Can I Turn off Water Damage Drying Equipment at Night?

1/26/2024 (Permalink)

Can I Turn off Water Damage Drying Equipment at Night? 

Any water restoration professional will tell you the same thing: The most important element of mitigating damages is the initial and ongoing drying process. As moisture seeps into every crevice, it becomes a menace. Not only does it promote the growth of bacteria and mold, but it can quickly destroy surfaces and materials. Consequently, the faster the water specialist can bring down the humidity, the more rapidly the water leaves the premises. To promote proper drying, water restoration experts use high-powered equipment. Each piece of equipment is a specific tool designed to make your home or office healthier, safer, more sanitary and ready for full recovery. However, many people wonder if it's okay to turn off noisy or humming equipment at night. The short answer is "no," and the reasons are below.

1. Turning off the Water Damage Drying Equipment Allows Humidity to Rise Water damage drying fans and other equipment provide a constant air flow throughout an air-tight space. If you open a window, you negate the machines' ability to work. You also allow moisture from the outside to enter the building. At the same time, even if you keep windows shut and merely turn off the equipment for a few hours, you enable the moisture to seep into new spaces. In other words, you make the potential for damage worse.

2. Feeling the Walls Isn't a Good Indicator of Moisture Did you touch the walls to see if they were wet? You might think they're dry far before they really are. Fingers and hands aren't good indicators of moisture levels, especially if water is trapped behind surfaces, which it usually is. Even if you think that your walls or floors are bone-dry, you are likely mistaken. Water damage drying equipment is used to completely remove water from all areas, including those you can't see or feel.

3. It Will Cost You More in the Long Run to Turn off the Machines Worried that the cost to run the water damage equipment is sending your utility bills sky high? Actually, it could be much costlier to keep turning them off. After all, the longer they are off at night, the longer they have to be in your residence or commercial building. Besides, if your water restoration process is being covered by insurance, you may be able to negotiate for a percentage of your electricity bills to be covered. Talk to your water restoration specialist and/or your insurance carrier about this possibility.

4. You Can't Get a Good Result From a Poor Product Your goal is to restore your house or office to like-new condition, but that's not going to happen if you haven't allowed the fans to do their work. The only way to ensure a great outcome is to leave the equipment alone. 

Yes, it can be hard to be patient, but the experts know best. Trust their decision, and be sure to contact SERVPRO of Fayette County for water damage projects.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Four Ways To Reduce Christmas Tree Mold

12/8/2023 (Permalink)

4 Ways To Reduce Christmas Tree Mold Levels

Live Christmas trees may bring more than the fresh pine scent of the holiday season into homes. With most trees cut in advance of the holidays and stored in a moist environment for fresh keeping, this makes them a likely mold source. Here are a few tips to help you cut the Christmas mold level in your home, without giving up the fresh tree:

Limit The Time You Leave Your Tree Up: The longer the tree is inside of your home, the higher the mold level may be. If those in your household are prone to mold allergies, but don’t want to give up the fresh Christmas tree, consider putting the tree up on Christmas Eve and taking it down on New Year’s Day. Try to keep a live tree in your home between 4-7 days at maximum.

Wash Your Tree: Before bringing the freshly cut tree inside of your home, wash it first using the garden hose. Set the nozzle to a hard-spray level to get into all of those little nooks and crannies of the trunk. Then, wipe the trunk thoroughly with a solution of warm water and bleach (1 part bleach to 20 parts water). Let it dry in the sun before bringing it inside of your home.

Use an Air Purifier: Run an air purifier in the same room as the fresh tree. Cleaner air is key during the holidays, and helps to reduce your mold exposure and lessen the effects of your tree allergies.

Go Fake: The best way to avoid the mold infestation is to buy an artificial tree. Unless you store your artificial tree inside of a sealed plastic bag, it will still need a good shaking outside when it’s brought out of storage each year to relieve it of dust. Also, store all of your Christmas ornaments and decorations in plastic containers (instead of cardboard ones) to keep the dust off of them.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

Unpleasant Smells After A Fire

11/10/2023 (Permalink)

Do you know that nasty sting you feel in your nose when walking by a building that has recently burned down? It's unpleasant & hazardous. The odor is sulfur mixed with smoke. It's called Acrid.

What’s the best way to get rid of it?

Smoke contains the residue of all the burned materials and it can be Caustic. Special equipment is used to completely clean the air. 

Ozone Machines & Air Scrubbers 

Ozone Machines destroy the Molecules, Bacteria, and Spores that cause unpleasant smells.

Air Scrubbers clean the air by repeatedly moving it through HEPA filters which help reduce the smell.

What else is involved?

Other necessary steps involve:

(1) Clean all the hard surfaces

(2) Wash or treat clothes, drapes, carpets, and upholstery. A fire doesn’t always destroy a building, smoke, however, can ruin everything it contacts.

Make sure you do all that’s needed to “clear the air.” SERVPRO® of Fayette County is here to help with all your fire damage needs. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year to help you get back to normal.

Call us at 724-628-3022.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

Fire Prevention

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Your home is your sanctuary. A place where your family spends time together and makes memories. That’s why it is so scary imagining your home getting damaged by an unfortunate fire. Although you can’t control everything that happens in your home, there are some necessary tips you can follow to prevent a possible house fire. Follow these tips below.

1. Regularly test your smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button located on the smoke alarm, if it produces a weak beeping noise, it is time to replace the batteries.
2. Check your heating sources. Heating sources that aren’t working properly could potentially trigger a fire. Have them checked annually.
3. Maintain a clean oven and stove. Food particles left behind can get too hot on the burner or in the oven causing a potential fire. Make sure nothing is left too close to the stove that could catch fire.
4. Never leave your kitchen. Don’t leave your kitchen while cooking. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to step out of the room, turn the burners off.
5. Check your dryer. Make sure to clean out your lint trap after every load of laundry. The build up of lint can cause a fire. Have your dryer inspected by a professional yearly.
6. Inspect your cords. Before plugging something in, inspect the cord to make sure it is not frayed or being chewed. Replace the cords as soon as possible if you notice that the wires have been damaged. Avoid running cords under a rug or between the wall and your furniture, it can get too hot causing a fire.
7. Store flammable products properly. Store common household cleaners and cosmetic items in a cool area. If they are exposed to high heat, they can combust.
8. Use caution with candles. Put candles out before you leave the room or go to sleep and make sure to keep them far away from blankets or any other objects that could catch fire. Place candles on an even surface to prevent them from being knocked over. Also keep them away from pets.
9. Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure there is a door between the flames and your flooring, you don’t want any sparks to escape. Allow enough time for the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.
10. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. When a fire breaks out, your best line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Make sure every family member knows how to use it properly in case of a fire

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Categories/ Classes of Water Damage

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start the water loss repair and mitigation.

Category 1

- clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows.

Category 2

- gray water, this means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps and seepage may cause category 2 water damage.

Category 3

- black water, this type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

Classes of Water Damage: The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options.

Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation.

Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage.

Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture.

Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster and concrete.

If your home or business experience a water loss or water damage, call us here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, the leading water removal and restoration company, dedicated to protecting your biggest investment, Not everyone knows that water damage has different categories and classes, and just because it is a low category doesn't mean that it is a low class.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

No Storms Can Cause Issues For Your Property.

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

We normally associate storm damage to flooding, high winds, and hail. What we forget, is that no storms can create issues for you and your property, too! On the other end of the scale if you don’t have rain or water for days, weeks, or months, then your community can go into a drought.

The main effects of drought are actually something you would never think of - flooding.

• When a drought occurs all of the moisture dries up causing clay heavy soil to shrink. This means the foundation that your home is built on begins to shift and crack from the changing movement. In turn, your foundation is not able to withstand the force of the movement and may start to crack under pressure. These cracks are silent and won’t affect you during the drought. Only until the drought is over and your area begins to bring rain will you discover the cracks to your foundation. From there water can enter your home causing the cracks to erode and make bigger openings. From there you can have moisture entering your home causing mold and even worse full blown flood!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

Electrical Fire Safety

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

Protecting your business or workplace by teaching about electrical fire safety and putting safety plans into place is always a great idea. Accidents happen, and that’s why being prepared is key.

If you can extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher or blanket before it gets out-of-hand, that would be best to limit the amount of damage. Be prepared to think quickly and determine if the fire can be put out without risk of injury or endangering any of your coworkers. Always put employee safety first. It’s important to know smoke inhalation can be fatal.

Fire can spread quickly, and it can produce dangerous amounts of smoke. Smoke inhalation is the cause of death in home fires more than the actual fire. Not to mention, smoke causes just as much damage to the business as the fire itself.

There is a five second rule of thumb that firefighters use. They say that if you cannot extinguish a fire within five seconds then dial 9-1-1 and evacuate. Be sure to have an updated employee evacuation plan in place, and make sure to have routine fire drills so your employees know exactly what to do.

After the fire is put out and everyone is accounted for and safe, you can always count on your friendly neighborhood experts at SERVPRO of Fayette County to help you put your business back together.

Here is a list of things to have established in a place of business when it comes to fire safety. Fire Marshals look for these items. These items are ultimately for your safety, and the safety of your employees and coworkers. Make Sure You Have Clear Paths Make sure all exits are not obstructed in any way. Multiple, clear exits in the event of a fire will increase the likelihood that everyone is able to get out safely.

Emergency Exit Lights

• In the event of a fire, your workplace may lose power or have very little visibility due to heavy smoke. For these reasons, clearly marked paths of egress are required.

Fire Extinguishers are a MUST.

• Fire extinguishers are crucial in stopping a small fire before it grows larger, avoiding widespread damage to your business and injuries to your staff or customers. That's why fire marshals pay special attention to verify that they are in compliance.

Fire Sprinkler System

• Water Supply For this system to function correctly, not only must the sprinkler deflectors have the proper clearance, the water must flow as it should when called upon to extinguish a fire. The fire marshal will examine the critical components of the sprinkler system water supply, to determine that they are in good working order.

Electrical Panels

• Since electrical panels have live current running through them, any potentially flammable items (like cardboard boxes stored too close to the panel) make sure you can get to the panels without having to move anything. 

Proper Storage of Combustible Liquids

• Combustible materials and liquids represent a special fire hazard and must be treated accordingly. These will provide fuel to any fire and they pose a significant risk to your facility, including explosion potential, so proper measures must be taken at all times.

Maximum Occupancy Limits

• Your building has a maximum occupancy limit which has been put in place for a reason. If a fire were to occur, this is the number of people who could safely evacuate the premises in a timely fashion.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, know that SERVPRO® of Fayette County hits all the above qualifications and more.

Contact us today to learn how we’re able to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Roof Damage

5/26/2023 (Permalink)

In any type of weather there are lots of different issues that could cause damage to your home; Roof damage is one of those. Damage due to storms is the most typical, but there are several things that COULD cause the damage to your roof some being more visible than others.  

It is always good practice to have your roof inspected every 10-12 years, unless there has been a specific issue that may have caused a reason to check it sooner such as a severe storm, hail, or some other sort of natural disaster. Unfortunately, when your roof becomes damaged it can lead to bigger issues that may ultimately cause water damage to the interior of your home.   

Here we mention a few things to look for when you are inspecting your roof:    

• Loose or missing shingles: this could be caused by high winds, improper installation, or simply wearing out over exposure to the elements through the years. Loose nails can also leave a hole in the shingle that water can find its way through as well.  
• Poor installation of the flashing. "Flashing" is the metal that is placed in the sections where the roof meets the walls, or in the valleys. This must be installed properly to divert water from the roof.    
• Gutters that are not placed with the right pitch, or that have seams that are not sealed properly can also cause water to back up and then overflow into the house causing water damage to ceilings and/or walls. Not having gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters can cause overflow of water that can result in damage to your roof and other areas of your home as well.    

Rotted fascia or soffit can also be an area that allows water to intrude.   

If you suspect that you may have roof damage causing water damage to your home please feel free to contact us at  and we will be happy to assist you. SERVPRO® of Fayette County can also supply emergency tarping and board up if the need may arise. SERVPRO® of Fayette County will be there for all of your home repairs or accidents.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Emergency Kits for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Need some help or information about Emergency Kits for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals?

Emergencies can be difficult for anyone but here are some tips/ preventions to help.

• Emergency Kit for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals in Fayette County
• Storm Damage & Evacuation in Fayette County
• Low vision or hearing loss may make a power outage more difficult in Fayette County. Evacuation may also be more difficult.   

SERVPRO of Fayette County has these tips:    Have an evacuation emergency kit ready. You can also use it at home.   For people who have low hearing or deafness in Fayette County, consider the following:  

• Extra batteries for hearing aids 
• TTY   
• If you Sign, have a pen and paper for people who do not know Sign   
• Backup batteries for any augmentative communication devices  

For people who have low vision or blindness in Fayette County, consider the following:   

• Use large-print or Braille on labels   
• Magnifiers or other assistive devices    
• White cane (if you use one)   

Storm damage makes life more difficult for service animals too.  

For people who have service animals in Fayette County, consider the following:     Food, water, and other supplies  

Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you  . Help keep them safe also. 

Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal    

Links: https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

If you have any questions give us a call today!

"Like It Never Even Happened"

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

We Are Always Ready!

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

We Are Always Ready!

SERVPRO of Fayette County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, no matter how large or small that they can be. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is very crucial. If you delay for just a few hours, it can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

SERVPRO is here to Answer the Phone Ready to Help  

Call Today at 724-628-3022

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need us as an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Fayette County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through any tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration - in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

Here is What to Expect 

When you call us, we will ask several questions regarding the water damage emergency of your home or business. These questions will help our technicians to determine what equipment and resources that they need to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed for that job.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions

Including:

• Your name and contact information.  
• Your insurance information (if applicable)   The street address of the water-damaged home or business. 
• When did the flooding or water damage occur? 
• What caused the water damage (if known) 
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Emergency Kits and Natural Disasters

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Natural disasters are unexpected and destructive. It is important to plan for the next natural disaster accordingly. You never know when a disaster can strike which is why it is important to prepare a kit for your home, work, and vehicle.

According to Ready.gov, you should have the following in your emergency kit: 

- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert Flashlight

- First aid kit

-Extra batteries

-Whistle to signal for help

-Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

-Manual can opener for food

-Local maps

-Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Safety Practices With Children and Fires.

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Safety Practices With Children and Fires

When it comes to children, you can never prepare enough in the event of a fire. Making sure that children know what to do and what not to do can go a long way in safety.

What a smoke alarm sounds like:

• Some children run and hide when an alarm sounds a house-fire warning. Making and practicing a house fire escape plan helps them respond appropriately to the alarm. What a firefighter looks like at a fire: Show your children with the equipment a firefighter may be wearing and/or carrying. Children may hide instead of responding to their calls. 

Escape routes:

• Always teach children two ways out of every room (i.e., window and door). Stay low during escape: Crawl as close to the floor as possible under smoke to a safe exit. Test the safety of their exit route: Use the back of the hand to test if a closed door is hot. If it is hot, use another way out.

Where to meet after escape:

• Everyone must meet at a previously designated meeting place outside the home so that firefighters know that all persons are out of the house. How to call for help: Call 911 from a neighbor's home. 

Stay out:

• Never go back inside a burning home to get anything such as toys, clothes or pets These tips are a great way to ensure your children are prepared in the event you have a house fire.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Customer Service

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

Customer Service

Owning a successful business is an incredible achievement.  Whether it’s a local shopping center or a franchise bank they all have one thing in common – clients.  Having a reliable client base can really make your business soar.  Having great customer service and a reliable product is only half of it. 

Clients and consumers like to feel safe in your business property surroundings.  With restrooms and facilities open to the public, you can’t guarantee what others may or may not do. We understand how important your business is to you.  Impressions are a big deal and we want to make sure your company is in the best of shape.   When a local business contacted us, we made sure their bathroom was clean and free from blood borne pathogens.   Our team is highly trained in working with biohazard materials that can be potentially hazardous for you and your clients.  We work quickly to clean and sanitize all areas so that you can get back to managing your business.  

SERVPRO of Fayette County cares about the businesses that make this community thrive.  We understand that closing your doors to biohazard materials can mean losing profit.  We work quickly to minimize this issue as best we can.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

7247-628-3022

Pet Safety During the Winter

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Pet Safety During the Winter

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we know that your pets are an important part of your family. Most pets are indoor animals, but it is a common sight to see pets outdoors also. Animals are prone to the same winter hazards as human beings, especially cold and ice. Here are some tips for keeping your family pet safe. Limit outdoor time on bitter cold days. Try to go out when the sun is shining. Even with fur, animals can become too cold and go into hypothermia. Avoid the ice. Animals can slip and fall just like you. More importantly, animals cannot recognize the danger of breaking through thin ice on frozen water. It is always better to keep your pet on a leash during the winter to help them steer clear of hazards. Wipe their paws when you come inside. Things in front of your home are often treated with salt or other de-icers. These substances can irritate your animal's paws. Some can be toxic, which is especially dangerous if your pet licks its paws. People and pets want a safe place inside for the cold months. If a winter emergency like a burst pipe makes your home unsafe, contact SERVPRO of Fayette County. We are here to help the residents of Fayette County quickly get their homes back to normal.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Disposing Items After A Fire

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Disposing Items After A Fire

Items to Throw Away After a House Fire Exposure to heat and smoke can ruin delicate or perishable contents. While some items can be cleaned and restored, others should be disposed of and replaced. Here are five items to throw away after a house fire in Fayette County.  

1. Food  

• Open food packages may become contaminated by smoke, ash, soot, or fire suppressants. It is important to get rid of: Open packages or containers   

           *Open pet food    

           *Cans exposed to extreme heat   

           *Canned or packaged food that was not exposed to high heat may be safe to consume.                   ~Remove the label, clean the can, and write the contents and expiration date on the can in permanent marker.

2. Porous Kitchen Contents 

• Not only food items pose a re-contamination risk. It is also important to dispose of:  Plastic cutting boards   Plastic dishes, cups, or utensils   Baby bottle nipples  Plastic is porous and may absorb toxins. Throw away and replace these items after a fire. 

3. Medicine 

• High heat and smoke can ruin medicine. Examine each product and consider:   

           *The safe temperature range  

           *Whether the packaging is open   

           *Any visible damage  

• It is safer to dispose of and replace medicine after a fire. Extremely high temperatures may make any formula less effective. 

4. Cosmetics 

• Heat can also destabilize beauty and personal care products. Continued use can result in:  

            *Absorption of toxins through skin 

            *Discoloration

            *Irritation   

• You should dispose of and replace products exposed to smoke or high temperatures. Throwing these items out is safer than risking re-contamination. 

5. Burned Clothing  

• Clothing damaged by smoke or soot may be restored. Burned clothing should be thrown away. This is particularly the case for:

           *Charred or singed items   

           *Babies' or children's clothing    

           *Burnt linens  

• If you are not sure whether clothing can be cleaned, consult with a restoration professional. You should dispose of items with extensive damage. 

All of these contents may pose re-contamination risks. If you are not sure whether to throw away or attempt to clean an item, ask fire damage restoration experts in Fayette County.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Extension Cord Misuse

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Extension Cord Misuse

An extension cord can come in handy from time to time to help you solve a temporary power issue, however they should not be used for a long-term solution. Extension cord misuse can cause damage to your home or business. 

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) here are some tips to keep your extension cords safe: 

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground. 
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring  
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. 
• If the cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.  
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.  
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in.  
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.   
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock.  

If you experience fire or smoke damage, please call us! No job is too big or too small.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

SERVPRO Tools

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

It’s the water you don’t see! Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property.

SERVPRO® of Fayette County professionals have the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. 

When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of  professionals will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment.

Here are a few of the tools used by our SERVPRO® professionals.

• Moisture Sensors-  Used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters- Used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing us to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohydrometers- Measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, we here at SERVPRO® of _____can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized. 
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers- Atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Thermal Foggers- Dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solutions that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach.    

The bottom line? SERVPRO® of Fayette County professionals have the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened."

Tracie " Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Flooding and Electrical Outlets

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and Electrical Outlets

When flooding occurs in your home or business you need to worry when the water rises to the height of electrical outlets. This can result in a loss of power. However, in some cases the results can spark and damage can create a fire in a house, apartment, or commercial building. There are restoration companies that specialize in water damage, but very few have the experience that can handle fire damage and water damage like SERVPRO of Fayette County.

For decades we have been in the business of restoring homes to original condition. Our expert response teams can pump out a basement and scrub away smoke residues with equal ease. Fortunately, fire damage that is caused by a flooded outlet is usually small and is mainly just smoke damage. In either disaster, removal of drywall is critical so that the workload is not as difficult to deal with.

However, the rising smoke can leave residue higher up on the walls, requiring more panels to be removed. Ceiling tiles can also require cleaning after a fire as well. When an outlet is damaged by water, it needs a replacement from the hardware store, which typically costs less than $5 apiece. The spot where the fire begins, the point of ignition, would be the outlet in this case. The wires leading to the outlet are melted to the outlet box and may require cutting from above where there is any damage.

It is important to inspect the rest of the building as well to ensure that the fried wires did not compromise any other building materials. If the damage runs very far back along the wires, then they require replacing so that the new outlet is in the original location. Our technicians are trained to run new wiring from any point in the structure back to the breaker box if it is needed to rebuild the wiring system of your home or business. This task is extremely easy!

A different team member removes the flooded drywall; exposing the drywall for easier access. Dealing with damage from a flood can be a very difficult and stressful process. Restoring your home and property from both requires professional treatment and care from experts with a nationwide support network or equipment.

SERVPRO of Fayette County is ready to help you whenever disaster strike.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Conserve Water

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Conserve Water

Unlike your home, your commercial building has various employees and clients/customers. You and your family might make conscious efforts to conserve water, but oftentimes, those in your building may not. How often do you use your bathroom sink and walk out with the water still running? Probably never! Now consider this. How many times have you visited an empty public restroom with a running faucet? Probably a few times a year! 

One solution would be to install touch-free faucets. This saves businesses a lot of money, even if the initial cost isn’t very low. 

Additionally, you can make an easy switch of replacing your faucet aerators with newer ones of lower power. After companies make this switch, they typically notice the new aerators only use a fifth of the water the older ones did.  Another money-saving, bathroom investment is purchasing new flush valves.

Today, there are some great options to choose from. You can buy water-saving flush valves that use 20 percent less water than newer toilets and 70 percent less water than pre-1992 toilets. If you operate a restaurant or any other facility that calls for a dishwasher, you may want to upgrade to a water-saving dishwasher. Although they cost about the same as normal dishwashers, these washers use 40 percent less water, not to mention less energy too. A few more tips for saving water in your commercial building include planting shrubs, bushes, flowers, etc. that require less water instead of growing plants that demand water.

Additionally, you should make sure your irrigation device is positioned practically. The sidewalk shouldn’t be drenched after a watering session. Also, check for leaks or drips. You'll need them repaired to save water (and money).  If you’ve noticed rainfall and your irrigation schedule collide, you may want to invest in a rain or soil moisture sensor. You can save a lot on your water bill from what nature has to offer. Plus, if it has rained or the soil is damp enough, the plants could potentially drown. 

Lastly, meter your irrigation separately, as unless you do so, your water company will send all the water coming from the property to a wastewater treatment plant. If you do choose to meter, your sewer bill will plummet.

We at SERVPRO of Fayette County encourage you to incorporate a few of these tips into your commercial business and see how much water (and money) you can save!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Accountability

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Why choose SERVPRO?! 

Why is that even a question?

SERVPRO of Fayette County Is very into accountability. We want you as a customer to feel good about working with us and want you to be able to rely on us. There are many guidelines that we are accountable for. We have all insurance requirements and receive certification of insurance. We do background checks on all employees. SERVPRO of Fayette County follows guidelines and procedures. Each franchise response with 24- hours services. We mountain all status on each job. So you as a customer can relax through the process while the work can fall on us. 

If you have any questions, please call us today! 

"Like It Never Even Happened"

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

How To Unclog Your Sinks

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

How To Unclog Your Sinks

When you notice your sink draining slower or not at all, it’s more often than not a sign that your sink has a clogged drain. Whether you can see it on the surface of your drain, or it’s lodged somewhere in the pipes, it’s something that needs to be dealt with as soon as they can. Otherwise, the blockage can become bigger and even harder to remove. If you notice your water drainage starting to slow, try one of these tricks provided by the Home Depot;

• Carefully pour boiling water into the drain and allow it to flush out the clog and repeat as needed
• Pour baking soda and white vinegar, use a sink stopper to plug the drain for about 20-minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain slowly and repeat until the block has been cleared
• Use a plunger in a small puddle of water in the sink
• You can use a plumbing snake to clear a clogged bathroom sink
• Attach a wet-dry vac hose to the stopper pipe and connect the other end to a vacuum, pulse the power on and off a few times to help get the clog moving, and then sucked out

If none of these methods work, call a plumber or another qualified professional to help. And never try to continue using a sink when it’s badly clogged. Always be prepared and make sure you’re aware of your drain ahead of time. If it starts to slow, try one of these tricks right away. It might save you some hassle later on.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Fayette County are always here for you.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Fire Pit Safety.

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Pit Safety.

Fire pits are a great way to accessorize your yard and they are perfect for gatherings! When you use your fire pit, make sure you are keeping you and your property safe by following these safety tips!

Location: Make sure you keep your fire pit AT LEAST 10 feet away from any structures. This may help prevent sparks from hitting your home and excessive smoke from entering your or your neighbor’s home. Do NOT put your fire pit under tree branches or on a covered deck. Make sure your fire pit is in a location where the flames and sparks will not hit any objects.

Under the Pit  If your fire pit is not built into the ground, make sure you have stone, brick, gravel, or concrete under the pit. This will help prevent the area below the pit from burning. You should NEVER place your pit over dry grass or over a wooden deck. This is because the heat from the base of its pit may spark a fire to the ground below it. 

Weather  Do not use your fire pit if it is windy. The wind may push sparks from the fire to an area that is flammable.  When you are using your fire pit, you should notice the direction the breeze is blowing. You should move any object out of the way of where the breeze is blowing to help prevent a fire from occurring. 

Lighting the Pit When lighting your fire pit, use a commercial fire starter pack. Do NOT use lighter fluid or gasoline to light the pit or to relight fires. You should always keep water nearby just in case the fire inside of the pit spreads. Before you use your fire pit, you should check your town’s laws on fire pits. Some towns require a permit and an inspection.

If the unfortunate happens, call the experts at SERVPRO. We will restore your property and make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Disinfecting Drinking Water After A Disaster

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

EMERGENCY DISINFECTION OF DRINKING WATER AFTER DISASTER USE ONLY WATER THAT HAS BEEN PROPERLY DISINFECTED FOR DRINKING, COOKING, MAKING ANY PREPARED DRINK, OR FOR BRUSHING TEETH

1. Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.

2. If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.

3. If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.

4. If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Process of Storm Damage

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

I have Storm Damage! What is the Process?

In Fayette County terrible weather which causes Storm damage is a pretty common occurrence whether it's Hurricane season or not and this storm damage can wreak havoc on properties, homes, buildings and vegetation.

With storm damage comes high winds which in turn cause wind damage that can loosen or blow off roofing shingles and massively affect the health of your roof. The roof is a key element of any structure and when it gets compromised then moisture can penetrate the structure causing wood and other building materials to be affected. These effects are rotting, swelling, warping and destruction of these building materials. When these things start to happen the ceiling will become compromised and then a whole litany of problems can follow this problem.

Storm Damage brings high winds, hail, rain and lightning and these things can exacerbate the problem. For these reasons SERVPRO offers Storm Damage remediation 24, 7, 365 and we come in when nobody else will answer the phone and we get you back to where you were before the storm, "Like it never even happened."

The storm damage restoration process is pretty simple and usually follows these specific key stages of the process.

Step 1: Initial Inspection It does not matter if it’s a business, residential or facility property, the initial inspection is one of the most important aspects of the process. SERVPRO will send its storm damage experts to do a thorough examination of the interior, exterior, roofing and grounds of the property. This extensive inspection will help the SERVPRO professional discover and identify the extent of the damage, the source of the water intrusion and any other safety elements or important notes that need to be documented for the client and the insurance provider. When the initial inspection is completed the SERVPRO storm technicians will be able to create an initial scope of work for the project that will be discussed with the point of contact and the insurance adjuster on the claim.

Step 2: The Work Begins Once the scope of work needed to remediate the issues on the property have been agreed upon by the client, the adjuster and SERVPRO it is now time for the work to begin. The type and level of work will vary with each project sometimes requiring pumps & water extractors. Then there are times when the visible and standing water have already left the building and some light demo is necessary before placing dehumidifiers, fans and air scrubbers into the space. For larger loss projects things like desiccants, DX units and generators may be necessary. Regardless of the situation needed by the client at hand SERVPRO can handle any job large or small when it comes to storm damage or water damage.

Step 3: The Work is Completed Once the team has remediated all of the affected areas, removed all of the water and cleaned all of the affected areas professionally the technicians will remove all of the equipment from the property and make it like nothing ever happened. SERVPRO will create a report full of pictures, explanations, videos, daily reports, equipment logs, drying logs and a timeline to submit to the insurance company for approval. As you can see, when anyone suffers from storm damage due to natural disasters, the storm damage restoration process is something the SERVPRO experts can handle quickly and easily.

If you've recently suffered from storm damage and are looking for storm damage repair or water damage cleanup, contact the specialists at SERVPRO of Fayette County today to help restore your home.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022 

What is an ERP?!

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes you need to be prepared and ready. We offer a specific plan called an ERP. An ERP stands for Emergency Ready Plan, and is critical for working on immediate mitigation and recovery services.

SERVPRO can work with you on creating a plan tailored to your business and employees. Ask yourself this, is your business prepared for when a disaster strikes? Almost 50% of businesses that close during a disaster almost never reopen. Having a plan in place can decrease those odds and help your business get back on your feet quickly without a significant profit loss.

Does your ERP works on incident response and disaster recovery, meaning you will know what to do the second disaster strikes your business. We work with you on filling in all the needed information, such as shut off valves, chain of command, contact information, and more.

Call us today to get your FREE ERP. Why not be ready when disaster strikes?

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

Process Through Water Loss

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Process Through Water Loss

Experiencing a water loss can be a traumatic time for you or your business, so we put together a free guide of 10 things that walks you through the process of what to focus on if you have a water loss in your home or business.

1. Assess the situation: It is critical to look over the situation and see exactly what you are dealing with. It is critical to make sure that you take plenty of photographs of the damage and make sure that the source of what caused the damage is well documented. It is extremely important to make sure you do not walk or enter the water if the power is still on in the home or business. At this time it is proper to check with your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have.

2. Check was is wet throughout the damaged area: Through the use of moisture meters and other devices, you can begin to see what is wet and not wet. It is critical that you map out the damage and affected area. This can be an important part of the documentation process.

3. Begin the water extraction process: The first step after the documentation has begun, is to get the water removed as soon as possible. If the water sits for too long it can begin to create secondary damages. Water can be removed by using portable or truck mount extractors. Portables will take more time, and the truck mounts are much faster and efficient.

4. Begin to remove damaged materials that can not be dried and ventilate enclosed areas: Once all of the water has been extracted, certain flood cuts and other vent holes might be necessary. This is to allow air flow in closed off spaces. If no ventilation is allowed, secondary damage can occur inside the walls. Many times if you are dealing with sewage water, more flood cuts will be necessary. Try to take as many before and after photos as well.

5. Start to place air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the home or facility: The proper amount of equipment is critical when drying out a structure. It is important to make sure that all of the guidelines of the IICRC are followed to insure proper drying times. Be sure to continue to take plenty of photographs of the equipment in place on the job.

6. Monitor the drying process daily: Every 24 hours it is critical to make sure that you are checking the facility to make sure that it is drying. Sometimes there might be a delay in the drying process due to the source of the damage not being corrected. If so it will need to be corrected so proper drying can occur. Be sure to document the drying data each day for accurate records.

7. Remove Equipment: Once the home or building is dry, all of the equipment can be removed. It is important to make sure the right cleaning products are used to clean up the affected area. This will keep other secondary issues from happening as well.

8. Document with more photos: After the job is complete, be sure to document with more photos. This will keep accurate records for your insurance company from start to finish. You can never take too many photos when dealing with a water loss.

9. Begin the reconstruction process: Once everything is dry, you can begin to put the pieces back together. In some cases you might have to hire a contractor to do specific tasks like repair damaged drywall from the water. Be sure to continue to document any and all work on your home or business.

10. Keep complete records on file: After the entire job is complete, be sure to keep all of your records on backup. This can be valuable in case of any secondary damages in the future. SERVPRO can handle any water damage job from start to finish. It is critical to make sure you understand the in's and out's of each step mentioned above.

SERVPRO has the team and equipment to handle any size job and make sure that it is properly documented along the way. If you have any questions, or need emergency services you can call SERVPRO, 24/7!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Grill Season

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Grill season is still in full swing and you know what that means, the possibility for grill fires. Anything from grease fires to hot temps can cause problems when grilling. SERVPRO of Fayette County has some tips to keep your home and family safe this summer!

1. Make sure your grill is at least 6 feet away from any structures. If you are too close to the side of your house or deck this could allow for heat and fire to cause damage to your home.

2. Regularly clean your grill. Always clean your grill after every use and clean out the drip pan. You can use any grill safe cleaner. Effectively cleaning your grill can cause any unwanted flare-ups.

3. Always have an extinguisher on hand. If you don’t have an extinguisher, you can always use baking soda. Always have the baking soda near your station when grilling for a quick response. If you ever have any issues with your grill and your property, call SERVPRO of Fayette County at 724-628-3022 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Tips For Storm Damage

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Tips For Storm Damage

Severe storms can potentially result in costly storm damage repair if you’re not on top of the restoration process firsthand with a prominent Repair Company in Fayette County. So, when the storm is over, it’s important to know what to do, as well as what NOT to do. If you’ve experienced storm damage of any size, follow these key storm damage restoration tips.  

Parts of your Property to Keep an Eye On 

• To ensure your safety when checking for house damage, make sure to watch out for fallen power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and wild animals. Here are a few other areas that you should keep in mind while making your initial visual assessment.  

Check your Plumbing for:   

• Open water valves to toilets and sinks. If necessary, shut off all water to your property to help stave off any plumbing issues.     
• A leaking irrigation system. This could be a huge threat to your landscape that could potentially spill into your property if not caught and quickly repaired.  

Check your Electrical for:  

• Frayed wires and watch for sparks. Treat every wire as if it were live so that you don’t accidentally brush past one and get electrocuted.  
• If you have structural damage or see exposed wires. Make sure to call an electrician if you find any of these on your property after water damage.   
• If a limb or tree has fallen on a power line near your house, turn off the power and call the utility company. Do not attempt to cut or clear fallen trees that are around power lines yourself!    

If you Find Flooding: 

• For flooding problems, the best plan is to call a professional restoration company. They have the necessary tools, qualified technicians, and knowledge to deal with flooding damage.  Get a pump or squeegee to remove any standing water while you wait for your technician to arrive. Make sure to take all necessary precautions and wear boots, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator if you decide to DIY this part. 

Who to Call After Storm Damage  

• Having all of your ducks in a row now will help you be much more adept at handling a water damage crisis if/when the time comes. That’s why it’s best to have the number for SERVPRO of Fayette County on speed dial on the off-chance that a severe storm rolls through your neighborhood and leads to water damage on your property. If you’ve sustained water damage that requires professional attention, call us today at 724-628-3022 for a consultation.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Water Can Be Tricky

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Water is a really tricky thing to clean up at times.

Due to its state of matter, being a liquid, it can literally get into every spot of any area. This can cause severe damage if it is not mediated quickly. Since it can go basically anywhere, it is really hard to get it out from underneath carpets and from inside of the walls. However these are spots that must be remedied because water left in a dark, confined space is bound to create mold, and mold tends to spread rapidly within 24 to 48 afters after its initial growth.

Once the mold grows and spreads, your water problem turns into a mold problem. This tends to be more troublesome and costly for you as a customer. 

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we take action quickly to prevent mold growth by taking the measures necessary to dry and mediate all the water in your household, no matter where it may be. We make it "Like it never even happened." Please contact us for any questions. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022 

Types of Damage Caused by Hail

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Types of Damage Caused by Hail

When the ravages of nature take a toll, causing roof damage, it can be upsetting.. Rain, sleet, snow load, wind can all cause problems and leaks, but the topic here is the potentially destructive force of hail.

Types of Damage Caused by Hail

Hail does not just occur at any one specific season, but can happen year round. When it comes to your roof, the damage is recognizable if you know what you are looking for. Here are some guidelines that may help.   

• Impact indentations have no distinct edge, where installation dents likely have an edge from a hammer.  
• Broken or cracked shingles can be a sign of hail damage if there are several and they are scattered across the roof, particularly the tile or terra cotta type.  
• Spatter marks that look like something hit and then skidded.  
• Missing shingles or those that look like the surface was broken away on impact.

Reasons Hail is Harmful  

Storm damage from hail can shorten the life of your roof. Keeping the roofing surface in good shape can help minimize damage. Make sure all shingles are nailed down and flashings are sealed at the edges to reduce roof damage. Secure rain gutter to prevent it coming down. Hail damage can cause leaks or even flood damage inside your building. Insulation can become soaked and the extra weight can cause sections of the ceiling to cave in.  

Getting Help  

In many cases, property insurance will help with the cost of repairs, providing that the roof has been well maintained. A professional water damage restoration company in Fayette County can help with storm cleanup. Water removal and mold abatement are key to completing a sound restoration and making your building safe again. Inspect for roof damage following every hail event to ensure problems are taken care of in a timely manner. If serious problems occur requiring flood cleanup, get the help you need.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Medical Bracelets

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Medical Bracelets

Are medical ID (alert) bracelets/ jewelry useful?

• The answer is yes!

The purpose of medical ID (alert) bracelet/ jewelry like identification necklaces and bracelets with medical information inscribed on the. This is to provide emergency health workers with information about any conditions you may have or other concerns that may be relevant to your care in the event you become unconscious or otherwise incapacitated.

Medical ID bracelets/ jewelry has been around since 1953. Most emergency responders are trained to look for such a necklace or bracelet when triaging a patient. Some people also get a tattoo or use an app for the same purpose, though these may not be referenced as often by health providers.

There are many things that can be listed on a medical bracelet/ jewelry. Among important information to consider listing on medical ID jewelry: Medical conditions, Medications, Medical devices, Blood type, If you have transplanted or missing organs, Communication/cooperation challenges, Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and Instructions.

If you are looking for a medical bracelet. Contact your local hospital and ask them if they offer free medical ID bracelets. If they don't, ask if they know of any medical foundations in the area that provide these bracelets for free.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

10 Tips To Help Prevent A House Fire

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Your home is your sanctuary. A place where your family spends time together and makes memories. That’s why it is so scary imagining your home getting damaged by an unfortunate fire. Although you can’t control everything that happens in your home, there are some necessary tips you can follow to prevent a possible house fire. Follow these tips below.

1. Regularly test your smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button located on the smoke alarm, if it produces a weak beeping noise, it is time to replace the batteries.

2. Check your heating sources. Heating sources that aren’t working properly could potentially trigger a fire. Have them checked annually.

3. Maintain a clean oven and stove. Food particles left behind can get too hot on the burner or in the oven causing a potential fire. Make sure nothing is left too close to the stove that could catch fire.

4. Never leave your kitchen. Don’t leave your kitchen while cooking. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to step out of the room, turn the burners off.

5. Check your dryer. Make sure to clean out your lint trap after every load of laundry. The build up of lint can cause a fire. Have your dryer inspected by a professional yearly.

6. Inspect your cords. Before plugging something in, inspect the cord to make sure it is not frayed or being chewed. Replace the cords as soon as possible if you notice that the wires have been damaged. Avoid running cords under a rug or between the wall and your furniture, it can get too hot causing a fire.

7. Store flammable products properly. Store common household cleaners and cosmetic items in a cool area. If they are exposed to high heat, they can combust.

8. Use caution with candles. Put candles out before you leave the room or go to sleep and make sure to keep them far away from blankets or any other objects that could catch fire. Place candles on an even surface to prevent them from being knocked over. Also keep them away from pets.

9. Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure there is a door between the flames and your flooring, you don’t want any sparks to escape. Allow enough time for the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.

10. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. When a fire breaks out, your best line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Make sure every family member knows how to use it properly in case of a fire.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

Musty Building?!

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Many of the older buildings in the Fayette County area have a distinct smell. People may say that they smell musty or old material. One way to freshen up the place is to have some deodorization done by SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

We use state of the art equipment to clean the air within your building. Depending on the odor we have a few techniques that we could use.

• Thermal fogging is a technique which helps penetrate deeply into building materials.
• An ozone machine is used to help add a fresh smell to odors that seem to linger such as smoke.
• Old fashioned deep cleaning of walls should not be overlooked.
• Carpet cleaning, using hot water extraction to remove deep and hard to remove soils.
• Adding to any of the above methods is that of heating, ventilation and air conditioning cleaning (HVAC). Getting the air ducts clean will definitely freshen any building, no matter the age. 

Any questions?

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Broken Hose

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Broken Hose

A damaged hose will not only waste water and make outdoor chores more troublesome, but it can cause water damage to your home, as well. Unfortunately, you will often have no idea that there’s a problem until you find excess water around your foundation near the faucet or when the neighbor complains that you are flooding his or her yard!

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT MY HOSE CAN HARM MY HOME?

Water damage to your home can occur any time water is allowed to run unchecked, and a faulty garden hose is a common culprit here. Damage could include:  

• Erosion around walkways and driveways causing the concrete to crack or surfaces to collapse standing water to pool around foundations which can leak into low-lying parts of the home soaked ground conditions in your yard could attract insects and wildlife that may move indoors and infest your house  wet earth around large trees can cause them to fall, and they could end up on your roof or fencing  
• wet conditions around your foundations can seep into your walls, leaving you with structural issues and possible mold infestations

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY HERMITAGE/DONELSON HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE FROM MY GARDEN HOSE?

You can take some do-it-yourself Garden Hose Repair: 4 Tips To Repair a Leaking Garden Hose (bobvila.com) to repair your hose if it leaks and creates issues. Here are some helpful hints:

Pinholes are often only visible when you turn on your faucet and see small streams of water from punctured parts of the hose. You can use electrical tape to seal these tiny holes since it has the elasticity and weather resistance needed to be effective out-of-doors.  Bigger tears in a hose can happen over time, and these will crack with exposure to extreme heat or cold. A hose mender - a short plastic or metal tube used to replace the damaged section - can be just the perfect fix here. A leak in your hose coupling is another cause of water damage. If you spot a steady drip coming from the hose coupling when you connect it to a source, the gasket may need to be replaced.  You may notice that the coupling has been bent while you are replacing your gasket, so now is the time to replace that coupling, as well. A bent collar loses the watertight seal between the hose and a spigot, nozzle, or sprinkler, causing a leak.

WHO CAN I TRUST TO REPAIR WATER DAMAGE TO MY FAYETTE COUNTY HOME?

A professional restoration company like SERVPRO can be onsite right away to help you recover from all the issues water damage can cause. You can expect our water damage restoration process to look like this:

1. The restoration process begins when you contact us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis by asking you questions that will help us better understand which equipment and resources will best fill your needs.
2. Next, we determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
3. The water removal process will then remove the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to clean hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property quickly.
4. We use specialized equipment to take away the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
5. We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water once the removal has been completed. We are experts at cleaning content using several different techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
6. Restoration is the final step in the process of restoring your home to its original condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or significant repairs, such as reconstructing various areas or rooms in a home or business.  SERVPRO of Fayette County is here to help you with water damage to your home, no matter the size of the restoration project. If you have experienced water damage and find yourself dealing with mold, remember that we are mold remediation experts, too! We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Do Not Drive Through Flood Waters

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Do Not Drive Through Flood Waters

3 Reasons Not To Drive Through Flood Water

The temptation to drive through flood water can be difficult to resist. Perhaps you are eager to get home to deal with your flooded basement, or maybe you just don’t want to take the time to go around. Driving down a flooded street can be dangerous, so consider letting a professional storm damage restoration service clean up your basement, while you review these three reasons not to drive through floodwater: 

1. You could damage your vehicle. Most cars only have a few inches of ground clearance and even a large truck or SUV may not have more than a couple of feet. Flood water can damage the engine, electrical system and interior of your vehicle. Additionally, flooded roads may have potholes, debris and other obstacles concealed by standing water.   

2. You could lose control of your vehicle. As little as six inches of standing water on a flooded street can cause you to lose traction, skid off the road and cause an accident. 12 inches of water can cause most cars to float. A floating vehicle won’t respond to your attempts to steer or brake, which could lead to an accident, or even cause your vehicle to be washed away. Floodwaters can also stall engines. A car with no working engine can not be driven out of floodwater or maneuvered to avoid potential collisions.  

3. You could drown. A vehicle that is stalled or washed away by floodwaters can fill with water and cause drowning or be washed into a river or creek. The people who may attempt to rescue you from your flooded vehicle are also at risk of drowning. 

In almost all cases, the risks of driving down a flooded street outweigh any time or inconvenience you might save by not taking a detour. If there is a potential for flood conditions in the forecast the  travel tips  may help you successfully navigate areas at high risk for flooding.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Precautions Before/ After A Fire With Pets.

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Fires start and spread quickly, especially with the flammable items that fill our homes. Do you want to be caught in a fire, unprepared? Take a close read of the points below. Go over them a few times because your pet's life may be at stake.

3 Precautions To Take Before A Fire

Ensure your pet's bed isn’t near any items that are highly flammable. Household items like curtains or chemicals are dangerously fast to go up in flames. Keep your pet's bed(s) near easily escapable areas, such as the front or back doors (we know this might sound crazy in day to day)

Place a leash near the front door. When a fire breaks out in your home every second is crucial. By placing their leash near the door you will know exactly where to go in the frantic moments. This saves more confusion when you’re outside, trying to keep your pets close to you.  

Train your pet(s) with basic (but vital) commands. It’s vitally important that your pet knows basic commands like “come”. This simple but effective step will also save time when leaving the house. It may also help you avoid having to search for your pet.  

3 Simple Steps To Take After The Fire 

Place your pet on a leash. Not only will this help them feel secure, but pets commonly try to escape when they feel stressed. Having them on a leash will reduce the risk of them running away, or getting injured outside the house.  

Give your pet water. It’s likely your pet will become hot and dehydrated after being around a fire. Make sure they have access to drinking water once you have left the house. This will help stop them from becoming overheated.

Make sure your pet is okay. Look and feel for any burns or injuries. It is recommended that you take your pet to a local vet for a general health assessment as soon as possible.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Protecting Your Business From Mold

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

To protect your business, you require a comprehensive insurance policy that will safeguard you against most types of damage. Fungus growth is a necessary measure to have in a policy, and most commercial insurance policies will have some kind of mold coverage. There are definitely some exemptions to mold insurance, so you should check with your policy provider, so that you can know definitively whether you are safe.

1. When Mold Is Covered  Most commercial general liability insurance policies will cover mold damage. The reason for this is that it is viewed as an extension of water damage. When a flood impacts your building or when a pipe unexpectedly bursts due to freezing temperatures, your policy should cover the cost of repairing the damage. As far as addressing fungus growth, your policy will cover the cost of the direct physical loss, the cost of replacing the damaged substances and the cost of testing afterward to ensure there is no longer any mold.  

2. When Mold Is Not Covered   However, your insurance coverage may not pay for anything if the water damage was a result of your own negligence. For instance, you need to perform regular maintenance on your building’s pipes to ensure they remain sturdy and intact. If you fail to get them inspected once a year, then your insurance agency may not cover any damages. Additionally, most policies will have some kind of cap. For example, there may be a cap of $10,000 on a policy annually. That means if the total cost of fixing one instance of damage exceeds $10,000, then you will be left on the hook for anything leftover.

 Ultimately, it is for the best to have an insurance policy that covers fungus growth just in case. Mold can grow out of control, and thorough coverage can help you get your business back up and running in no time.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Pest Control

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Pest Control:

Make sure your apartment is clear of insects and rodents. If needed, notify your property manager of the problem and let them know pest control is needed. Keep an eye out for this during your time at this residence to prevent any damage to the property that could be repaired at the cost of your deposit. 

Although exciting, moving can be a stressful time. To be sure your apartment is in good shape when moving out, contact SERVPRO® of Fayette County to inspect and help restore the unit if needed. We’re dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster, and you can depend on us to make your property look its best.

If you have any questions, call us today! 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Removing Pet Odors

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Removing Pet Odors from your Home Although we love our furry friends, we don’t love the smells they leave around the house. Although it may seem impossible to get rid of that smell, it isn’t! Just takes a little bit of effort.  

Sweep and/or mop the floors.

Removing all of the hair, dander, and dust will help eliminate those odors.

It is best to sweep gently so all the stuff doesn’t just go into the air and back to the floor.

When you’re mopping, be sure you’re using pet safe cleaners   

Vacuum the rugs   

Carpets trap and hold a huge amount of dust, hair, and other debris. To get rid of that smell, you’ll want to vacuum every possible inch of the rug, then do it again.

If you do go for a second time over, empty the canister first.  

Wash your couch cushion covers and pillows/ cases

Fabric is like a carpet, it’ll trap the scent too.

Washing your clothes won’t fix the house smell, but you’ll smell better when you leave the house.  

Wash your pets bed

This is probably the stinkiest item in the house because every time they go for a nap, more hair, fur, dander, dust and more is getting layered onto the bed.

Most dog beds are machine washable, so just pop it in the washer.

Once it’s washed, consider treating it with a (pet safe) stain repellent.  

In the warmer months, open some windows and doors to let some fresh air circulate throughout.

Turn on fans to get the air flowing.

Change the air filters in your home

Clogged air filters won’t directly affect the smell, but it doesn’t allow air to circulate through the home as well as it should, therefore the stink will be stuck

In between your thorough cleaning, purchase air fresheners or candles.

Make sure if you’re using a candle or other fresheners, your pup can’t reach them.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Fire Sprinklers

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

In some office buildings it is not uncommon for a fire sprinkler to be triggered without a fire present. If a light is pushed too close or someone burns some popcorn in the kitchen, you may have a small flood on your hands.

What should you do if this occurs?  

Actions To Take    

When your fire sprinklers go off with no apparent reason, it may be startling. Your first reaction might be to run away from the water to keep your hair looking pretty. However, you're going to need to take some steps to prevent too much water damage from occurring:

• Confirm that there is indeed no fire.   
• Turn off water  
• Move what hasn't been damaged from the area.    
• Dry off what you can.      
• Ventilate area if possible.   
• Calls To Make Next, you're going to need to contact somebody who can take care of this mess for you.

Hopefully you've identified a water damage restoration service that you can trust, they will have the best chance of restoring as much of your office as possible. Before they get there be sure to document all damage and take multiple pictures for your insurance company. Flooding of this nature may be covered under your all-peril insurance. You will also want to gather all you can to prove the value of damaged items for compensation.     

Mitigation Techniques 

The remediation company you call has the equipment and the expertise necessary to combat the water damage that has occurred. It is not recommended to try to clean it yourself, you might end up with a mold problem that will be much harder to get rid of.

First, they will need to remove the water with powerful pumps and vacuums. Then they will dry what's left with dehumidifiers and various air moving devices. All items that have been affected can also be restored, including electronics and documents. Flooding in your commercial building may seem like a show-stopper, but if you are ready you can minimize the amount of time that your business is shut down. Time is money, so try to be prepared for anything!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Emergencies

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Let's be real:

Emergencies don’t wait to happen on a day that’s convenient for you. A house fire or an office flood won’t wait until your birthday is over or until Christmas Day comes to an end. It's why we at SERVPRO of Fayette County have to stand ready for when tragedy strikes, whenever that may be. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter morning or the night of New Year’s Eve.

Life happens, and both the good and the bad come along with it. At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we want to make sure whatever nature might through your way is taken care of properly!

Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, storm damage, or an issue with mold, we are ready to help you, and “Faster to any size disaster” at that! That’s why we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year. Facing a disaster can be terrifying and dealing with its effects is very stressful.

We hope to diminish the stress you could be facing with our guarantee. We know the importance of reliability. We are a very trusted and known company , and have been in business for over many years. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on fast response, doing great work, and taking care of our customers! If you ever face a disaster, day or night, we are here to help, 365 days a year!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What Should You Do When Your Toilet Overflows?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

What should you do when your toilet overflows.

The Following Are Three Steps To Properly Clean The Space Sewer Damage is cringe-worthy. Not only is the room a soggy mess, but it's possibly fraught with undesirable bacterial spores. Left alone this water could prove quite hazardous to the property; therefore, homeowners in Fayette County, should immediately begin cleanup procedures, working to eliminate the flood's source as well as disinfect the space.   

1. Shut Off the Water Supply  Reduce issues by containing the situation. Locate the valve on the bottom of the toilet, turning it clockwise into the off position. Reach into the tank to try to flush the water back down. Grab the float lever. It should lift the seal, permitting a flush. Continuous streaming may require the assistance of a professional sewage company.

2. Locate the Source   Sewer damage occurs for numerous reasons. First, examine the commode and the drain. Items such as toys and hygiene products can clog the pipe, preventing proper flow. If this is the issue, try using a plunger to loosen the blockage. If more force is needed, then an auger, also known as a snake, could be run down the line. The long tube moves down the pipe, using force to dislodge the object. Another cause of the concern could be problems with the outside sewer lines. Outside of the house, you'll find a cap to the drain. Wearing protective gloves, carefully twist or pull it up. Water buildup is a sign of a potential issue with the pipe. Professionals can use cameras to examine for holes or cracks.

3. Wipe Down the Space  If little waterescaped from the flooded toilet, then residents may attempt sanitizing on their own. Dry up excess moisture. Use warm water and soap to wipe everything off. Then, use a disinfectant to kill the germs. Damp walls should be dried with a dehumidifier. Be proactive about sewer damage, acting swiftly to limit the spread. Fix the original concern, and promptly scrub fixtures and flooring.

Any questions, give us a call.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Teamwork and Proper Ethics

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business.

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers.

During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently. One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of Fayette County is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day.

Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous compliments about our chief technicians on a regular basis.

Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of Fayette County in action!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

How Long Can Germs Live On Surfaces?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

HOW LONG CAN GERMS LIVE ON SURFACES?

When germs are on the prowl, no place is safe. Buses, commuter trains, rental cars, and private vehicles transport both people and virulent bacteria. Retail establishments, health clubs, educational institutions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and even cruise ship cabins can shelter germs. Practically anything that you touch can expose you to viruses, putting your health at risk.

According to the National Health Service, the lifespan of a germ varies depending on the type of germ and the surface that it is on. How long can bacteria live on surfaces? Below we explore a few common examples.

COLD GERMS The common cold is a frequent source of misery. A variety of viruses can trigger it, and like other viruses, cold germs tend to survive for more extended periods on hard, nonporous surfaces like desktops and handrails. On suitable indoor surfaces, cold germs can linger for days, but fortunately, they rarely remain infectious for more than 24 hours. Cold viruses can also thrive on the skin, but their survival time there is generally measured in mere minutes or hours.

INFLUENZA GERMS Viruses that cause influenza can survive in the air as droplets for hours and live on hard surfaces like phones and keyboards for up to 24 hours. Infectious flu viruses clinging to a tissue can last for about 15 minutes, but germs on the hands tend to fade quickly. Most will be only a minimal threat after five minutes. It may be a small window of time, but influenza germs don’t warn you of their presence and can make you very sick if you’re unlucky enough to encounter them when they’re infectious. NOROVIRUS GERMS A highly contagious virus that triggers stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea in those unfortunate enough to catch it, a norovirus can spread through small droplets that travel through the air before settling on surfaces like elevator buttons, tabletops, and clothing. While they don’t thrive as successfully on porous materials like tissues and fabrics, noroviruses can survive on hard surfaces for days or weeks if the conditions are favorable.   

MRSA GERMS Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, the culprits behind dangerous MRSA infections, are unfazed by many of the antibiotics that are effective in combating other staph infections. Like viruses, these germs tend to survive for shorter periods on porous surfaces than they do on nonporous ones, but they’re capable of living for days or weeks on surfaces if the circumstances are right.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM GERMS

Everyone has seen it. If you’ve worked in restaurants or other public venues, you may even have wielded it: the dreaded wet, grey rag. Habitually passed over tabletops between customers with a few desultory swipes, it is an inadequate weapon when it comes to eradicating germs. But what is required to disinfect a surface?

DISINFECTING BASICS

If you want to kill the germs lurking on a surface, you need to choose an appropriate disinfectant. You also have to apply it correctly. That means saturating the surface with enough of the germ-fighting chemical to get the job done and ensuring that there’s enough contact time (the time when the chemical is on the cover) to allow it to eliminate any germs present. Choosing a low-grade disinfectant or skimping on either saturation or contact time can compromise your germ-fighting efforts, so it’s vital that you select your products carefully and read and follow their directions.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Another Certification that a SERVPRO Professional can receive is a SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician.

This is a "How To" of dealing with fire and smoke damage. This is designed for the beginner person already doing smoke and fire restoration. The Professional learned about staffing a restoration company. Learning how to work with the insurance industry. Learning the packing, moving, and storage of contents.

The Professional will know how to structure restoration and know the type of equipment used to perform services. Deodorization concepts, the proper cleaning supplies, safety on the job, and soiling associated with fire claims are also known.

The SERVPRO Professional will know different types of smoke and how each type affects your restoration job. Some more information: the employee will know sample forms, scope and estimating, fibers and fabrics, emergency service, marketing and sales, ultrasonics, ozone, restoration of books, electronics, and artwork.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Do you have a Continuous Water Leak?

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know if you have a continuous water leak?! 

Water damage can be some tough stuff to deal with, especially when the source of the water is small but continuous.

This continuing water source can cause serious but undetectable damage to the inside of walls, floors, and under carpets. It's not noticeable until the problem is big enough to be recognized but the damage is already done by allowing the problem to go on and if it's not treated properly, mold can start to show, making the project even more expensive.

So to avoid this problem and save some money, make sure you check your hot water tank and visible water piping throughout the house often to make sure that everything is running fine. 

*If you have any questions, call us today for a free estimate! 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Soot Tags

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

As fire damage specialists, we see a lot of fire damaged residential homes and commercial properties. The damage can either be extensive or very minimal.

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are soot webs, the technical term for them are "Soot Tags". They look exactly like spider webs. Rest assured, you did not have magical "fire spiders" that created these cobwebs in your home.

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. During a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. The soot then rides in the air with the heat particles that follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate.

Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure.

If you notice that you have soot tags in your home or business after a recent fire, do not try to clean it up yourself. Any time you try to clean soot without the proper chemicals, tools and experience, you’ll likely cause further damage in your home.

That's why our SERVPRO of Fayette County is here to help, we are the fire damage restoration specialists at your service 24-7!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Chimney Fires

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

These cold Fayette County nights call for cozying up in front of a crackling fire with a hot drink and fuzzy blanket. But before you light it up, follow these steps to prevent a chimney fire.  

1. Clean your chimney. You can tell if it’s time to clean it if the smoke is coming out of the stove and not drafting up through the chimney.
2. Use dry wood. If the wood is wet or not cured, it will not burn as hot and will smoke more. This can build up creosote in your chimney which can be dangerous.   
3. Do not overload your wood burning stove with wood. It can either burn too hot or get too much oxygen. This can cause the metal to warp or weaken.
4. Schedule an annual chimney inspection. Sometimes we can't see damage so an inspector can find out if there is a problem and fix it, removing creosote, debris, critters or nests. Install a chimney cap. This prevents debris and critters from getting in. It also prevents "back puffing" which is escaped smoke reentering the chimney and then your home.

If you have any questions give us a call!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

How To Prepare For Winter Storms

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Are you familiar with winter storms?! We are!

SERVPRO of Fayette County can help you prepare your home/ business.

Winter storms and how to prepare your home:

-Installation is a big key and needs to be done correctly.

-Install some storm windows or use plastic for windows.

-Consider safe heating techniques to help with fires/ fire damage.

-Look into ways to help pipes from freezing to help with future pipe bursts.

-If located in rural areas, think about snow fences to help with snow drifts.

-In the spring, think about ways to help your home with some flood damage techniques when the snow is time to thaw.

Anymore questions please call us today! *Free estimates. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Keeping Your Commercial HVAC System Clean

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping Your Commercial HVAC System Clean

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity.

If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system. You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days.

Check any connections for damage. If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning. You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system.

If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Fayette County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork.

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well.

If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup. SERVPRO of Fayette County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and duct system.

We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Fayette County at 724-628-3022 for a free estimate.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

"Like it never even happened." 

Tips for Being Safe with Space Heaters

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for Being Safe with Space Heaters

When the weather gets colder, some people use space heaters to help them stay warm. SERVPRO of Fayette County has some tips for being safe with space heaters. They can cause fires and fire damage when they are not used properly.

When setting up a space heater, remember to keep it at least 36 inches from any flammable or combustible materials and place it on the floor. The heater should be free of flammable liquids. Also do not put them on any easily ignitable or combustible surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, or use them to dry wet clothing.

Heaters should be monitored when in operation. Please plug the heater directly into a wall receptacle, never plug it into an extension cord. When you are using a fuel-fired space heater in an enclosed area, it is a good idea to leave a window or door partially open to allow for fresh air to enter to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.

We suggest not using space heaters in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Electric heaters should be kept out of wet or moist places as water could lead to a fire or shock hazard. We also recommend keeping space heaters away from exit ways, walkways, and main paths of travel. When buying a heater make sure the heater you purchase carries a label from either UL, ETL, or CSA. These are safety consulting and certification companies. Another big thing is not to use portable space heaters if small children are expected in the area.

You need to clean your space heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection. You should always unplug the unit when not in use. Lastly, please never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.

Any questions? Call Us!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Continious Water Source

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage is not easy for anyone!

Water damage can be some tough stuff to deal with, especially when the source of the water is small but continuous.

This continuing water source can cause serious but undetectable damage to the inside of walls, floors, and under carpets. It's not noticeable until the problem is big enough to be recognized but the damage is already done by allowing the problem to go on and if it's not treated properly, mold can start to show, making the project even more expensive.

So to avoid this problem and save some money, make sure you check your hot water tank and visible water piping throughout the house often to make sure that everything is running fine.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

3 Type of Flood Barriers to Use at Your Business/ Home

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Barriers to Use at Your Business/ Home

When a big storm comes to the Fayette County area, many flood damage restoration professionals recommend the use of flood barriers such as a sandbag wall to help prevent flooding. However, sandbagging isn’t the only form of barrier you may utilize. If water damage does occur, these professionals can help with cleanup and repairs. 

1. Inflatable barrier 

• One form of many flood dams available to help protect your business is the inflatable barrier. Composed of durable fabrics, these are often weighted on the bottom to help them stay in place and can be pumped full of air to create a wall around the space you wish to protect. When the danger of flooding is over they can be deflated, and carefully folded and stored away. 

2. Creative Landscaping   

• Another alternative to using a sandbag wall is to creatively use the landscaping around the building to direct water flow. This is a more permanent solution which may help in areas where there are frequent storms. Lawns can be sloped, and plates and soils can be chosen specifically to help absorb water. Retaining walls can also be included to help prevent erosion. 

3. Water Barrier  

• A water barrier is similar to an inflatable barrier in that it is a collapsible tube that can be filled to create a wall. However, these barriers are filled with water, often from a garden hose, to make them heavy enough to be immobile. Once the danger of storm flooding is passed they can be safely emptied and then stored for later use. 
• Use of barriers such as a sandbag wall.

Inflatable barriers, creative landscaping, and water barriers can help protect your business from flooding. There are many options available and you may wish to consult a professional to choose the best option for your business’s needs. If water damage does occur, a flood damage restoration service may be able to help.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Halloween Safety Tips

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Halloween Safety Tips

Jack-O’ Lantern Fun and Trick or Treating Safety

You've probably noticed that the warm Summer air is now cool and the sound of once green leaves crunching as you walk. For some it's a time to pull out the fall sweaters and to cuddle up with some hot apple cider but for others this time of year means one thing, Halloween.

Halloween is arguably one of the most fun holidays. There's always a ton to do like haunted houses, corn mazes, trick or treating, and my favorite - Decorating.

Decorating is a good time for friends and family to come together for some fun. One of the most popular and easy to do are Jack-O' Lanterns. While the backstory of the Jack-O' Lantern is unknown it's been around for centuries. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind to keep your pumpkin carving a good time and not a nightmare

1. Wear gloves when using knives and other carving tools. (Fake blood is scary enough)
2. Clear any leaves of other debris from area
3. Don't place pumpkins in high traffic areas to prevent them from being bumped or trick or treaters costumes from catching fire.
4. Don't place lids back on pumpkins if there is not at least 2 inches of space between the flame and the lid
5. Consider using fake candles or lights in place of a real flame.

Now SERVPRO of Fayette County wants to refer to some safety tips. Trick or treat with care.

Before your children start trick-or-treating, review these safety rules:

• Get in on the fun. Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12. Pin a piece of paper with your child's name, address and phone number inside your child's pocket in case you get separated. Encourage older kids to trick or treat with friends, parents or older siblings. Make sure someone in the group has a flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Set ground rules. If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, plan a familiar route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes, and never going inside a home or car for a treat. Have your child carry a cellphone.
• Inspect treats before indulging. Don't let your child snack while he or she is trick-or-treating. Feed your child an early meal before heading out, and inspect the treats before your child eats them. Discard anything that's not sealed, has torn packaging or looks questionable. If you have young children, weed out gum, peanuts, hard candies and other choking hazards. If your child has food allergies, check candy labels carefully.
• Ration the loot. If your child collects lots of goodies, consider doling out a few pieces at a time. You might ask your child if he or she would like to swap some — or all — of the candy for something else, such as a toy, book or outing.

Stay safe and sweet on the home front:

To prepare for trick-or-treaters:

• Clean up. Put away tripping hazards, such as garden hoses, toys and bikes. Clear wet leaves, snow or other debris from the sidewalk.
• Turn the lights on. Replace burned-out bulbs to ensure visibility at the walkway and front door.
• Control your pets. Take no chances that your pet might be frightened and chase or bite a child at your door.
• Consider sugar substitutes. Instead of handing out sweets, try stickers, fun pencils, rubber insects or colored chalk.

If trick or treating isn't right for your child, consider planning a candy swap party with friends or neighbors. You might have a food-free costume contest and plan games and prizes. Or check local schools or community centers for other options.

And if you'll be driving on Halloween, watch for children crossing the street. Be especially careful entering or leaving driveways and alleys. Extra caution can help ensure Halloween safety for everyone.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Improving Cleanliness In Your Business

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Improving Cleanliness In Your Business

There are a few simple tricks a company can do to help improve the cleanliness in their building.

One way is to place a door mat right on the outside of the door, and right at the entrance of the home. That way when people come to visit, they can scrape off their feet and leave whatever dirt and particles they have on their shoes behind. Just make sure to wash the door mats regularly otherwise those particles will linger. On hardwood or tile surfaces mopping regularly is a must. It may seem like extra work, but it will help clean up dust and mold spores left behind.

Also, do not forget the walls. Oftentimes people forget walls when it comes to their cleaning routine, and it can be important because dirt and particles stick to walls just like any other piece of furniture or flooring. Having a mat outside the doors is just the first step to keeping a clean building.

Cleaning of floors and walls regularly is the next step and your building will be cleaner.

Any questions? 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What is a Puffback?!

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

What is a Puffback?

A puffback is when you turn on your furnace and you get black particles coming from your vents. That is called a PUFFBACK.

PUFFBACKS can arise when a furnace or oil burner malfunctions....oil is ignited and an "explosion" in the fire box occurs.

Three things to know about Puffbacks: 1. Puffback Is an Uncontrolled Explosion

2. Puffback Can Affect Both Oil and Gas Furnaces

3. Numerous Underlying Issues Can Lead to Puffback.

Puffbacks can be very dangerous to you and your home or business.

Be careful, cautious, and call SERVPRO of Fayette. We will clean damaged homes, businesses, and contents.

Contents include furniture, blinds, carpets and more!

If you have any questions please call us today!! 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Five Factors That Affect the Cost of Mold Removal

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Five Factors That Affect the Cost of Mold Removal

Five Factors That Affect the Cost of Mold Removal

The cost of professional mold removal services for your home in Fayette County, can average anywhere from $500 to $6,000, with some infestations costing much more.

Here are five factors that will affect the overall price:

1. Size of the Mold Problem  While you might be able to save money by tackling very small mold problems on your own, you will need the help of a mold remediation specialist for larger problems. Generally, the more widespread the problem is, the higher the cost. 

2. Expense of Added Mold Testing  If you want a better idea of the levels of mold in your home and what species of mold is present, you can request a mold test at an added expense. A specialist should be able to address any type of mold growth that is found, including performing black mold removal. 

3. Location of the Mold  If the mold in your home is easy to access, such as on the surface of the wall or floor, you can expect to pay less for mold removal. However, if mold is dwelling deep inside your walls or somewhere else that is hard to access or requires demolition, the price will rise. 

4. Source of the Problem: What caused the mold to grow in the first place? If your mold problem was caused by a large underlying issue, such a leaking roof, you will also need to consider the cost of addressing this issue. 

5. Cost of Required Restoration  If mold gets into the structure of your home, infects your carpet, or damages your belongings, the remediation specialist will complete the mold cleanup process and then fix any damage that has been caused. From replacing your carpet to completely rebuilding walls, these costs will certainly build up.  Dealing with mold removal can be costly, but it is a necessary process. As you prepare to call in a mold remediation specialist, estimate what you can expect to pay by considering these five factors.

Any questions, call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Why Choose SERVPRO?

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Fayette County?

There is multiple reasons to call and choose SERVPRO of Fayette County! But here are a few reasons:

We have restoration for multiple situations from fires, water removal, and mold remediation. We have response time for work to damaging storms. Our business has restoration for all of your contents and can dry all of your documents in your home or business. We also offer services for inventory claims. SERVPRO of Fayette County also offers cleaning services for your convenience. Anywhere from air duct, biohazard, carpets, and deodorization.

So this is why you should choose SERVPRO of Fayette County for any kind of service for your home or business. 

Please call today for a free estimate!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Fire Drills

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Drills

Who else used to love fire drill days?!

We all remember those days when fire drills happened in school! Most of us loved them because it was a time to get a small 20-minute break from our classes, unless you had to stand out in the blazing heat or freezing cold, right?!

Well did you know that fire drills are not just for schools, they should be practiced by businesses and even with your families in case of an emergency happening! There is nothing better than being prepared ahead of an emergency. It is crucial to the safety of all that everyone knows more than one way to exit your building or home. Important things to cover are a designated meeting spot (a safe distance from the structure where a headcount can be taken to inform first responders of anyone left in the building), and what to do should you not be able to have an escape route. 

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, we suggest that you regularly perform a “fire drill” so that the plan is understood and walked through. That your peers or family members know what to do and how to keep themselves and others safe.

If disaster should strike your home or business, know that SERVPRO of Fayette County is ready 24/7, 365. Call us at 724-628-3022 to help walk with you through the cleanup and repairs if an emergency happens in your home or commercial business. Call us!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Undectable Water Damage

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know water damage can be hiding?!

Water damage can be some tough stuff to deal with, especially when the source of the water is small but continuous.

This continuing water source can cause serious but undetectable damage to the inside of walls, floors, and under carpets. It's not noticeable until the problem is big enough to be recognized but the damage is already done by allowing the problem to go on and if it's not treated properly, mold can start to show, making the project even more expensive.

So to avoid this problem and save some money, make sure you check your hot water tank and visible water piping throughout the house often to make sure that everything is running fine.

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Do you have a Storm Door?

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have a Storm Door?

If your home's front door is durable and sturdy, a storm door may seem unnecessary. However, there are more benefits to a storm door, such as added protection against intrusion and energy efficiency. Here are some advantages that will help you decide if having a storm door is for you.

1. Noise Minimization- Noise travels the air through molecule vibrations. Recording studios use doubled doors that contain thick material to slow down the vibration of air, therefore reducing noise entry into a room. Similarly, storm doors introduce a noise reducing effect, turning your home into a quiet getaway.

2. Energy Efficiency- The first principle of insulation is that the seal of the barrier should have no gap, therefore not allowing temperature-regulated air to escape, and unregulated air to enter. A storm door can help improve insulation by adding barriers to your entryway, which is the most susceptible part of your home.

3. Security- Storm doors generally come with a bolt-and-padlock feature, advanced security vault locks or strengthen screens and reinforced fiberglass. These features add security to the home, compared to a regular door.

4. Style- The entrance door of your home is the first thing people see. If you are looking to make a good impression, storm doors can be crafted with elegance and according to your specifications using materials such as wood, plexiglass, aluminum, and PVC.

5. Affordability- Replacing any door in your home is not cheap. You will have to buy a prefabricated door, or the materials to make one and hire a professional contractor to install it. A beautifully designed storm door can be a better solution than simply replacing it with another regular door since it is more durable and reliable.

6. Ventilation- Storm doors are versatile and generally have screen and fiberglass windows, allowing to switch between them, to get air flow, or maintain indoor temperatures.

7. Value- Storm doors are durable and affordable. They can be made from wood, aluminum or other sturdy materials. They are made to last and can be a great investment because they will add value to your home if you decide to sell it in the future.

Any questions?

Call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Do you have Carpet Damage from Pets?

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have Carpet Damage from Pets?

Do you have animals? Your new puppy has marked their territory? Your new kitten missed the litter pan? If this has happened to you which happens more than you think. 

SERVPRO of Fayette County can help you with cleaning your carpets correctly. SERVPRO of Fayette County can be called to clean and deodorize your carpet that was soiled by a puppy or any animal. SERVPRO of Fayette County knows how stressful it can be to have a new pet and that smell can be awful. So we can get your home smelling very fresh again without you having to worry about the odor staying in your home. SERVPRO of Fayette County will make you as a customer very happy with the end result.

Call today for a free estimate.

“Like it never even happened.”

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Is Hoarding A Problem?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Is Hoarding A Problem?

Hoarding--

It was a term which began with folks known to have their savings by them, probably hidden inside their flock-beds; in the contemporary day, hoarding in a living or work space is a pattern characterized by excessive acquisition of and/or an inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home, or an office area. 

You may have made a commitment to clear out and clean out. 

It takes time.

Some conditions that may be present in a hoarding situation:

• Beds that cannot be slept in;
• Kitchens that cannot be used for food preparation;
• Tables, chairs, or sofas that cannot be used for dining or sitting;
• Unsanitary bathrooms; Tubs, showers, and sinks filled with items and can no longer be used for washing or bathing;
• Their clutter and mess is at a point where it can cause illness, distress, and impairment. 

Also, if pets are present, they may have caused significant damage to floors and carpeting because they have been having accidents inside. 

We do rebuild--We are also capable of laying flooring, carpeting and much, much more.  We are here to help, and estimates are complimentary.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Do you know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING?

Do you know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING?

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They start out as powerful thunderstorms and build up into funnel-shaped clouds that reach from the thunderstorm to the ground. These whirling winds can reach up to 300 miles per hour and have the capability to destroy everything in its path. Tornadoes develop quickly and there may be little to no advanced warning before one hits your area. The best thing to do is know the basics and be sure to plan ahead. 

A tornado WATCH is the term used to identify that the weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. This is a time to stay alert and prepare for a possible tornado. When experiencing a tornado WARNING, that means a tornado has been spotted and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in its path. This is a time to act and find shelter. Everyone should have a way to receive a tornado warning even while sleeping.

Emergency alerts can sound an alarm on your smartphone when a warning is issued for your area. When a warning is issued, it is best to seek shelter in a small interior room of a sturdy building; a basement, closet, hallway or a windowless bathroom.  

Knowing the difference between the two can prepare you for the necessary steps to take when considering the threat of severe weather.

If you have any questions, call 724-628-3022.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

Do you think you keep your HVAC system clean?

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity.

If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system. You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days. Check any connections for damage.

If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning. You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system.

If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Fayette County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork. If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well. If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup. SERVPRO of Fayette County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and system.

We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Fayette county at 724-628-3022 for a free estimate   

Undectable Water Damage

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be some tough stuff to deal with, especially when the source of the water is small but continuous. This continuing water source can cause serious but undetectable damage to the inside of walls, floors, and under carpets. It's not noticeable until the problem is big enough to be recognized but the damage is already done by allowing the problem to go on and if it's not treated properly, mold can start to show, making the project even more expensive. So to avoid this problem and save some money, make sure you check your hot water tank and visible water piping throughout the house often to make sure that everything is running fine.

"Like it never even happened." 

Call us today at 724-628-3022

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

Power Outages with Having a Sump Pump

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Guide of Sump Pump.

Here is information about sump pumps:

If you have a sump pump, most of the time you don't realize how important it is until it stops working. 

Power outages, failure, and a sump pump that cannot handle the capacity are common problems.

• Avoid potential problems by doing routine inspections or replacing your old sump pump. Usually sump pumps should be replaced about 5 years or according to manufacturer's guidelines and each year the sump, switch and float should be inspected as well. 
• Pay attention to how often the sump pump is running and if it runs regularly or there is a higher water table, consider a sump pump with higher horsepower. 
• Another way to increase the pump's efficiency and prolong its life is to clean your sump pit, remove any dirt, sand, gravel and other debris routinely. Ensure that the discharge line opening is free of obstructions so that water can be pumped through the line and out of your basement or crawlspace and also be aware in the winter the discharge line may freeze bringing the water back into your house.
• Regular checks can make sure you don't ever get surprised by your sump pump!

If you have any questions, give us a call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Overflowing Dishwasher

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing Dishwasher

When it comes to an overflowing dishwasher in your Fayette County home or business, finding water cleanup services as quickly as possible is the best thing you can do for your property.

Water Damages wait for no one and come at the most inconvenient times. Without immediate attention, excess moisture can cause mold.   Imagine a scenario where you did not realize regular dish soap cannot be used in a dishwasher, and the resulting overflow left you in need of urgent water restoration services. As the suds pop and deflate, leaving a puddle behind, the tile of your floor can become endangered, as well as your cabinetry. When you call SERVPRO at Fayette County for help, our technicians can come to your home quickly.  

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we pride ourselves on being experts at water remediation. To find hidden pockets of water, we can:    

• Use thermal imaging cameras, to locate pockets between walls and under the flooring  Remove the toe kicks from below your counters to look under them.
• Use moisture meters to measure levels inside of your home.  
• Using some advanced technological devices, we can reach difficult places in your home! 

Our SERVPRO of Fayette County technicians can use the following advanced technological devices to remove excess water:   

• Extractors   
• Wet/dry vacuums     
• Flood drying mats   
• Dehumidifiers    

Our technicians always aim to leave your home feeling like it did before your water-related problems began.

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, so give us a call at 724-628-3022. We're dedicated to leaving you feeling happy about the service you received.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

Cigarette Fire

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

A cigarette fire in Fayette County or anywhere else could occur, it is preventable by practicing a bit of common sense while indulging in a habit that many find relaxing. Fire cleanup, whether a small convenience or major undertaking, is an activity that no one would find relaxing.

Ways to Avoid Fires from Cigarettes:  

It is a fact that smoking indoors is a leading cause of house fires. Before lighting up, consider the following tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

• Smoke outdoors. Homes are filled with flammable materials; an additional benefit to smoking outside is that you can avoid the need to deodorize your home from cigarette smoke.

• Do not smoke while taking medications that increase drowsiness. Avoid alcohol consumption that might also make you less aware of your surroundings.

• Make sure to completely put out your cigarette. Cigarette butts can smolder for hours.

• Never smoke in bed. You are more likely to fall asleep there, and bedrooms are typically filled with combustible materials.

• Empty ashtrays regularly to avoid an ashtray fire.

• Use an ashtray with a wide base or with a weighted bottom to prevent tip overs.

• Do not smoke around medical oxygen tanks. They can explode from exposure to sparks or flames.

• Use water to make sure that cigarettes are completely out before putting butts into trash receptacles.

• Do not leave a lighted cigarette unattended. Pets, children, or even gravity could dislodge it and bring it into contact with flammable material.

• Vaping also poses fire and burn risks because electronic cigarettes can, and have been known to, explode.

All fire personnel know that a cigarette fire is an all-too-common occurrence that can be easily avoided with some foresight. Responsible smoking practices can serve the dual purpose of indulging in a personal pleasure and keeping yourself and others safe.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Preventing Grease Fires

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing Grease Fires

How to Prevent Grease Fires:

It might surprise you that grease is the common culprit when it comes to initiating the majority of kitchen fires. Grease fires can become uncontrollable in very little time, so it is necessary to prevent them from igniting in your kitchen. Be conscious of safe and dangerous practices alike for cooking with hot oil in order to best protect your home from grease fires.

Safe Practices: 

• Be sure to remove any flammable objects from the cooking area before you begin cooking. If a grease fire were to ignite, leaving combustible items, including cookbooks or paper towels, on the cooking surface or even in areas surrounding the surface enhances the risk of the grease fire expanding, as those items would also catch fire.
• While cooking, make sure that you are monitoring the cooking space. Turning your back for even a few seconds can allow for a grease fire to ignite, so it is crucial to be as attentive as possible when cooking with hot oil and grease.
• Also, be sure to save any cocktails that you may be drinking before the meal until after you’ve finished cooking in order to prevent misjudgment or any mistakes from occurring that could cause a grease fire.
• In the event that a grease fire does ignite, however, keep a metal lid as well as some baking soda nearby, as both can be used to smother it. It is important to understand, though, that baking soda should only be used to smother small, isolated grease fires.

Dangerous Practices:

• Throwing food into hot oil would be an example of a dangerous practice when cooking with hot oil. Doing so can cause the hot oil to splash and potentially find its way onto the hot cooking surface, resulting in a grease fire. Instead, be sure to gently place the food into the hot oil.
• This is especially important to remember when cooking with frozen food. Allow those foods to thaw before cooking them in hot oil.
• Finally, refrain from throwing any type of liquid onto a grease fire if one were to break out, as doing so may cause the fire to grow instead of smother.

Any questions, give us a call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Different Types of Storm Damage

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

Different Types of Storm Damage

Did you know that there are different types of Storm Damage?

Storm Related Water Damage

-This category of storm damage includes flooding events like tropical storms, flash floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes or Pretty much any storm related event that causes water to intrude into your home or business. This type of damage often happens as a result of or alongside several of the other common types of storm damage. 

Wind Damage

-High winds can cause significant damage to roofs, trees, vehicles and windows.

Hail Damage

-Dents in shingles, vents and cars

Lightening Damage

-Can spark fires

Winter Storms

-Freezing Rain, snow which can cause roof collapse, ice dams and pipe burst.

Regardless of the type of storm damage that you may experience, SERVPRO of Fayette County is available to walk you through the necessary steps needed to restore your home or business.

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Properly Restored Items After Water Damage

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Can you restore items after water damage??

Which Item Can Be Properly Restored And Which Must Be Replaced:

If you have a flooded company building, there are many things you need to consider. With any type of water damage to your building, after restoration experts have properly mitigated damage, there is still the issue of content care with items inside your building.   

Electronics: After a flood or plumbing issue such as a broken pipe, electronics should be the main concern, as lasting water damage can irrevocably damage them. Electronics should all be powered off, such as:  

• Computers or desktops 
• DVD players  
• Televisions  Laptops  
• Phones     

If electronics have been damaged during a flood, it's a good idea to have them professionally restored. This may include drying the gadget and cleaning the corrosion. 

Food: 

• If your flooded company stored any food within the building, you should wash, rinse, and disinfect anything that was in a metal can or retort pouch. After that, as long as the contents inside were not damaged, it is still safe to consume. Any utensils made of metal can be washed and sanitized, but anything made of wood that has come into contact with any water should be thrown out. 

Carpet:

• Carpets are porous and should most likely be thrown out if they have significant damage. This is because carpets and rugs are porous and can attract mold or mildew, which will cause you more problems later on. If you have carpets or rugs that are not significantly damaged, bring them to a professional dry cleaning service before using them again.

With any type of water damage, it's important to document and report any damaged items to your insurance company. Items you need to replace within your company may be covered by insurance. If your commercial building has experienced any water damage event, it's important to clean and restore contents as soon as possible. A flooded company building should be properly restored before letting your employees come back to work.

Any questions? Give us a call.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Coffee Pots and Mold

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning coffee pots.

Everyone loves a good cup of coffee (yes, even the stuff made in the office), but would they love it so much if they knew what was growing in the pot?

Coffee pots are constantly full of water, and chances are they are not properly cleaned at the end of each day. The result is generally hidden mold growth that infects every cup of coffee poured. If you want your employees or customers to stay healthy and happy, keep your coffee pots clean. As a bonus for your efforts, your coffee will taste better (and it won’t have that moldy smell anymore either).

How To Clean Your Coffee Pot: 

Cleaning your coffee pot is simple and shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes each week. Use these six steps, provided by SERVPRO of Fayette County mold remediation team, to prevent mold growth in your coffee pot and chamber:

1. Make a solution that is equal parts water and vinegar. Pour this in your coffeemaker’s water chamber.

2. Set your pot to brew. Allow it to do its job as normal until the water chamber is half empty.

3. Turn off the machine and let it sit for half an hour, then resume brewing.

4. Rinse the machine thoroughly, then put in a new filter. Fill the water chamber with just water. Allow it to run through the brewing cycle twice.

5. Fill the carafe with warm water, some soap and a small amount of either rice or sugar, both of which serve as a gentle abrasive. Twirl the combination around in the pot, and use a sponge to remove any excess buildup. Rinse and dry thoroughly.  

6. Wipe down the outside of your coffeemaker with a damp cloth.  

While steps one through four should be done weekly, steps five and six should be done at the end of each day. By spending an hour each week cleaning your coffee pots, you can prevent mold growth and keep your employees/ customers happy and healthy.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Hardwood Floor Cleanings

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Mop cleaning on Hardwood Floors.

Did you know? 

Hardwood cleaning is a lot more than just sweeping and mopping! 

it may look clean but the flooring still builds up and accumulates soil. The sweeping and mopping does not get the breakdown of the soil. It just keeps the floor tidy.

Once you get a SERVPRO of Fayette County Professional in the home, they can restore the flooring for you. The SERVPRO Professional hardwood floor cleaning is more intensive then what you think. SERVPRO has trained Professionals to know how to complete the hardwood floor cleaning.  SERVPRO wants you to get your wood floors back and looking as good as new.

Call us today for a Free Estimate and schedule a Hardwood Floor Cleaning!

"Like it never even happened."

Tracy "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

We are Certified

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Certifications for a SERVPRO of Fayette County Employee:

SERVPRO of Fayette County Professionals 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. 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. Here are some certifications that our Professionals can receive are:

• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• ICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Happy New Year!

1/3/2021 (Permalink)

2021, Happy New Year!

The new year is here! 2020 was not a great year for the most of us. This is the year of growth in all areas of life from professional growth, to spiritual growth and even physical growth. Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals for each category and section of your life to make sure that you're making progress towards where you want to be this year. Goals are important in succeeding in life because it helps you visualize what you want to do as well as stay up to date on what you've done and what you still need to accomplish.

Above all, never lose confidence in yourself and what you can accomplish by trying. They say life is like watching a television, if you don't like the channel, all you have to do is get up and change it yourself.

Let's make 2021 a better year for you and everyone else. 

Having trouble with Vandalism?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism

Has your business ever experience vandalism?

Are you always fixing your business from vandalism?

Vandalism can be a pain for you and your business, it hurt you emotionally and financially. People do not understand that but here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, we do. SO, 

Here are some Do's and Don'ts by SERVPRO of Fayette County: 

Vandalism Damage

Do:

• Clean egg damage as soon as possible.
• Clean up glass from carpets and upholstery.
• Save any containers that list all of the ingredients of the damaging products.

Don’t:

• Remove ink or paint.
• Operate any electronics.
• Get rid of any furniture wood chips, furniture, or any art objects

If you have any questions, call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Inventory Services

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, we use our inventory service method when coming into your home. We know how everything in your home is important to you and you do not want to loose things after we have been in your home.

A reason to choose SERVPRO of Fayette County is because we offer Inventory Services. We have multiple services for you as a customer. SERVPRO of Fayette County offers emergency and preloss inventory. We do restoration and replacement cost analysis to help you, as the customer. We offer complete inventory. This is to show you the total loss items, questionable items, and items that can be restored. SERVPRO of Fayette County does electronic reporting that uses an Excel Spreadsheet. This spreadsheet reports the increase in the flexibility needs.

Questions?

Call 724-628-3022

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

"Like it never even happened."

Broken Pipes?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Do you think you need to repair your pipes?

Pipes can break for three different reasons. You should always have a grid of pipes within your walls and floors. Here are a few of the most common ways a pipe can burst and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

• One thing can be frozen pipes. In the winter, homeowners need to be careful when using their pipes. Extremely cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze. The ice in the pipes can take up more volume than water. When the water within the pipe freezes, it expands and increases pressure. This pressure can literally make the pipe burst. You can help prevent this from happening, try to keep the water in your pipes running. This will stop the water from freezing. Remember to keep your house warm and never let it go below freezing while you are on vacation or out of the house. You can always insulate exposed water pipes with foam.
• Second reason can be rusty pipes. Pipes are made to last a long time, but the pipes are not invincible. Over time, pipes wear out and rust. When this happens, a pipe break is more likely to break due because the pipes are too vulnerable. If you think your pipes are old, inspect them or call a professional to help you out. Fix a broken pipe as soon as possible to avoid any type of flooding or water damage.
• A third reason for your pipes to break are unsecured pipes. When the pipes in your home can move around and cling, this means that they are not secured. Joints in the pipes can weaken, which makes it easier for pressure to find a way out of the pipes and this can create a leak or burst. When hearing your pipes make noise, fix and secure the weakened pipe.

To help a pipe from breaking, you should take precautions. When you think something is wrong with your pipes, fix them as soon as you can.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Color Repair Certificate

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Fayette County?

Well there are many reasons but here is one now.

SERVPRO of Fayette County have their professionals certified in different types of fields from Odor Control to Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration. One of the certifications that a SERVPRO professional has is a Color Repair Certificate (CRT). This means the person knows how to clean and renew colors with different types of fabrics and carpeting. The SERVPRO of Fayette County Professional understands the history of color, color theory, natural and synthetic dyes, dye methods, types of dyes, types of fibers, carpet styles and dye procedures. Other topics covered include color related cleaning issues such as fading, color loss due to contamination or bleaching, and the use of cleaning agents that may affect or remove color from carpet.

If you have any other questions, give us a call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

We can HELP you sell your home!

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Happy family that sold their home!

Ready to sell your home or business?

We know it can be very tricky to sell your home and keep up with standards and codes but SERVPRO of Fayette County is here to help you today!

SERVPRO of Fayette County help you with that. We can get your home clean and help you pass more inspections then you can sell even faster. Which will make you feel better. SERVPRO of Fayette County will make sure the home is smelling fantastic. We can have your listing be the top of the show by doing things such as carpets, deodorization, duct cleaning, mold remediation, and much much more. 

With the help from us, will leave you with less stress.

Just give us a call today!

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Proactive Cleaning

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

In light of the recent pandemic, many businesses have been asked to close their doors. However, because of the nature of our work, we're still open, we're still on call, we're still here to help. SERVPRO of Fayette County has a number of services to help all sorts of businesses in their time of need to catapult them back to their feet when it's time to re-open their store.

We are currently offering Viral Cleaning, also known as Proactive Cleaning, to ensure that your location is up to code and clean in the event of a viral outbreak in your building. By using Electrostatic Fogging, we can provide less expensive per square foot cost, more comprehensive coverage, and provide certified documentation that your facility has been cleaned by a trained IICRC certified company as opposed to traditional disinfectant and sanitizing services. In addition, the product we use is free of allergens and is so safe that it has been approved for human consumption.

If your business or even home has been exposed, give us a call today to schedule!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Harmful Waste in a Commercial Building

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Hazardous Waste

Experiencing any issues with Harmful Waste in your Business? Or even in your home?

This can be devastating to you and your business and home.

If so call SERVPRO of Fayette County today.

Harmful Waste is a constant of Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, and more. In Case of an emergency here are some DO's and DONT's that SERVPRO of Fayette County offers: 

DO:

• Stay out of all areas that were affected.
• Call emergency personnel if the source is life- threatening.
• Always treat it as if the area is contaminated.

Don’t:

• Clean up any areas.
• Touch anything because the items could be contaminated. *If this happens, please consult your local health department or physician.

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Dry Ice Blasting

You are probably asking yourself what is Dry Ice Blasting and never heard of it. 

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

It is a blasting method that uses CO2 in a solid form, which means dry ice pellets are being used.  It is a very fast cleaning method. Dry Ice will clean the industrial equipment faster than any other type of method. removing unwanted coatings like any paint or rust. More commonly used for industrial and commercial applications with dry ice as the cleaning media.

Dry Ice Blasting has also become the preferred method to remove smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins and char. Advanced Indoor Air Quality Care uses C02dry ice blasting and can reduce or eliminate the musty burnt smell that results from fire, smoke and water damage. Another plus to the dry ice blasting technique is that it is environmentally friendly. 

Any questions, call SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Types of Smoke

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are different types of smoke that can occur? The answer is Yes. 

There are different types of smoke that can occur. The main three that occur are Wet, Dry, and Protein.

Wet Smoke works with plastics and rubbers that have low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and smeary.

Dry Smoke works with paper and wood that is fast burning, has high temperatures, and the heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Smoke is produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. It is virtually invisible, has discolors paints and varnishes, and also has an extreme pungent odor.

If you have any questions give SERVPRO of Fayette County a call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Emergency Water Damage Tips

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water in your home can happen at any time. The water can also come super fast if there are any type of storms or flooding.

So here are some emergency water damage tip from SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

Emergency Water Damage Tips:

-First Step is to shut off the water source if it is available.

-You can remove all of the overabundant water by mopping.

-You should remove or set up the upholstery cushions to help dry.

-You could also put up furniture by using wood blocks.

-Move all rugs from soaked carpets.

-Please do not use a vacuum to remove any excess water from the home.

-Please do not use ceiling fans if wet and stay out of the rooms that have a bulge ceiling.

-Do not leave any type of books or colored items on carpets.

-Lastly, remove wet fabrics and do not leave them in their place

For any questions, call 724-628-3022.

We are open 24/7 for any type of disaster.

"Like it never even happened."

One reason why should choose SERPVRO over any other company

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Are you asking yourself, why should I choose SERVPRO? 

Well we have an answer for you!

SERVPRO of Fayette County has certified employee training to get them all successful as a Professional in any type of situation. The employee is awarded the certificate after completing the course and taking an examination Once they are rewarded they are certified. There are multiple certifications the employee can receive. The employee is also welcomed to continue their education to know and learn more about the information that they need to know to handle any kind of SERVPRO situation.

Plus much more!

We are Certified and the other companies may not be. 

"Like it never even happened."

Call if you have any more questions. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Facts about your Christmas Tree and the dangers.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Dangers of Christmas Tree Fires.

Fire dangers with you Christmas Tree:

For everyone who has a real live tree for Christmas. SERVPRO of Fayette County wants to inform facts about Christmas tree fires by the National Fire Protection Association.

Here are some Christmas tree fire facts that you and your family should know. With your Christmas Trees, the years between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. The fires have caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually. NFPA stated that on average, one of every 52 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 135 total reported home fires. Here are some three top reasons for Christmas tree fires: Some electrical distribution or lighting equipment like faulty wires or bulbs was involved in 44% of home Christmas tree fires. Reportedly, 25% of the Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment (space heaters), was too close to the Christmas tree. Lastly reported, that 21% of Christmas tree fires were intentional. Make sure if you are going to burn your Christmas tree, that it is done safely outside away from any structures, trees, or other flammable materials. Some more facts that were reported are that roughly three-quarters of Christmas tree fires occurred in December or January and 39% home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

SERVPRO of Fayette County hopes no one will have a Christmas tree or holiday fire but if you  happen to experience a fire in your home whether it is due to a Christmas tree, holiday décor, or cooking, give us a call at any time!

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays/Holiday-fires-by-the-numbers

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Faculty Water Heater Tanks

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Faulty Water Heater Tank can cause flooding.

Do you ever think about checking on your water heater tank?

The water heater tank is a very important part of your home. It helps warm the water in your home for showers, sinks, and washing machines among other things. It is very important because some of those things cannot be done with cold water or it isn't properly done with cold water. Nothing can be properly killed like bacteria without hot water. You should always check on your water heater tank monthly or every couple months. If your tank is faulty, it could leak and spill water all throughout the area in which the tank is located. This can cause water damage and mold potentially. It could also raise your water bill and cause all kinds of problems with water temperature and water pressure occasionally. If the  tank is completely broken, it could still leak water and cause all kinds of damage. Then it can also kill all the hot water in your building as well. This can cost a pretty penny to fix it or even get a new one. The water heater tank is something that must have an eye. Injuries can also be a factor if a water heater tank is broken. Some common water heater injuries that occur is that thousands of children are injured each year from scalding hot water that is the result of a water heater temperature being set too high. Some other factors can be leaks, fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even explosions are all possible causes of injury.

Here are seven main signs that your water heater tank could be broken.

1. You don't have enough hot water.

2. You have varying water temperature issues.

3. You have a leaking water heater.

4. You notice reduced water flow.

5. You're hearing some concerning sounds.

6. You have smelly or discolored water.

7. Your water heater is on the older end of the spectrum.

Carpet Cleaning

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning has many ways of being completed. There are different methods of ways of carpet cleaning.

• Bonnet Cleaning is a less aggressive method for short pile carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction is different. It is a deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse helps restore deeply soiled areas in the carpet.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning is the most thorough cleaning method that SERVPRO of Fayette offers.
• Dry Cleaning is used when color-fastness is an issue.

For carpet cleaning you should get your carpets done every 12 months. If carpets are not taken care of, they can soil so bad that they will never return to the restored fibers.

SERVPRO of Fayette County can help you get your carpets looking better than before.

For any questions, please call. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Winter Storms

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Winter Storms and some cautions to be concerned about.

Does your area get affected by winter storms?

Winter storms can be a disaster for your home or business. We are here to help you avoid water damage or fire damage SERVPRO of Fayette is here to educate the community of the best practices that you should use.

A major winter storm can be lethal. You should prepare for the cold weather conditions and respond to them effectively so you can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms. 

Before the storm hits: You should watch and be familiar with winter storm warning messages. (See Winter Storm Watches and Warnings.) Make sure you service any snow removal equipment, have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways, and you can use kitty litter to generate temporary traction. Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel and make sure regular fuel sources may be cut off. You should also winterize your home. Here are some tips to do so: Insulate walls and attic, Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

In case you do not have. have safe emergency heating equipment available. Examples :Fireplace with ample supply of wood, Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel, and Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters. You should always install and check smoke detectors.

Another tip is that you can contact your Parish Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter storms. When storms hit, it is a good idea to do some things to help keep pipes from freezing: Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers, Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture, Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing, and Know how to shut off water valves.

Lastly, you should have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out. Some things to keep around: Flashlight and extra batteries, Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, First aid kit, One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off), Non Electric can opener, One-week supply of essential prescription medications, Extra blankets and sleeping bags, and Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type).

Any questions, you can also call us!

Thunderstorms and Damage

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be one of the more dramatic weather events and they can make themselves known through the crashes and bright bolts of lightning.

Here is how storms can cause damage to your home so you can be aware of what to watch out for. There are several ways that a thunderstorm can lead to issues around the house. Some main ways can be lightning damage, flood damage and the development of water leaks that are in your home. Knowing what can happen is the best way to keep yourself and your home safe/ damage-free.

Three main things can happen when a thunderstorm rolls through your area.

1. Lightning Damage: Some thunderstorms are caused by electrical charges in the air, this produces the lightning and thunder we can see and hear. While many lightning bolts will strike from cloud to cloud, the ones that strike the ground can cause serious damage to buildings/homes. Lightning that strikes on or near a home can send an electrical current through the wiring, which can lead to surges to electronics and even electrical fires within the walls of your home or business.

2. Flood Damage: Floods can be caused for many reasons, but flash floods are caused by sudden, heavy rainfall that overwhelms an area, and they can cause serious damage to the area. Flash floods are a big concern after thunderstorms because they can overwhelm any area and multiple areas. They can catch people off guard, so it is important to always be listening about the weather because flash flooding is a possibility. While the physical damage can cause devastation, the flash floods can also be very dangerous.

3. Water Leaks: Leaks in the house are extremely common after heavy rain, as the moisture can work its way into the home that homeowners were not aware of. You should check your roof after every big storm to look for missing shingles or any indicator that there is a leak underneath. Also check around all windows and doors to ensure their seals have held up and be sure there is no water in your gutters or around your foundation to help with flooding and water damage.

Worrying about Storms?

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone worries about any kind of storms and what kind of damage that they could do to your home and/ or business. Do not worry too much because SERVPRO of Fayette County is here for you.

After a storm situation there are Service Response Guidelines for SERVPRO of Fayette County. You as a customer just have to remember 1.4. and 8.

1: Within an hour, SERVPRO of Fayette County will be in contact with you.

4: Within four hours, SERVPRO of Fayette County will be onsite if it is urgent.

8: Within 8 hours, there will be a briefing given to you verbally from a service tech from SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

If you ever have any questions about preparing for a storm or any questions for any after math, please give us a call. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage after a house fire.

If you experience any fire damage, here are some tips.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips:

- Stop further damage can be used by restricting movement.

-Place towels or linens on more trafficked areas in everything from the fridge/ freezer, and prop open doors to help from soiling.

-When it comes to your chrome items in the kitchen, bathroom faucets, and appliances with lights use a coating of petroleum jelly to help keep your items clean and safe.

-Please do not try to clean or fix painted surfaces and walls. You should contact a SERVPRO Professional.

-Another reason to talk to a SERVPRO Professional is to ask about cleaning carpets and upholstery.

-Do not clean electrical appliances because they could have been way too close to the fire. You should talk to a professional before cleaning.

Call us today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3200

SERVPRO of Fayette County Communities

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Customers and our communities should be a main priority. 

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette County we always put the customer's needs before our own but this should also extend to the community needs. As a SERVPRO Professional, we always try our best to help those in need whenever we see our people in our community down on their luck by giving them food, essential needs, or even just a little positive word of encouragement. Helping one person can extend to helping the whole community.

There are multiple ways to help your community that is super easy. One of the most important things you can do for a community is to properly dispose of waste and recycle things that can be recycled. Maybe even start recycling yourself but when you are out in public you should always clean up after yourself. This helps the community and its beauty. You would rather see your home clean so why not the community also for you and your family. SERVPRO of Fayette County is always looking into ways to improve their communities and build together.

Separating and organizing during a fire.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleaning during fire damage

During fire cleaning SERVPRO Professionals are specific. In a fire damage, we will separate and organize all items in your home. We will even keep items that were not cleaned completely because as Professionals, we do not throw anything out unless upon the request of the customer. We are very responsible for your household items because they are important to you. When cleaning, we will clean the product to remove every day soiling but if the professionals try with much effort and the soiling does not remove they will be instructed to move on. Everything in your home will be documented. When it comes to personal items such as guns and ammunition, jewelry, valuables and heirlooms, SERVPRO will ask you to relocate items before starting.

"Like it never even happened."

Any questions call, 724-628-3022 and ask for Tracie "Dusty" Nichols.

SERVPRO of Fayette County and How Important Our Community is to Us.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, our number one priority is to make our customers happy. It may sound like the very hard task but we make sure we are arriving on the scene when circumstances for our customers are very upsetting. Which may be a fire in their home, a busted pipe which has caused water damage, mold in their office building. These are all very difficult situations especially emotional which is  reason for our employees to be sensitive to what our customers are dealing with.

Depending upon the damage, we could spend days, weeks, or even months in customer’s home or office. We get to know our clients one on one. We get to know them by carefully handling all of their cherished items in their home, sometimes cleaning them and packing them away until their homes are restored. At the end of the day, we are just people helping people. 

Protecting your property from flooding.

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding to your home can be troublesome.

Have trouble with flooding?

Here is what to do to help protect your property before flooding:

• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
• If there are no restrictions, and you are building in a floodplain, take precautions, making it less likely your home will be damaged during a flood.
• Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher floors or the attic if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Construct barriers such as levees, berms, and flood walls to stop flood water from entering the building.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
• Consult with a construction professional for further information if these and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

SERVPRO as One

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Why should you choose SERVPRO of Fayette County?

This is why!

SERVPRO of Fayette County is different from other companies. We have employees that are professionals, the employees have the experience, and the professionals have training with the right equipment for the each job. For the training each employee has to take trainings for restoration needs and they will receive a certificate. This will help the employee understand the industry's standards. SERVPRO of Fayette County also has the right equipment for each job that is presented to them. So we can make sure the job is done correctly. The equipment helps with cleaning and the restoration process of the job.

So why choose SERVPRO? We promise.

“Like it never even happened.”

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3200

Cleaning Dryer Vents

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Do you clean out your dryer vents often?!

Here is why you should do it more than you think!

SERVPRO Of Fayette County want to send you a reminder to clean out your dryer vent! If it is clogged or has built up it could lead to a fire. Over 3,000 residential fires occur due to dryer lint build up. Shocking, right?! Fire starting from not cleaning out your dryer vent is one thing but another reason to do so is to help out with your appliance to work efficiently and to save on your utility bill.

So call SERVPRO of Fayette County, our professionals are here to help you or even give you some tips!

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Halloween Fun

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Can you believe that Summer is already over and October has already hit us! Aren't you ready for fall sweaters, to cuddle up with warm blankets, and some hot apple cider or hot chocolate?! Sometimes this means big things for some people like, HALLOWEEN!

Halloween is one of the most favorite holiday to some. There's always a ton to do like haunted houses, picking out costumes, corn mazes, trick or treating, decorating, and having some Halloween parties.

Decorating can be a hassle but also can be very enjoyable. If some people decide to do Jack-O- Lanterns, here are some tips for them to be safe. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind to keep your pumpkin carving. If you decide to paint your pumpkin that is fine too. Both ways are super fun and be enjoyable with your family or friends. 

1) When carving with a knife, make sure to wear gloves. We do not want any accidents. 

2) Clear any leaves of other debris from area

3) If there will be trick or treaters or any type walk way that will be used please keep the Jack-O-Lanterns out of the way. So no one trips or they get burnt by candles if used. 

4) Don't place lids back on pumpkins if there is not at least 2 inches of space between the flame and the lid.

5) Some people think it is safer to use a fake candle instead of a live lite candle so there is no damage. 

SERVPRO of Fayette County is here for you. 

Dirty Ducts?

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know if your ducts are dirty? 

SERVPRO of Fayette County suggest that you should clean out your ducts more than you think.

Here is why:

Dirty Ducts can leave your home smelling with odors and can accumulate mold. Which no one wants in their homes/ business. SERVPRO of Fayette County Professionals can relate to why you would not want this in your home/ business. When doing Duct and HVAC System Cleanings can reduce odors and allergens but also can improve your operating conditions. Which can save you money and help with some health effects. This can also remove years of build-up in your home. Having your home clean and fresh from old debris. 

Call today for a free estimate.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Fall Cleaning instead of Spring Cleaning

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is officially underway and that means leaves are falling and crisp weather. For some homeowners they luck out and their leaves blow away or be some else's problem, but for many they have to deal with the fall cleanup. While working on cleaning leaves out of the yard, you should not forget to pull the ladder out and clean the gutters to help drainage issues come spring.

When gutters fill with leaves they become impacted throughout the winter months due to snow and ice. Once the warmer weather comes around the homeowner can experience issues due to the gutters getting full. Rather than the water pushing away from the house, the water will flow over the edge and fall into the foundation. All of this can be prevented by cleaning out your gutters in the fall rather than waiting until the spring.

Strong Storms

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

You may be aware that a storm is headed your way, because you caught the weather forecast or maybe a friend told you. However some storms can be stronger than you expect. Here are some tips if you find yourself in a storm. 

If you are out side and it is lightning, do not us a metal umbrella. And quickly try to find shelter.

If you are inside and the winds are very strong, stay away from windows. If there is a possibility of a tornado, go to the basement . If you don't have a basement, find a place in the house that doesn't have windows.

If you have damage to your home due to a storm. Call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Fayette County

Tracie " Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What To Do Until Help Arrives

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

What to do When You Have a Water Damage From 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 electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and 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.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What Not To Do Until Help Arrives

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

What Not to do When You have Water Damage From Clean Water

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 t 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, possibly 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 Heavy Rains

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Contaminated Water 

DO'S:

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

DON'TS:

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

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Do You Have Contaminated Water? Call SERVPRO of Fayette!

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

SERVPRO of Fayette County PA

1211 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA 15425

724-628-3022

Vandalism Damage and Harmful Waste

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism Damage

DO'S:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'Ts:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects.

Harmful Waste

(Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.)

DO:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

DON'Ts:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

SERVPRO of Fayette County

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

1211 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA

724-628-3022

Fire and Smoke Damage

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

What To Do When You Have Fire & Smoke Damage

DO'S:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedding into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

If you find your self in a situation that you or someone you know is dealing with a fire or smoke damage, give SERVPRO a call.

1211 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA 15425

Fire & Smoke Damage

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE

Tips on what to do when you have a fire or smoke damage.

• If heat is off during winter time, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

If you or someone you know has a fire or smoke damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO a call.

"Like it never even happened."

1211 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA 15425

724-628-3022

Vandalism Damage

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism Damage

Emergency Tips For Your Home

DO:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'T:

• Attempt to remove ink. paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain. furniture or art objects.

If you or someone you know has had vandalism done to your/their  business, and it is beyond your/their means, give SERVPRO a call and our professional SERVPRO representatives will be happy to assist, and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Fayette County

1211 Avon Dr. 

Connellsville, PA 15425

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Put Property Owners Back in Control

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

           SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss conditions, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened." Every SERVPRO Franchise Professional is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped.

Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered - whatever the case, with SERVPRO our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened." 

If you find yourself in need of a deep cleaning, water clean up, smoke clean up and/or build back to your property, give SERVPRO a call.

"Like it never even happened."

1121 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA 15424

724-628-3022

TGIF

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

The new year is here! 2020 is off to a good start and the first week has come to a close. This is the year of growth in all areas of life from professional growth, to spiritual growth and even physical growth. Set daily, weekly and monthly goals for each category and section of your life to make sure that you're making progress towards where you want to be this year. Goals are important in succeeding in life because it helps you visualize what you want to do as well as stay up to date on what you've done and what you still need to accomplish.

Above all, never lose confidence in yourself and what you can accomplish by trying. They say life is like watching a television, if you don't like the channel, all you have to do is get up and change it yourself.

New Years Resolutions

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

As this year comes to an abrupt end and the new year quickly approaches, several things come in perspective. The first being that you managed to survive the year in its entirety and the second being the things that you want to change or make happen in the upcoming year. Modern day people call these things, New Years resolutions. Sometimes these changes we want to make are hard but they can impact our life greatly and really put us in places to succeed: economically, physically, emotionally, or any combination of the three. 

That's why as the this year comes to a close and 2020 is set to begin, I plan to not only make changes to my life to better myself but also to better my career as a marketing representative. I am going to continue to make SERVPRO a household name around my area and continue to improve how I help the customers, my SERVPRO franchise and most importantly myself. 

Each new year is about growth and moving passed where you were previously. Stand firm by your resolutions and work hard to achieve them because you never know the amount of good it can bring to your life and the people around you.

Family

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This is a SERVPRO truck on site at a family's house.

The average human will meet an upwards of 10,000 people in their lifetime. That is a lot of names and faces and birthdays to remember. However on average, people only actually socializes with their inner most circle, and the average amount of people in someone's inner most circle is way less than 10,000. Try four people. This stat alone is mind blowing and really throws things into perspective. People come and go in life all the time, in and out of contact.

This brings me to my point. Your family and family in general are the most important things we have on this Earth. It is incredibly valuable because they rarely ever leave your life and love and cherish you not matter the circumstance. Family is that blood bond that is usually stronger than diamond.

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette we are heavily family oriented and our goal is to make you feel apart of that when ever you're in your time of need.

Puff Backs, Soot and Air Ducts

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

These are the remnants of a stove fire. Above you can see the soot on the wall and vent above the stove top.

Most times fires and fire damage dangers extend passed just the actual flame. The flames may destroy most everything in its path, what is left behind and the effects it can cause are equally destructive. It leaves behind a black, chalk-dust like material called soot. Soot can vary in toxicity, color and smell based on what was burned. It can pollute your body if ingested and caused serious lung damaged along with a host of other even worse injury and diseases. This soot left behind by a fire can get onto and stain almost everything in your house or company depending on where the fire is and how well it was contained, even though the smoke and soot is almost impossible to contain due to its state of matter. This means that the smoke can rise and contaminate your air ducts polluting the air the circulates through your home. This can also happen with a furnace in the home when it misfires triggering a puff back. Both of these events contaminates the air and could be potentially fatal to living beings if they're exposed to it for a long time. 

Luckily, SERVPRO of Fayette is very well versed when it comes to structure fires and the mediation of all that comes with it. With our extensive duct cleaning, in cases of puff backs and soot infiltrating the duct system, we make sure your air quality is the at its best. We also clean and restore anything that can be recovered from the fire back to its preexisting condition and sometimes better. 

Water Damage Urgency

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

The stairs in this picture had to be stripped in order to be properly dried and cleaned to prevent mold growth.

Water is a really tricking thing to clean up sometimes. Due to its state of matter, being a liquid, it can literally get into every nook and cranny of any area and cause severe damage if it is not mediated quickly. 

Since it can go basically anywhere its really hard to get it out from underneath carpets and from inside of the walls, however these are spots that must be remedied because water left in a dark, confined space is bound to create mold and mold tends to spread rapidly within 24 to 48 afters after its initial growth. 

Once the mold grows and spreads, your water problem turns into a mold problem and tend to be more troublesome and costly. Not to mention that some mold is highly toxic and potentially fatal to humans.

At SERVPRO, we take action quickly to prevent mold growth by taking the measures necessary to dry and mediated all the water in your household, no matter where it may be. We make it "Like it never even happened."

The Importance of Business Cards

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This is SERVPRO of Fayette's marketing representative's business card.

Humans are always traveling or going places on a day to day basis all the time. Airports are some of the busiest places in the world. Imagine how many different people you see on a daily basis or how many food places that you go to every day. Its said that on average, we'll see 3 million faces in our lifetime. That's a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences that could add to your network by giving out a simple business card. Anyone is a potential customer or even knows a potential customer. 

Also carrying multiple business cards on you is crucial because you never know when someone could come out of no where seeking out your services or you could be on a lunch break somewhere and over hear someone needing the services you provide.

Leaving your cards in businesses that you visit sometimes could also lead to productivity by gaining exposure from fellow customers that go into that establishment as well. It also familiarizes your business and services with the companies that you leave your card with. Having business cards is one of the ultimate forms of exposure and is a great way to build your network and gain business.

How to get a Company to Remember You

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

I find it rather important that people remember who I am and what my mission is whenever I meet someone. As a marketing representative for SERVPRO this couldn't be more true for me as I am the first line of advertisement as well as the closer. Its my job to go around and make sure people know that SERVPRO is everything that we say we are and that we got their back in case of emergencies. For this I believe it is most important that I be memorable and I have some tips on how to leave your mark on people and be impossible to forget.

A good tip to be memorable, and a pretty important one at that, is to introduce yourself to others. No matter where you are act like you’re the host and be the first to say hello. Another tip is to be enthusiastic about things and life to others. People will gravitate to those upbeat, positive and cheerful people. Also if you can break the ice with some humor, you're six times more likely to be remembered. There are tons of other tips on how to be memorable, I just thought that these three were some of the most important tips. 

Containment

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This is a containment unit that was set up in the basement of a house where we were doing a fire job.

SERVPRO is always dedicated to making sure the problem in your home doesn't worsen. We take the necessary precautions to avoid collateral damage, saving you money in the long run. 

In certain jobs such as a water, mold or fire, the crew sets up containment units made out of big sheets of plastic and tape to ensure that the problem doesn't spread to other areas of the building and get worse. This also protects your assets from damage from equipment or the actual source of the problem. 

At SERVPRO we care about the work we do and always strive to make it the highest quality possible. Aside from excellent work and precision we also care about our customers, their property and ultimately their satisfaction. We strive for perfection in everything we do. 

Emergency Ready Profiles

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile Logo

Disaster strikes in the blink of eye, or in some cases the drip of a water heater tank. That's why it's always important to be prepared and have a plan of action. With SERVPRO, we have this thing called Emergency Ready Profiles that we prepare for businesses in case of emergency on site. What this is, is a laminated list of details and information about the building that are important for any type of disaster that pops up. 

The Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP for short, is a list that includes phone numbers of important people like the building owner, IT guy, building manager, fire department and other along that line. It also has pictures of the gas, water and electric shut offs and instructions on how to get to them and operate them. It details instructions to that company or business as well as details what our SERVPRO trucks and employees need to do if something happens and so much more. The ERPs are a vital asset to businesses that use them and prepare them for disaster until we can get on site and mediate the problem.

Water Job Tools

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This is a moisture meter in action getting a reading on a wall and floor

A water job can be very, very tricky. Water is an evasive liquid that can get into almost anything regardless of the seal it has. Because water gets everywhere its important to have the right tools to detect it and eliminate it. 

One crucial tool is the moisture meter. This tool is able to detect water through floors and walls by measuring the electrical resistance between two electrodes. When moisture is present within the wood, electricity flows more easily. Where as, wood that is becoming dryer will resist electrical flow.

The proper tools are always a staple in any well-done job whether it be knives and cooking in the kitchen or shoes and playing basketball somewhere. With the proper tools you can do any job with maximum efficiency and precision.

Thorough through and through

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

The crew had to strip the walls in order to get inside and dry the water that was in there.

Getting the job done right the first time around is crucial for both the victim of the accident as well as the team working to mediate the problem. At SERVPRO we pride ourselves in working through any problem thoroughly and getting the problem fixed so that it can't get worse and do more damage. Even if there's water deep into the walls, for example, we will strip the walls in order to get to the problem and fix it. Also getting the job done right the first time saves time and money for both parties because you, as the worker, don't have to come back out and haul all the supplies and men back out with you as well as the owner, the customer, doesn't have to shell out more money to have everyone come back out. At SERVPRO we make sure we get the job done the right way the first time!

Professionalism and Business Etiquette

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

What is business etiquette and why is it important? This is the question I asked myself upon first introduction to business etiquette my senior year at West Virginia University. As my teacher continued to speak and go in-depth about it and explain to us fresh faces about to enter the workforce what business etiquette was, I couldn't help but think that some of the stuff he was detailing was a little weird and maybe a tad bit extra mile-ish for interviews and formal business functions. However, I continued to listen and absorb the information because I wanted to learn how to be a professional and talk to other professionals without making a fool of myself in the process. 

Over the next couple months, I began practicing this business etiquette at interviews and with various professionals that I knew outside of school and work. I picked up on some of it right away because I am naturally a social and energetic person but it was more than just being social. Having grade A business etiquette is something that takes practice and something that is not always set in stone. It kind of shifts between different people that you're interacting with. For example the CEO of Texas Road House is probably way different than the CEO of Ford or Ferrari for example. 

Regardless of who it is that you're talking to or doing business with, the basis of all business etiquette is fairly the same and can take you far in your business with other people. It's a very nice skill to practice and can help you succeed in ways you never expected. Always know your audience and always stay professional!

Speed and Efficiency

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Storms are an aggressive demonstration of the power of nature and it usually happens in the blink of an eye before you can prepare. Storms can cause a significant amount of damage from high winds, heavy rainfall or even hail if its big enough or if its in a high volume. Storms and the damage they cause happen fast, but luckily SERVPRO's Service Response Guidelines assure that representative and crew will be in contact and helping faster than you can even say you need help. 

Here at SERVPRO we pride ourselves in having a fast response time so that people can avoid maximum damage and prevent other loss. The longer it takes for the problem to be corrected, more damage is done over time to that property and our fast response time really combats this making SERVPRO the clear choice in the face of a storm. 

Loss Recovery

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

During a storm, even sometimes the little ones, something gets damaged. Whether the damage is minuscule and unnoticeable or huge and something you can help but notice, SERVPRO is always there to help remedy the problem in a timely manner. We cant bring back lost or damaged goods but we can clean and restore almost anything that is still intact, as well as rebuild structures that were broken or damaged during the storm. 

Here at SERVPRO of Fayette, we do reconstruction on damaged and toppled structures after a storm rolls through and flattens everything in its path. This is a really good way for the customer to feel at peace about his loss and actually believe that they're on the path to recovery and the normalization of their lives. 

Ice/Snow Storm

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Ice storms, snow storms, and extreme cold can cause damages that sometimes can be easily avoided and sometimes can't be avoided at all. Some of these catastrophic events that can happen are frozen pipes, snow build up on roofs causing them to collapse, property damage from ice and other calamities caused by ice and outside influencing factors. These events cause greater damage within the property as well.

Frozen pipes could lead them to burst and cause water damage throughout the house or area in which the pipe is in. A collapsing roof can cause injury to anyone under it as well as water damage from all the snow melting after it collapses. That snow on top could also possibly melt and seep through the cracks of your house also causing water damage in extreme cases. The possibility of property damage and calamity goes up in the winter, luckily SERVPRO will always be around to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Smoke Damage

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

There are fire hazards all throughout a house from faulty electrical outlets to something as little as Christmas lights. These are very dangerous and must be monitored at all times. However, when these calamities do occur, fire isn't the only thing you have to worry about that can cause severe damage. The smoke and soot from the fires actually cause a considerable amount of damage to the house and its belongings as well. This can cause a thick layer of black soot that just coats whatever it comes into contact with and is sometimes extremely tricky to get out of things such as fabrics and off walls. This soot can also get in the vents and duct work of your house or place of business, degrading the air quality within your house and contaminating your lungs. Luckily here at SERVPRO of Fayette, cleaning smoke and soot damage from your ducts, walls, furniture or anything effected is something we take pride in. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." 

Taking Care of your Community

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Morgantown we always put the customer's needs above our own but this also extends to the needs of the community. I always try my best to help those in need whenever I see people down on their luck by giving them food, money or even just a little positive word of encouragement or prayer. Helping individuals also helps the community prosper. There are many other ways to help the community that can be simple and easy as well. One of the most important things you can do for a community is to properly dispose of waste materials and recycle things that can be recycled. This helps the community blossom and be seen for its beauty, rather than being seen for its filth. SERVPRO is always looking at ways to improve their respective communities and build together. 

What To Do Until Help Arrives

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

This image just shows soot build up in areas of the house. Soot is toxic and shouldn't be breathed in or it can cause serious health issues.

It is very important to know what actions to take yourself when catastrophe strikes and you're waiting on your area's SERVPRO crew. In some scenarios, taking action and doing what you can do is the difference between the problem being easily managed and it getting worse. I'm going to list a couple "do's and don't's" when it comes to fire and smoke damage. 

One thing that anyone can do in the instance of fire or smoke damage is to limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. Another thing you can do is to tape a double layer of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 

One thing not to do is to attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water. Another big thing to keep in mind is to not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. 

Taking Care of your Community

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Morgantown we always put the customer's needs above our own but this also extends to the needs of the community. I always try my best to help those in need whenever I see people down on their luck by giving them food, money or even just a little positive word of encouragement or prayer. Helping individuals also helps the community prosper. There are many other ways to help the community that can be simple and easy as well. One of the most important things you can do for a community is to properly dispose of waste materials and recycle things that can be recycled. This helps the community blossom and be seen for its beauty, rather than being seen for its filth. SERVPRO is always looking at ways to improve their respective communities and build together. 

Heavy Snowfall

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

'Tis the season for heavy snowfall. This time of year is when the snow really picks up and before you know it, everything around you is covered in cold, wet joy! Snow can accumulate rather quickly in the right conditions, sometimes leaving you in a sticky situation or with a big mess. On any given snow day you can find yourself with a water mess in the house because of excess runoff from melting snow. This can come from a leaky part of the house such as the roof or faulty pipes that freeze up when not maintained properly. Either way you still have a water mess and the root of the problem was the snow. So this New Year make sure you pay attention to the weather and your home to assure these accidents won't happen, but if they do, SERVPRO  will always be there to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Service Response Guidelines

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

As service professionals, it is our job to always keep the customer's priorities first and try our hardest to keep them satisfied. This is the most important part of any service job and SERVPRO is no different.

The service response guidelines, or the 1 4 8 rule, is SERVPRO's guarantee to the customer that their problem will be handled in a timely manner and that it is a very high priority for us. Customer satisfaction is a priority throughout the whole process of our business from getting a notice of loss, mitigation of the problem, and during the verbal briefing of the scope. 

If the customers are satisfied with our work and our ability to mitigate disasters, word of our good work will spread and it will increase productivity and business with others. Ultimately, helping customers in their time of need after a loss is the most rewarding experience that comes from our work, both emotionally and economically.

Winter House Fire Avoidance Tip

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

The power strip shorted and caught on fire after a space heater was plugged into it

Jack Frost and his gang always hit the hardest at the beginning of the year, in peak winter months. This leads us to jack up the heater in efforts to counteract the wicked lows of the winter. Because of this extra effort to combat the cold, there is a statistical rise in house fires during this time of year. Worry not however, SERVPRO is here for a pro tip. 

One of the most common causes of house fires come from the misuse of space heaters and power strips. A power strip does not have the capacity to power up a space heater without shorting the strip and potentially causing sparks, leading to a fire. 

If you don't have central air and heat and have to use space heaters, make sure that you're using them properly in order to avoid catastrophe. Space heaters can provide a wealth of heat and warmth for a room and its inhabitants if used properly and carefully. 

Water Heater Tank

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

This a faulty/leaky water heater. If left unattended, the water that is leaking can cause major damage to the property.

Water damage is some of the trickiest stuff to deal with, especially when the source of the water is small but continuous. This continuous stream of water can cause severe yet undetectable damage to the inside of walls, floors and under carpets. 

It's only undetectable until the problem is large enough to be discovered but by then, thousands of dollars worth of damage is already done by allowing the problem to go unnoticed and if it's not treated properly in a timely manner, mold can start to pop up, making the project even more costly then it initially started out as. 

So in order to avoid this huge problem and save some green, make sure you check your hot water tank and visible water piping throughout the house often to assure that everything is operating smoothly and as it should be. 

Different Problems, Different Solutions

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Some of the various cleaning solvents that SERVPRO uses for the different jobs that we encounter.

Ever since I was a young man, I've always believed that any stain could be removed with enough elbow grease, water and soap. I never knew until recently how wrong I actually was. Sure, good old fashioned elbow grease contributes to getting out most major stains, however, what I didn't know is that stains and dirt are all different, therefore requiring different solutions in order to mitigate. 

For example, some stains and dirt can be removed with dry solutions and dry sponges. These stains are hydrophobic meaning that water doesn't dissolve it and usually just makes it worse. Since this is the case, these stains are classified as lipophilic, meaning you would use some sort of solvent that is mainly fatty based in order to fully dissolve the stains and dirt. Stains can also be hydrophilic, where water and solvent will get the job done, and lipophobic, where the fatty based cleaner doesn't fully dissolve the dirt and stains. 

That is why every job and every stain is different, requiring tailor made solutions in order to completely clean the area to its original sheen, like the disaster never happened. 

Ultrasonic cleaning

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

What is ultrasonic cleaning? Ultra Sonic cleaning is a nonabrasive way of cleaning that involves submerging items in a liquid medium with a special solution that sound waves pass through to create millions or microscopic bubbles that lift away dirt, soot, smoke, and odor. This method is more effective and efficient than any other way.

Prevent pipes from freezing

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe Burst

Night time temps are beginning to drop. Soon it will be time to wake up a little earlier to get the frost off our windshields. While preventing winter from coming is not likely to happen, we can take precautions to prevent worse things from happening from the cold, like frozen pipes for example.

Frozen pipes bursting is not only a devastating damage that can happen to your home but can also be costly. there are some things you can do tho to help prevent this.

1) turn the heat on. If no one is going to be in the home you might want to turn the heat down to save on cost while away, but its probably a better idea to leave the heat on. 

2) Allow faucets to drip. allowing the faucets to drip helps open up the pipe to help keep the risk of pressure build up and bursting down.

3) Keep cabinet/vanity/closet doors open if they contain pipes to allow heat to get in. 

4) Seal up cracks and holes where pipes run into the wall and floors.

5) Add insulation to areas that tend to be colder such as attics or basements. 

Smoke and Soot Clean up

10/18/2019 (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, seeping through the holes used by pipes to from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

If you have had a fire in your home that has caused smoke or soot damage, call SERVPRO and a Franchise Professional will arrive, and make it,

             Like it never even happened.

Jack-O' Lantern Safety Tips

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Halloween

You've probably noticed that the warm Summer air is now cool and the sound of once green leaves crunching as you walk. For some its a time to pull out the fall sweaters and to cuddle up with some hot apple cider but for others this time of year means one thing, Halloween.

Halloween is argumentatively one of the most fun holidays. There's always a ton to do like haunted houses, corn mazes, trick or treating, and my favorite - Decorating.

Decorating is a good time for friends and family to come together for some fun. One of the most popular and easy to do are Jack-O' Lanterns. while the back story of the Jack-O' Lantern is unknown its been around for centuries. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind to keep your pumpkin carving a good time and not a nightmare

1) Wear gloves when using knives and other carving tools. (Fake blood is scary enough)

2) Clear any leaves of other debris from area

3) Don't place pumpkins in high traffic area to prevent them from being bumped or trick or treaters costumes from catching fire.

4) Don't place lids back on pumpkins if there is not at least 2 inches of space between the flame and the lid

5) consider using fake candles or lights in place of a real flame.

Grilling Safety Tips

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Now that weather is getting nicer and the outdoors are becoming more inviting, people’s time is going to be spent outside more. Cookouts are a great way to spend time with friends and family and get away from the indoors.  Here are some tips so you can enjoy the warm summer days and without worrying about the fire hazards that come with grilling.

• Set up your grill on a level surface at outdoors least 10 feet away from any buildings or debris.
• Regularly clean your grill.
• Check your propane tank hose for any leaks by applying a soapy water solution to the hose and turning on the gas. If there’s a leak, bubbles will begin to form.
• If the flame goes out in a gas grill, turn off the gas and grill and wait a recommended 5 minutes before relighting.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or other articles that could easily fall into the flames.
• Make aware that the grill is or will be in use. Instruct children to be cautious and keep animals away. Grills take at least an hour to completely cool down.
• With charcoal grills, if the flame goes down or out, do not use starter fluid to reignite the flame
• If the fire is beginning to get large and needs to put out, baking soda is helpful with putting out grease fires and fire extinguishers are good for other fires as well as throwing sand onto the fire.

        *DO NOT USE WATER.

What Can You Do To Minimize Storm Damage?

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is finally here. Even though “April showers bring May flowers,” Mother Nature sometimes throws storms at us as well. Storms have the ability to cause a catastrophic mess but  SERVPRO of Fayette County & SERVPRO of Morgantown has the ability to put it all back “Like it never even happened.” quickly and efficiently. We may not be able to control the weather but there are a few things you can do before a storm to try to minimize the damage;

• Put all important documents and photos in a water /fire proof safe
• Discuss your home insurance policy with your agent.
• Keep the name, address, insurance policy and claims reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe place.
• Take photos of your home and belongings and keep in a safe place for insurance purposes.
• Make a Home inventory list. Include things like the model and serial number, description, and cost at time of purchase.
• Inspect your roof at least twice a year by either yourself or a professional. A few things to look for is any moss or algae growth, excess leaves laying heavily on all or a portion of the roof, loose, missing, buckled, or curled shingles, and check for any cracking or damaged counter flashing (Counter flashing: Is a metal waterproof strip installed over areas in need of additional moisture protection such as a chimney)
• Check gutters. You’re going to want to make sure you’re gutters are free of any debris as well as checking to make sure your downspouts are flowing away from your home to prevent any damage to your foundation which could cause flooding and water damage
• Check your exterior walls for any cracking brick or concrete and check to make sure you don’t have any loose siding.
• If you have a sump pump in your basement, check to make sure your basement sump pump is working properly. If you don’t already have a sump pump, consider getting one if your basement has flooded before. You live in a flat area, you’re area gets a lot of rain or snow, or if your home has a finished basement or you use it for storage
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances and other electronics before a storm.
• Trim your trees. Remove any branches that hang over your home or have a risk of falling and damaging any of your property
• Remove any loose objects and debris from your yard or secure it to prevent them from becoming projectiles that could damage your property.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, Stay safe! Items can be replaced and homes can be fixed.

What do you do after?

• Avoid any downed power lines (Assume they all have live electricity)
• Inspect your property for any structural damages. Notify your insurance company/Agent as soon as possible
• DON’T throw away any damaged items until an insurance adjuster visits your home.

SERVPRO of Fayette County & SERVPRO of Morgantown’s team members are here to help you clean up any size disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Mold Prevention Tips

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

                   Mold Prevention Tips

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can - no higher than 50% - all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Keep in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Fix any leaks in your home's roof, walls, or plumbing.
• Have your home dried out and cleaned thoroughly and quickly (within 24-48 hour)
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.

What are Puff Backs and What you need to know.

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

A White Sofa With Heavy Soot Damage as a Result of a Puffback.

Our Furnaces work hard during these colder months to keep us warm around the clock. Now even tho Spring is right around the corner, Most of our furnaces still have a bit to go before their ready to take their Summertime break. Like most things, while they do enhance our lives, they could run into problems. Puff Backs are the misfiring in an oil and gas furnace and boilers that sends soot and smoke throughout the structure as well as creating soot webs. Some of the causes of a Puff Back include;

• Clogged Burner, Exhaust, or Chimney 
• Damaged Fuel Nozzle
• Cracked Heat Exchange
• Manually Resetting the System too Often.                                      NOTE: *DO NOT press the reset button on your furnace more than ONCE if it pops out. Readily pressing the rest increases your risk of a Puff Back occurring

  What do you do if a Puff Back Happens to you? They are not only messy but can become stressful as well. SERVPRO is here to wipe away your stress as well as all the soot. 

1. Call your Insurance Company
2. Call a HVAC repair man to schedule repairs on your furnace or boiler
3. Call a cleaning service to clean the soot
4. *AVOID trying to clean/wipe any walls, ceilings, painted surfaces, upholstery, or electronics. Cleaning without the proper chemicals could cause damage
5. *LIMIT movement to prevent spreading the spread of soot
6. *DON’T consume any opened food or drinks due to the possibility of contamination.
7. Don’t worry, Professionals are here to help you through this. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice any concerns. A Company like SERVPRO is here to make it     “Like it never even happened.”

Managing Mold

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

                          Managing Mold

From The Ordinary....

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

To The Unhealthy....

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks, and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply.

Hidden Mold

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

                         Hidden Mold

Mold is detectable by smell and signs of water damage on walls or ceiling and can grow in places invisible to the human eye. It may be found behind wallpaper or paneling, on the inside of ceiling tiles, the back of drywall, or the underside of carpets or carpet padding. Piping in walls may also be a source of mold, since they may leak (causing moisture and condensation)

Spores need three things to grow into mold:

1. Nutrients
2. Moisture
3. Time (24 hours to 10 days)

Mold colonies can grow inside buildings, and the chief hazard is the inhalation of mycotoxins. After  a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are higher even after a building has dried out.

If you have mold growth in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Fayette County 

724-628-3022

Like it never even happened.

More than 1,600 Franchises Nationwide in 48 States

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a Franchise company with over 45 years of leadership in cleanup and restoration. Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon.

You may be aware that your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional is part of a Franchise System that has been helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even happened" since 1969. But did you know that system has grown to include more than 1,600 franchises nationwide in 48 states? 

Wherever there is a house full of water or an office full of smoke, you can count on  SERVPRO of Fayette County's Franchise Professionals to respond quickly.

When fire and water damage take control of your life, we help take it back.

Tornadoes - Finding Shelter

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that are created from a thunderstorm and funnel to the ground. Tornadoes can be very destructive to buildings, vehicles, and creating deadly objects to fly in the air. Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere. Intense winds can reach over 200 MPH.

Find Safe Shelter During a Tornado Warning

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head or neck. 

Tornadoes - Prepare NOW

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing Before a Tornado Hits Your Area

• Know your area's tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar - similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (ESA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider construction your own sage room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

Tornadoes - Survive During the Storm

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

               Surviving During a Tornado

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to out run a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, it possible.

                   Be Safe After the Storm

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often sown or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Flooding - Find Shelter

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. The most common natural disaster in the United States is flooding. Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death.

                            Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
• Develop slowly or quickly - Flash floods can come with no warning.
• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

If You Are Under A Flood Warning, Find Safe  Shelter Quickly.

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don't Drown!  (Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away)
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

1. Evacuate if told to do so.
2. Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
3. Stay where you are.

Flooding - Prepare Now

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

How To Stay Save When a Flood Threatens

                       Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area.
• Sign up for your community's warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Don't forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Flooding - Surviving During

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

               Surviving During A Flood

• Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the sage location the you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA, Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions. 
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don't Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can was bridges away without warning.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

Flooding - Be Safe After

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

       Being Safe After A Surviving A Flood

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies. (You may be in the way of responders assisting others in need)
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water. 
• Avoid walking on streets that the road is not visible, manhole covers may be lifted off of sewage drains.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Tips For Surviving a House Fire

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Ten Essential Tips For Surviving a House Fire

In a normal survival situation, fire is something you need for lings like light, heat, protection, and the ability to cook food. But in the event of a house fire, it can become your biggest enemy and something you need to escape from immediately. Many people have tragically perished in house fires, and if you don't want the same thing to happen to you or your family, you should take these ten essential tips very seriously.

1. Write down an escape plan.
2. Place Rope Ladders on the upper floors.
3. Install and test Smoke Alarms.
4. Invest in a Fire Extinguisher.
5. Test doors for heat.
6. Stay low to the ground.
7. Keep your mouth and nose covered with a wet rag or shirt.
8. Don't go back in after you have evacuated.
9. Have Emergency Kits near the Exits.
10. Practice - Do Fire Drills with the family.

Fire - Safety Behaviors

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

                 Practice Safe Behaviors

To prevent our house from catching fire in the first place, there are some safety precautions that you should take.

• Teach your children fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Always be in the kitchen when you're cooking something. Don't leave cooking food unattended.
• Do not smoke in the house. Make sure you put out your cigarettes completely.
• Dispose of any electronics with frayed wires, which could lead to a fire.
• Avoid lighting candles unless they're directly in your light of vision. Do not leave a lighted candle in a room where no one is.
• Always check that you have turned the gas off before leaving the kitchen.
• Try to use a lighter instead of matches.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher and make sure everyone knows how to use it, in case of an emergency.

Protect Your Most Valuable Assets!

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

You Have So Much Time and Energy Invested in Your Home

Choose SERVPRO of Fayette County Franchise Professionals to protect your most valuable assets.

Your home is a reflection of you and makes an impression on all those who enter it

You invest you time, energy and hard earned resources to maintain, protect and increase the value of your home.

When you need work done on your home, you should expect the very best service at a fair price.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services, as well as top-quality professional cleaning services for your entire home.

When you need help because of a fire or water damage call a company you can trust!

SERVPRO of Fayette County

724-628-3022

Like it never even happened.

Water Damage File Process

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

             Water Damage Job File Process

To maintain consistency on each job, SERVPRO Franchise Professional utilize a system known as the Job File Process. An individual file is maintained for each job and serves as a detailed record of the events of each job. The job file forms include:

• SERVPRO First Notice of Loss (FNOL)
• SERVPRO Authorization to Perform.
• SERVPRO Customer Information Form - Water Damage.
• SERVPRO Water Damage Emergency Services Report.
• SERVPRO Water Damage, Equipment Validation and Drying Report.
• SERVPRO Certification of Satisfaction.

If you have a water damage in your Professional Commercial building call SERVPRO of Fayette County and our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will be out quickly to assist you with what ever type of water damage you have.

724-628-3022

Like it never even happened.

Water Damage Timeline

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a water damage, immediate response helps to minimize the damage and cleaning and restoration costs.

                         Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path. 
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

                            Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

                       48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious bio-hazard contamination is possible.

                       More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio-hazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Available 24 Hour a day for Water Emergencies

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fayette County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate actin is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help 

Call Today 724-628-3022

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Fayette County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration - in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

                         What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needs.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information.
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business.
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Restoring Commercial Properties in Fayette County PA

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

When flooding or water damage happens in Fayette County commercial properties , the damage can often be complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and quick response from a SERVPRO Franchise Professional. 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. 

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged are 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 you business, give SERVPRO of Fayette County a call , so we can make it,

           Like it never even happened.

Puff back in a commercial building

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

A puff back in a commercial building can cause a lot of aggravation. A puff back can be described as an explosion or misfiring inside the furnace. This can cause soot to be sent throughout the whole inside of your business. Covering walls, floors, furniture, drapes, cabinets, computers, paperwork, and pretty much all the things inside your business. A buff back can require some thorough cleaning to be done by a restoration company such as us, SERVPRO! It may even cause additional repairs on your businesses heating system.

Depending on the strength of the puff back and to what extent of its effect it can have on the building and the buildings content , can vary on whether or not how good the quality of oil that is ignited. There are other variables that come in to play as well, such as heater type, condition, building construction, etc... 

Storm Damage to your Home

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fayette County PA specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

When storms hit Fayette County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can accerss equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams! 

If your home or business has been effected by a storm, call SERVPRO of Fayette County !

724-628-3022

              Like it never even happened.

Flooded warehouse.

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Warehouse in Perryopolis .

Of all of the disasters that could happen to a home or a business, floods are the most unpredictable, because of the damage they can cause. Depending on how bad the flood is, a home or business owner may be able to salvage there structure by disposing of furniture, carpets and drywall. However some floods can do as much as tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs. Unfortunately, most flood damage is not covered by your insurance company.

When you have a flood in your home of business, such as a flooded warehouse, it's important to have the structure dried out and cleaned as soon as possible. The longer the structure stays wet, the more of a chance of mold growth. 

When flooding happens, it's best to have a SERVPRO Franchise Professional come and properly dispose of any damaged contents, and properly dry out the area and sanitize. And make it ,

" Like it never even happened"

Smoke damage due to a fire.

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a fire inside of your home or business, you may end up having smoke / soot  damage. The longer the smoke / soot lingers in your home or business the harder it is to remove and the more it will soak into furniture, curtains , wood and carpets. The faster you contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional, the quicker we can get to you to determine what kind of smoke damage you have due to the fire. Determining what kind of fire you had, helps to determine the proper restoration method. Different types of fires need different types of clean - up methods.

If you have had a fire or know someone who has had a fire, please call SERVPRO 724-628-3022.

"Like it never even happened."

Water Damage can Cause Mold

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage in a basement that caused mold. Owner wasn't aware there was water in the basement.

When you have unwanted water from a flood or a pipe burst, quick response is the key! If water is not extracted and area not dried out in a timely manor, the water damage can cause mold. In order to limit the growth of mold in your home, you must control how much moisture is in your home. Within 24 to 48 hours a thorough clean-up and drying, and possible removal of water-damaged materials , such as drywall , carpeting and  padding can prevent or limit mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are highly trained to dry down an effected area and to safely and effectively to control and remove any mold contaminants while protecting the health and safety of any occupants that are in the building. 

Emergency Response

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals arrive quickly and are trained and equipped to help you regain control of your life when you have an emergency such as a water loss or smoke damage. Mitigation requires quick action. The faster a SERVPRO Franchise Professional can be on-site to start the cleanup for water or smoke, the better the results. This could also keep the cost of the claim down. 

             Emergency Response 1 - 4 - 8  

               Service Response Guidelines

1. Within one hour from notice of loss, a                  SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact        your  insured to arrange for service.

4. Within four hours of loss notification, a                SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-          site to start mitigation services. 

8. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival,      a verbal briefing of the scope will be                    communicated to the adjuster. 

Does your Fayette County Home have a mold problem?

4/3/2017 (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 or 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 allergens and irritants.
• 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 and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (724)628-3022

What is a Puffback?

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

A puffback can be described as an explosion or misfiring inside the furnace. This can cause soot to be sent throughout the whole inside of a home. Covering walls, floors, furniture, drapes, cabinets, and pretty much all the things inside the home. A puff back can require some thorough cleaning to be done by a restoration company such as us, SERVPRO! It may even cause additional repairs on your home heating system.

Depending on the strength of the puffback and to what extent of its effect it can have on the home or building, can vary on whether or not how good the quality of oil that is ignited. There are other variables that come in to play as well, such as heater type, condition, building/home construction, etc..

IICRC Certified Firm

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Fayette 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 Fayette County

SERVPRO of Fayette 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.

http://www.SERVPROfayettecounty.com/employee-photos

Certifications

• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

Faster to your Fayette County Water Damage Event

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fayette County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in the Fayette County area.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Fayette County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Fayette County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (724) 628-3022

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Fayette County

SERVPRO of Fayette 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. 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.

http://www.SERVPROfayettecounty.com/employee-photos 

Certifications

• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

Restoring Your Fayette County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Fayette 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 Fayette County

SERVPRO of Fayette 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.

Certifications

• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician

Fayette County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Fayette County Home.

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, seeping through the holes used by 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 soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Fayette County 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, 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 material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, 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 – (724) 938-3022

For Immediate Service in Fayette County, Call SERVPRO

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Fayette County Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Fayette County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in or around the Fayette County area. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 (724) 638-3022

Residential Services

Whether your Fayette County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Fayette County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: [Commercial Services]

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

When Storms Hit Fayette County, SERVPRO is ready!

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Fayette County.

SERVPRO of Fayette County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the Fayette County area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams [Disaster Recovery Page] that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (724) 628-3022

Fayette County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Fayette County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Fayette County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (724) 628-3022

Connellsville 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fayette County provides as 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in and around the Fayette County area.

SERVPRO of Fayette County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today (724) 628-3022

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Fayette County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Fayette County

SERVPRO of Fayette 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. 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.

Certifications

• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician