Storm Services

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help when storms hit.

SERVPRO of Park Cities has handled large scale storm events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and polar vortexes in the DFW area.

One of the ways we've helped home and business owners is with our roof tarping and board up services. When a storm or other emergency leaves you open to the elements, you must act quickly to help prevent further damage and protect your home’s interior.

If you experience roof damage from a storm or other emergency, SERVPRO of Park Cities can help address the damage quickly to avoid further exposure to the elements. 

Our Disaster Recovery Teams can respond quickly because we have a network of storm teams strategically positioned across the country ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Avoid Tree Damage

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Tree maintenance can keep you safe.

Trees are great for shading but if not properly maintained they can become dangerous in a storm. High winds can cause branches to split or break and fall on the roof or through a window. When this happens, water comes into the house and creates havoc on your floors and furniture.

Make sure to keep your trees trimmed properly so they are less susceptible to breakage during a storm. Also, when a storm blows in, close the curtains, blinds or shutters to minimize broken glass that can get in your house if the window breaks.

SERVPRO of Park Cities offers comprehensive support for homeowners facing storm damage.

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once we have your info, we deploy our teams as quickly as possible with the equipment to begin extraction and drying. We also have licensed contractors to board up windows or other compromised walls to prevent further damage. We will remove the fallen tree and anything that cannot be restored

Keep our number handy – (214) 522-3000 because the faster we receive the initial call, the faster we begin mitigation.  A flooded home requires professional restoration services and SERVPRO of Park Cities is available 24 / 7 to help.   

Storm Safety 101

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Know what to do to avoid storm damage.

Even though we’re headed into fall – we’re not completely clear of hurricane season yet. The good news is we usually have a substantial heads up for storms of this magnitude. But not all storms give us fair warning – if elements combine in just the right way – we can get thunder, lightning and wind worthy of worry. Although storms are unpredictable, there are things we can do to keep our homes and offices safe from damage.

• Keep trees manicured and gutters clean.
• Make sure your roof is in good shape.
• Move your car into the garage to avoid hail damage.
• During a storm, stay on top of developing concerns by watching the news or consulting your weather app regularly.
• Do not go outside in a storm unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Don’t sleep near a window if there are high winds or a tornado warning.
• Make sure pets are safe inside before a storm starts.
• Keep a flashlight near and charge your phone in the event of a power outage.

At SERVPRO Park Cities, we are always watching the weather and preparing to help in the event of water or fire damage. Our professional equipment and technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ve also developed an Emergency Readiness Profile® that can be used to evaluate your home or business so that you feel confident that you'll be safe in a storm.

This is a FREE assessment – find out more here https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/readyprogram.

Be Roof Ready

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Your roof is your first line of defense in a storm.

Your roof is your first line of defense when it comes to storms so it's essential to keep it in great shape. You should regularly check the roof for holes or missing shingles because even the smallest hole can cause big problems. Water leaks create structural damage, ruin rugs and furniture and lead to mold issues in your home. A thorough roof inspection by a professional once a year is also a good idea.

You should also keep trees cut back so that they can't hurt the roof if a branch falls during a storm. And keep your gutters cleaned out so they don't get clogged and overflow during severe weather.

If you experience any post-storm water damage, call SERVPRO of Park Cities right away. Our highly trained experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have the experience, competence, and the proper equipment to assess damage and restore your property. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Emergency Kits

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Essential items in your emergency kit.

Part of being prepared is having an Emergency Plan and part of that plan is an Emergency Kit.

Two years ago we experienced an unexpected winter storm and many people weren't prepared for the power outages and retail closures that came with "Snowmageddon." A properly packed Emergency kit could have helped make things more bearable. 

The Red Cross recommends that an emergency kit have enough supplies for at least 72 hours and should include the following:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day,) This is especially helpful if your house sustains flood damage and you have to turn the water off.
• Non-perishable snacks such as peanut butter, beef jerky, granola bars or fruit.
• A manual can opener.
• A cell phone battery that can charge your phones.
• Matches and/or firewood if you have a wood-burning stove.
• At least 1 powerful flashlight - but ideally 1 per person in the home.
• A sleeping bag for each person in the house.
• Extra supplies such as toilet paper, baby wipes, garbage bags, and twist ties.
• Make sure you have enough medication for several days if a storm is in the forecast. It's also a good idea to have pain relievers and stomach aids in the house.
• Books and board games to help keep kids occupied if stuck at home.
• If it's a winter storm - hand warmers can be helpful if the heater goes out.

While not necessary for survival, these things could also come in handy in the aftermath of a big storm:

• A camping stove for cooking
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and a multi-tool (such as a Leatherman)
• A list of emergency numbers, including family contacts (keep in mind your cell phone might run out of batteries or be damaged during an emergency)
• A gas powered generator.
• An emergency medical book if medical help is unavailable or delayed. One good option is “The Survival Medicine Handbook.”

Preparing for emergencies can be scary, but knowing you’ll be ready for anything is equally, if not more, empowering.

For more information about what you can do to recover from unexpected storm damage please visit our website or call us at 214-522-3000.

Historic Buildings - Darling or Dangerous?

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Updates are important to staying safe.

1. Historic Buildings: Darling or Dangerous?- Things have changed quite a bit since the 1980s - including codes and safety requirements for commercial properties. Here in Park Cities, we have some of the most charming historic buildings which could be at risk for fire or water emergencies. This is especially true for buildings constructed in the 1960s – 1980s, when codes were very different than they are today. If your building was built before 1984, it may have been wired with aluminum which is 55% more likely to cause a fire than copper. Electrics are one of the areas that have to be constantly monitored in older buildings to reduce the risk of fires.  

Older buildings also have older roofs, which deteriorate over time, leading to leaks. Aged plumbing corrodes and pipes eventually break, causing water damage which can be expensive to mitigate. And, depending on how old the building is there may be asbestos or lead in it, which will require specialized removal. At SERVPRO Park Cities, we offer a free evaluation of your facility which includes an asbestos and lead report. The Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) also provides a detailed plan to minimize response time should something go wrong. The report includes a snapshot of your building, including structural information, total square footage, flooring type along with the location and type of any hazardous material.

If you are interested in an ERP for your commercial property, give us a call at 214-522-3000 and one of our professional experts will be happy to provide a thorough evaluation and report that lives online for the fastest access. Businesses in Park Cities can count on SERVPRO.

Healthy = Happy

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

HVAC maintenance is essential to keeping tenants happy.

If you own a commercial property in Park Cities, then SERVPRO of Park Cities would love to help you clear the air and keep things clean. According to a recent survey of tenants, air quality is more important than ever when deciding to renew their leases. Regular cleanings of the HVAC system keeps the air free from allergens, mold spores, bacteria and microbes.  

We use the most up to date technology and cleaning methods to remove dirt, dust, bacteria lint, mold, and mildew that that could affect the air quality for your tenants. Our SERVPRO Certified cleaning process is based on recommendations from the CDC for maximum protection – which is especially important as we continue to prevent the spread of COVID. Show your tenants that you care about the air and schedule regular cleanings for the HVAC system. Bonus - it also keep your system running efficiently to save you money.

We’re here to help – call us Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

50 Years of Experience in Park Cities

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it's a fire, flood or biohazard - we can help.

If you’re a business owner in Park Cities, we are right down the street and ready to help if disaster strikes. There are natural disasters and human disasters – both of which can cause fire, water, or mold damage. Whether the job is big or small, our team will make it "Like it never even happened," so you can get your business up and running as soon as possible. When disaster strikes, you can depend on SERVPRO of Park Cities.

Even though we have 50 years of experience in disaster recovery - we also provide deep cleanings that will keep your tenants happy and healthy. Regular cleanings of both your carpets/floors and air duct systems can save you time and money. Our team of professionals are specially trained in removing everything from difficult stains and bad smells to graffiti and biohazard cleanups.

We're right down the street and always here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Ready = Steady

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Being ready will keep you steady.

Emergency readiness is the responsibility of any property manager. It's best to have a plan to minimize the damage - and the stress that follows such an event.

There are natural disasters and human disasters – both of which can cause fire, water, or mold damage. That's why it’s important to know your biggest risks and SERVPRO Park Cities can conduct an audit of your location and help you develop an Emergency Readiness Plan ® (ERP).

We're right down the street and know what to look for and what to ask to gauge your readiness. Then, we will provide you with a written and electronic copy of your Emergency Readiness Plan which will give you the instructions and contacts you'll need to manage fire or water damage to your commercial property.

But you don't have to prep or wait for a disaster to work with us - we also provide deep cleanings that will keep your tenants happy and healthy. Regular cleanings of both your carpets/floors and air duct systems can save you time and money. Our team of professionals are specially trained in removing everything from difficult stains and bad smells to graffiti and biohazard cleanups.

If you're in need of an ERP or cleanup and restoration services, call SERVPRO Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Commercial Cleanings

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

We have the products and methods to get it clean.

Keeping tenants happy and healthy is more important than ever in the aftermath of the pandemic. In the past year, many companies found that their employees can work from home, instead of in an office, negatively impacting commercial properties. Cleanliness is one of the most important things to any tenant and SERVPRO of Park Cities offers commercial cleaning services to help keep your tenants coming to the office.

We recommend regular deep cleaning of carpets and floors as well as air ducts to remove pests, allergens and other potentially harmful substances that accumulate over time. We are also licensed to handle hazardous cleanups such as certain chemical spills, sewer-related damages or issues resulting from biomedical waste.

And, should you find your office dealing with a COVID+ tenant or employee, our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service is a comprehensive cleaning program that goes far beyond traditional janitorial services. Designed from protocols and practices suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it incorporates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered professional cleaning and disinfecting products to remove viral pathogens like the Coronavirus.

With over 20 years of commercial cleaning and restoration experience, SERVPRO of Park Cities is ready to assist with your cleaning needs. For more information on our services please call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

10 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO Park Cities

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it's your home or business that is affected - SERVPRO Park Cities will make it "like it never happened."

We know you have a choice when dealing with restoration companies. And we want to make sure you know why SERVPRO of Park Cities should be your first call when dealing with fire, water, storm or mold situations. 

1. We’ve been dealing with disaster recovery for over 50 years.
2. We have the experts and equipment needed to deal with the details of restoration.
3. We're faster to the disaster.* It's our policy that within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. And within 4 hours - we will be on site to begin mitigation if necessary. 
4. We're thorough and we pretest. This allows us to determine the extent of the damage which allows us to treat only the affected area to reduce job costs, restoration expenses and disruption.
5. We can help you with an Inventory Analysis - is a detailed record of all your belongings which is conducted prior toany disaster. This reduces the time needed to build your itemized room-by-room loss inventory for insurance claims.
6. All of our records, notes and photos are kept online, facilitating faster knowledge transfer to your insurance company.  
7. We answer the phone 24/7. Emergencies don't wait for working hours - so we don't. Someone is always on call to answer the phone when you call. If they miss it, they'll call you right back.
8. We have the capability to manage both small and large losses. Whether it's a room in your home - or a multi-family unit where everyone was affected, we have the crews and equipment needed to help. 
9. While we are one of thousands of franchises, all of us are required to maintain a professional appearance in uniform, equipment, vehicles and cleaning methods. 
10. We have relationships with all major insurance providers (and many small ones too) so that we already know the requirements and approved costs associated with different types of damage.

Whether it's your home or business that's affected - SERVPRO of Park Cities will make it "Like it never even happened."

Family Owned & Operated in Park Cities

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

We have years of experience and can help.

1. SERVPRO of Park Cities has been serving the surrounding communities for 40 years. Through experience and compassion, we have helped hundreds of home and business owners here in Park Cities and throughout Dallas recover from disasters. We aim to deliver the highest possible standard of professionalism and safety and pride ourselves on honesty and hard work.

As part of the SERVPRO family – we are one of 1800 franchises that benefit from incredible experience, ongoing training and access to innovation and information. We have relationships with large and small insurance companies so that your policy claims are handled efficiently and worry free. And we were just named a Top 10 overall franchise system in the nation by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list.

We’re family owned and operated and strive to treat our teammates and customers as though they are part of this family too. We believe that working hard and working together to serve our Park Cities neighbors has been an excellent way to spend the last 40 years and we look forward to 40 more.

Happy Customers Make Us Happy

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Our ultimate goal is customer satisfaction.

There is nothing better than knowing you've made a difference for someone - especially when you're able to help a family after damage to their home. Below are a couple of customer reviews from Google.

N. Pereida shared....

This Company has hard workers committed to meeting the needs of its customers during the most difficult time. A winter storm for us did in our kitchen and flooring. They were responsive to our needs and helped us address remodeling needs while we were working on the damaged kitchen and flooring. Lets just say that the flooring and staircase update was and is amazing. Very pleased. Juan Zelaya championed this project to a very successful and beautiful outcome.  

R. Burton shared...

I had the opportunity to work with SERVPRO Park Cities last week after having 2 pipes burst during the winter storm, causing flooding most of downstairs. Joey and his crew were the first to come out and assess everything, and they were great! A couple of days later, James came out with his crew and they were just as great! These guys are very knowledgeable in their business. They showed me damages, meter readings, etc and explained why they were positioning fans and dehumidifiers here and there. SERVPRO was a USAA referral and I was extremely satisfied with the work performed at my home. The level of professionalism displayed was above excellent! My home is dry and ready to rebuild thanks to the Park Cities SERVPRO team!

We don't always get it right - but we always do our best. Call us at 214-522-3000 if you are facing water, fire or storm damage. 

Ted's Story

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage happens fast and regular maintenance checks help prevent leaks.

Ted is a conscientious homeowner; and while he is not old, his home is. One day he noticed water near the foundation of his home - which he deduced was from the condensate drain pipe of the HVAC. After doing some research, Ted learned that constant water dripping near the foundation could produce mold and mildew in the crawl space, creating an unhealthy environment. 

So, he decided to extend the drain pipe away from the home’s foundation so that the slope of the yard would keep the water from doing any further damage. He dug a trench deep enough to keep the water in the pipe from freezing in winter making sure to keep the pipe sloped so that the water would flow freely. When the job was finished, Ted admired the steady stream of water flowing from the pipe.

The pipe extension project proved successful, and eliminated any puddles near the home's foundation.

But - Ted got busy and didn't stay on top of his DIY monthly maintenance checks - and somewhere in the process the drain pipe got clogged with dirt and sticks. 

Ted didn't notice the pipe was clogged - but he did notice the water stains on the ceiling - which prompted him to call in the professionals for help. That small clog caused big damage. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities helped Ted dry out the affected rooms and replaced the piece of ceiling that was wet as well. The experienced, highly-trained professionals deploy the latest extraction, removal, and drying technologies. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Park Cities is a trusted leader in the water damage restoration industry.

For more information about water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Park Cities website at https://www.SERVPROparkcities.com. To speak with a SERVPRO representative, call (214) 522-3000.

Fire Stinks!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Putting the fire out is the first step - then you have to remove the odor of smoke!

Recovering from fire damage has many layers and steps, so our fire mitigation team follows the protocols from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Many people don’t know that there can be water and chemical residue from the firefighting and no matter how untouched your dwelling looks surface cleaning and damage restoration, the unmistakable odor of smoke and other combusted building materials can linger.

HVAC systems can spread and retain odor-bearing particles. If vents are open during the fire or fire residue cleaning efforts, the odors drift far from the origin site. Our goal is to eliminate the source of the odor (no matter how small the particles) rather than covering them up. Thermal foggers recreate the conditions of the fire to disperse heated chemicals that attach to the granular bits and neutralize the smell. We also use hydroxyl generators or ozone machines as another way to attack the odor problem at a molecular level. Enzymatic products can help with organic soiling and smells.

Rely on the team at SERVPRO of Park Cities to eliminate all evidence of fire damage – including (and especially) the smoky odors. We will do everything we can so that it looks and feels “Like it never even happened.”

Honoring First Responders

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is dedicated to honoring First Responders

One of the reasons we love being part of SERVPRO is our association with the First Responder Bowl. We know the importance of a quick response - so it's only fitting that our organization highlights local heroes who are first on site to help people in disastrous situations.  

First Responders are humble selfless servants that place everyone's needs before their own. These are individuals that sacrifice their life, health, and time with their families to serve the people in their communities. They often are coming out of an emergency situation just as SERVPRO is going in. 

Every year, SERVPRO does the "Honor a Responder" program where franchises can submit local heroes in hopes that they will be chosen the First Responder of the Year. Winners are honored at the annual First Responder Bowl in December. It's a great way to show our roots are local and our coverage is global. 

The game is a couple of months away, but our respect for all First Responders is year-round.

Mold Means Mitigation & We Can Help

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Proper handling of mold is essential to minimizing damage.

At least 45 million buildings in the United Stats have unhealthy levels of mold. (Moldy, 2017)

It doesn’t take much for mold in the home to become a nightmare. Not only does it damage the structural integrity of a building, but it’s also associated with numerous health problems, including infections and allergies. 

Managing mold issues can be just as tricky as finding it. We are professionally licensed to handle these situations and use proven technologies to conduct a thorough inspection and damage assessment.

Once we understand the extent of the damage we begin remediation services, starting with containment to avoid further spread. We will seal off the room(s), disable HVAC systems and if necessary, bring in negative air chambers.

Filtration is next – our HEPA vacuums are powerful “air scrubbers” to remove microscopic spores from the air. If necessary, we will remove and properly dispose any mold-infested porous materials that cannot be saved.   

Once all the mold has been removed, it’s time to restore and replace. Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, carpets and other building materials may need to be replaced. Our team has the capability to handle putting it all back together so it feels "Like it never even happened."

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Park Cities now at 214-522-3000.

Business Owners Avoid Nasty Stalls and Falls

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Clean Restrooms = Happy Patrons

If you own a building or retail space where people use your bathroom – then most likely, you’ve had to deal with a clogged toilet. You may have also had to deal with that toilet overflowing, causing a situation that is both disgusting and dangerous.

Not only are your patrons at risk of contamination, they are also at risk of personal injury from slipping.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to your public restroom.

Make sure you let people know what can and, more importantly, what CAN’T be flushed. Be very clear with what your plumbing can handle – and then provide an alternative receptacle to handle what it can’t.

You can also stock to avoid the block – thinner toilet paper dissolves faster and is therefore less likely to clog your toilet.

Lead by Example – if you keep the bathrooms clean, your patrons are more likely to follow suit.  Regular check-ins and cleanings are important – and auto-flush toilets will keep things moving in the right direction as well.

Toilets can be trouble so remember that SERVPRO of Park Cities has your back if things back up. Call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

STORM STORIES - TRUE OR FALSE

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Know your storm facts to stay safe.

We looked for common misconceptions to help keep you safe when in a storm:

If you’re driving during a tornado – just park under an overpass to stay safe.

FALSE – Winds actually accelerate underneath an overpass and become quite dangerous. It’s best to pull over, duck below the windows, keep your seatbelts fastened and cover your head with a blanket or cushion until the storm passes.

The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to explode. Opening the windows will equalize the pressure, saving the building.

FALSE - Opening the windows in an attempt to equalize pressure will have no effect. It is the violent winds and debris that cause most structural damage. It is more important for you to move to a safe area away from windows and exterior walls.

Tornadoes and thunderstorms tend to move from west to east.

TRUE (SORT OF): Conditions determine how and where storms move, but more often than not they do move from west to east.

Since I drive an SUV, I don’t have to worry about driving through water.

FALSE – any car can be swept away in as little as 2 feet of water. Flash floods happen in a flash – whether there is a stream nearby or not so always be careful when driving through a puddle.

Know your storm facts so that your stories all have a happy ending. 

Rare but Real

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Know all the possible fire risks.

Did you know that accumulated lint in your dryer vent can cause a fire?

How about a phone battery or old dishwasher?

How about non-dairy coffee creamer? 

True Story.

Here are a few rare but real fire-starters to be aware of:

1 – Recalled Appliances – take a look at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website (www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) to make sure your microwave or computer battery hasn’t been recalled.

2 – Excess Sawdust – if you’re a DIYer, then you may have sawdust on your work surfaces. Make sure to clean workspaces with a vacuum designed to collect combustible materials to avoid accumulating dust which is flammable.

3 – 9-Volt Batteries – all batteries should be disposed of safely, but especially the 9-Volts. These have been known to spark when in contact with metal while in a trash can or junk drawer.

4 – Linseed Oil – if you use this to polish your butcher block countertops or other wood furnishings, make sure you wash the rag immediately after use as they can spontaneously combust.

5 - And finally - that non-dairy coffee creamer, as well as other manufactured foods can combust if exposed to an open flame.

Fire is destructive whether caused by a common or rare situation. Please exercise caution and know your risks. Proper fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Fire Prevention Week is Oct 3 - 9

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Three beeps in a repeating pattern means your alarm has detected smoke and/or fire.

The National Association for Fire Prevention sponsors "Fire Prevention Week" each year, and this year they are focusing on "The Sounds of Fire Safety" You can learn more and access great resources for kids at their website but here are the main points they want us to HEAR:

If you hear a continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep - from your fire alarm, it means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.

If you hear a single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds, then your battery is low and needs to be changed.  Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Did you know that all smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years?

You can find the official flier from the NFPA https://www.nfpa.org/fpw here for your convenience.

We hope you never hear those 3 beeps, but if it does happen - SERVPRO can help. We are the restoration experts in Park Cities and will help you navigate the entire process.

Delicious, not Dangerous

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Summer grilling should be delicious, not dangerous.

Summer is in full swing and if you’re like us – you’re grilling dinners to keep the heat outside. Well, we’ve got a few things to share to keep you safe and satisfied the next time you throw some chicken on the grill.

Keeping Safe:

• Make sure your grill is at a safe distance from the house and anything flammable – you never want to grill underneath an overhang or in the garage. Watch the wind as well – if you are grilling in a windy area, it can blow between the grates and fuel a flare up.
• Use tools with long handles to keep a safe distance from the flame, and avoid wearing any clothing items that may easily catch fire (i.e. long, baggy sleeves)
• Always clean a grill after use, while its still hot, with a wire brush to avoid accumulations of fatty, greasy materials. Food residue and old grease are both great fuel for a fire, so removing debris after each use is important. Don’t forget to check and empty any trays below the grill where grease collects. 
• If you use lighter fluid to light a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add the fluid to a flame, add it before lighting the grill. Spraying water on fire can cause grease to explode – turn the burners off and use a fire extinguisher instead.

Keeping Satisfied

• Marinade your meat before grilling to make it tasty and can keep it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry – you can score the meat before you put it in the marinade. It’s best to leave it in the marinade for 2-6 hours depending on the type of meat. You can marinade overnight but be careful not to leave it too long as it can make the meat tougher.
• If you love spicy – then you must try this marinade we found at https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/the-best-5-flavorful-chicken-marinades-for-grilling/

Add the following to a bowl and whisk until combined. Then add chicken to a large storage bag and pour marinade over chicken. Let it sit for at least an hour before grilling.

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 teaspoons sriracha
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Let us know if you liked it - or drop a comment with your favorite grilling recipe below. 

Keep Summer Safe!

Sump’in to Talk About

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

A sump pump can help keep your crawl space from flooding.

It sure has rained a lot in Park Cities lately. All this rain means the ground is saturated and water may begin to collect. Water near the foundation of your home is never good – but the type of foundation you have will determine the best way to keep it dry during spring storms.

You always want to make sure that water drains away from your home. If your home has a concreate slab for its foundation, any standing water could cause cracks which could then lead to increased moisture and eventually structural damage. There are drainage systems and even landscape modifications that can protect your slab foundation from water damage.

On the other hand, if your home has a pier and beam foundation – or even the rare basement – then you can install a sump pump to pump out any water that collects during heavy rains.

A sump pump is a device with a basin and a pump that sucks the water through a tube and away from the house. Usually located in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space, the pump eliminates water and maintains a consistent moisture level underneath your home. Regular inspection when it’s not raining is important to make sure it doesn’t get clogged and drains properly when it does rain.

When we get a high amount of rain in a short amount of time, flooding can occur. Many people don't know it, but most homeowner's insurance policies cover water damage caused by an overflowed sink or bathtub, but not flood damage caused by storms. Another precaution is to understand what your policy does and doesn’t cover so you are informed in the event of a flood.

We handle all types of water damage at SERVPRO of Park Cities. Whether you home floods from rain, a leaky roof, burst pipes, or faulty appliances, we have the equipment needed to extract the water and thoroughly dry the affected areas to get your home feeling "Like it never even happened."

Here to Help

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities is here to help.

Damage doesn’t discriminate and can happen at apartments, condos, homes, daycares, churches, office buildings, warehouses and even airports. Water, fire and mold have no standards when it comes to affecting a space – but we do.

When you choose SERVPRO of Park Cities to help with your disaster you can be confident that our team will make it “Like it never even happened.”

We start with a thorough assessment of damage – including testing for mold or asbestos so that we maintain a safe work environment as we begin restoration.

Billy Walker, our Production Manager is often the one who initially scopes a project. He has 20+ years’ experience in the industry and has obtained the IICRC Water Damage Restoration Certification, Applied Structural Drying Certification, Carpet Cleaning, Fire & Smoke Restoration, Carpet Repair & Re-installation, and the Commercial Drying Specialist Certification. He also holds a Mold Remediation Contractor License with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Don’t be fooled by his calm demeanor – Billy is very serious about following protocol and using the utmost care care when working on a project.

All projects will have an experienced Crew Chief managing the work and 1-4 technicians to support him or her (YES we do have a female Crew Chief!!)

Communication is extremely important and we keep customers informed through each step of a project. We’re also experienced in communicating with insurance companies and often help our customers navigate the claims process. Several large carriers have SERVPRO of Park Cities as a preferred vendor for both clean up and reconstruction. We have an entire team of people who can rebuild after damage – including flooring, drywall, paint, installation, etc.

Our attention to detail and quality assurance extends throughout an entire project. From the pack-out to the punch-list, SERVPRO of Park Cities is truly here to help.

Teamwork at SERVPRO of Park Cities

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Working together to tackle the big stuff.

SERVPRO of Park Cities has been working around the clock to help customers dealing with water damage from the February snow and storms. One of the great things about SERVPRO as a company is the support we receive from headquarters when things are overwhelming. With thousands of customers across DFW needing help - we've activated the SERVPRO Storm Response - which is when unaffected franchises send staff and equipment to help in markets that need additional support. 

To date, we've had over 50 franchises outside of DFW join forces with the local franchises to expand our combined abilities to help people in our communities.

We are thankful to serve the Park Cities community and we are thankful that our corporate community serves us.

Happy New Year Park Cities!

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

The start of the year is the perfect time to do maintenance on your home. Here are 5 must-dos for our Park Cities neighbors.

We’re nearly a month into 2021 and the start of the year is the perfect time to give your home or office an in-depth overview to assess any potential risks and prepare for the year ahead.

Accidents happen and SERVPRO of Park Cities is here to help our neighbors recover from any size disaster. But being a good neighbor also means sharing information – so here are 5 maintenance must-dos to kick of the new year.

• Give your gutters a good onceover to make sure they are clean since clogs can trap moisture and lead to leaks.
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to make sure they are working. Now is a great time to develop a Family Escape Plan as well.
• Prevent leaks and odors by cleaning the garbage disposal – grind several ice cubes, then flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Inspect the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Call SERVPRO of Park Cities to get a free Emergency Readiness Assessment for your home or office. Our experts will check for concerns and help build a resource plan for managing potential emergencies.

Your neighborhood restoration experts are here if you need us – call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Common Causes of House Fires

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Holiday Decorations Can Be a Fire Risk.

Fire is extremely volatile and can spread quickly if not responded to appropriately. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States must respond to home fires every 24 seconds. Don't let your home in Park Cities become part of that statistic. Here are the most common causes of house fires.

Cooking Fires
Cooktops generate open flames that can quickly spread out of control if they aren't watched carefully. Home cooking fires account for approximately $1 billion in property damage, 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries every year. 

Electrical Fires
Malfunctioning appliances can spark, resulting in a dangerous fire. These fires account for 13% of all residential fires, including 18% of all civilian fire deaths. These fires are most likely to occur in the colder months. 

Candle Fires
Candles may generate a small flame, but that doesn't mean that they're completely harmless. Most candle fires occur when other household items, such as furniture and curtains, are kept too close to the flame. It only takes a few seconds for them to catch fire and consume the house.

Careless Children
Children playing with fire are responsible for $172 million in property damages every year. 83% of these fires are caused by young boys, half of which are under the age of six. Proper fire safety education is vital when it comes to preventing these accidents.

Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. These are often caused when someone carelessly smokes a cigarette, cigar or other product too close to combustible materials.

If you experience a fire in your home or office, SERVPRO of Park Cities can help.

Smoke and Soot

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team can remove the visible signs and invisible odors from fire.

Once the flames have been extinguished, you’re left to deal with the smoke and soot that remains.  Both are very invasive and can penetrate walls, furniture, clothing and other porous surfaces causing damage and leaving an odor behind.

Smoke can actually flow around plumbing systems and compromise the infrastructure of your home or business. It tends to rise and can cause damage to ceilings, second-stories and attics that may not be very visible. Our professionals know how to find the different types of smoke and thoroughly clean to eliminate them.

There are two different types of smoke, which mean there are 2 different types of residue left behind. wet and dry. Before restoration begins, we test to determine what we are dealing with so that the best cleaning process can be used.

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber - Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, oily. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood - Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and finishes, extreme pungent odor. 

We certainly hope you never have to deal with fire damage, but we are here to help if it happens. We have the equipment, expertise, experience and empathy to restore your property so that it looks and feels "Like it never even happened."

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 214-522-3000

Psychrometrics = Science of Drying

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

There is a science to dealing with water damage.

At SERVPRO of Park Cities, our professionals use “psychrometrics” or the science of drying to handle water damage.

Many factors affect the drying process such as humidity, moisture movement within materials, the influence of temperature and air circulation. Wet homes and buildings can dry naturally but it helps to “speed up mother nature” to avoid any secondary damages that occur during that process.

Our tools and equipment allow us to reach hard to see spaces inside walls to accurately assess total moisture levels throughout the building. We have high powered fans to increase air circulation and remove humidity from the air. Even with professional nudging, the drying process can take several days and homeowners often have to temporarily relocate if the damage is significant.

That’s why SERVPRO has developed DryBook - a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates.  Customers use the mobile application to get real-time updates on their restoration.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO, SERVPRO of Park Cities, Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

We Love Happy Customers

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Customers Make US Happy Too

Dealing with any kind of property damage is extremely stressful, so we strive to make the process as easy and stress free as possible. Our number one goal is to please our customers, no matter what the job is. Here are some quotes from real customers about the service they received from SERVPRO:

"I needed my air ducts cleaned and with just a call, Billy scheduled everything so fast and easy for me. Great people, very professional! A big shout out to Memo and his team, they handled everything great. I am calling them soon to clean my carpet cleaning too."

"I found SERVPRO to be an excellent company when we discovered some recent water damage and needed some mold remediation. They were very thorough and efficient in their work, and they kept me informed of what they were doing and the progress of the project. Shannon was great to work with and I would strongly recommend him and his company."

"I’m so impressed by the work that SERVPRO of Park Cities has done. I feel such a sense of security knowing that they offer such a large selection of services when it comes to home restoration."

Juan and the team at SERVPRO of North Garland were a complete dream to work with during a very stressful time when we had a pipe burst in our attic and burst through the kitchen. They were responsive, prompt, so easy to communicate with, and caring. Their work was flawless and I highly recommend their services.

Lightning Lessons

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning can be dangerous to you and your property. Know what to do in a storm.

Lightning can be unpredictable, increasing risk of electrocution or damage. Here are a few lessons to keep you safe from the storm. Remember, if you can hear thunder then you’re close enough to be struck by lightning.

Rain isn’t actually required for lightning to occur – a storm's footprint is larger than just the rainfall and lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away.  

Lightning can also happen in the absence of thunder. Technically there is thunder - but it's so far away that people don't hear it. This is known as "heat lightning" and usually means the storm is headed your way so it's best to take precaution. 

IF someone is struck by lightning, they will survive more often than not. However survivors often have long lasting effects. Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors - if you're outside when a storm approaches, find shelter in a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. If you are in a car - make sure you aren't touching any metal from the car.

The pipes in your home can conduct electricity - as well as water. Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. Even so, you should never get in the bath or shower during a storm.

Lightning causes power surges, so unplug appliances and other electrical items – especially computers and televisions.

SERVPRO of North Garland can help you recover from any storm damage - and we are available 24/7. 

Facts About Floods

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Floods can happen quickly.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA). "Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US, and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

There are many different kinds of floods that cause water damage to homes and businesses. These include:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Snow and Ice Melt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Unfortunately, even people who do not live in flood-prone areas  may become victims at some point. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. 

In Dallas, we have dry climate, clay heavy soil (slow to absorb water), and a tendency for severe storms (high amount of rainfall in a small-time frame) all of which can lead to flooding and subsequent water damage.

If catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals can help! We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get your home or business back to normal as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Trees and Storms = Possible Flood Damage

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Keep trees properly trimmed to minimize storm damage.

Big windows are great for letting natural light into a room and trees in your yard provide much needed shade. But the combination of them in a bad storm can cause lots of damage. If a tree splits or a limb breaks and falls through a window, water can get in and cause damage to your floors and furniture. SERVPRO of Park Cities offers comprehensive support for homeowners facing flood damage.

Our team will arrive as quickly as they can with the equipment to begin extraction and drying. We also have licensed contractors to board up windows or other compromised walls to prevent further damage. We will remove the fallen tree and anything that cannot be restored

Keep our number handy – (214) 522-3000 because the faster we receive the initial call, the faster we begin mitigation. It’s also a good idea to keep your trees trimmed properly to avoid weak points that are more susceptible to breakage. When a storm blows in, close the curtains, blinds or shutters to minimize the broken glass that can get in your house if the window breaks. Remove anything that you can from the floor to avoid further water damage and use towels to soak up what you can until we get there. A flooded home requires professional restoration services and SERVPRO of Park Cities is available 24 / 7 to help.   

Dry-Ice Blasting for Fire Damage

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Dry-ice Blasting is an environmentally friendly way to remove smoke soot.

Here at SERVPRO of Park Cities, we have 50+ years experience helping large and small commercial properties recover from fire damage. We have a variety of techniques we employ depending on the building and situation. One of these is referred to as Dry-Ice Blasting (also called CO2 Blasting, or Dry Ice Dusting)

What is Dry Ice Blasting (Cleaning)?

Dry-ice blasting uses compressed air to accelerate frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) "dry ice" pellets in order to create mini-explosions to lift the undesirable item off the underlying substrate. In the case of fire damage, we are blasting away smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins and char.

What makes this a popular method is that it is environmentally responsible and contains no secondary contaminants. It doesn’t leave behind any substance other than what has been removed which is then vacuumed or swept up. It’s non-abrasive and non-conductive and can be used without damaging active electrical or mechanical equipment. In most cases, items won’t need to be disassembled because it finds its way into small spaces between parts. Disassembly and reassembly are time consuming so dry-ice blasting can reduce downtime so you can return to business quicker.

Our goal is to put things back together so that it looks and feels like “it never happened.” If you experience fire damage, SERVPRO of Park Cities can dry-ice blast away the damage and remove odors to get you back on track.

If your business needs help with fire damage, give SERVPRO of Park Cities a call at 214-522-3000

Spot the Signs of Water Damage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to spot the signs of water damage.

"Drip, drip drip" – if you see, feel or hear this, it’s a sure sign of impending water damage. By the time a ceiling begins to actively leak, water could have been pooling in the attic making it a mold-risk. Knowing how to spot the signs early will save you money and time. Watch for these signs:

Wall Stains – Any brown, yellow or copper colored stains on walls or ceilings are a sure sign of water damage and could be the start of mold damage as well. Excessive moisture leads to peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint. If you find rust marks under a sink or on water heater, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a current leak issue, but you will want to watch those spots or have them inspected. If you see black spots, it is likely mold and you'll need a licensed specialist to take care of it. SERVPRO of Park Cities has experience with mold testing and mediation.

Buckled Hardwoods – Floor-boards affected by water tend to have structural changes like buckling or cupping. It’s possible that they will feel spongy or soft when you step on a damaged board. These will  need to be replaced and the subfloor will need to dry as well.  

Discolored Linoleum – stains will appear after the floor has been exposed to water for a while. The linoleum will need to be removed, the sub floor will have to completely dry, and then you can replace flooring.

Odor – A musty odor can indicate both mold and a water damage. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours when provided with a source of moisture, so if you see any signs of mold in your home there is a good chance you have had a water damage.

Always check your water bill for changes as well. A sudden increase may indicate a leak somewhere inside or outside the house.

An insurance industry leader revealed that water damage accounts for $1 billion in insured losses annually for homeowners and renters, with claims averaging more than $10,000 each.

Thankfully, the team of experienced professionals at SERVPRO Park Cities can provide professional water damage cleanup, remediation, restoration and reconstruction services. Call us for 24-hour emergency services at 214-522-3000. 

Call Us for Mold Issues - Here's Why:

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Should Be Addressed Immediately

Got Mold? Call SERVPRO of Park Cities.

Mold restoration damage in US homes cost approximately 73 billion dollars a year. It doesn’t take much for mold to turn into a disaster inside your home. It eats away at materials like carpet, drywall, wall studs, ceiling tiles and left unchecked, it can lead to the collapse of walls, floors or ceilings. Mold is also known to cause health effects so it should be addressed immediately.

SERVPRO of Park Cities knows how to properly manage mold issues. We use proven technologies to conduct a thorough inspection and damage assessment. Once we understand the extent of the damage we begin remediation services, starting with containment to avoid further spread. We will seal off the room(s), disable HVAC systems and if necessary, bring in negative air chambers.

Filtration is next – our HEPA vacuums are powerful “air scrubbers” to remove microscopic spores from the air. If necessary, we will remove and properly dispose any mold-infested porous materials that cannot be saved. We do use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments as well. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to completely clean your belongings, and eliminate any odors from the damage.  

Once all the mold has been removed, it’s time to restore and replace. Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, carpets and other building materials may need to be replaced.

Why call SERVPRO for mold issues? We’re licensed to properly manage the removal and restoration processes. We are the trusted partner for many insurance companies and can also help you navigate the insurance claim process. Our goal is to leave your home feeling "Like it never even happened." If you suspect mold in your home call SERVPRO of Park Cities now at 214-522-3000.

Top 5 Reasons to Use SERVPRO of Park Cities

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities is Ready to Help

We know you have a choice when it comes to who you work with. We have over 50 years of experience helping people and companies recover from disaster. That has given us lots of time to refine our processes and capture learnings. We pride ourselves on customer service and are proud to offer these 5 differentiators.

Timely Response

We’re “faster to any disaster” – which means that within 1 hour of notifying us of your situation, we will contact you to set up service and promise to be there no later than 4 hours to begin mitigation services.

Restore vs. Replace

Our goal is to put things back together so it feels “Like it never even happened,” which means we want to preserve as much as we can instead of discarding and replacing. We do this to help keep your costs lower and to make sure you don’t lose the important things.

Good Form(s)

We have several resources to help expedite the claims process including Inventory Analysis Forms, Room-By-Room Loss Reports, and your personalized Emergency Readiness Plan (which is free and should be done prior to any disaster recovery) We also have online access to all of this which makes it easy to transfer to all involved parties.

Always On

Our experts are ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so we can get to work as quickly as possible in order to minimize loss, downtime and expense.

Local Service with National Support

SERVPRO of Park Cities is one of 1700 franchises in North America. When you work with us, you get all the benefits of a large corporation along with local expertise and neighborly know-how.

We hope you never have to deal with disaster, but are ready to help if it strikes. We're SERVPRO of Park Cities and we are here to help.

The Trouble With Toilets

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Avoiding Toilet Troubles.

Clogged toilets can overflow, causing a situation that is both disgusting and dangerous. Besides the contaminants associated with a septic scene, floors become slippery which can lead to personal injury. As a commercial property owner, it’s up to you to prevent nasty stalls and falls.

Give Instruction to Avoid Destruction - it’s a good idea to post the Rules of the Restroom. Let your tenants know what can and can’t be flushed, then provide adequate receptacles to handle what the toilet can’t.

Consider the Source – if it’s not an un-flushable, then it’s usually too much toilet paper causing the clog. While it’s not reasonable (or advisable) to ration, you can avoid the block with what you stock. Thinner toilet paper dissolves quicker, protecting you from even the most zealous wipers.

Autoflush to Keep it Plush – don’t leave it up to chance to make sure it all goes down the way it should. Toilets that flush on their own keep things moving and generally more pleasant. No one wants to use a stall that looks (and smells) used. Nicer bathrooms = nicer bathroom users.

Even the most prepared people can find themselves in toilet trouble. That’s why SERVPRO of Park Cities has your back if things back up. Call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

These 3 Things Can Save You Time and Money From Storm Damage.

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster Can Strike at Any Time. Be Prepared.

Just over a year ago, DFW suffered heavy damage from a tornado that ripped through Preston Hollow, Richardson and Garland. All of Dallas, including Park Cities lost electricity, some households for multiple days. Other families sustained significant damage from the storm and hundreds of businesses had to close for restoration, and some weren’t able to reopen.

Our team at SERVPRO was deployed to conduct several post-storm inspections, working closely with families and their insurance companies to determine how to put their homes back together. That process included storing furniture on behalf of the victims and working directly with insurance companies to get the proper inspection reports and recovery estimates built. This is a highly stressful experience and SERVPRO professionals were able to ease that a little with a fast response as well as knowledge of the claim process.

Today, many of those homes have been rebuilt and now look “Like it never even happened,” businesses are open again and people understand how quickly a storm can become destructive. There have been a lot of learnings about the benefits of preparedness as well. Families are building their Emergency Kits and businesses are turning to SERVPRO to develop an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) which can expedite recovery from natural or man-made disasters. 

Below are 3 important things your family can do so that you’re ready for anything.

1. Build an Emergency Kit (read this blog for details) & map all possible evacuation routes from your home.
2. Scan important documents, inventory and photograph your possessions, and upload all of it to a cloud-based program.
3. Keep connected to a source of weather news and make sure your phones are charging every night.

If you would like to schedule an evaluation of your home or business so that we can prepare an Emergency Readiness Plan for your family, call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Keeping Clean During Covid

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO goes above and beyond to make sure you stay safe.

If your business discovers that someone in the building – or your office – has tested positive for COVID, it’s a good idea to bring in professionals to do a deep cleaning. SERVPRO of PARK CITIES is uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. With over 50 years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, you can trust our professionals to bring a higher standard of clean.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. But to truly disinfect, SERVPRO needs to understand the unique needs of your facility to customize your cleaning plan. When we clean, we use EPA Approved Hospital-Grade solutions and follow all CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of Covid. We are fast and thorough in order to minimize any interruptions to your business.

The last step in the cleaning process is to issue you the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal so anyone visiting your building knows you take this virus seriously and doing your best to protect your tenants and visitors. They will walk in with confidence because they know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or learning more? Call at SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

When Storms are the Norm

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Be ready when storms hit Park Cities.

If you grew up here in North Texas, then you know how quickly a storm can suddenly happen. When the moisture levels, temperature and lift combine in just the right way, we get thunder, lightning and wind – or worse, tornadoes. Storms can cause trouble inside and outside the house; flooding, fallen tree branches or hail can all cause potential damage. Even though storms are unpredictable, there are things we can do to keep our homes and offices ready and prepared.

Knowledge is Power.

Make sure to stay connected to news sources either online or on TV. There are many weather tracking apps for smart phones as well – TripSavvy rated the top apps in September of this year – read about them here.

Knowing someone is safe during, or after a storm is comforting – so make sure your mobile phone is charged and contact lists are up to date so you can easily reach out. If you happen to witness someone in distress you can let first responders know through Twitter. This technology saved many Houstonians during tropical storm Harvey.

You can also place your status and name on Facebook Safety Check or the American Red Cross’s Safe & Well check-in. This is a good way to let lots of people know you’re ok.

Keep Your Information Safe.

Floods can ruin files so have copies of your important documents (household inventories, marriage, birth or death certificates, etc.) stored in a water tight bag that you keep in your Emergency Preparedness Kit – or you can also upload them to a cloud-based platform. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets, if necessary.

Always be Prepared

At SERVPRO of Park Cities, we are always watching the weather and preparing to help in the event of water or fire damage. Our professional equipment and technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We’ve also developed an Emergency Readiness Profile® that can be used to evaluate your home or business so that you feel confident you’re ready for one of those crazy storms we get in Park Cities.

This is a FREE assessment – find out more here https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/readyprogram.

Care About the Air

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Our Franchise professionals can make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.

Property Managers that keep up with regular cleanings have the best (and healthiest) office spaces for lease. One of the most important things to keep clean is the HVAC system which runs throughout all of the building and can affect everyone. These days it is more important than ever to make sure your air ducts are clean to prevent spreading any allergens, mold spores, bacteria or microbes.

If you own a commercial property in the Park Cities area, consider using your local SERVPRO to manage your ongoing HVAC cleanings. Our professionals use the most up to date technology and cleaning methods to remove dirt, dust, bacteria lint, mold, and mildew that that could affect the air quality for your tenants. Our SERVPRO Certified cleaning process is based on recommendations from the CDC for maximum protection – which is especially important as we try to prevent the spread of COVID. Show your tenants that you care about the air and schedule regular cleanings for the HVAC system. Bonus - it also keep your system running efficiently to save you money.

And while we’re on site, we’re happy to do a free Emergency Readiness Profile ® for you so you know that you’ll be prepared for an emergency in Park Cities. We’re here to help – call us Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

SERVPRO is Here to Help Park Cities.

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Park Cities is Here to Help.

If you’re a business owner in Park Cities, SERVPRO is right down the street and ready to help if disaster strikes. There are natural disasters and human disasters – both of which can cause fire, water, or mold damage. Whether the job is big or small, our team will make it "Like it never even happened," so you can get your business up and running as soon as possible. When disaster strikes, you can depend on SERVPRO Park Cities.

Most small businesses struggle to reopen after a local disaster and we want to help you get back to work with as little damage as possible. It’s important to know your biggest risks and SERVPRO Park Cities can conduct an audit of your location and help you develop an Emergency Readiness Plan ® (ERP).

We aren’t just known for disaster recovery - we also provide deep cleanings that will keep your tenants happy and healthy. Regular cleanings of both your carpets/floors and air duct systems can save you time and money. Our team of professionals are specially trained in removing everything from difficult stains and bad smells to graffiti and biohazard cleanups.

If you're in need of an ERP or cleanup and restoration services, call SERVPRO Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Preventing Fires in the Fall

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to keep outdoor fall decor safe from fire risks.

Everyone loves fall in North Texas! The temperature drops a bit, you can buy pumpkin spice everything and it’s a new decorating theme!

Haystacks, dried cornstalks, silly scarecrows, and jack-o-lanterns placed among big pots of mums make fantastic yard décor. But they can also be fire risks so it’s important to be aware and take steps like these to prevent a fall fire in Park Cities.

All jack-o-lanterns should have battery operated candles or glow sticks instead of a live flame.

Any paper or dried vegetable décor should be kept away from heat sources like fire pits, light bulbs or heaters.

When Halloween comes around, make sure the walkways are clear so trick-or-treaters with flowing costumes stay safe.

October is Fire Prevention Month so a great time to check all your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly and go through your family escape plan once again so everyone knows what to do.

If you don’t have one yet – you can download a template from the National Fire Prevention Association’s website where there you'll find lots of fire safety information and resources for kids.

At SERVPRO of Park Cities, we wish you and your families a fun fall and happy Halloween!

Remember that if anything scary happens we are here around the clock to help.

Your Storm Emergency Kit

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Park Cities we are ready to help after the storm.

If there is a sudden storm in Park Cities, you may not have the time or presence of mind to quickly gather everything you need for a few days. This is why it’s a good idea to pre-pack a storm emergency kit and have it easily accessible in case of emergency.

The Red Cross recommends storing items in airtight plastic bags or easy to carry containers such as plastic bins or backpacks. Your emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least 72 hours and should include the following:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Food (more on this below)
• Battery-powered or hand-powered radio and extra batteries
• At least 1 high-powered flashlight
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Dust masks
• Cellphone with charger and/or solar charger 
• Baby wipes, garbage bags, and twist ties (for sanitation)
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each person in the family.
• Cash (in small bills)
• A first aid kit and any medications that your family needs as well as over the counter meds such as pain relievers or stomach aids.
• A complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing for every member of your family
• Personal care items for each member of your family (toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant, diapers, feminine hygiene items)
• Pet food, leash and supplies

While not necessary for survival, it’s also good to have these items on hand:

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, or emergency tents
• Trash bags
• A camping stove for cooking
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and a multi-tool (such as a Leatherman)
• Copies of essential documents, such as birth certificates, IDs, wills, health insurance cards, immunization records, all stored in a sealed Ziploc bag
• A list of emergency numbers, including family contacts (keep in mind your cell phone might run out of batteries or be damaged during an emergency)
• An emergency medical book if medical help is unavailable or delayed. One good option is “The Survival Medicine Handbook.”

And since the spring of 2020, the CDC has also recommended people include items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or the flu, such as cloth face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Best Foods for Your Emergency Kit

You’ll want foods that are nonperishable and require little, if any, time to cook. It is likely your power and water will be out, so include a manual can opener and disposable eating utensils. Some good things to include are:

• Peanut butter and crackers
• Beef jerky
• Powdered soup mixes
• Powdered drink mixes (like Gatorade)
• Instant coffee or tea
• Whole grain cereal
• Granola bars or protein bars
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meats (like tuna, chicken, or SPAM)
• Canned or bottled juices
• Dried fruit & nuts
• Comfort foods (like cookies or chocolate)
• Baby food or formula (if necessary)
• Shelf-stable milk

You can purchase ready made kits online, however, it’s much more affordable to assemble it yourself. This allows you to pack supplies tailored to your family’s unique situation and needs. For families with kids, it’s a good idea to get them involved in the assembly process. Let them pick out their change of clothes and a couple of toys. They can carry their own backpacks with a small water bottle, some granola bars, extra wipes and maybe a book.

Preparing for emergencies can be scary, but knowing you’ll be ready for anything is equally, if not more, empowering.

For more information about what you can do to recover from unexpected disaster please visit our website here or call us at 214-522-3000.

SERVPRO of Park Cities, always here to help. 

Is Your Roof Storm Ready?

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

During a storm here in Dallas, TX, SERVPRO of Park Cities responded immediately after the storm to assist.

When it comes to storms in North Texas, our roofs are the first line of defense against rain, wind and hail. To make sure your roof is ready, you should check it regularly and look for missing shingles and holes. If the weather gets bad, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your roof will hold up, so it’s also a good idea to schedule at least one professional assessment per year.

Even the smallest hole in your roof can cause big problems if a hard storm hits. Water leaks create structural damage, ruin rugs and furniture and lead to mold issues in your home.

If you experience any post-storm water damage, call SERVPRO of Park Cities right away. Our highly trained experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have the experience, competence, and the proper equipment to assess damage and restore your property. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Park Cities Company Restores Water Damaged Basements

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

SERVPRO of Park Cities provides damage restoration for basements.

Though not as common in Texas as in other states, basements and basement apartments provide wonderful amenities, increased living space, and extra income for homeowners who upgrade the living space to accommodate a renter or renters. Homes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that do have basements are generally older.

More Not Fewer Basements

Since the early 1980s, the trend to include a basement in house design has become more prevalent. One factor in the increase in the number of basements in new housing construction is the migration of people from colder climates where basements are common to the more temperate South. A basement nearly doubles the square footage of a home at a very affordable price.

Utilities for a basement apartment are very affordable, and the basement enjoys the insulation afforded from being underground. Temperature variations are minimal in a basement apartment, making it very energy efficient and economical.

A basement also serves as a built-in storm shelter, which is an attractive feature in light of recent tornadoes. Should the neighborhood lose power, the basement will maintain a relatively stable temperature no matter what the outside ambient temperature is.

The extra expense to excavate through the surface limestone adds a layer of cost to a home, so basements are found more frequently in high-end homes. All things considered, a basement is an economical way to add usable, comfortable square footage to a home.

Legal Considerations

In some cities around the US, secondary suites, such as garage and basement apartments, are not permitted because they do not conform to the zoning or land use district in which the property is located. Basement upgrades and conversions are great DIY projects. Sometimes these projects are completed without the proper permits and inspections and do not meet the local building code. Still, with proper permitting, a basement apartment provides a strong ROI.

Health Risks Easily Resolved

Basement apartments that fail to meet proper building codes may pose a health risk to the occupants of both the basement apartment and the occupants of the home. An inspection by a certified electrician can identify any issues that need to be resolved. Adding GFCI receptacles where and if needed will prevent electrocution and eliminate circuit overloads that may potentially disrupt the lives of everyone living in the home.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors mitigate any risks related to fires. A basement fire is dangerous because the smoke has limited avenues of escape and may fill the basement very quickly. An additional exit contributes to the overall safety of the basement.

Adequate ventilation can be achieved, starting with an air purifier. A consultation with an HVAC professional can provide simple, affordable solutions that enhance the air quality of the basement. Improving the air quality and decreasing the humidity can alleviate concerns over mold and mildew in a basement. In any case, a mold inspection will identify any issues and provide reasonable strategies to resolve any mold problems.

Another health concern may be chemicals stored in the basement that may give off unhealthy fumes. Identify all chemicals, label the containers appropriately, and discard outdated or dangerous chemicals. Find an alternate storage location for the remaining chemicals such as paints, pesticides, and toxic household cleaners.

Flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, aerosol starter fluid, and charcoal lighter fluid may present a safety hazard. Whether the basement serves as an underground bungalow or as more indoor living space for the homeowner, flammable or toxic chemicals are best stored away from the home.

Radon is often associated with a basement. A radon inspection can determine the risk level for radon. A radon mitigation specialist can offer solutions if any issues exist at all. Often, improving the ventilation will remedy or mitigate many problems at once.

Basements are attractive to insects, pests, and mice. A regular visit from a competent, environmentally-friendly pest control company will take care of unwanted guests. Include basement treatment in the overall pest control plan.

Damage Restoration Services for Basements

SERVPRO of Park Cities knows basements. Should a basement become flooded, SERVPRO provides decades of experience dealing with flooded basements. SERVPRO can come in and do a thorough clean to prepare a basement apartment for occupancy. The technicians at SERVPRO of Park Cities can mitigate any mold or mildew issues the homeowner may have in the basement. Basements are not as common in the Dallas area as in other parts of the country, but when a water damage disaster strikes a home, including the basement, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Park Cities.

For more information about basement water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Park Cities website at https://www.SERVPROparkcities.com. Contact the office by phone at (214) 522-3000.

Park Cities Fire and Water Damage Restoration Company Urges People to Be Careful With Fireworks

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help

Summary: SERVPRO of Park Cities urges people to use caution when setting off fireworks.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is a deep-rooted American tradition. SERVPRO of Park Cities, a damage restoration company and cleaning service, urges residents of Dallas, University Park, Highland Park, and surrounding areas to use caution when enjoying this tradition.

The first use of fireworks in a July 4th celebration was in Boston, MA, in 1777. Founding father John Adams said he wanted the anniversary of independence to be remembered for years with such things as “bonfires” and “illuminations.” Since the first July 4th fireworks display occurred during the Revolutionary War, some historians think the fireworks were intended as a “morale booster.” Early celebrations would have also included the firing of guns and cannons, adding to the explosive nature of the festivities.

Fireworks Can Be Dangerous

The National Fire Protection Association provides the following fireworks fire and injury statistics to drive home the potential danger that can arise from improperly handling fireworks. “Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities, and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.”

How to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks

Fireworks are a traditional part of many holiday celebrations, but they also can be dangerous. The Texas Department of Insurance offers the following fireworks safety tips.

1. Follow local rules.

Some areas allow only certain types of fireworks, and most areas do not allow fireworks within city limits or during burn bans. Follow the local law and contact the local fire officials if there are any questions.

2. Find out if a permit is required.

Organizers will need a permit from the local fire department if they are having a fireworks display for a group of fifty or more.

3. Hire licensed professionals.

If someone is hired to put on a display for a group, he or she must have a Texas pyrotechnic operator’s license. To find out if an individual has a Texas license, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office by phone at 1-800-578-4677 or by email at Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.

4. Make sure fireworks are legal in the area.

Fireworks can be sold only at certain times of the year, typically during the week or so leading up to a major holiday. Besides the Fourth of July and New Year’s celebrations, Texas counties may decide to include Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), San Jacinto Day (April 21st), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), and Memorial Day. Anyone can use fireworks any day of the year as long as they are not banned in the area where they are being used.

5. Be safe!

• Children should not use fireworks. Make sure an adult is always watching when children are nearby.
• Remember: Do not mix alcohol and fireworks.
• Follow the firework instructions.
• Do not use fireworks near dry grass, brush, or other flammable materials.
• Never aim fireworks in the direction of a house, person, or animal.
• Have a bucket of water, garden hose, or another water source nearby in

case of emergencies.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration Process

When a home or business is dealing with the aftermath of a fire, the damage that it can cause to the property structure and valuable possessions can be extremely devastating. Here at SERVPRO, the team understands the stress, confusion, and emotions that are present when dealing with this kind of ordeal. The SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled and certified, as well as equipped with fire damage restoration equipment to take special care of the client’s property and possessions. The SERVPRO team will be there with the customer every step along the way to explain the process to help get them through this stressful time.

After the fire trucks leave, the home or business likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore a home to its pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the process for the typical fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when a customer calls SERVPRO. A representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help SERVPRO respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

SERVPRO technicians carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of the property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the team can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (If Water Damage Is Present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. SERVPRO technicians then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces

Specialized equipment and techniques are used to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Skilled technicians clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. SERVPRO employs a variety of cleaning techniques to restore belongings to their pre-fire conditions. The SERVPRO specialists are also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting a home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Conclusion

SERVPRO of Park Cities hopes that everyone’s Fourth of July celebration will be safe, enjoyable, and fire-free. The team of fire and water damage experts is proud to serve the local communities of  Dallas, University Park, Highland Park,  and surrounding areas.

To learn more about fire and water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Park Cities at https://www.SERVPROparkcities.com. Contact a SERVPRO representative by phone at (214) 522-3000.

Park Cities SERVPRO Offers Mold Remediation Services

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Summary: SERVPRO of Park Cities remediates mold issues and restores the area to normal, natural mold levels that are safer and more healthy.

Mold is present almost everywhere. Microscopic mold spores float along in the air and can enter a house through windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Clothing and pets also transport mold. Mold can begin to cause health effects when spores are exposed to moisture and grow into colonies.

Homeowners should beware of restoration businesses that guarantee to remove all mold since it is technically impossible to remove every spore of mold from a home or business. However, mold colonies can be remediated, and the moisture that causes colonies to form can be addressed.

Five Common Types of Mold

1. Cladosporium

Often found on dead or live plant material, this type of mold lives both outside and inside homes. It is usually dark green, brown, or black in color. It grows on damp wallpaper, HVAC insulation, wet carpet, and acrylic painted walls.

2. Trichoderma

Trichoderma is most commonly found in forests, wood, and soil. It can make its way into the home, especially where water damage has occurred. This type of mold can also be brought indoors by way of surfaces that come in contact with it outdoors before entering the home, such as clothing, shoes, and pets.

3. Penicillium

While some species of Penicillium have greatly benefited the world, this fungus can have health effects if found in large quantities in the home. Penicillium can be found growing on fruits and vegetables or living on walls, carpets, or furniture. This mold species is often easy to identify since it can be either yellow, green, or blue in color.

4. Stachybotrys Chartarum

More commonly known as “black mold,” mold growth from this type of fungus is often found in HVAC systems and other areas with consistent moisture. It can be either green or black in color and has an identifiable musty smell that can lead homeowners to growing colonies.

5. Aspergillus

High humidity levels can cause this common type of mold to be found in the home. One variety of Aspergillus called Aspergillus fumigatus is often found in pillows.

While these five types of mold are some of the most common, there over 10,000 different species of mold.

Most people are not bothered by exposure to mold spores, but a small percentage experience health effects. If there are large mold colonies growing in a home, the homeowner may want to bring in a mold remediation specialist for mitigation services that will restore more normal mold levels.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, “Mold thrives in continuously wet conditions and can start to grow within 24 hours after a flood.” If the water damage or moisture buildup is not resolved first, the mold may return. Because mold spores thrive on moisture, homeowners need to remember that even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45%.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth, and a skilled team has the training and expertise to remediate mold colonies in a home or business. The technicians at SERVPRO of Park Cities are the experts in mold mitigation and remediation. As IICRC certified professionals, they are trained to target and resolve any mold outbreak. The team includes an Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist, a Water Damage Restoration Technician, and an Applied Structural Drying Technician.

While every scenario is different and requires a unique solution, the general mold remediation process proceeds as follows:

1.   Emergency Contact
2.   Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3.   Mold Containment
4.   Air Filtration
5.   Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6.   Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7.   Restoration

Because of the integral role water plays in mold colony growth, the initial focus is to stop the source of water feeding the mold. Then, SERVPRO isolates the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber. The team engages in ongoing mold remediation training and invests in the latest equipment to better serve clients.

For more information about mold remediation, call SERVPRO of Park Cities at (214) 522-3000.

Keeping Children Safe and Healthy in the Daycare Learning and Play Space

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help

Summary: SERVPRO of Park Cities shares simple steps to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases at daycare centers.

• Dr. Vincent Iannelli, a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, comments about the health and wellness of children in daycare, "Young children who are in daycare very often get frequent upper respiratory tract infections, including colds and secondary ear infections. In fact, experts estimate that the average child gets six to eight viral upper respiratory tract infections each year."

Pediatrician Dr. Henry Ukpeh confirms that it is not unusual for toddlers just starting group childcare to get sick more frequently. They may develop as many as eight to 12 colds in the first 12 months of daycare. This is because daycares are, in his words, "the perfect environment for the transmission of viruses."

Dr. Vincent Iannelli also states, "Fortunately, the longer that kids are in daycare, the fewer infections they usually get. And by the time they start kindergarten, children who were in daycare seem to get sick much less often than children who weren't in daycare."

These considerations are essential in light of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the United States concerning the infectious disease coronavirus or COVID-19.

COVID-19 in the News

Reports of the rise of a strain of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, have recently appeared in the news. What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is an infectious disease resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. The disease has spread around the globe beginning in 2019, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

Most cases present only mild symptoms, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some individuals have muscle aches, sputum, and sore throat, as well. Some cases do get worse and move into pneumonia and more severe illness. The infection is spread by respiratory droplets, usually from coughing. Once a person has been exposed to COVID-19, the appearance of symptoms is, on average, approximately five days.

SERVPRO of Park Cities recommends that everyone take protective measures to protect themselves and others by following precautions offered by the CDC: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Seek medical attention if symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19 arise. Stay home if sickness occurs. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wear a facemask if one becomes sick. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently.

Daycare Specific Health Strategies

What can daycares and parents do to promote a healthy environment in light of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases such as the flu or a stomach virus?

A simple and efficient path to promote learning and play space health includes the following items.

1. Encourage hand washing with real soap for at least 20 seconds.
2. Put hand sanitizer in numerous stations around the facility for daycare workers and older children.
3. Provide disinfectant wipes for workers to wipe down items and surfaces such as toys, tables, chairs, learning stations, inside recreational areas, outside playground equipment, and other frequently touched items or surfaces.
4. Workers may wear disposable gloves when needed and appropriate. 
5. Remind parents and workers of daycare sickness policy.
6. Coordinate with the facility cleaning team regarding special measures to be taken during flu and cold season or during periods of significant increase in sickness.

These measures are very basic, yet they go a long way to keep learning and play spaces healthy and happy.

When is it time to call in a professional cleaning service to clean, disinfect, and sanitize the facility?

It is always prudent to be proactive. It can never be too early to seek advice from a cleaning professional to address daycare facility health and hygiene. An outbreak of the flu or an aggressive stomach virus could result in the illness spreading through the daycare. If the facility were to shut down for a week or two, the impact on the families of the children and the workers could be difficult to manage.

A qualified cleaning professional can provide prevention strategies for a daycare, as well as for a business, school, nursing home, or church. SERVPRO of Park Cities has a reputation as the industry leader for water and fire damage restoration and disaster recovery. The SERVPRO team also specializes in commercial and residential cleaning at a level that excels above other cleaning services. Using advanced cleaning technologies, tools, and techniques, the SERVPRO experts clean to the most thorough standard. Following CDC guidelines, they use only safe, hospital-grade cleaning solutions that kill germs and bacteria.

When SERVPRO visits a daycare or nursery environment to address germs and infection, they offer a comprehensive solution that includes disinfecting all floors and flat surfaces. 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.

SERVPRO can make any daycare look, smell, and feel clean and fresh while also making it a sanitary and safe environment for both children and workers. Most people think of a flooded basement, a sewage spill, a fire, or disaster recovery when they think of SERVPRO. But, the professionals at SERVPRO have been delivering deep clean and regular maintenance for daycares, businesses, churches, and homes for years. They are the pros who know how to serve.

For more information about cleaning services, call SERVPRO of Park Cities at (214) 522-3000.

SERVPRO through out History.

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has and will continue to offer innovations in home restoration for more decades to come.

Many times when disaster strikes the home the biggest question we are left with is “What do I do next?” This is where SERVPRO comes in. When you are unaware of what kind of action to take in these situations SERVPRO can help guide you to the correct solution. SERVPRO offers time sensitive consultations where our professionals can get a good idea of the extent of damage done as well we what will be required to begin mitigation.

  SERVPRO offers 50+ years of professional experience with each franchise being owned and operated individually. SERVPRO of Park Cities first opened its doors in 1997. For over 20 years, it has been our pleasure to serve all of the cleanup and restoration needs of the Park Cities area. Throughout the years, both our professionals and services have grown in their expertise and knowledge. Our employees are certified experts in all realms of the restoration world, you couldn't ask for a better team when it comes to the care of your home or commercial property. Our services now span from water and fire restoration to biohazard cleanups and air duct cleanings. We are ready, at a moments notice, to help the community in a variety of ways with an amazing team of highly trained professionals. To better understand the range of ways SERVPRO can serve you, check out our list of services:

Restoration Services

• Fire, Smoke & Soot
• Water Removal
• Mold Removal
• Dehumidification
• Catastrophic Storm Response
• Move Outs
• Contents Restoration
• Electronics and Equipment
• Document Drying
• Contents Claim Inventory Service

Cleaning Services

• Air Ducts & HVAC
• Biohazard, Crime Scene & Vandalism
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Drapes & Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls & Hard Floors
• Deodorization

For the last 20 years, the next 20 and beyond, SERVPRO of Park Cities is here to help with all of your restoration needs. Whether for a home or a business, consultation or emergency, call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

Park Cities Flood Damage

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO use its full knowledge of the industry to help you.

When it comes to floods, almost no where in the US is immune to the damage that they can cause. Whether we are given an ample amount of time to prepare or we are suddenly hit by surprise, floods can leave behind large amounts of damage. In fact, 1 inch of flood water can leave behind $27,000 worth of damage in the average home.  Aside from the dangers to the home there are also many personal dangers. 

Flood Safety Tips:

• Stay away from floodwaters, if you come up on high waters it’s important that you turn around and find higher ground. Waters up to 6 inches moving fast enough can sweep the average person off their feet.
• Follow the same caution when it comes driving. If you cannot quickly retreat get out of the car and find higher ground. Most cars can actually be swept away by less than 2 ft of water.
• Always keep children away from water from any water damaged area. A child’s curiosity is a wonderful thing, but in the cases of things that are potentially dangerous we must do all we can to keep them safe. They are almost always unaware of the dangers that exists in contaminated waters and most of the dangers are invisible to the eye, so its best to keep them away from it all together. 

If you do ever find yourself dealing with flood and water damage you can count on your SERVPRO of Park Cities. Minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not handled correctly. SERVPRO of Park Cities is properly equipped to take on any size disasters.Give us a call at 214-522-3000. 

Taking care of mold the right way

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities specializes in professional mold removal.

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or a broken water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Step 1 - Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Step 2 - Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold grows best in dark, moist areas with a food source (drywall, wood, etc.), so the areas that promote growth in homes are often out of sight. 

Step 3 - Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Step 4 - Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Park Cities technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Step 5 - Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Step 6 - Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Park Cities cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and any other items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also able to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Step 7 - Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals understand mold growth, and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us now if you suspect mold growth in your home at 214-522-3000.

North Texas Tornado Damage in Park Cities

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Many homes were affected by this recent storm damage. SERVPRO of Park Cities is out offering their services to the community.

On October 20th 2019 tragedy struck the DFW metroplex in the form of tornadoes touching down in multiple cities. Some of the affected areas include, Richardson, Garland, Wylie, Dallas, and many others. The strongest of the tornadoes, classified as an EF-3 which had winds up to 140 mph, made it’s way through a densely populated area where many of the residents had heavy damage to or lost their property all together. The devastation to the homes and families is on a large scale but fortunately no deaths or missing persons have been reported.

Now what does this mean for Dallas residents? The clean up effort is well on the way with foundations such as the Red Cross setting up places to take donations. First responders were on the scene for the first 6 hours after the tornado making sure no one was trapped under collapsed rubble. Many families have had to relocate from their homes while insurance determines whether or not it is salvageable. SERVPRO of Park Cities is partnering with home owners and insurance companies and going out and assessing the damage to these homes. We provide restoration services as well as clean ups for water damage and storm damage. We also help residents move out of their homes while also storing and cleaning their items until they are ready to be moved back into the home.

Times of tragedy can be heartbreaking. SERVPRO of Park Cities, is here to take away some of that heartbreak. Give us a call at 972-496-2441.

Tornado Safety in North Texas Tornado Alley.

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Urges Your to remain safe during these emergencies. Being prepared can minimize damages.

Since North Texas is located in "Tornado Alley" - an area of North America prone to tornadoes includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota - many of us that live here are used to dealing with the threats that tornadoes provide, but is our knowledge really up to scratch? Tornado season is typically around mid-March through June (although tornadoes can occur at anytime of the year), check out these tips to see if you know everything you need to know about staying safe during a tornado. 

• You should NOT open windows during a tornado. It is a common myth that it equalizes the pressure in your house; however, it does not do anything other than cause you to spend precious time outside of your shelter area. Doors should also not be opened, as it makes it easier for dangerous debris to fly into the house. 
• Always pick an interior room, on a ground floor, and without windows as a shelter. If it is an option try to be in a room close to the north or northwest side of your home as tornadoes approach from the southwest typically. Hide under a sturdy piece of furniture or in a bath tub within your shelter area. 
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 PM and 9 PM, but can occur at anytime. 
• A tornado watch means that the conditions are right for a tornado, while a warning means that a tornado has touched down or there is circulation in your area. You should seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued. 
• Never seek shelter under an overpass if you are driving during a tornado situation. Try to get off of the road and into a building as soon as possible. Many tornadoes can easily move cars, so you could be blown out from under an overpass or it could collapse on top of you. 

If you experience any damage to your home or business during this storm season call SERVPRO of Park Cities 214-522-3000. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities National Fire Prevention Month.

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO promotes fire prevention and fire safety. When disasters happen give SERVPRO of Park Cities a call.

We often think about fire safety in our own homes, but how many of us worry about fires while we are at work? October is National Fire Prevention month, so there is no better time than now to brush up on your fire safety knowledge in the office! Each year in the United States there are between 70,000-80,000 workplace fires, and the annual cost to businesses is over $2 billion. Companies that operate from a single location are particularly vulnerable when it comes to fire. Any building damage could temporarily stop business operations, costing a company time and money. In order to prevent employee injuries and damage to the workplace, it is extremely important for every organization to know fire prevention practices and to have an emergency plan in place. 

Safety Measures and Emergency Plans

Practicing the following safety measures, and preparing emergency plans, can greatly reduce the risks presented by fires at work:

• Never block access to firefighting equipment (e.g. fire extinguisher), sprinkler heads, or fire exits with office furniture or other materials.
• Assign designated smoking areas for employees in safe locations, away from any flammable chemicals or combustible materials. Employees should be sure to completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them, a bucket of sand or water can be useful for this.
• Make sure an adequate number of fire alarms for the size of your location are in place and that all are working.
• Keep a clean office: get rid of excessive clutter, recycle unneeded papers, remove grease in kitchens, etc. A tidy and clean office would provide less fuel for a fire, which can potentially mean less damage.
• Do not store furniture or equipment in front of electrical panels, as the power might need to be shut down in an emergency situation.
• Store all chemicals correctly, in rooms with proper ventilation and away from any potential sources of fire (kitchen, machinery, smoking area, etc.). Check the labels and Material Safety Data Sheets to determine flammability and other risks.
• Report any electrical hazards, such as equipment not working correctly or faulty wiring. Also practice proper electrical safety (e.g. don’t overload outlets with adaptors, don’t use electrical equipment with wet hands or near water, etc.)
• Post emergency numbers and the office address next to all phones.
• Have at least two escape routes, that are separate from one another, and practice drills with employees. Have an escape plan in place for any disabled employees or visitors.
• Use the SERVPRO Ready Plan App to create an Emergency READY Profile containing critical facility information that can help speed up response time after fire or water damage occurs. Learn more about the app here.

SERVPRO is Here to Help

If you have experienced a fire at your business, SERVPRO of Park Cities is here to help. Our highly trained professionals are quick to respond, and can be on location within a few hours to begin the restoration process. The faster restoration begins, the faster our customers can return to business. If you or your company has experienced a fire or water damage call us now at 214-522-3000.

Record Breaking Storm in the Texas Region

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped an estimated 27 trillion gallons of water across Texas and Louisiana which caused damage to over 200,000 homes. The economic losses are upwards of $180 billion. Unfortunately, flooding is not something that only coastal cities have to deal with. Flooding can occur for a variety of reasons and at any time, so it is best to be knowledgeable and prepared in case a flooding event happens in your area. 

Stay Safe During a Flood with These Tips

• Put the safety of you and your family members above all else. Items can be replaced, you cannot. Evacuate when necessary, stay with friends or in a shelter, and avoid entering flood waters whenever possible.
• Prepare for potential flooding during a storm by creating an emergency kit, 
• securing your home, moving all essential items to an upper level, disconnecting electrical equipment, and turning off utilities.
• Do not walk through moving water that is more than 6 inches high. Half a foot of moving water is enough to make you fall. You should also not drive into flooded areas, as flood waters can rise quickly.
• Do not enter any flooded areas before the electricity has been turned off, and do not attempt to use any electronic devices.
• Even if flood waters appear clear they may be contaminated. During a flood the water can be a combination of river and lake water, rain, runoff, or even backed up sewers. Avoid ingesting any flood water at all costs and try to prevent skin contact, especially if you have any open wounds.
• Avoid cross contaminating clean rooms by removing any items of clothing that may have come into contact with flood water prior to entering the undamaged rooms in your home.
• If you do have to walk into water use rubber boots for any areas that are below knee level. They will protect you from contaminants and electric shocks. If possible, avoid walking through water that is above knee level unless you are wearing waders – chest high, water proof pants attached to rubber boots. Use rubber gloves when handling any items that have been contaminated by flood water.
• Take pictures of the damage in your home, and share them with your insurance agent.
• Avoid using the water supply until it has been deemed safe by your city. Boil if necessary.
• Use your cell phone sparingly, and charge at every opportunity.

1. “Do it yourself” cleaning after a water damage can be difficult to accomplish, especially if stores are closed or if they are sold out of equipment. Wet walls can take a long time to dry, particularly if the insulation has been soaked through, and mold can grow within 24 hours. In a flooding event you need professionals like the ones at SERVPRO of Park Cities. Our employees have the knowledge and experience to quickly restore your home to make it “Like it never even happened.” If you experience a flood damage, call us at 214-522-3000.  

Park Cities Kitchen Fire Safety and Awareness

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Safety in the kitchen is very important. In the worst case scenarios give SERVPRO a call.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Follow these tips to create a safer cooking environment: 

• Be alert! If you are tired or have consumed alcohol don’t use the oven or stove.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from the stovetop.
• Keep an easily accessible fire extinguisher somewhere in your kitchen. 

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave a pan covered until it is completely cooled. Never add water to a grease fire!

If you have experienced a kitchen fire call the professionals at SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000

Park Cities Professional Mold Removal

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage can be hidden until it’s too late, SERVPRO is the professional when it comes to the process of mold removal.

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or a broken water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Step 1 - Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Step 2 - Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold grows best in dark, moist areas with a food source (drywall, wood, etc.), so the areas that promote growth in homes are often out of sight. 

Step 3 - Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Step 4 - Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Park Cities technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Step 5 - Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Step 6 - Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Park Cities cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and any other items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also able to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Step 7 - Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals understand mold growth, and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us now if you suspect mold growth in your home at 214-522-3000.

Are you in danger of Water Damage from the Storm in Park Cities?

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

The rain can produce water damage you won’t know about till its too late. SERVPRO of Park Cities can provide the professional help you need.

At SERVPRO of Park Cities we realize a water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Most Dallas homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, be it from rain (currently in our Dallas forecast), a burst pipe, or any other reason - the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm like SERVPRO of Park Cities as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, never try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. SERVPRO of Park Cities, a certified water damage restoration service, not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Our highly trained restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble. To learn more feel free to contact us at (214)-522-3000.

35th Annual Chamber Of Commerce Golf Tournament. SERVPRO of Park Cities

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities getting involved in a local Golf Tournament.

This past Friday on 9/20/2019 SERVPRO of Park Cities, as well as many other local businesses, participated in the 35th Annual Garland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The team had the opportunity to set up a tent, where we hosted games, and had giveaways which the players won by entering a raffle. The SERVPRO team networked with many of the two hundred and six players that competed in the tournament that day and we even entered a team with four of our own members.

The impact the tournament had on our community outreach was significant as it connected us to many other businesses as well as their employees. Many of the players who visited the SERVPRO of Park Cities tent really enjoyed the snacks and refreshments that we offered with us hearing many times how we were their favorite stop of the day. The day ended with four happy raffle winners who took home golf themed gift baskets that were given away at the award ceremony. To learn more about us visit us at SERVPRO or give us a call at 214-522-3000.

Professional Water Removal in your Park Cities Home.

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Professional water removal in the first 24-48 hours is very important in preventing the risk of further damage to your Park Cities home.

The Case for Professional Water Removal in Your Park Cities Home

When an appliance or plumbing line breaks in your Park Cities home the amount of water threatening your property can be shocking. If the emergency happens when you are out of town or even away on a work day you can return to several inches to feet of standing water in the affected spaces. Facing the task of removing this amount of water with a wet household vacuum or a bucket and mop is a mistake. You need water moved out fast, and our highly-qualified crews can help.

The keys to efficient water removal in Park Cities is commercial grade equipment and specially trained technicians. Water damage moves quickly from inconvenience to significant structural component deterioration if not removed fast. Water that lingers more than 24 to 48 hours also subjects your home to the risk of secondary damage such as mold growth. You need a partner during this crisis with experienced employees and state of the art water removal and drying tools.

SERVPRO crews arrive within hours in our signature green trucks loaded with the equipment needed to remove water, detect structural moisture levels, and dry out your home. Submersible pumps and truck-mounted water extractors do quick work of suctioning out large quantities of water. If the electricity in your home is unavailable temporarily for safety reasons, we forge ahead using generators on our vehicles. 

Our crews certify as moisture measurement experts through IICRC coursework. SERVPRO also uses thermal scanning devices to locate any hidden pockets of water that need release and extraction after the water loss. Determining the levels of excess water with meters and probes in building materials and fixtures informs our drying goals. We position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to remove residual moisture, vital to restore the function of the building materials shaping and supporting your home.  

A final step in the water removal protocol is sanitation with an EPA registered disinfectant. SERVPRO treats the affected areas to inhibit any potential mold growth and to control malodors. Our full-service water removal and damage mitigation services get your property back “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Park Cities is prepared for any water removal challenge with an industry-leading combination of skilled technicians and commercial grade equipment. Contact us at (214)-522-3000 for an immediate assessment to put this water crisis behind you.

A How To On Recovering From Storm Damage

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you weather the storm.

Imagine your house has been attacked by a huge storm. The strong winds broke windows, blew doors open, caused some roof destruction. The rain can now creep inside your home, the place where your family is, and can cause more damage. No one wants to imagine anything happening to their homes, especially their family, but in case of an emergency, we have to. We have to be prepared for whatever comes.

Here are some tips recommended by Cintas to minimize the results of storm damage on your home or business.

1. Consider safety hazards.
1. Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
1. Outside doors and windows have easy access to the storm. Ensure the door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water entering and possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
1. Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm. Cleaning the contaminated areas will help not spread the infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
1. After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to backflow. By ensuring they are clear, it can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For some of these tips, oneself doesn’t have the experience to do all the work. You can contact your insurance agent and they can find contractors and cleanup crews to do the job. If by any chance you are not happy with who they have chosen, give us a call,  SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000 and we will gladly do all the dirty work for you.

Hope these helped. These are just a few tips on how to recover from storm damage.

Let SERVPRO Serve You.

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO. We’re always here to serve.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can save you from higher property damage costs!

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

SERVPRO’s 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines help ensure timely communication and response. Quick and accurate response can minimize loss expenses from secondary damages.

• 1. Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will contact you to arrange for service.
• 4. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
• 8. Within 8 business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope of work will be communicated to the property manager or point of contact by a SERVPRO of Park Cities Professional.

Restore Versus Replace - SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals strive to restore items to preloss condition. This helps lower mitigation and restoration costs while allowing treasured belongings to be salvaged when possible.

Pretesting - Through pretesting, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can determine the extent of the damage, treating only the affected area to reduce job costs, restoration expenses and business disruption.

Inventory Analysis - The Inventory Analysis helps clients and tenants keep records of items and belongings, making the claims process easier should a disaster occur.

Contents Claim Inventory Service - CCIS provides itemized room-by-room loss inventory, allowing clients, tenants, insurance agents and adjusters to document claim items and capture inventory items immediately.

Electronic File Documentation Complete with Loss Reports - Online access is available to all files, information and proof of results, allowing the information to be easily transferrable to various parties involved.

24/7 Call Center - Prompt work order handling and dispatch don’t have to wait for daylight. Utilizing SERVPRO’s 24/7 Call Center, emergency services can begin as soon as possible, helping minimize additional loss, downtime and expense.

Large Loss Capabilities – Catastrophic Loss Response Team - With hundreds of trained crews manned with thousands of pieces of commercial equipment and service vehicles, SERVPRO’s Large Loss Response Teams can initiate response to any sized loss in any part of the country within hours.

Professional Reassurance and Consistency - As leaders in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals strive to maintain a professional appearance in uniform, equipment, vehicles and cleaning methods to help convey “Green
means clean!”

National Accounts Guidelines (for National Accounts Insurance Clients) - To assure to our clients they will receive consistent, professional service and performance across the country, the National Accounts Guidelines require completed job files, detailed communication and much more from SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals.

More than 1,700 Franchises located in North America - SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are nearby, ready to respond quickly. The faster restoration begins, the quicker our customers can return to business.

Professional Fire Damage Clean Up- Park Cities

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Once the fire is out doesn’t mean you’re safe. Find out what damages the fire left behind before you begin restoration services.

The reasons why professional fire cleanup is crucial focus on safety and thorough remediation in Park Cities as elsewhere. A seemingly minor fire quickly extinguished, might appear to need merely a slightly more intense than usual seasonal cleaning. Taking this perspective is risky, with the potential to expose your loved ones and the structure of your home to invisible yet severe progressive damage.

Significant Water Damage

Merely because it was introduced on purpose to mitigate fire damage in your Park Cities home does not negate the hazards of water damage. Slips and falls, electrical shocks, and permanent harm to building materials are just some of the dangers of firefighting water incursion. Efficient water removal and structural drying are essential before or while soot and other debris are cleared. Our technicians hold multiple certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and can move between tasks seamlessly.

Safety Concerns When Managing Toxic Residues

Regardless of the extent of the smoke and soot damage, cleaning is a hazardous endeavor. The chemicals, tar, and gasses produced by fire are toxic and abrasive. SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) are highly-trained in appropriate strategies that clean fire residues efficiently while avoiding smearing and further damage to surfaces by sharp-edged soot particles. We match the type of soot with appropriate cleaners, tools, and methods based on research and experience, not trial and error. 

Specialized Professional Equipment

SERVPRO technicians don personal protective equipment (PPE) when evaluating and cleaning your home. We frequently contain the work area with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and by operating a negative pressure air scrubber. The pressure seals the partition and forces airborne contaminants through HEPA filters before exhausting outside.

Pack-Out Possibilities

The contents of your home suffer from smoke, smells, and soot, too. We offer a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to document any items we remove for assessment, cleaning, deodorization, and other restorative procedures at our production facility. Our talented Contents Processing Technicians (CPT) employ a broad range of strategies to save personal possessions you feared ruined beyond repair.

SERVPRO of Park Cities offers victims of fire damage a comprehensive array of professional mitigation and remediation services. Partner up with our skilled and certified team by scheduling an assessment at. (214)-522-3000

Park Cities Fire Odor Removal. Sometimes it’s inside the walls.

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can assist in removing the damage from outside as well as inside the walls. #Likeitneverhappened

Recovering from a fire disaster is a many-phase process in Park Cities. Our highly-qualified fire mitigation team takes the process step by step, ensuring we miss nothing in our quest to make your fire crisis “Like it never even happened.” From water and chemical removal because of firefighting efforts to customized residue cleaning and charring restoration, we handle all necessary tasks safely and professionally.

Lingering smoke smells make the removal of fire odor in your Park Cities home very important. No matter how untouched your dwelling looks after our team finishes surface cleaning and damage restoration, the unmistakable odor of the combusted building materials and contents brings back unpleasant and perhaps terrifying memories.

SERVPRO fire remediation crew members approach odor removal systematically, following protocols learned during Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training. We start by removing the burned materials, including scraping down charred structural materials to undamaged layers. A thorough cleaning removes many of the odor-bearing residues. If a smell continues to emanate from a cleaned surface, we might consider sealing with appropriate professional products.

HVAC systems can spread and retain odor-bearing particles. If vents are open during the fire or fire residue cleaning efforts, the odors drift far from the fire site. At a minimum, filters need changing, and the system needs to be turned off for evaluation. SERVPRO experts inspect the ductwork to see if cleaning or sealing is indicated and make arrangements to complete that service.

Airborne soot particles and those that settle on surfaces and furnishings are tiny yet pack a pungency that must be addressed. SERVPRO crews prefer to use techniques and equipment that eliminate the odors rather than covering them with distracting perfumes. Thermal foggers recreate the conditions of the fire to disperse heated chemicals that attach to the granular bits and neutralize the smell. We also use hydroxyl generators or ozone machines as another way to attack the odor problem at a molecular level. Enzymatic products can help with organic soiling and smells.

Rely on the team at SERVPRO of Park Cities to eliminate the smoky odors that might otherwise remain in your home even after fire remediation. Call us at (214)-522-3000 to get the process of odor abatement rolling.

Click here for more information Park Cities.

Storm Emergency Kit Park Cities, be prepared!

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Emergencies are unexpected and out our control. The only thing we can control is our preparedness.

Is your family prepared for a storm? Are you prepared to survive in your storm shelter, wherever it may be, for up to a week? While storm tracking equipment is much more advanced than it once was, it will unfortunately never be able to predict the future so it is up to us to be prepared for any potential disaster situation. A good way to do that is to have a storm emergency kit prepared and easily accessible. Here are some good items to include in your kit:

• Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit or peanut butter)
• Can opener
• Trash bags and moist towelettes for sanitation reasons 
• First aid kit with any necessary prescription medications 
• Extra batteries
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
• Water – at least a gallon per person, per day
• Battery-powered or a hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Flashlights
• Whistle 
• Can opener (manual)
• Local maps
• Pet supplies
• Baby supplies (formula, diapers)
• Dust masks
• Cellphone with charger and/or solar charger 
• Books, games, and puzzles.

For more information about what you can do to recover from unexpected disaster please visit our website here or call us at 214-522-3000.

SERVPRO Park Cities, always here to help. 

Why SERVPRO is the Number One Choice for Water Removal

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

When someone is dealing with a water damage in their home or business the restoration company they choose will determine
not only the outcome of the damage, but also the length of the restoration process and any other possible issues that
can arise. The longer an area remains wet, the higher the risk of mold growth. Dealing with any type of mold in a structure
is a long and potentially costly process. It is of the upmost importance to have a restoration company that understands
time is of the essence when dealing with any type of emergency cleanup, this is where SERVPRO come sin.

Our SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have years of experience in cleaning and restoring homes and businesses
after water damages. With our large range of equipment, from rapid air movers to dehumidifers, and along with the knowledge
of our expert professionals, we can have a saturated home dry in no time at all. We offer 24-hour emergency services, and can be out to your house within a matter of hours.

If you experience a water damage in your home or business call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000.

When to Call the Mold Remediation Experts

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

When mold growth occurs in a home there are certain signs that will alert you to its presence. If you notice any of these signs it is important to call the mold remediation experts at SERVPRO immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to your home and mold, so the sooner the remediation process can begin the better. Here are some mold symptoms to look out for in your home:

1) A bad smell - odor is usually the first sign you may have a problem with mold growth somewhere in your home. While it can be hard to pin down exactly what the smell is, if there are any out of place smells in your home that will not go away mold is a possible cause.

2) A water leak - if you have recently experienced a water damage, no matter how small, your home is now at risk for mold. Mold requires certain conditions in order to flourish, and moisture is one of the key components to growth. If you notice the humidity is high in your home, if you notice paint peeling, or any discoloration on the wall or ceiling, you may have a leak somewhere. A leak is always a potential source for mold, so it is important to stop any leaks as soon as you notice them.

3) Discoloration - along with signifying a leak, wall and ceiling discoloration can also indicate mold growth. Mold can grow on most organic materials, so even discoloration on the grout between your tiles can serve as an alarm for mold.

If you suspect a water damage or mold in your home please call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

Restoration Process For A Toilet Backup

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to have to deal with a water damage in their home or business, but this is especially true when that water damage is a result of a toilet backing up. When things in the bathroom go awry it can be overwhelming to figure out what your first step should be, but have no fear, SERVPRO is here to help. The following steps describe both what you should do in this situation, and what the restoration process looks like.

• When a toilet starts to overflow, the best and first thing you can do to protect your home is to turn the water off.
• Try to avoid the contaminated wet area as much as possible to prevent sewage from being tracked into any other rooms.
• Call your insurance agent and SERVPRO to begin your restoration process as much as possible.
• Highly trained SERVPRO professionals will tear out anything that may have been contaminated by the toilet water, including flooring, drywall, and ceilings.
• Once all infected materials have been removed, our professional’s will disinfect the area. The disinfectant chosen depends on the job and the equipment needed to clean the space.
• Finally, our crew will put in dehumidifiers and fans to remove any excess water that remains.

If you experience a water damage at your home, especially those that are created by a toilet or sewage backup call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

SERVPRO Services and Commercial Properties

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is well known for the excellence service we provide across the country when disaster strikes. From floods to fires, hail storms and hurricanes, and everything in between, SERVPRO is always there and ready at a moments notice to spring into action and help anyone return their home or business back to normal. However, there are many other times, outside of disastrous situations, where SERVPRO of Park Cities can be of service to your commercial property.

A clean work environment is vital to success in any business, and that’s where we come in. Along with our restoration services we also provide many beneficial deep cleaning services that can prolong the life of many aspects within a commercial property. Regular cleanings of both your carpets/floors and air duct systems can save you time and money. Especially when it comes to your HVAC system. We also provide general deep cleaning services, are specially trained in removing everything from difficult stains and bad smells to graffiti, and are licensed in biohazard cleanups.

For more information on our services please call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

Is Your Roof Storm Ready?

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to our homes, and even commercial properties, our roofs are the first line of defense against storms. While spring is when severe storms are most likely to occur in North Texas, the long and cold rainy days we have during the winter often result in water damages when they penetrate through a roof that was not repaired after a heavy storm season earlier in the year.

In order to ensure your roof is ready for anything the weather may bring you should check for damage regularly. Missing shingles, signs of small leaks, or mold damage are some of the things you yourself can check for regularly, especially following a hard storm or consecutive bad weather days. If you suspect there may be any type of problem with your roof, you should call in roofing professionals that can give you a complete assessment. When the weather gets bad the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your roof can hold up against a storm, so try to do regular inspections throughout the year and at least one professional assessment per year in order to protect your home.

If you have a water damage due to a roof leak at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000. Our team can be onsite quickly to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

Act Fast for Water Damages

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

North Texas is expected to have an extremely wet and cold fall, and the last few days have been proving that prediction to be true. When an increase in the amount of rainfall is expected you can assume that there will also be a rise in water damages, especially when you add in possible low temperatures. Water heaters break, pipes burst, and rain causes some very unwanted flooding. If you experience a water damage in your home of business know that time is of the essence when it comes to the restoration process. Within just 24 hours mold can begin to grow, so ridding an area of moisture as soon as possible is vital in preventing further damage to your property.

1. After noticing a water damage turn off the source to the water (if applicable).
2. Call your insurance to submit a claim.
3. Call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Acting sooner rather than later can save you time and money, so call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime for all of your restoration needs.  

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning Service

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning air ducts in a commercial building may seem like an unimportant item to add to a long list of “building needs”; however, it is not something to ignore, even if your ducts do not seem to be experiencing any issues. If you own a commercial property in the Park Cities area, consider using SERVPRO of Park Cities when it comes time to clean the air ducts in your building. There are many benefits to having air ducts routinely cleaned, here are just a few:

• Decrease in dust reentering the system, which will cut down in cleaning and remove potential allergens from the environment.
• Reduce the risk of mold in your ducts, which will help lower the amount of mold spores spreading throughout your property.
• Remove any materials from previous pest infestations, and decrease the likelihood of any future infestations.
• Longer HVAC lifespan and greater HVAC efficiency.
• Better air quality for building occupants.

For more information regarding a duct cleaning service for your commercial property call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Mold After a Hurricane

10/7/2018 (Permalink)

Many SERVPRO crews flocked to North Carolina following Hurricane Florence to assist with the cleanup, including our own SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals. Getting back to “normal” is a long process, especially for those who had their homes destroyed by flood waters. Unfortunately, this lengthy cleanup is often exacerbated by mold.

Mold requires a warm, moist environment to grow. The flood waters produced by hurricanes along with the high temperatures of hurricane season (June-November) provide the perfect climate for mold. Hurricane Florence produced an unprecedented amount of rainfall – damaging hundreds of thousands of homes. On top of dealing with water damage these home owners may also have to be concerned about hazardous mold growth.

If you ever experience a flood in your home, there are some steps you can take to protect both yourself and your home from mold.

• Protect your mouth and nose with a N-95 respirator.
• Wear gloves to tear out any drywall.
• Use eye protection.
• Open as many doors and windows as possible to encourage air flow before SERVPRO professionals can get to the scene.
• Do not paint or caulk over any visible mold, it only hides the issue from view.
• Throw away any items that cannot be saved.

The key to preventing mold from growing in your home is removing the moisture. SERVPRO crews will work as fast as possible to begin the drying process, and are prepared to handle any mold that may arise. If you experience a water damage in your house call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000.

Storm Damage Cleanup

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

While we typically consider storm season to be during the spring here in Texas, technically it is storm season all year round. Our high temperatures and tendency for drastic temperature changes overnight create the perfect environment for violent storms. Cleaning up after one of these storms can be frustrating and time consuming if you aren't sure where or how to start. SERVPRO is here to help whenever needed, but we have also compiled a list of tips that are useful for any home or business owner when it comes to storm cleanup: 

1. Consider safety hazards.
• Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
• Outside doors and windows are exposed to any and every storm. Ensure all door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water from entering and deter possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm, particularly after a flood. Cleaning the contaminated areas helps to prevent the spread from infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
• After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to back flow. By ensuring they are clear, you can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For any and all of your cleanup needs after a water, mold, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000. 

A/C Water Damages

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

With the temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees for the past week our air conditioners have been working over time in North Texas. If air conditioner units are not properly maintained then you may be at risk for a water damage, especially with the current temperatures. An air conditioning system can collect up to 10-20 gallons of water daily. If the system is not working properly, either due to a clog or a drain, the unit will produce too much water and potentially cause a water damage.  

Units are not typically in easily accessed place, so a water damage may be occurring unbeknownst to the owner. This can result in costly mold damage that can affect an entire home. Follow these tips to help maintain your unit and prevent water damages in your home:

1. Consider having a professional air conditioning repair service to clean the condensation line at least once a year or every six months if the AC system is used on a year-round basis. 
2. Make sure to change the air filter every month. By changing the air filter monthly, it gives you the opportunity to check whether there is excessive moisture collecting on the condensation line. 
3. It is important to regularly check to see that water is indeed flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain as it was designed to do, especially during periods of very high humidity.

If you experience a water damage at your home or business call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

Drying a Water Damage

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its former condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a few fans or two around the damaged area, this can actually lead to secondary damages like mold. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any of these secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, we will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet material and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment. 

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature?" A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to hep dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. We also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened." Call us anytime at 214-522-3000!

Real Quotes from Real SERVPRO Customers

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with any kind of property damage is extremely stressful, especially when mold is involved. At SERVPRO of Park Cities we understand just how difficult every job we arrive at can be for our customers, so we strive to make the process as easy and stress free as possible. Our number one goal is to please our customers, no matter what the job is. Here are some quotes from real customers about the service they received from SERVPRO during their mold remediation: 

"SERVPRO were professional, timely, and met all our expectations. I have been involved with 8 church projects for construction, repair, and cleanup. SERVPRO was the best."

"I found SERVPRO to be an excellent company when we discovered some recent water damage and needed some mold remediation. They were very thorough and efficient in their work, and they kept me informed of what they were doing and the progress of the project. Shannon was great to work with and I would strongly recommend him and his company."

If you suspect mold growth in your home, call SERVPRO of Park Cities anytime at 214-522-3000.

Dry Ice Blasting for Commercial Properties

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Smoke and Odor Cleaning

One of the major issues after a large scale fire (or a small one for that matter) is cleaning the contents and structure after the loss. This is done in order to eliminate the smoke odor that lingers on everything the smoke touches. On a recent commercial job SERVPRO of Park Cities needed to clean a massive 55,000 sq ft facility after they experienced a fire. After considering all our available options; hand cleaning, sandblasting, and dry-ice blasting, we determined that dry-ice blasting would be the best decision given the requirements of this particular job.

What is Dry Ice Blasting (Cleaning)?

Dry ice blasting is known by several names: dry ice blasting, dry ice cleaning, CO2 blasting, dry ice dusting, and even environmentally sustainable cleaning. Dry ice blasting is an efficient and cost-effective way for industries to maximize production capability and quality. Dry ice blasting is similar to sand blasting, plastic bead blasting or soda blasting where media is accelerated in a pressurized air stream to impact a surface to be cleaned or prepared. But that's where the similarity ends.

Instead of using hard abrasive media to grind on a surface (and damage it), dry ice blasting uses soft dry ice, accelerated at supersonic speeds, and creates mini-explosions on the surface to lift the undesirable item off the underlying substrate. If you want to read all the technical details, see the How CO2 Blasting Works page.

Why Dry Ice Blasting?

• is a non-abrasive, nonflammable and nonconductive cleaning method

• is environmentally responsible and contains no secondary contaminants such as solvents or grit media

• allows most items to be cleaned in place without time-consuming disassembly

• can be used without damaging active electrical or mechanical parts or creating fire hazards

• can be as gentle as dusting smoke damage from books or as aggressive as removing weld slag from tooling

• can be used for many general cleaning applications

Dry ice blasting uses compressed air to accelerate frozen carbon dioxide (CO2) "dry ice" pellets to a high velocity. A compressed air supply of 80 PSI/50 CFM can be used in this process. Dry ice pellets can be made on-site or supplied. Pellets are made from food grade carbon dioxide that has been specifically approved by the FDA, EPA, and USDA.

Carbon dioxide is a non-poisonous, liquefied gas, which is both inexpensive and easily stored at work sites.

 We are very experienced at using this and other types of processes in order to mitigate any malodors from any type of commercial loss. If you or your company have experienced any type of issue, give SERVPRO of Park Cities a call at 214-522-3000

Preventing Mold - Controlling Humidity, Temperature, and Ventilation

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

The key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth is to control excessive moisture and condensation. Keeping susceptible areas in the home clean and dry is critical. In general, mold will not grow indoors without water, dampness or excessive moisture.

Three main factors contribute to condensation of water on building surfaces:

• Relative Humidity: Condensation occurs when the air is saturated with water and it cannot hold any more moisture. For example, steam generated from bathroom showers or from cooking can fill up the air with moisture, which will then condense into drops of water on cooler surfaces, such as mirrors and windows. Where possible, localized sources of humidity, such as clothes dryers, should be directly vented to the outdoors. To lower indoor humidity during warm, humid weather, air conditioners should be used.
• Temperature: Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes into contact with a cold surface and the moisture condenses into water. This can often be seen on single-pane windows, where water condenses and then runs down, causing the wood frames and sills to rot and the wall under the windows to blister.
• Poor Ventilation: Indoor humidity can build up if there is not enough ventilation and exchange of indoor and outdoor air. Where there is little or no air movement, such as behind dressers and cabinets, surfaces can remain cooler than surrounding areas, which can lead to increased condensation and mold growth. It is recommended that the area is ventilated and the occupants use exhaust fans (vented to the outdoors) to remove moisture from high-humidity areas, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Furniture should be moved slightly away from walls so that air can freely pass behind it. Air should be allowed to circulate between rooms and regularly ventilate to remove humid air. Fans should be used as needed.

Other things that can be done are to clean and repair gutters regularly, make sure the ground slopes down and away from the home’s foundation and keep air conditioner drip pans and drain lines clean. In addition, in air conditioned buildings in hot and humid climates, vinyl wall coverings on the interior sides of exterior walls should not be used, as these materials can trap moisture, resulting in mold growth underneath them.

In the case of floods or leaking pipes, any standing water should be promptly removed and water-damaged materials should either be dried out and cleaned, or removed and replaced. Porous materials that are wet for more than 48 hours are likely to produce mold growth and should be discarded. In instances where the water damage is extensive, it is recommended that you call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-733-3193, so that we may assist you in preventing growth after a water damage, or remove the mold if it is already an issue.

Emergency Supply Kit

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. In North Texas we are particularly prone to experiencing severe weather throughout every season. 

Approximately 98% of all disasters declared emergent by the president are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Preparing an emergency supply kit can help keep you and your family safe if you're ever caught in an severe storm situation. 

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO of Park Cities for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

Speed Up Your Restoration Process

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

For a property owner, a fire or water damage can be disastrous. It not only results in property and inventory loss, but oftentimes it also means a temporary loss of business. When you're depending on that business for your own livelihood or your employees then you don't have months to spare during a long drawn out restoration process. 

In the aftermath of a disaster, quick response time can help minimize property damage as well as inventory or content loss. Here are some tips to help you be prepared for both a disaster and a quick turn around in the restoration process. 

1) Download the SERVPRO READY Plan App.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan mobile application provides home and business owners with a quick and convenient way to call in SERVPRO professionals when disaster strikes. The Ready Plan app is a free emergency preparedness tool offered by SERVPRO and  it can be downloaded on any smartphone. 

For more information on the SERVPRO READY Plan mobile app and how it can help you be more prepared, contact SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals at 214-522-3000. Don't wait for a disaster to happen to download this app, do it today!

2) Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

Our professionals are highly trained and are prepared for any situation. They will be on scene within hours to assess and begin working to get your business back to normal. The sooner a SERVPRO professional is on the scene, the sooner your restoration process can begin. 

3) Call your insurance agent and start documenting damage and inventory.

Without risking your safety, try and document any areas or items that may have been affected in the disaster. This will help both the SERVPRO professionals - so they know what to target - and your insurance agent - so they can start preparing the claim. 

With help from SERVPRO of Park Cities your business can be back up and running quickly. If you experience a water or fire damage, mold, or any other kind of disaster call us anytime on our 24-hour emergency phone line 214-522-3000. 

Tornado Knowledge

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado

Since North Texas is located in "Tornado Alley" - an area of North America prone to tornadoes includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota - many of us that live here are used to dealing with the threats that tornadoes provide, but is our knowledge really up to scratch? Since we are currently in the middle of tornado season, mid-March through June (although tornadoes can occur at anytime of the year), check out these tips to see if you know everything you need to know about staying safe during a tornado. 

• You should NOT open windows during a tornado. It is a common myth that it equalizes the pressure in your house; however, it does not do anything other than cause you to spend precious time outside of your shelter area. Doors should also not be opened, as it makes it easier for dangerous debris to fly into the house. 
• Always pick an interior room, on a ground floor, and without windows as a shelter. If it is an option try to be in a room close to the north or northwest side of your home as tornadoes approach from the southwest typically. Hide under a sturdy piece of furniture or in a bath tub within your shelter area. 
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 PM and 9 PM, but can occur at anytime. 
• A tornado watch means that the conditions are right for a tornado, while a warning means that a tornado has touched down or there is circulation in your area. You should seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued. 
• Never seek shelter under an overpass if you are driving during a tornado situation. Try to get off of the road and into a building as soon as possible. Many tornadoes can easily move cars, so you could be blown out from under an overpass or it could collapse on top of you. 

If you experience any damage to your home or business during this storm season call SERVPRO of Park Cities 214-522-3000. 

Storm Emergency Kit

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Is your family prepared for a storm? Are you prepared to survive in your storm shelter, wherever it may be, for up to a week? While storm tracking equipment is much more advanced than it once was, it will unfortunately never be able to predict the future so it is up to us to be prepared for any potential disaster situation. A good way to do that is to have a storm emergency kit prepared and easily accessible. Here are some good items to include in your kit:

• Non-perishable food (such as dried fruit or peanut butter)
• Can opener
• Trash bags and moist towelettes for sanitation reasons 
• First aid kit with any necessary prescription medications 
• Extra batteries
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
• Water – at least a gallon per person, per day
• Battery-powered or a hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Flashlights
• Whistle 
• Can opener (manual)
• Local maps
• Pet supplies
• Baby supplies (formula, diapers)
• Dust masks
• Cellphone with charger and/or solar charger 
• Books, games, and puzzles.

Taking Care of Mold, the Right Way.

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in ceiling tiles.

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or a broken water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Step 1 - Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Step 2 - Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold grows best in dark, moist areas with a food source (drywall, wood, etc.), so the areas that promote growth in homes are often out of sight. 

Step 3 - Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Step 4 - Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Park Cities technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Step 5 - Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Step 6 - Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Park Cities cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and any other items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. We are also able to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Step 7 - Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals understand mold growth, and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. Call us now if you suspect mold growth in your home at 214-522-3000.

Heat Safety For You & Your Home

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider precautions for the extreme Texas heat we are sure to experience in the coming months. On top of being a concern for safety, heat can also cause severe damage to homes in a variety of ways. Urban area residents have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect – increased temperatures in highly populated areas due to large amounts of concrete. To be better prepared for the impact of heat on both your health and your home read the following information:

Protecting Yourself

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths, or a bath. Do not give a person with heat strokes fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

Protecting Your Home

In a place like Dallas roof damage can be expected. We have heavy hail storms that are not kind to the roofing on our homes; however, many people don’t realize that it is the months of high temperatures we experience that wear our roofs down quickly. Heat can shrink shingles, causing nails to pop and those shingles to lift. Rafters and joists may start to expand which leads to sealant stretching and breaking. Even the heat rising within your home into your attic can result in blistered and cracked shingles.

These things are bad news for your home as we obviously rely on the roof to protect it from all types of weather, particularly the down pours from summer storms. To try and decrease the impact of the heat this summer on your own roof you can install an attic fan, more insulation, or even ridge vents to attempt to alleviate some of the damage. Professional roofers can assess the damage on your roof, and give you further suggestions on maintaining it.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a serious concern for both the safety of humans and homes. If you experience any damage to your home due to a damaged roof, call SERVPRO of Park Cities right away to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. Call us anytime at 214-55-3000.

Are You at Risk for Flooding?

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA). "Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists that the most common flood hazards in the United States are:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Unfortunately, even people who do not live in areas that are prone to flooding may become flood victims at some point. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US, and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

Here in Dallas flooding events are unfortunately common, especially during this time of year. The combination of our dry climate, clay heavy soil (slow to absorb water), and a tendency for severe storms (high amount of rainfall in a small-time frame) provides the perfect recipe for flash floods. Flood insurance is a must for most people throughout our metroplex, particularly those that are close to any creeks or rivers. Follow these flood safety tips to keep you and your family safe during a flooding event.

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals can help! We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get your home or business back to normal as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Resource for Property Owners

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

There is no disaster that hits home quite like a disaster to your property or business. When you have suffered a fire, water, or mold damage, you don't have time to waste searching for a company to fix your property. When disaster strikes, you can depend on SERVPRO of Park Cities. Whether the job is big or small we will be there to help make it "Like it never even happened" so you can get your business up and running as soon as possible.

As a resource for commercial property managers, SERVPRO produces Restoration Newsline each month. In the issues of Restoration Newsline, you will find priceless information that can benefit you as a business owner. This includes suggestions on handling water and fire damages, advice regarding air quality, tips on dealing with the damage from difficult tenants, and much more. If you are interested in receiving a copy of Restoration Newsline each month, please call our office anytime. We have both physical and online copies available.

If you're in need of cleanup and restoration services, call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

What To Do After a Fire: Dealing With the Damage

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

From the first call to 911 to calling in a remediation team, dealing with a fire is extremely overwhelming and stressful. After the fire has been put out it can be hard to know what your next steps should be, so here are a few tips on what you can do to get your life and home back to normal as quick as possible. 

1. Call in your local SERVPRO remediation specialists. A fire can result in multiple types of damage to your home or business, including water, so call in the professionals who have years of experience in all realms of restoration. 

2. Call your insurance agent in order to get your insurance claim rolling, and to find out important information such as coverage provisions, emergency housing options, etc. If you are a tenant, call your landlord so that they know to get in touch with their insurance agent.

3. Do not enter the home until a fire fighter has assured it is safe for you to do so. Once inside try to limit your movement around the home so soot particles are not spread or embedded. Also avoid touching anything to avoid soiling previously clean areas. 

4. Carefully move any undamaged items that are at risk in the effected area (i.e. television at risk for water damage) to a safe zone if possible.  

Our SERVPRO professionals will be onsite within just a couple of hours after a call to begin the cleanup. We work with insurance agents to ensure that people get their homes or businesses back to normal as quickly as possible. If you experience a fire, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000 anytime of the day or night. 

Preparing Your Pipes

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Pipes on an outdoor wall with additional insulation to prevent them from freezing.

Quick Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

Living in North Texas, we don’t have to deal with the months of freezing temperatures that are typical in the northern parts of the country; however, we unfortunately still deal with frozen pipes on a regular basis. Homes in warmer climates tend to lack the insulation that is the standard in places with frigid winter temperatures, so whenever we experience freezing weather pipes are quickly frozen if precautions have not been taken. Frozen pipes are inconvenient and problematic. Along with preventing water flow into your home, they regularly burst and cause costly damages. Be better prepared for the next arctic blast by following these frozen pipe prevention tips:

• Keep faucets dripping to relieve pressure and prevent the pipes from freezing. Particularly important over night when your plumbing system is not being used frequently and the temperature is dropping.
• Disconnect hoses on outdoor faucets and use faucet covers to prevent them from freezing.
• Seal any leaks that might be allowing cold air inside your house, especially in areas that are close to pipes.
• If you have some particularly vulnerable pipes you can use heat tape. Heat tape and heat cables are electrically powered heat sources that you wrap around pipes that are at risk for freezing. Like using any other type of heater, they will need to be monitored to ensure their safe use.
• Try to keep your house at a constant temperature all day and night. Many people turn down thermostats when they go to bed, but night time is when your pipes are most likely to freeze. Opening cabinet doors, especially at night, allows the warm air in your home to circle around pipes and reduce their risk of freezing.
• Additional insulation is one of the best choices when preparing your house for winter weather. Any pipes on outdoor walls or in areas with less insulation (i.e. attic) may need some foam or fiberglass sleeves from your local hardware store. Insulation will always be less expensive than a water damage, so the more insulation the better.

If you do experience a burst pipe this winter, call SERVPRO of Park Cities. We are a 24-hour emergency service business, and can have a professional on site within hours to help you get your home back to normal. Call us anytime at 214-522-3000.

Call the Cleanup Team that is FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

There's no such thing as a small disaster - especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot, and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for you business. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time and full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can help you regain control quickly, by helping to ensure your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized, and protected.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean the mess yourself, call SERVPRO of Park Cities, your local water damage cleanup and restoration professionals, at 214-522-3000.

Be Prepared: Tsunamis

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know tsunamis can hit any U.S. Coast? While they are more likely to hit states on the Pacific coastline or in the Caribbean, it is good to know what to do if a tsunami does strike where you live, or even where you may vacation.

Ready.gov says "tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"), are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite." Areas within a mile of the coast and less than 25 feet above sea level have a greater risk of being hit. 

As with any emergency, be sure you have a plan. know the evacuation plan and move inland or to higher ground and avoid the beach. "The first wave may not be the last or the largest," according to the National Weather Service. 

After a tsunami, do not return to the affected area until officials deem it safe. While drowning is the most common hazard, there are many aftereffects such as flooding and contaminated drinking water.

For more information on preparing for a tsunami, visit ready.gov/tsunamis.

The Science of Drying

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a few fans or two around the damaged area, you local SERVPRO, SERVPRO of Park Cities, professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet material and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment. 

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up Mother Nature?" A wet building  can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to hep dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO, SERVPRO of Park Cities, Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas, created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups - including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems - being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide. 

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages. 

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fire places and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year. 
• open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. 
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked. 
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even it garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice , or other materials. 
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris. 
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home. 

Benefits of Mitigation

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can save you from higher property damage costs!

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

SERVPRO’s 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines help ensure timely communication and response. Quick and accurate response can minimize loss expenses from secondary damages.

• 1. Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will contact you to arrange for service.
• 4. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
• 8. Within 8 business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope of work will be communicated to the property manager or point of contact by a SERVPRO of Park Cities Professional.

Restore Versus Replace - SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals strive to restore items to preloss condition. This helps lower mitigation and restoration costs while allowing treasured belongings to be salvaged when possible.

Pretesting - Through pretesting, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can determine the extent of the damage, treating only the affected area to reduce job costs, restoration expenses and business disruption.

Inventory Analysis - The Inventory Analysis helps clients and tenants keep records of items and belongings, making the claims process easier should a disaster occur.

Contents Claim Inventory Service - CCIS provides itemized room-by-room loss inventory, allowing clients, tenants, insurance agents and adjusters to document claim items and capture inventory items immediately.

Electronic File Documentation Complete with Loss Reports - Online access is available to all files, information and proof of results, allowing the information to be easily transferrable to various parties involved.

24/7 Call Center - Prompt work order handling and dispatch don’t have to wait for daylight. Utilizing SERVPRO’s 24/7 Call Center, emergency services can begin as soon as possible, helping minimize additional loss, downtime and expense.

Large Loss Capabilities – Catastrophic Loss Response Team - With hundreds of trained crews manned with thousands of pieces of commercial equipment and service vehicles, SERVPRO’s Large Loss Response Teams can initiate response to any sized loss in any part of the country within hours.

Professional Reassurance and Consistency - As leaders in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals strive to maintain a professional appearance in uniform, equipment, vehicles and cleaning methods to help convey “Green
means clean!”

National Accounts Guidelines (for National Accounts Insurance Clients) - To assure to our clients they will receive consistent, professional service and performance across the country, the National Accounts Guidelines require completed job files, detailed communication and much more from SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals.

More than 1,700 Franchises located in North America - SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are nearby, ready to respond quickly. The faster restoration begins, the quicker our customers can return to business.

Mold Mitigation Services

6/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can help provide a solution to your property’s mold damage needs.

Buildings with excessive moisture can be breeding grounds for mold growth. If your facility has experienced an ongoing moisture problem due to water intrusion, long-standing leaks, roof damage or from poor humidity control, it is important to be alert to the following factors:

• The presence of visible mold.
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.
• Any evidence of past moisture problem that might indicate previous mold growth.
• Excessive humidity.

Should mold be found within the facility, mold removal and remediation can help eliminate a potentially dangerous situation. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will arrive on-site alert for any visible signs of mold. Following industry standards for mold remediation, they will work to remove visible mold and reduce the potential for future mold growth.

Are your Ducts in Order?

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Park Cities Professional’s service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient. Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air if filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
• As an option process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

For more information on duct cleaning, or schedule an appointment, contact us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000.

Mold, Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals also offer fast, reliable mold, biohazard, and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to property handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safely equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO of Park Cities can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Removal and disposal of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs
  • Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such a methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residue throughout a structure. SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
• Crime Scene Residues
  • From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residue, our technicians can clean and restore your property and contents.
• Arson and Vandalism
  • We are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation

State and local regulations vary. Contact us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000, today for 24-hour emergency services.

Understanding the Behavior of Smoke

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows SERVPRO of Park Cities to focus on saving your precious items.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The types of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber)

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood)

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of materials rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)

Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us, at 214-522-3000, to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Celebrate Safely with a Recipe for Safety

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Each holiday season, families gather to celebrate by preparing delicious feasts, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave a pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals wish you a safe a happy holiday season.

Shocking Facts about Lightning

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. Here are a few lightning safety tips.

Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If it calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is available.

Go indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

Avoid electronic equipment. Do not use computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Equips homes and offices with whole-house surge protectors to protect appliances.

Be Storm Smart, Be Storm Ready

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,000 tornadoes
• 2 landfalling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO of Park Cities for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

Understanding WEAs

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency. With WEA, alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service. WEA may share:

• Extreme weather warnings.
• Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action.
• AMBER Alerts.
• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.

Help at Your Fingertips

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

For a property owner, a disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable and then suddenly become a reality. In the aftermath of a disaster, quick response time can help minimize property damage as well as inventory or content loss.

The SERVPRO READY Plan mobile application provides home and business owners with a quick and convenient way to call in SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals when disaster strikes.

The Ready Plan app is a free emergency preparedness tool offered by SERVPRO and can be downloaded on you Android, iPhone, or Blackberry.

The application allows both residential and commercial property owners and managers to create an Emergency READY Profile containing critical facility information that can help speed up response time after fire or water damage occurs. In addition to property details, the application tracks prior loss history, utility shut off locations, and key contacts; stores photos of the damage; and integrates local weather forecasts and more including the address and contact information for the user’s local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

Through the application, the user can quickly call their local SERVPRO Franchise Professional or submit an electronic “First Notice of Loss” to the SERVPRO National Call Center setting the wheels of recovery in motion. Rapid response from a disaster cleanup and restoration specialist can help the property owner evaluate options, start the insurance process and take the right steps from the beginning to bring the property back to normal, “Like it never even happened.”

The SERVPRO Ready Plan mobile app places a convenient preparedness tool right at your fingertips. Disasters are unpredictable and frequently strike without warning. That is why SERVPRO’s READY Plan mobile app is so valuable. In the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, a property owner or manger can reach out for expert help right from the scene, using their cell phones.

For more information on the SERVPRO READY Plan mobile app and how it can help you be more prepared, contact SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detectors installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The Mold Mitigation & Remediation Process

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

When there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Park Cities professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a "typical" mold removal process. 

Call SERVPRO of Park Cities

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000. One of our representatives will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view. 

Mold Containment

Various containment procedures will be places to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Park Cities technicians utilize powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth. 

Cleaning Contents & Belongings

SERVPRO of Park Cities cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment. 

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals understand mold and mold growth and have the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

Flooding Can Happen Anywhere

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Call the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster.

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA). "Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States are:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the US, and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals can help! They can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO of Park Cities Professionals are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Restoration Newsline

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Park Cities for any cleanup and restoration services at 214-522-3000.

There is no disaster that hits home quite like a disaster to your property or business. When you have suffered a fire, water, or mold damage, you don't have time to waste searching for a company to fix your property. When disaster strikes, depend on SERVPRO of Park Cities.

Whether the job is big or small, SERVPRO of Park Cities will be there to help make it "Like it never even happened" so you can get back to your home or business and on with your life. 

In the issues of Restoration Newsline, you will find information on the steps to follow when a disaster hits. It also includes information on the mold and remediation process and what may take place if you are dealing with a mold loss as well as important information regarding extreme hear, and what you can do to prepare your property when the summer sun starts to scorch. 

If you're in need of cleanup and restoration services, call SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000. 

Extreme Heat

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect. 

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs an pavements, to temperatures 50-90 degrees F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces - often in more rural surroundings - remain close to air temperatures." These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset "due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure."

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat strokes fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15 degrees hotter.

Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov. 

Water Damage: What To Do and Not Do Until Help Arrives

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

We have specialized equipment for any kind of disaster especially water damages. We will restore everything and make it "Like it never even happened."

As you all might know, SERVPRO of Park Cities is a cleanup and restoration company. We work on everything from water damages, such as a floods or water heater leaks, to biohazard cleanups, such as crime or sewage cleanups. 

We are that company you wish you never have to contact, but in case of an emergency, we are here to help. Here are a few Emergency Tips that will assist you in taking the proper action during a water damage until your SERVPRO professional arrives:

WATER DAMAGE FROM A CLEAN WATER

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electric shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by moping or blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hand furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON'T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possible causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

WATER DAMAGE FROM CONTAMINATED WATER

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON"T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possiblity of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Please follow these DOs and DON"Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration. 

What do you consider Water Damage?

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Park Cities, we have the right equipment and highly trained team to do the job. Call us at 214-522-3000, we will gladly help.

We are not talking about phone water damage because the whole world knows you put the phone in a bag covered in rice, the rice absorbs the moisture and your phone is almost as good as new (key word: almost). But we are talking about a large scale water loss like what comes after a flood.

Water damage can be so many things but you know if you have water damage if there is rooting of wood, growth (mold), rusting of steel, and delaminating of material such as plywood. For some folks, it is a minor water damage like a stain in the ceiling from water coming in after a rain, but for others it is a bit more catastrophic like with a flood where water comes in and there is no stopping it.

Causes

Other than a flood, there are more causes for water damage. There can be a broken dishwasher hose, or maybe a washing machine overflow. It could also be broken or leaking pipes or maybe a clogged toilet. All of these and more could be causes of water damage. I recommend checking all pipes, drains, toilets, and anything that has waterflow or access to water to avoid this loss.

But be careful when going to fix water damage on your own. There are three categories of water and one is safe for you to clean without professional help.

Categories of Water

• There is “Clean Water” which is water that comes from a broken water supply line and a tub or sink overflowing. This is safe to clean on your own.
• The second it “Grey Water” which is water that comes with some degree of chemicals and microorganisms that contaminate and can cause health problems if consumed in any way. This water can be coming from toilets overflowing, a sump pump failure and water discharge from a dishwasher or washing machine.
• The last category is called “Black Water” and this is the gross, unsanitary water that comes from sewages, rising waters from streams and rivers, and standing water. “Grey Water” if not properly cleaned up can become “Black Water.”

In sure there are other cleanup companies that can do all the work but I can tell you with certainty no one will make it look "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Park Cities is at your service! If you have any questions or concerns about potential water damage in your home or business, give us a call at 214-522-3000 and we will gladly come out and figure out what you need. If you need our services, we will make sure it looks "Like it never even happened."

How Do I Recover from Storm Damage?

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

Call us, SERVPRO of Park Cities, at 214-522-3000! We can help!

Imagine your house has been attacked by a huge storm. The strong winds broke windows, blew doors open, caused some roof destruction. The rain can now creep inside your home, the place where your family is, and can cause more damage. No one wants to imagine anything happening to their homes, especially their family, but in case of an emergency, we have to. We have to be prepared for whatever comes.

Here are some tips recommended by Cintas to minimize the results of storm damage on your home or business.

1. Consider safety hazards.
1. Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
1. Outside doors and windows have easy access to the storm. Ensure the door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water entering and possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
1. Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm. Cleaning the contaminated areas will help not spread the infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
1. After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to backflow. By ensuring they are clear, it can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For some of these tips, oneself doesn’t have the experience to do all the work. You can contact your insurance agent and they can find contractors and cleanup crews to do the job. If by any chance you are not happy with who they have chosen, give us a call, SERVPRO of Park Cities at 214-522-3000 and we will gladly do all the dirty work for you.

Hope these helped. These are just a few tips on how to recover from storm damage.

Help out your Neighbor!

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

Help us get you the Good Neighbor Award, call us, 214-522-3000, and we can help you help your neighbor.

Wednesday September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day! Here is a quote I came upon:

"The duty of helping one’s self in the highest sense involves the helping of one’s neighbor."

-Samuel Smiles

SERVPRO is here to not just help you but your neighbor as well. If you see that your neighbor is growing some mold, mention us and we are here to help. If they recently had smoke or fire damage, we are here to help. If you think they are too stubborn to find someone to help them clean their carpet, just give us a call! SERVPRO is here to help you help your neighbor. So on this day of September the 28^th of 2016, be a good neighbor and help the neighbor by calling SERVPRO of Park Cities/North Garland at 214-522-3000 or visit our website at SERVPRO.

Labor Day is Coming: Are you prepared?

9/1/2016 (Permalink)

These are some general instruction on how to use an extinguisher in case of a fire and this is applicable for all extinguishers.

Did you know there is more than one type of fire extinguisher? There are four types of extinguishers and they are:

1. Water Fire Extinguishers: This is the most widely used fire extinguisher and it is used for Class A fires, or for solids such as paper, wood, plastic, etc.
2. Foam Fire Extinguishers: This is a more versatile type of extinguisher and used for Class A and Class B (liquid fires such as paraffin, petrol, oil, etc.).
3. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers: Often known as the multi-purpose extinguisher and can be used for Class A, B, and C (flammable gasses such as propane, butane, methane etc.).
4. CO2 Fire Extinguishers: Carbon Dioxide is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus, but will also be helpful for Class B fires.

With only 4 days until one of the most waited holidays of the year, Labor Day is a day everyone should be prepared for. And I don’t mean prepared with food and drinks, even though we all will, but I mean prepared with a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and where the grill master is located. Cooking is the number one leading cause of fires in residential and nonresidential areas in the United States. Most of these are because of loss of time and not paying attention to the stove, oven or grill.

Labor Day is about having fun, not about cancelling plans because of a fire. During this holiday, and always, have a fire extinguisher close by for the just-in-case moments.

Have a Safe Labor Day!

SERVPRO of Park Cities / North Garland wants you to Stay Safe when Severe Storms Strike

4/28/2016 (Permalink)

If your home is affected by severe weather, SERVPRO of Park Cities / North Garland is here to help. Call 214-522-3000

Summer showers are the worst, especially when they're accompanied by lightning, hail, flooding, and tornadoes.  This end of summer has been a banner for all things storm related in Dallas and the surrounding areas, and SERVPRO of Park Cities / North Garland has been right in the thick of it, helping residents get back on their feet when disaster strikes.  

With that in mind, there are some things that you can do to prepare now to protect you and your loved ones during this severe weather season.  Check out this handy guide for Storm Safety and on Flood Safety from our Ready Rating Partners the Red Cross.

When Mother Nature pays a visit to the Lone Star State and in particular the Dallas, Park Cities and Garland areas, we're here to help.  If you or someone you know needs help, Give SERVPRO of Park Cities / North Garland a call at 214-522-3000

Park Cities / Garland Smoke & Soot Cleanup

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and Soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, leaking through the holes used for pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of smoke residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Park Cities / North Garland will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, oily. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and finishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 214-522-3000

Rain is on the way for Dallas, SERVPRO of Park Cities is ready if you need us

3/7/2016 (Permalink)

Even a little water can cause major damage if not cleaned properly, Call SERVPRO of Park Cities, 214-522-3000 to make sure

At SERVPRO of Park Cities we realize a water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Most Dallas homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, be it from rain (currently in our Dallas forecast), a burst pipe, or any other reason - the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm like SERVPRO of Park Cities as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, never try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. SERVPRO of Park Cities, a certified water damage restoration service, not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Our highly trained Dallas restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

Winter Weather Readiness

1/8/2016 (Permalink)

Winter Weather

It’s getting to be that time of year again, where Winter Weather is going to start invading our daily life. Winter storms can range from a light snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several hours or more. Icy Conditions are typical within our area, and many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power, and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region as was evident for last years February Storm that shut down DFW for days.

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. So it’s extremely important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting ideas and tips on how to prepare before weather hits, what to do once it’s here, and how to respond after the weather is over, so check back often!

BEFORE WINTER STORMS

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

·       Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

o   Rock salt, kitty litter, or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.

o   Sand to improve traction.

o   Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

o   Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

o   Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

·       Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

·       A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

·       Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications.

·       Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

·       Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Check back soon for additional information!

New Year's Celebration Safety

12/30/2015 (Permalink)

Fireworks safety

Fireworks are a popular tradition to celebrate and ring in the new year, but injuries, fires and home insurance claims are also an unfortunate part of this longstanding holiday.

Home insurance coverage

Basic home insurance covers fires. But if those fires are caused by fireworks your family sets off, your policy may not cover you if they are illegal in your area, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Even if your city allows fireworks, NAIC recommends getting in touch with your home insurance company because your policy may contain restrictions and safety requirements. Keep in mind, if someone else (not a family member) damages your home with fireworks, you're covered whether they're legal or not.

Beautiful and fun, but dangerous

In 2008, fireworks caused about 22,500 fires and $42 million in property damage, and even if you have the right home insurance coverage, setting off fireworks on your property entails risks. Fireworks are designed to shoot hot sparks in every direction and can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In addition to putting your home and your neighbors' homes in danger, fireworks can cause serious injuries. In 2008, hospital emergency rooms treated about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries, according to NFPA. About 40 percent of these injuries happened to children under the age of 18.

Protect yourself and your family

If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

• Wear eye protection.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never throw or point fireworks at people or animals.

• Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.

• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

• Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.

Make sure that your home is equipped with working smoke alarms on every level, and that everyone in the home knows the sound the alarm makes and what it signifies. Have a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place. Practice the plan with all members of your household both at night and during the day.

Public events are also a big part of New Year’s celebrations. If attending a party at a public venue is part of your New Year’s Eve plans, the State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to keep the following in mind:

Before you enter

• Take a good look. Does the building appear to be in a condition that makes you feel comfortable? Is the main entrance wide and does it open outward to allow easy exit? Is the outside area clear of materials stored against the building or blocking exits?

• Have a communication plan. Identify a relative or friend to contact in case of emergency and you are separated from family or friends.

• Plan a meeting place. Pick a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are attending the function. If there is an emergency, be sure to meet them there.

When you enter

• Locate exits immediately. When you enter a building you should look for all available exits. Some exits may be in front and some in back of you. Be prepared to use your closest exit. You may not be able to use the main exit.

• Check for clear exit paths. Make sure aisles are wide enough and not obstructed by chairs or furniture. Check to make sure your exit door is not blocked or chained. If there are not at least two exits or exit paths are blocked, report the violation to management and leave the building if it is not immediately addressed. Call the local fire marshal to register a complaint.

• Do you feel safe? Does the building appear to be overcrowded? Are there fire sources such as candles burning, cigarettes or cigars burning, pyrotechnics, or other heat sources that may make you feel unsafe? Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exits, sprinklers, and smoke alarms? Ask the management for clarification on your concerns. If you do not feel safe in the building, leave immediately.

During an emergency

• React immediately. Immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion if an alarm sounds or if you see smoke, fire, or other unusual disturbances.

• Get out, stay out! Once you have escaped, stay out. Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue operations.

New Year’s celebrations can be an amazing tradition for you and your family, just remember to stay safe and remain alert.

- Wishing everyon a wonderful and happy New Year from all of us at SERVPRO of Park Cities and North Garland.

Happy Thanksgiving

11/11/2015 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Park Cities would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy football, food, friends and family.  Most importantly it is a day for us to give thanks for the people and blessings that fill our lives.  While Thanksgiving traditions vary between families, the turkey is the centerpiece of each and every home during the holiday.

With that in mind, if you decide to deep-fry your turkey, keep your family and house safe this Thanksgiving with these safe cooking tips.

Always use a turkey fryer outside, away from buildings or other flammable materials

Never use it on wooden decks or in garages

Make sure the fryer is on flat ground before using to reduce the chance of tipping

Never leave the fryer alone.  Most units lack thermostats, meaning an unwatched fryer will continue to heat until it bursts into flames

Keep children and pets away from the fryer, even after you're done cooking, since the oil can remain hot for hours

Don't overfill the fryer

Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.  It is also recommended to wear safety goggles to avoid splatter

Only cook a completely thawed turkey and be careful with marinades.  Oil and water don't mix, water could make the oil spill over, creating a fire or explosion

If a fire does start, never use water to extinguish it.  If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. 

If the fire grows, immediately call 9-1-1