give us a call! Our team of professional water damage restoration experts can help restore your home to its original condition. We have the expertise and resources to handle any situation promptly and effectively, minimizing the potential long-term consequences of water damage.
We provide round-the-clock service and no disaster is outside the scope of our capabilities. Whether you need structural repairs or mold removal, we can help. Contact us today to learn more!
How to Prevent Fire Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Greater Waco
8/14/2023 (Permalink)
a home with fire damage to the roof
Your home is the place where you feel most comfortable, which is why it’s important to take steps to protect it from all types of risks, including the potential for fire damage. Fire accidents can cause devastating damage and losses that can often be prevented by implementing a few preventive measures at home.
If you’ve been the victim of a fire incident, know that we can help! Our team of professionals at SERVPRO® of Greater Waco are always a phone call away for fire damage restoration and repair services.
Our technicians have the training, equipment and expertise necessary to handle fire damage restoration jobs of all sizes! When you need a helping hand, we’ve got your back.
Now that you know what to do in the aftermath of a fire, here’s what you can do to prepare. These are some critical steps you can take to safeguard your home and protect your family:
Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against fires. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and near kitchens.
Regularly test and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Early detection is key!
Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Cooking-related incidents are a common cause of home fires. Never leave your stove, oven or other appliance unattended, and keep flammable items, such as dish towels and rags, away from the stove.
In the event of a grease fire, smother it with a lid or a damp cloth. Many people don’t realize that using water can actually exacerbate flames.
Check Electrical Appliances
Inspect electrical cords for signs of fraying and replace damaged ones right away.
Avoid overloading outlets, and use power strips with surge protectors. Lastly, remember to unplug appliances when not in use!
Create an Evacuation Plan
Develop a fire escape plan with your family and practice it regularly. Identify easily accessible escape routes and designate a meeting point outside the house.
Make sure everyone knows how to call emergency services once they’ve safely made it outside the house.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Regularly clean and maintain your HVAC system to stay safe at home and prevent possible fires! Clogged filters and ducts can increase the risk of fire, especially if dust and debris buildup near any electrical components.
Call a Professional for Fire Damage Restoration
Despite our best intentions and safe practices, accidents can still happen! In the event of a fire, remember that everything in your home is replaceable except for people and act accordingly.
In the aftermath, we can help you restore any structural damage as well as remove soot, smoke residue, and other odors from the site.
When you need fire damage restoration services in the Greater Waco area, contact us for help!
Storm Activities for Kids
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Nothing is worse than being stuck inside all day during stormy weather for both the kids and parents. Here are some activities to keep kids entertained and prevent the onset of cabin fever.
-Do weather-based experiments- http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-experiments.htm offers a ton of weather experiments using common household items to teach kids about the weather and how different occurrences are formed. Educational and fun!
-Do a scavenger hunt- Hide small prizes or common items in uncommon places. Create riddles for each item and have them find them.
-Build a pillow fort- Use dining room chairs, couch cushions and bedsheets to make the most epic pillow fort. Throw in flash lights, books and board games for a classic night of fun.
-Bake and decorate- Stormy weather is the perfect time to bake cupcakes or cookies. Use icing, sprinkles and gummies to decorate.
-Snuggle up for a movie- Put numbers in a hat and let kids draw to see who gets to pick a movie to watch.
-Have a dance party- Have children all pick their favorite music and create a play list to jam out to. For more added fun, look up easy to do dances online and learn a few new moves.
-Get theatrical- Have kids create their own play or make a video to send to grandparents. They can use clothing form their closet or mom and dad’s, write a script and even integrate the pets into their own Oscar worthy production.
-Create mocktails- Use different juices, fruits, sodas and dollar story “fancy” glasses to create fun mixes while kids learn about different flavor profiles and how colors mix.
-Kids create the menu- Let children help prepare the dinner menu by going through the pantry and designing a menu based upon items currently in the home. For multiple kids, break it down into appetizer, main course and dessert.
-Family game night- You can’t go wrong with board games and cards to keep the family entertained for hours.
-Cookie cutter sandwiches- Let kids build sandwiches with deli meats, cheeses or traditional peanut butter and jelly. Finish off by cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Use small cookie cutters and cut fruit into shapes for a fun and healthy side dish.
Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
How to Pick New Appliances
7/13/2022 (Permalink)
Wanting a complete kitchen remodel? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Purchasing new appliances is an instant refresh to any space that can save you money on utilities and add convenience and styling with new updated features. Here are some tips to help you, when picking new appliances.
Take measurements and select a layout
Make sure to measure appliance openings, current appliance sizes and depths as well as the pathway and doorways to get into the kitchen. While the appliance may fit in appliance opening, you have to get it into the home and room first. Also, appliances have gotten larger over the years so you may need consider a contractor to adapt to new standards.
You’ll also want to select a layout at this time. Going from a range to a drop in with stacking oven? You’ll want to make sure it all fits and the space is adjusted before dropping new items in. You may also need to make sure current electrical and gas systems are up to code and can handle the demand of new items.
Select a finish
All colors and textures are not created equal and can vary in shade and surface, brand to brand and product line to product line. Make sure to compare before just ordering. Also, keep in mind that ordering online images have been adjusted to look as best as possible with showroom lighting and may not be a realistic look or finish depending on editing and your screen settings and resolution. This is one time that you’ll want to look in person before making a final decision.
Select features
Go online and research current features available. New features come out every year and most appliances last 10-12 years, which means you have a world of new features to choose from. It can also add new complications to consider. Wanting a smart refrigerator? Make you have the connections and wi-fi capabilities to handle the system. Wanting a French door oven over a traditional range? You’ll need to consider vertical versus horizontal space in your current configuration.
Decide on a budget
Compare design aesthetic, features and brands to decide what fits within your price point. If necessary, make a list ranking what is most to least important into each item to help you decide what fits within the numbers.
Look at reviews and warranties
While a certain brand may have lasted you for 15 years before, it may now be by a different company and manufacturer and now be a completely different standard of quality. It’s important to see what real people are saying about the good, bad and ugly before dropping money on a potential lemon with no recourse for return or repair.
Check delivery times
Manufacturing has taken a massive hit with recent supply shortages. Make sure that your dream kitchen isn’t backordered for a year before committing your bank account. Can you really live without a range or dishwasher for the potential wait time?
Wanting a complete kitchen remodel? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Easy Storage Solutions
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Got a home renovation project? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Spring cleaning is here! We’re flipping from fleece to tank tops and flip flops. Now is a great time to clean out the closets and up our storage solution game. Here are a few ideas to integrate into your seasonal cleaning.
-Glitter gets on everything you don’t want it but has become an on-trend beauty staple. Keep it contained in salt shakers. These handy containers make it usable but not spreadable.
-Use bean bag chair covers to store stuffed animals. They add a touch of colorful décor and keep everything organized.
-Put laundry supplies in cute storage containers. Put them on open shelving and you’ve saved yourself vital cabinet space and made your laundry room look like it was created by an interior designer.
-Texas is all about barn yard chic. Repurpose a thin ladder rack by leaning it against a wall to hang extra towels or throw blankets.
-Speaking of barn yard chic, repurpose old cans into cute herb planters, silverware holders or to add an antique touch to a desk.
-For pantry organizing, use an over the door shoe holder to hold snacks, seasoning packs or daily lunch prep. You can also use magazine or file holders to organize plastic bags, cling wrap, or tin foil boxes.
-For mountains of scarves use shower curtain rings on a decorate wooden hanger. It can be hung on a hook to add a splash of color or put in the closet for space saving.
-Put decorative perfume jars on displace on a wall mounted spice rack. It adds a touch of sparkle and keeps everything organized.
-To keep a plethora of spray cleaning supplies organized and within easy access, add a small tension rod in your cleaning cabinet. It adds an extra level of space and bottles can easily hang. Best of all, no need to pull out the drill and install extra shelving!
-Save cabinet space by using a wall mounted coat rack to hang pots and pans. For a more modern approach, install hooks.
-Prevent spills in your refrigerator by adding rotating food trays. They reduce the need to reach to the back of the refrigerator.
-Fill a vase with coffee beans or rice to display makeup brushes or colorful tubes of lipstick.
-Put shelving above doors and add baskets or cubbies to hold seasonal items like candles, hats and gloves or scarves.
We hope you enjoyed some of our favorite easy storage solutions!
Got a home renovation project? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Pets and Fireworks
7/2/2022 (Permalink)
Got a fire damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
According to the American Psychological Association, dogs and cats have the intelligence equivalent of a 2-2.5-year-old child. If your toddler gets startled from fireworks, then you understand why your pet may not handle them so well. Here are a few tips to make your fourth of July a little easier to manage with your pets.
- Make sure your pet has a collar and ID- You can go an extra step and get them microchipped in case they get startled and run off or get lost.
- Keep your pets indoors- Make sure they have a safe space like a closet or kennel with the door left open with a comfy bed to relax and plenty of toys to distract them.
- Take pets for a walk or bathroom breaks before starting fireworks to prevent in house accidents.
- Turn on the TV, music and close curtains to distract them.
- Try a calming vest or wrap. It fits like a weighted vest and feels like a hug to a pet in distress.
- Have an energetic play session before fireworks to help a pet relax.
- Make sure to clean up any firework supplies before exposing your pets to outside to prevent illness.
- Consider behavioral therapy before fireworks to get them acclimated to the loud sounds. Your veterinarian can recommend sound therapy techniques or products to use to get them adjusted to the noises.
- If your pet seems anxious, isn’t sleeping, eating or is having trouble going to the bathroom following fireworks, consult with your veterinarian.
- Finally, ignore the fireworks sound yourself. Pets will feed off of your reaction and energy. Instead, play with their favorite toy or watch a movie together. Whatever you do, don’t try and force them out of a hiding spot if they are in a safe location.
Got a fire damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Must Have Tools for Home
6/27/2022 (Permalink)
Got water damage? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
Congratulations on the new home! Now it’s time to start making personal touches to your new space. Here’s a list of tools so you can accomplish any home maintenance or DIY project.
-An old school curved claw hammer- Go for solid steel so it will last forever.
-Multibit screwdriver- Save space and still accomplish basic task with a screwdriver that keeps all of the bits in the handle.
-A cordless drill/driver- Whether it’s hanging a photo or installing new cabinets, a cordless drill/driver is a timesaver.
-An assortment of nails and screws- A smell set can run as low as $5 and really help out in a pinch.
-An Allen wrench or hex key set- A new home typically means new furniture and lots of assembly. A hex key set is exactly what you need to put it all together.
-A stud finder- No, I’m not talking about your husband, an actual stud finder. Hanging a new TV or shelf? You’ll definitely need one. Go for the nice one that can even detect live wiring. SHOCKING!
-A drain snake- The first time you get a really bad clog and you’ll be thanking me for saving you a couple hundred dollars on having a plumber come out. This thing gets what a plunger just can push out.
-A pipe wrench- Plumbing issues are inevitable over time and you’ll want to be prepared with one of the most basic tools needed. Go for an adaptable model for more versatility.
-Hand-held sander- Wanting to country chic the dresser you found at a local flea market? You’ll need a hand-held sander.
-An adjustable wrench- Don’t always use wrenches but need one in a pinch? A good adjustable will hold you over.
-A level- Everything from hanging a photo, replacing flooring or hanging a new TV, will all need a level. A good one will last a lifetime.
-Plunger- Just like a drain snake, you can save yourself a lot of plumbing headaches and money with a plunger.
-A socket set- Not only can a socket set be used on home appliances, it’s great for automotive repairs.
-Locking tape measure- No need for an extra hand when a good tape measure locks in place.
-A caulk gun- Leaky window or shower seal? Caulk it!
-Putty Knife- Need to patch up small holes? Do it yourself with putty and good putty knife.
-Flashlight- You’ll need a quality flashlight when you have your first power outage or checking a breaker box late at night.
-A portable shop vac- A 4 gallon is perfect for keeping in the closet but a lifesaver when you have a larger mess or any flooding.
Got water damage? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
How to Select a Back-Up Power Source
6/22/2022 (Permalink)
Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
A backup generator or inverter is a great investment for rolling blackouts during the summer or random winter storm loss of power. The hardest part is figuring which one to get.
Figure Out What Type Will Fit Your Needs
A recreational (up to 2000 watts) or midsize inverter (up to 3500 watts) can range anywhere from $400-$2000 and is great for keeping your refrigerator running, a light or two, a TV and a laptop but wouldn’t sustain a full household for a longer period of time.
A large invertor or portable generator can run up to 7500 watts and cost anywhere from $700-$4000. They’re great for a short term hold over and can run an estimate 5-10 lights, refrigerator, electric range and dishwasher as well as a window unit air conditioner.
A standby generator can handle up to 20,000 watts but can run anywhere from $2000-$5000 plus the cost of instillation and they can’t be moved once installed. They do however automatically power on in the event of a power outage
Calculate Your Needed Wattage
Check your owner’s manual for each appliance you plan to run. You’ll need the running wattage and highest starting wattage. In general: Running Wattage + Starting Wattage= Wattage Needed
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have a circuit breaker set up for a power back-up system, otherwise it can overload and overheat.
Additional Needs to Consider
Keep in mind that most of these systems run on gas, so they can’t be run inside a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and it’s recommended that they are kept 10 feet away from a home. You’ll also need to prepare beforehand to refill and have fuel on hand.
For storage, it’s recommended on most models, to store without fuel. If your system allows it to be stored with fuel, you’ll most likely need to add fuel stabilizer. With any piece of machinery, make sure to check your owner’s manual for the best ways to store your system and any maintenance that may need to be done before storing it. You’ll also need to consider a generator cover or horizontal resin storage shed for a budget friendly option or a mini shed, to store your generator.
Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999
24/7 Emergency Service