A Few Tips & Tricks to Prevent Water Damage

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO® love helping you clean up the aftermath of a flooded basement, but we also want to offer some insight on how to prevent the issue. By doing so, we are able to first try preventing the disaster before it occurs, which is our goal in helping keep homeowners safe and happy.

Here’s a few ways to prevent water damage using these easy strategies that will give you peace of mind the next time heavy rain, snow, or storms hit.

Check behind appliances. Various kitchen or household appliances such as washers, dishwashers, sinks, toilets, and showers can produce a buildup of fluids in hidden spots that over time can lead to mold mitigation and potential water damage issues.
Making sure your drainage system is working properly:
-Clean your gutters

-Aim the downspout 6-12' inches from your foundation

3. Check your sump pump

-Test your sump pump once a year

-During storm season test more frequently

4.Fix water leaks

-Repair any leaks (Foundation, Pipes, Windows, etc.)

-Inspect your roof for any needed repairs

-Check for spots that are darker or an unnatural shade/color under your pipes.

Water damage weakens your home’s foundation to the very core that holds your house together, eventually causing serious structural damage. Damp wood invites termites and carpenter ants; plus, it causes mold and mildew. We want to ensure these issues get solved at an early stage of discovery, and hope these help keep those ideals fresh in mind. Feel free to contact us with any potential questions by phone at (515) 233-4544 or on our Facebook page.

Does your Story County home have a mold problem?

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural/baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce health effects.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (515) 233-4544

How to Deal With the Aftermath of a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Ames

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

A house fire is an absolutely devastating situation. No matter how quickly the fire was extinguished, it can still cause serious household damages and emotional repercussions for your entire family.

While handling the damage may seem overwhelming, you can make sure you are doing everything in your power to recover quickly and lessen the impact on your home and your mental well-being.

Enlist emotional support.

The damage that fires cause can be alarming to see firsthand. Firefighters will often have to break windows or cut holes in the roof or walls, and many items that were not near the fire may still be damaged by smoke, soot and water from the fire extinguishers. When you are preparing to see your home for the first time after a fire, understand that it will be traumatic and you will need to grieve. Bring people who can provide emotional support to you and your family, and be open to seeking therapeutic counseling to help yourselves through the grieving process if needed.

Wait to enter your home.

Though things may appear to not be damaged enough to make your home a hazard, never enter without first checking with officials to determine everything is safe. The invisible damage a fire causes can undermine a home’s structural elements, and a second combustion may even be possible depending on the source of the fire. Make sure you always wait for the official OK before reentering your home.

Contact your insurance company.

As soon as possible after the fire, contact your insurance agent to find out what your homeowners insurance policy covers and start your claim. Because policies vary so wildly, this should be done early on so you do not risk accidentally undermining your claim.

Document the damages.

Do a full inventory of all the damages, and take detailed photographs so you have record of everything in the home that is impacted. Not only will this be helpful as you work with your insurance adjuster, but it is also a handy tool for your personal records so you can see what you will need to replace in the home. It’s wise to have an ongoing inventory of your personal belongings before you experience a fire. If you already have a documented inventory, use that as a guide when assessing damage.

Contact your restoration company.

There is not enough good that can be said about working with a qualified fire restoration company to help you mitigate the damages. Fires are extremely stressful for your entire household, but working with a company you can trust, like SERVPRO of Ames, can alleviate many worries and headaches. We are experts at handling the details after a fire. We can help guide you through difficult steps, save you extra work and answer many of your questions along the way.

Call SERVPRO of Ames at (515) 233-4544 anytime, day or night, to help you recover after a fire. We live and work in your local Boone and Story County areas and understand what you need most after experiencing this kind of traumatic disaster. We’re ready to help!

How to Prevent Water Damage

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO love helping you clean up the aftermath of a flooded basement, but we also want to offer some insight on how to prevent the issue.

Here’s how to prevent water damage using these easy strategies that will give you peace of mind the next time heavy storms hit. 

1. Making sure your drainage system is working properly:

-Clean your gutters

-Aim the downspout 6-12' inches from your foundation

2. Check your sump pump

-Test your sump pump once a year

-During storm season test more frequently

3. Fix water leaks

-Repair any leaks (Foundation, Pipes, Windows, etc.)

-Inspect your roof for any needed repairs

-Check for spots that are darker under your pipes

Water damage weakens your home’s foundation to the very core that holds your house together, eventually causing serious structural damage. Damp wood invites termites and carpenter ants; plus, it causes mold and mildew.

Getting Back to Basics for Household Fire Safety

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

Practicing fire safety is one of the most important things that individuals can do to protect their homes and their families. Not only can property losses be difficult, but house fires can also claim lives and be a devastating occurrence all around.

While there are many resources for fire safety out there, having all of the information in one place is not always possible. To help families stay safe and readily access the information they need to do so, we have put together our guide to the best fire safety tips so you can stay prepared.

<h3tips-for-fire-safety-in-the-household">Best Tips for Fire Safety in the Household

Frequently Check Smoke Detectors. Smoke detectors are one of the top tools required for fire safety. They should be put in every room and in the main area of every floor, and it is recommended to use an interconnected system so they will all be triggered if one goes off. Be sure to test them every 30 days as well.

Have a Fire Escape Plan. A fire escape plan is another extremely important element of fire safety. Be sure you have an escape route mapped for every room of the home and are aware of how to check for fires behind closed doors. Establish a household meeting spot where everyone can reconvene once they have safely escaped, as well.

Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher. Picking the right fire extinguisher for your household is important, as is knowing how to use it. Make sure to understand how yours operates and how to spray it to most effectively extinguish flames.

Never Leave Flames Unattended. Flames and cooking appliances that are unattended are some of the most common fire starters across the country. Even candles and ovens can pose a risk that can quickly become out of hand if there is no one in the room. It is best to never leave any flame unattended for any length of time.

Keep a Closed-Door Policy. For nighttime fire safety, sleeping with the door closed is one of the best things you can do, as a door will hinder the spreading of the flames. Nighttime fires are quite common and are some of the most fatal, so practicing safe sleeping habits can help you and everyone else in the household stay protected.

If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from a house fire and how our restoration services can help you recover, get in touch today to learn more.

Why House Fire Rates Go Up in the Winter

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

As cooler air begins to move into an area, the rate of house fires increases as a result. While there are many reasons behind a house fire occurring, being alert to winter-specific risks is a smart way to stay safe during the colder days.

Being aware of the reasons home fires are more likely in the winter as well as prevention tips you can implore at any time is key to fire safety.

<h3house-fires-increase-in-cool-weather">Why House Fires Increase in Cool Weather

An Increase in Cooking
Because most of us cook nearly every day, it is the leading cause of all home fires at any given time. This is especially true for the winter months, as more people are baking, entertaining and cooking holiday meals—increasing the likelihood of this occurring.

The Risk of Heaters
Winter fires are also commonly caused by unsafe heating methods, which amounts to the second most common fire cause in the winter. Portable heaters are a common culprit, as models not equipped with an automatic shutoff can tip over and cause a fire to start on the floor. Additionally, it is important to keep anything flammable away from any type of heat source, especially a fireplace.

Candles and Decorations
While open flames and candles are quite common, they present the risk of a house fire any time they are lit. Several winter holidays are commonly celebrated with candles, and decorative or scented candles are increasingly common in cold weather. Additionally, decorations can pose hazards, as many are only used once per year and can cause electrical fires to break out.

<h3weather-fire-prevention-tips">Cold Weather Fire Prevention Tips

Though it is the knowledge we all hope to never have to use, focusing on prevention and preparation is the best way to ensure you are ready for a house fire. These safety tips are helpful both in the winter and year-round to help you and those in your household stay safe:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace them every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.

Tips for Small Business Owners to Manage Risks

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

When you own a business, a natural disaster puts more than just you at risk. For many small business owners, their commercial property is essential to their livelihood, and thus it is vitally important that they are able to continue operations even during the worst of circumstances.

One of the best ways to do this is by preparing for a disaster in advance, as the frequency of natural disasters continues to increase around the world. Knowing what your unique risks are, having a plan in place for the worst-case scenario and knowing what to do after a disaster are all important aspects of staying safe and recovering quickly.

<h3for-a-disaster-at-your-small-business">Preparing for a Disaster at Your Small Business

1. Double-Check Your Insurance
While small business owners often believe they have adequate insurance coverage, many are disappointed to find out that this is not necessarily the case as far as natural disasters are concerned. Excessive damages, such as those from a flood, often require the purchase of extra business insurance in order to provide complete coverage for disaster scenarios.

2. Create Your Action Plan
Planning for what you will do when a natural disaster is imminent is a wise choice, as it will help you mitigate risks to your business. Being aware of any machinery shutdown requirements and saving important documents are ways you can help your business stay safe while learning about evacuation routes and local shelters is a great way to keep yourself safe should a disaster occur.

3. Rehearse Drills and Prepare Staff
If you manage employees on the property, it is important that you uphold your duty to care for them by preparing them for a disaster scenario. Be sure they are aware of the company’s official disaster proceedings and practice your building evacuation regularly and with varied scenarios so everyone can feel more at ease.

4. Choose a Restoration Company to Work With
When a disaster hurts your small business, it has also hurt your livelihood—which is why reopening quickly is so important following a disaster. By picking the restoration company you will work within advance of a disaster scenario, you can call them the moment you discover damage so your restoration process can begin right away.

If you need to pick a commercial restoration company that’s right for you, call us today! We can tell you all about what sets our process apart.

Cold Weather Tips for an Iowa Homeowner

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

As the second week of December in Central Iowa comes to a close, we have, for the most part, avoided long stretches of frigid snow, ice, or cold temperatures up to this point as Iowans. We all know that is something that could potentially change in an instant, without much of a precautionary heads-up from mother nature. It's important to be informed on how to bundle up and conserve heat ahead of time in case of a winter emergency, Iowans have to stay ready so we don't ever have to get ready.

Experts from the National Weather Service and the Des Moines Register have provided excellent advice on how to keep your pets, plants, and pipes safe from the cold weather. When thinking of house pets, it's important to consider your dog's age, weight, and breed in regard to the amount of time your dog is safely able to be outside. Of course, the outside temperature strongly dictates this as well. Pipe freezing is an event that seems like an annual tradition for many midwesterners. 

Here are a few tips to prevent the mess — and cost — of frozen pipes:

• Leave a faucet slowly dripping to keep water flowing through the pipe. The water can be captured in a bucket and used for other purposes around the home, like watering plants and washing dishes.
• Open under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate near your pipes.
• What if there’s no water coming out of your faucets? Check your water meter. If water is leaking or spraying from your meter or the bottom is cracked, your water meter is frozen. Feel for frozen pipes. Pipes located along exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing. To thaw pipes, contact a licensed plumber or use hot towels or a hair dryer. Never use an open flame.

Help Keep Your Car On The Road

If you have to drive on slick roads during an Iowa winter, here are tips on how to travel safely, courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation:

Winter Water Advice For Inclement Conditions

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to preventing pipes from freezing in the winter, prevention, rather than treatment, is priority number one. Frozen pipes have the potential to leave you without access to running water during the most extreme winter weather bouts. These steps can help you preserve not only your pipes but your budget and mental health at the same time. 

Before cold weather sets in, it's good to check your home's sprinkler or irrigation system and identify its location. Check your home for areas in which pipes located there are more likely to experience freezing. These include crawl spaces, basements, garages, exterior walls, or pipes near large windows. Strengthening your home's defenses by providing additional insulation for the inside of your house is crucial in fighting frozen pipes.

When the temperature outside does begin to freeze, it's a great idea to open cabinets and doors near pipes in order to help warm air continuously circulate throughout the nearby area. In the case of your pipes actually freezing, you will need to shut off the main water valve immediately. Use warm air to thaw out your pipes. Items such as a hair dryer, or space heater are great sources of heat. Never use an open flame, and never leave a space heater operating unattended. We hope this advice can help solve, or more importantly prevent any winter water emergencies.

If you ever find yourself in a winter water damage emergency, give SERVPRO of Ames a call. We are available 24/7 for immediate service in central Iowa, and we will arrive at a moment's notice. Our expert Emergency Response Crew is prepared to fully treat any size disaster, for both residential and commercial property owners. Call SERVPRO of Ames anytime at 515-233-4544 and we would love to help treat and remediate your water damage circumstances. 

3 Reasons - Why Bleach Doesn’t Work for Mold

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Chlorine Bleach is often regarded as the answer for stopping mold growth and removing the mold. However, this is a myth. Bleach does not exonerate mold. Here are three reasons why bleach is not the answer to mold, and should never be used to sanitize or clean an area in the name of mold remediation.

1. Bleach Loses Effectiveness Over Time

Chlorine bleach can dissipate rapidly, causing the bleach to be less effective. Over time this occurs because chlorine can evaporate and even faster in areas that are above room temperature. When the chlorine disappears, the bleach bottle turns into a bottle of salt water.  

2. Bleach can actually contribute to mold growth

Chlorine bleach was made to clean surfaces, therefore can only kill surface bacteria and mold. This is due to bleach’s ion structure, which prevents the chlorine from penetrating porous material such as wood and drywall. When mold grows in porous areas, the enzyme’s roots grow deep within the material, rendering the bleach ineffective of exterminating the mold. The bleach can only remove the green stain from the mold, allowing surface to appear clean. But underneath the surface, the water component of the bleach penetrates and helps the internal roots to continue to grow, causing mold to reappear.

3. Bleach is Toxic

Bleach emits harmful fumes that pollute the air we breathe and can become harmful to humans and even pets. Over a period of time, inhaling the gases bleach emits can deteriorate the lungs and esophagus lining in addition to the scarring of the respiratory tract, which occurs in earlier stages. Also research shows that household bleach is one of the leading causes of accidental poisonings in the United States.

About Us

SERVPRO of Ames is a proud member of the Ames community and actively serves residents of Story, Boone, Hamilton, and Greene county. For further information about the wide array of mold remediation services offered by SERVPRO of Ames, contact us 24/7 at (515) 233-4544 or you can find us on Facebook at SERVPRO of Ames. SERVPRO of Ames is truly faster to any size disaster!