Recent Posts

Smoking and Fires

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

The place where we feel safest is at home; that is also where most smoking-materials structure fires, deaths, and injuries occur. Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoking material fires are preventable. If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes. If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms and dens or in bedrooms. Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet. Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily.

If you have a fire in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs! 574-343-1397

Steps to protect your home from water damage

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

  • Make sure the caulking around the tub and shower is water tight. If there are cracks in the caulk, replace it. The cost of caulking is less cheap than the potential water damage that could be caused from water leaks down the road.
  • Check the hoses that lead to the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine annually to be sure there are no cracks or water leaks. Hoses should be replaced every 5-7 years.

Shower/tubs, toilets, sinks, water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers are the common causes of water leaks that could lead to water damage. Checking these often can prevent potential disaster.

If you have a water problem in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs!

574-343-1397

How to Prevent Water Damage

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is the #1 thing that weakens your homes foundation. When water damage hits the core of your home, it eventually causes serious structural damage. By repairing water leaks such as dripping pipes, cracked caulking, loose, missing, or damaged shingles, you can prevent water damage. Nature outside of the home can also be a culprit for water damage. Certain plants, trees, shrubs, and leaves can contribute to water damage. When the water is not draining properly the dirt around the foundation can separate and pool around the home. Downspouts should be at least 5-10’ away from the house.

If you have a water problem in your home or business then call SERVPRO of North Elkhart County for all your restoration needs!

574-343-1397

Why SERVPRO when it comes to sewage cleanup!

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup

If you’re like most homeowners, when faced with a task or question you probably head to the internet for answers…that’s how you found this article! And if you’re dealing with backed-up sewage, it only takes a few seconds of searching to find hundreds of articles describing how to clean-up sewage.

It goes like this:

** Put on some rubber gloves

** Scoop out the waste

** Take some water and bleach solution and apply it to the affected areas

** Let it dry

Most articles will throw out a warning saying “if you’re not sure whether you can do it, or don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional”. That’s where you would call SERVPRO.

We’d like to throw out another warning!

Cleaning up raw sewage on your own is something you should never do! 
Here’s why:

#1 – It can be hidden. – Any SERVPRO crew member can tell you stories about customers that decided to clean-up their own feces only to call in weeks or months later complaining about smells and disfigured walls, cabinets, and floors. Sewage will find its way into any and all porous surfaces. Even things like drywall and cabinetry aren’t safe. And it’s not as simple as just spotting the sewage with your eyes. It requires state of the art equipment, which SERVPRO has, to identify areas that have been damaged by sewage. So unless you have an infrared detection system handy and know how to use it, call SERVPRO.

#2 – It can be costly. – Times are difficult for everyone and money is tight. It’s easy to justify doing it yourself instead of paying to have SERVPRO  clean and disinfect for you. But today’s shortcut is tomorrow’s nightmare! Again, you’re dealing with a toxic situation that if not handled properly can create very real health dangers for you and your family. Not only that, if not properly mitigated, you could be looking at a serious mold issue in the not so distant future on top of all of the other issues described above. And if you think sewage cleanup is costly, wait until you’re stuck with a bill for mold remediation services! At least your sewage clean-up is covered by insurance…that’s not typically the case if you’ve got mold and it’s the result of you not taking appropriate measures when dealing with the sewage issue that created the mold!


So, if you’ve stumbled upon this article due to a sewage back-up that’s spilled into your home or office, do yourself a favor and call us, SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified to perform raw sewage cleanup and can provide you with peace of mind knowing the area affected is professionally cleaned.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together.

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Are Here to Help!

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of North Elkhart

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County  specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Click the link below to meet our crew!

http://www.SERVPROnorthelkhartcounty.com/restoration-training-certifications

SERVPRO of North Elkhart

572-343-1397

Restoring Your Elkhart County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Elkart County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of North Elkhart County

SERVPRO of North Elkart County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Click the link below to meet our highly trained crew! 

http://www.SERVPROnorthelkhartcounty.com/restoration-training-certifications

SERVPRO of North Elkhart 

574-343-1397

When fire comes, will you be ready?

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that even smaller fire incidents have the potential to cause fire damage? However, if your office building has a fire, you also need to be concerned about the problems smoke can cause. The smoke cleaning effort, in this case, can be significant as well.

Where’s There’s Fire, There’s Smoke

In many situations, people will smell smoke before they’ll ever see signs of a fire. Your building should have effective smoke detectors to alert you when problems arise. Here are some concerns to be aware of with smoke:

  • The effects the smoke can have on people’s health
  • The lingering smoke odor, which can be unbearable
  • Damage caused by smoke to electronics, documents, furniture, floors and walls

Make the Right Call

After calling the fire department to tackle the fire, you’ll need to get in touch with our insurance company. Next, hire an experienced team of fire restoration experts to assess the smoke damage and other issues. Professionals will have the right equipment and the latest techniques to thoroughly clean those areas the smoke affected.

Cleaning Methods

Smoke will leave behind a nasty layer of soot on surfaces and materials. It can corrode electronics and make other items unsalvageable without effective ways to handle smoke cleaning. The cleanup team will use a variety of tactics to thoroughly and safely clean all affected items and areas of your building. Some of the most effective treatments are air filtration devices, ozone machines and thermal foggers.

Your Role

Don’t disturb anything at the scene. This could cause further damage. Do not try to turn on any of the electronics or clean anything yourself. At most, you could take a damp cloth and wipe off surfaces.
Damage left from fire and smoke can be terrible. Luckily, qualified crews can use smoke cleaning methods to save even heavily damaged items. Get in touch with a restoration company today.

So give us a call today! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Safety First When It Sever Weather Comes!

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Severe weather like hail, thunderstorms, and tornadoes can spell disaster for your home or business. If your building has been damaged by severe weather, it’s important to act quickly to repair the damage and keep yourself, your family, and your employees safe. 

If your home/business has been damaged in a storm, follow these steps to keep safe:

  • Evacuate severely damaged areas of the house.
  • Check for injuries and seek medical assistance if needed.
  • Keep children and pets away from any damaged areas.
  • Use caution when inspecting damage: wear gloves and heavy shoes, and stay away from downed power lines and other hazards.
  • Monitor a battery-powered radio for emergency information.
  • Call your insurance company to see if you are covered.
  • Contact us to begin the cleanup process

Once you give us a call, we will send a team to assess the damage and sart the repair process. Even if the damage appears minor, like shingles that are torn or bent, it can cause serious damage over time. 

Your Elkhart Home IS Your Most Important Investment

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

 

Owning a home is a rewarding part of life. For most homeowners, it is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. It is also a large responsibility when things don't go as planned SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is #HERETOHELP. Many problems can arise without warning, from plumbing issues, faulty appliances, septic problems to storm damage. If you find your Elkhart home affected by water damage SERVPRO of North Elkhart County provides 24-hour emergency services:

  • Mitigation and water removal
  • Highly trained and certified technicians
  • Dehumidification and drying equipment to dry a multitude of materials
  • Experience working with a wide variety of insurance companies
  • Contents cleaning, drying and deodorizing
  • Full-service cleaning
  • Repair and reconstruction services available
  • Knowledgeable and friendly employees to handle all aspects of you and your homes need and concerns

Damage to your home can be a very stressful event. The team at SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is here to elevate that stress and return your house to the home you love. 

574-343-1397

SERVPRO Wants To Help You Know How To Prevent House Fires

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

 

Cooking Equipment--The kitchen is a source of intense heat in a home, from the stove to the oven and beyond. A splatter from a hot pan can lead to a fire under the wrong circumstances. Most fires in the kitchen happen because people get distracted and walk away while cooking.

*To prevent this: Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking, and keep flammable products away from hot surfaces at all times.

Smoking Cigarettes--Cigarettes can easily lead to fires because they are literally burning on one end. Whether you smoke inside or outside, you could be putting your home at risk. This is especially true during the dry months of the year when fires are more likely to erupt.

*To prevent this: Avoid smoking in the home, and make sure you dispose of all cigarettes in a deep ashtray. Keep the ashtray away from anything flammable, and never stomp out your cigarette on the grass.

Electrical Equipment--The appliances in your home can ignite a fire if they are not wired properly, or if they are too close to flammable materials. If you have older appliances in your home, it would be wise to replace them to avoid fires.

*To prevent this: Watch for loose or frayed wires on the electrical equipment in your home. Avoid draping towels or curtains over plugs, and do not plug in too many appliances to one extension cord.

Children--If a child is old enough to reach a set of matches and/or a lighter, he’s going to see what it does out of curiosity. You must be careful about leaving your children near a possible cause of fires, and you must keep an eye on them even if they are old enough to play on their own.

*To prevent this: Make sure all fire starters are put away in a place your child cannot access. Also, be careful about open outlets and electrical equipment in a child’s room.

Flammable Liquids--Fuels, paints, thinners, solvents, and other flammable liquids can easily ignite a fire in your home. This could happen in the heat of the summer or from a simple spark of static electricity, depending on how the chemicals are stored.

*To prevent this: Store all flammable liquids in approved containers, and keep them away from heat sources. Ideally, keep them outside in a well-ventilated area.