Does Your Business Have a Fire Evacuation Plan?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has suffered a fire, call our SERVPRO experts who are faster to any size fire disaster!

Workplace fires may not seem like a common occurrence, but they are something that any business owner is wise to prepare for. Not only are commercial fires more commonplace than many people realize, but they can also be rather dangerous—especially when they occur at businesses that do not have a proper fire evacuation plan in place.

Not only is having an emergency action plan an OSHA-mandated requirement for many businesses, but it is also a smart choice for keeping you and your staff safe in the event of a fire breaking out. Fires can be a frightening occurrence, and without a clear course of action, panic can quickly derail the scenario and prohibit people from acting rationally.

Elements to Consider When Drafting Your Workplace Fire Evacuation Plan

- Consider Where a Fire is Likely to Break Out - 

• Fires can break out for a variety of reasons—issues in the office kitchen, overloaded electrical outlets or equipment malfunctions are all common sources of commercial fires, and these all have very different origin spots. It is important to consider where a fire is likely to break out in your space and draft plans that account for all possible scenarios so everyone can escape a fire of any kind.

- Consider Your Exits -

• Every area of your commercial space should have two exits at minimum so that people can get to safety even if one exit becomes blocked. If you are not on the ground floor, this may require purchasing safety ladders that can be routed outside of windows. Make sure that every area has at least two exits that are clear from debris and remain passable at all times.

- Consider Your Communication Plan - 

• It is important that you communicate with staff as well as emergency officials in the event of a fire. Designate a person on your staff to be in charge of calling 911, and designate another member to be in charge of communicating with employees and relaying instructions. That way there will be no confusion, and everyone will know what their role is in the scenario.

Water Removal is an Important Part of Fire Damage Restoration Process

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO right after the fire fighters leave for best results. Dealing with both fire and water damage requires trained professionals.

Restoring Fire Damage Undoubtedly Includes Dealing With Water Damage As Well

When you visualize the effects of fire to your Columbus residence, you often think of things like charred belongings and extensive structural damages. While fires might not always cause this kind of devastation, they can often prove challenging to extinguish through traditional firefighting efforts. The result of this could be extensive water damages from the thousands of gallons pulled from a close hydrant to suppress the flames.
 
Professional restoration services like what we offer at SERVPRO go well beyond the basic fire damage restoration needs. From the moment that we arrive at your home, our assessment of the damage begins, meticulously looking over the entire affected area and putting together the most efficient restoration plan possible.
 
Our efforts will most likely begin with boarding up windows or sealing up any holes that your home might have experienced due to the fire itself or the extinguishing efforts. The sealing prevents any further damage during the restoration process from bad weather or the elements outside. If there is water damage present, our SERVPRO technicians get to work on fixing this problem next.
 
Water damage needs to be remedied most expediently because it can continue to damage your home if it is left unattended. Moreover, the presence of water mixed with some warmer temperatures can provide ideal conditions for mold growth, which would only compound on the restoration efforts that you already need. So, extraction and drying have to be among the first steps taken when water damage exists in the house.
 
The process of extracting water is contingent on the amount that is in your house. For extreme cases, pump trucks might be brought in to pull large volumes from the floor quickly. For more moderate messes, extraction can get accomplished using portable pumps and wet-vacs. Once the area dries with air movers, a full assessment of the remaining fire damage is possible, and work can resume on this front.
 
Dealing with a fire to your home undoubtedly comes with considerable stress. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team is available anytime you need us at (614) 888-5700.

The Long Term Impact A Fire Has On Your Home

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is Ready to Restore Your Fire Damaged Property

It takes time for your family to recover from a fire. The emotional impact is severe. Children have nightmares; pets show signs of anxiety. It is equally hard on you, as you try to keep the family running along normal lines. At the same time, you are dealing with insurance companies, finding temporary accommodations, and attempting to come up with the money to replace lost clothing and furnishings.

 
The physical effect of fire damage is also long term. Fires can gut a home, leaving a charred mess in its wake. However, even a smaller fires can result in ongoing damage, often unseen, but major nonetheless. A smoky smell can linger for months if it is not treated promptly. Black soot can cover countertops and furniture. Appliances can break down.
 
Our technicians at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus have the experience and training to handle the after effects of a fire, big or small. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which sets the standards for the industry. We receive highly specialized training in how to clean up after a fire, deodorize, and clean upholstery and fabric. Our focus is always on cleaning and repair, restoring only when necessary.
 
We encounter fire damage on a daily basis, so we know what to look for when we conduct a comprehensive inspection and fire damage assessment. We can board up the house and install a roof tarp if needed. We are experts in water removal and drying.
 
When it comes to getting rid of smoke and soot residue, we combine multiple techniques to get the job done. For example, to remove bad odors, we might use a mix of chemical containment, vapor odor control, and thermal fogging. We have the cutting-edge equipment, tools and cleaning agents that get the soot and smell off all surfaces.
 
When you are faced with cleaning up after a blaze, we can help. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 888-5700!

Signs You Have A Sewer Line Issue

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

A blocked sewer line can wreak havoc on a business and may even lead to significant business interruption.

While a blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties, legitimate concerns over sewer line functionality may be few and far between. However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

1. Odors

While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

2. Clogged Drains

A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

3. Indentations in Landscaping

Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots on the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

4. Deformations in Landscaping

In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist in the area to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

You should be aware of the warning signs of such a problem so that you can resolve the issue as early as possible.

Sump Pump Back Ups In Your Residential Home

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

This residential basement experienced water damage due to a sump pump back up.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team sees many flooded basements due to sump pump issues. If you have a sump pump, follow these steps.

First things first, check with your insurance agent to review your coverages! It is very frustrating for owners to find out they did not have any coverage or insufficient coverage.

How do you know if you need sump pump coverage or not?  Look at what you have in the basement. If you have an unfinished basement and just concrete floors, without any contents (or very few and not valuable), then you probably won't suffer much of a loss other than the cleanup effort from someone like us at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, who specializes in cleaning up floods and backups in homes and businesses. If you have a finished basement and contents that you would want to be replaced if ruined, then the cost of replacing and repairing everything grows very quickly, and insurance can be a good way to protect your investment (in your contents, and structure--walls, etc).

Take time today to reach out to your insurance agent for a coverage review--you may be surprised how under insured you are, not only for your home or business, but also your vehicles, health, and life. No, we are not insurance guru's, but we see their clients--YOU, and they are either very upset with the situation because of no coverage or under insured, or just a little frustrated with the situation, but feel better about it when they know it is a covered loss! 

Another precaution is to make sure you are paying attention to the weather and when we get a bunch of rain, then make sure you go downstairs to catch a problem as early as possible. Many times, property owners do not realize they have a water loss until they start to smell something and go downstairs to see. The longer the water sits, the more damage and discard items you can expect...including your carpet, pad, and drywall that was affected. 

Sump Pump Maintenance

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pump failures can cause devastating water damage to your home.

A sump pump is one of the most important parts of basement plumbing equipment. It makes sure that any accumulated water in your home and around its foundation is promptly pumped out and away from your home to a storm sewer or containment pond, so it doesn't allow your basement to flood, damaging your possessions. At least, that's what it is supposed to do. If your sump pump is not regularly and properly tested, then you can't guarantee that it will come through when you need it most.

1. Inspect the pump and its outlet pipe

Start the inspection by listening. If there is excessive groundwater around the foundation, the pump should turn itself on, pumping out the water and turning itself off again. Next, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit. If the level of water is low, there is a high chance the pump is working properly. Examine the sump pump for any signs of external damage, as well as any obstructions or debris in the surrounding pit. You will also want to see if the outlet pipe that carries water from the pump to outside your home is free of any blockage. And the check valve is working properly.

2. Check the electrical components

Your sump pump should be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, which protects it from a potential short while it is submerged. Consider getting yourself a battery-based backup pump for your sump pump that will kick on if your primary sump pump fails.

3. Test the sump pump

Test your sump pump by pouring in five gallons of water. The pump should then turn on once the water level reaches a predetermined level below the basement floor. If the pump doesn’t turn on, it could be either clogged or damaged, and you should call a licensed plumber for help.

4. Clean and maintain your sump pump

The typical lifespan of a sump pump is 10 years but if your sump pump is running often, you should consider replacing it every 5 to 7 years. Inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year. To be safe, check your sump pump before a big storm hits your area.

If you experience a loss due to your sump pump failing, don't hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus!

How Can I Reduce The Level Of Flood Damage In My Home?

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

The furniture had to be removed from the affected area to be cleaned separately.

For many Columbus residents, any storm-related flooding can be a traumatic event. While there are methods to prepare for flooding like reinforcing your roof or removing expensive furniture, there is little help in an emergency's immediate aftermath. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you overcome flooding by performing vital mitigation acts quickly after a storm event.

Flood mitigation in Columbus may include actions like removing standing water from the home, drying inner rooms, or temporarily storing possessions at our warehouse. Contacting a highly qualified restoration company immediately after discussing your coverages with your insurance carrier can go a long way to reducing the losses caused by a flood after the fact.

What preventative measures are useful for storm areas?
- Taking out a flood insurance policy
- Maintaining water disposal in the home such as basement sump pumps, gutters, and drainage
- Turning off water mains access ahead of time to avoid backups

Do floodwaters permanently damage furnishings?
Furnishings are frequently victims of flood damage for residents. We understand how many items may be difficult to replace in a home, so our dedicated SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained in contents restoration. Larger items like sofas may benefit from temporary removal to a dry area where they can be thoroughly dehumidified to remove any excess moisture. Our technicians can also apply an extensive range of cleaning products and techniques to return upholstery to its preloss condition. By pre-testing on discrete areas of the fabric, we can avoid lasting damages of color fade or spot.

What restoration is available for furnishings?
- Thorough drying of the affected furniture
- Special services for leather, satin, or other unique upholstery
- Buffering and mechanical cleaning of furniture fibers

An unexpected summer storm can lead to extensive damage to both your home and its contents. Contact our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team at (614) 888-5700 for assistance.

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our technician sanitizing a commercial building in PPE

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

It is important at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus that our technicians are as safe as possible while working for our wonderful customers so we can get the job done right and efficiently.  

Although it isn't the most fashionable outfit of the season, it is absolutely necessary in some situations!

Our SERVPRO Team protects ourselves so we can better serve you!

What To Do After A Tree Falls On Your House

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

A tree fell on this local home and damaged the roof. Luckily our SERVPRO Team came to the rescue!

When a tree falls on your roof, it not only damages your home’s structure, but it also exposes the inside of your home to outside elements. During certain times of the year, our SERVPRO Team gets a mass amount of calls from customers who have had trees fall on their roof and are unsure of what to do. It’s not a quick process, but there are a few steps you can take!

1. Remove the tree. This might seem like an obvious first step, but we’ve had countless calls from customers who haven’t even removed the tree. Until the damaged area of your roof has been cleared, it can’t be covered. We recommend calling your local tree removal company.

2. Tarp exposed areas. Unless you’re lucky, a fallen tree will likely cause damage to your roof, generally leaving it exposed. To ensure outside elements don’t get in and cause more damage to the inside of your home, you should have the affected area tarped.

3. Contact your local SERVPRO Team. The tarp is only a temporary solution! After the damaged area is tarped, our SERVPRO Team will discuss next step repairs with you. If a storm hits before the affected area is properly tarped, you will most likely have water damage affecting the interior of your home. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team can not only handle your water disaster but also fix your damaged structure of your home!

A fallen tree can cause a lot of damage and create a headache for you, but with the above steps, you can get your life back on track. If your home is damaged by a fallen tree, call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team today! We are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage In Commercial Buildings

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians are on call 24/7 to quickly get your building cleaned up and minimize any potential downtime for your business.

Due to the wide variety of issues that can stem from water damage, it is one of the most difficult challenges a property owner can face. Depending on the severity, water damage can compromise structural integrity and damage belongings. When left unresolved or if not taken care of properly, water can result in the growth of mold. 

What is water damage?

Water damage is the type of damage that occurs on a structure and to personal property due to excessive moisture and collected water. Most often water damage will occur where water can collect without notice. For example, they will occur in the lowest depths of one's property such as crawl spaces and the basement.

Here are some examples of the equipment used for water damage repair services:

• Air Movers - help dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly
• Dehumidifiers - by maintaining the humidity of the room, a dehumidifier is a catalyst for drying an area that has excessive moisture
• Air Scrubbers - filter out any particles in your indoor air which may include airborne contaminants including the smell of musk and smoke
• Moisture Meters - gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture preset

At SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we have state of the art equipment to ensure that your property is taken care of properly. By reducing the time it takes to dry your property, you'll be saving time and money. Call our SERVPRO Team today at (614) 888-5700.

Tips to Keep in Mind for Warehouses with Water Damage

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to keep an up to date list of all inventory in your warehouse or commercial space in the case of water damage.

The nature of most warehouses means that floods can create unique and challenging safety situations. If the warehouse space begins to flood, restorations can be complicated, and safety conditions are often less than ideal. While SERVPRO technicians are experienced enough to recognize the risks and stipulations of water damage to a warehouse in Columbus, employees, managers, and other individuals associated with the building may not be. Keep these words of advice in mind if your warehouse should ever flood, in a storm or otherwise.

Damage Can Happen High Up, But Only If You Let It

Even if the floodwaters stop short of specific elevations in your Columbus warehouse, water damage may still occur to items and materials above water level with time. This is a result of relative humidity: whenever an enclosed space floods, the relative humidity in that space tends to rise drastically. Only by contacting SERVPRO quickly and receiving emergency mitigation service can you avoid the risks associated with high humidity. With time, excessively humid conditions can foster mold growth, oxidize some metals, and hasten the degradation of sensitive organic matter such as paper and cardboard. We bring in heavy dehumidifying equipment to take care of humidity before it becomes an issue.

High Places Should Be Accessible in an Emergency

Should the flood happen suddenly, you want to make sure that higher places in the building can be reached quickly. While it may make sense to cordon these places off from most workers during day-to-day operations, keeping them locked away could lead to a costly lawsuit in an emergency. Try to keep access points spread out so that two workers on opposite ends of the facility can both be safe.

Keep Your Inventory Updated and Verifiable

When insurance adjusters and representatives come to do their business, they typically want to see recent, verifiable, and complete inventory lists to determine appropriate coverage. Remember that it is in their best interests not to cover your losses - make sure that you have proof of everything lost in the disaster. SERVPRO can assist here on request with professional inventory evaluation services.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus has the tools, personnel, and contacts necessary to take on even the most significant industrial-scale disasters in the local area. Contact us at (614) 888-5700.

What You Should Know About Water Damage Restoration Planning

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted leaders in the restoration industry!

When homeowners find themselves faced with water from a flood or bursting pipes, they often want to know how long the restoration efforts will take. The answer depends on the extent of the damage, the type of water to invade the home and materials used throughout the affected area. Homeowners can expect the process to take anywhere from two to three days, but to not be surprised if it takes as many as seven. Some factors that affect the time it takes to dry out a home include:

• The type of water to flood the home
• The size of the area affected
• The building materials affected

Type of Water

Clean water is easier to clean up than black water, as the former doesn’t require special Hazmat materials or equipment. If your problems stem from bursting pipes, the solution may be as simple as fixing the pipes and drying out the area. If you do so within 24 to 48 hours, you can prevent mold and bacteria growth as well.

Size of Affected Area

The type of water isn’t the only factor to affect restoration times. The size of area plays a huge part as well. If the size of the affected area is relatively small, less than ten square feet, restoration efforts can take as little as two days, and you may even be able to perform them yourself. However, if your entire ground floor is flooded, it could take several days of professional efforts.

Materials Impacted

If it is just your carpet that is affected, restoration efforts shouldn’t require much of your time at all. However, if your drywall, insulation and/or framing are impacted, you may need to do more than fix a broken pipe. Restoration efforts in the latter instance could take as long as 10 days or more.

Every situation is different, and the water damage caused by bursting pipes could be far more severe than damage from, say, a leaking pipe. Talk to your local SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus water damage restoration team to learn more about what to expect.

Timeline of Destruction With Water Damage

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your home or business. Call the pros at SERVPRO!

A little water isn't going to hurt anything. WRONG!! When water damage is left untreated, the structure of a home or business starts to deteriorate over time. Here is the timeline of destruction if the water damage goes untreated:

Within Minutes

• Carpets, padding beneath flooring, subflooring becomes saturated.
• Furniture on wet carpets starts to leach and stain.
• Wood/wood products start absorbing water.
• Personal belongings may be completely destroyed.

Within Hours

• Humidity starts to make the house stink.
• Particleboard cabinetry and furniture distorts and the integrity of the material weakens, crumbling over time.
• Dyes from non-colorfast fabrics bleed (clothing stored together, upholstery, etc.).
• In 48 hours or less, clean or grey water can deteriorate to black water, and areas that experience water intrusion clean water can rapidly become toxic.

Within Days

• Mold becomes visible and causes musty odors
• Allergen sensitivities can be caused by microbial organisms.
• Wood may severely warp and cup, making most wooden floors unsalvageable.
• Painted walls blister and wallpaper begins to peel away.
• Structural wood within home, such as framing, begins to swell and split.

Within Weeks

• Home is hazardous to human health and must be evacuated.
• Mold infests organic materials, rendering it unsalvageable.
• Drywall crumbles while the home’s structural integrity declines.
• Damage to the foundation becomes apparent.
• Home may be salvageable but may need to be gutted down to the studs.

Within Months

• Damage to the foundation may be significant.
• The cost of repairs is likely more than the value of the home.
• Damage that could have been prevented over time (i.e., neglect) disqualifies the owner from insurance claims.
• The home may be unsalvageable

Remember, just because it "looks dry" doesn't mean it is dry!

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Stages of a Fire

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 if you experience an unexpected fire

A fire in your home or business never something you expect to experience. Which is why it is important to know the 4 stages of a fire to keep you safe.

Incipient: This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine, having a chemical reaction resulting in a fire. It is also known as “ignition”. There is usually a small fire, which often goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached. During this stage, recognizing a fire so early is your best chance at suppression or escape.

Growth: This stage is where the structure’s fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. During the growth stage, there are multiple factors that affect the fire including where the fire started, what combustibles are nearby, ceiling height and the potential for “thermal layering”. This is stage is when a deadly “flashover” can occur’ potentially trapping, injuring, or killing firefighters.

Fully Developed: When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all nearby combustible materials have been ignited, the fire is considered fully developed. This is the hottest stage of a fire and the most dangerous for anyone trapped within.

Decay: The decay stage is the longest stage of a fire; it is characterized by a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. There are two common dangers during this stage. First, the existence of non-flaming combustibles that can potentially start a new fire if they are not fully extinguished. Second, there is a danger of a backdraft when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

We Are Here To Help With Your Insurance Claim

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals take the worry away with your claim.

When you experience an unexpected disaster in your home, you may not know how to handle it. After the shock is over, your first thought is “How am I going to pay for this?”. This is a common question homeowners ask themselves given the high cost of repairing water, fire, mold or trauma damage. Good news for you, our team of professionals is here to help eliminate that concern.

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus set ourselves apart from other restoration companies by how well we work with your insurance company. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the insurance industry. From knowing how the claims process works, to getting your claim submitted and your repairs covered. Many of our team members have a background in the insurance industry.

As one of the largest restoration and damage remediation companies in the country, we work with hundreds of insurance companies to help our customers get their claims processed quickly and fairly. Many insurance companies know that SERVPRO handles losses professionally and often recommend us to their policyholders.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is here for you!

Is Water Damage An Emergency?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your commercial property!

Having a water damage in your home or business is a very stressful situation. Many things can go through your mind, but how do you know if it is an emergency? If no one is injured, then by definition it is not considered a "true" emergency and 911 usually does not need to be called.

However, it could still be an emergency in regards to your property. The longer that water sits on the building materials, the more possibility there is that secondary damage will occur. Water can seep into wall crevices and down through the floors below. If it is not cleaned up and dried out properly, then the potential for mold growth is high. 

If you walk in and see water pouring into your home or business, step 1 is to find the main water shutoff, and to shut off the water.

Also be very aware of these other things that may be affected and could be a potential hazard, such as the electricity supply, gas supply, water damaged electrical appliances, contaminated water (gasoline, chemicals, etc.) or structural damage.

So if you don't call 911, who do you call?

• Local SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Restoration professionals
• Insurance Agent
• Insurance Company 

We work hand in hand with your insurance company to act fast, so we can get your home or business back to normal. We are available 24 hours a day to address these water emergencies. When it comes to water damage, don't take chances. Call us today and get the damage taken care of, the right way!

Classes of Damage

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians are trained handle any size and any class disaster!

If you have ever endured storm damage to your Columbus home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home. 

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows:

• Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
• Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
• Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
• Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700!

Our Mission Statement

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Industries Vision statement is:

“To be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world.”  

That statement could not be more true to those of us at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. Our goal and core values are to be the best of the best for our customers. This means requiring our technicians to become certified within the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certifications) standards. Whether our team is helping a customer who has had storm or fire damage or if we are cleaning carpet and upholstery, we strive to be the leader in the industry. 

This is why SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus should be your first and last choice for your cleaning and restoration needs. We are always “here to help.”

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus today at 614-888-5700!

We Are Always Here To Help

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster".

Reconstructions Services In Columbus

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus offers a full line of reconstruction services!

SERVPRO is known as a leader in the Cleanup & Restoration industry, but did you know that SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus also offers a full line of reconstruction options?  As a licensed general contractor, our team can provide a wide array of building services, both commercial and residential, to help restore your property to its preloss condition.  Some of these services include:

• Electrical and Portable Power Needs
• Roof Tarping and Repair
• Tile, Hardwood, and Linoleum Flooring Repair
• Plumbing
• Drywall Removal or Installation
• Painting

By utilizing one company for both your damage mitigation and building reconstruction needs, you can save both time and money for your repairs.  Serving central Columbus and the surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is Here to Help. For more information about our Reconstruction Division, give us a call at 614-888-5700.

Why Are Dehumidifiers Important?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment.

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment. You need an expert restoration team, with high-level skills and knowledge of the most efficient techniques. This is what SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus can offer you if flooding has recently hit your property. We have access to state of the art drying machines, but we also know how to maximize their power.

Dehumidifiers are one of the most important drying tools when it comes to repairing flood damage in Columbus. It extracts the moisture from of the air and returns it to dry air. This is an essential part of the restoration process because flooding does not just leave its mark in standing water. For successful repairs, all moisture has to be eliminated, whether it is in the air, on the ground, or caught in soft furnishings.

Keep reading to learn more about how SERVPRO sets up dehumidifiers and gets the drying process started quickly.

Type Of Materials
The first thing that our SERVPRO technicians do is carry out an inspection. They enter the flood-damaged area and determine the extent of the damage. Before dehumidifiers can be set up, they first need to know what kind of materials need drying. Porous items (curtains, sofas, carpets, wood, etc.) are the hardest to restore. If a lot of porous items are wet, a longer drying period is required.

On the other hand, if wet materials are non-porous (metal, plastic), the drying period will be quicker and fewer dehumidifiers may be used. Most homes contain a mixture of the two, which means that technicians have to find a careful balance. Too many dehumidifiers can cause the air to become overly dry. This may damage softer materials like wood. Often, air movers are combined with dehumidifiers to prevent this from happening.

Putting Together A Plan
For all of these reasons, it is necessary for flood repair teams to think very carefully about how they set up drying equipment. To homeowners, it may appear arbitrary, but many precise calculations are involved. For instance, to determine how many dehumidifiers are needed and of what size, the following information must be gathered:
- Size of the flooded area (in feet)
- Type of flood damage (based on porosity)
- Type of dehumidifying technology available
- Average amount of water to be removed per day (in pints)

Choosing The Right Experts For The Job
So, you can start to see why flood damage restoration is such a complex task, even if the damage is modest. You should seek the help of a professional company like SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. We are a locally based service, so our technicians are perfectly placed to respond to emergencies. Call us 24/7 at (614) 888-5700.

Specialized Fire Damage Services

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus boarded this home after a fire.

Along with providing structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization in the central Ohio area after a residential or commercial fire, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus also offers additional specialized services to our customers:

Board-Up

One of the top priorities after a fire loss is to secure your property and belongings until work can begin. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus offers board-up services for windows, doors, and other exposed structural areas to prevent intrusion by both water and unauthorized persons.

Inventory, Pack-Out and Storage

As the clean up and restoration process begins, our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus technicians take inventory of the contents in your home or business. As the contents are sorted, they will be categorized as salvageable, and processed to be cleaned, or unsalvageable, and documented as such for insurance purposes. Our professional SERVPRO Team can pack-out and store any unaffected materials as needed as well. Our SERVPRO Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.

Document Drying and Restoration

The SERVPRO Document Restoration Team offers a range of services to restore your damaged documents, including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization.  Depending on your specific needs, and utilizing industry leading techniques and state-of-the-art technology, SERVPRO’s restoration professionals will help you recover paper goods, no matter the size of the loss.

Serving Columbus and surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is Here to Help with all your fire damage needs. Our professional team will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Is Your One Stop Shop!

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast offers a full line of reconstruction services! Call 614-888-5700 today.

SERVPRO is known as a leader in the Cleanup & Restoration industry, but did you know that SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus also offers a full line of reconstruction options?  As a licensed general contractor, our team can provide a wide array of building services, both commercial and residential, to help restore your property to its preloss condition.  Some of these services include:

• Electrical and Portable Power Needs
• Roof Tarping and Repair
• Tile, Hardwood, and Linoleum Flooring Repair
• Plumbing
• Drywall Removal or Installation
• Painting

By utilizing one company for both your damage mitigation and building reconstruction needs, you can save both time and money for your repairs.  Serving central Columbus and the surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is Here to Help. For more information about our Reconstruction Division, give us a call at 614-888-5700.

Don't Let Your Christmas Tree Cause A Fire!

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

U.S. firefighters respond to roughly 200 Christmas tree fires per year.

Don’t let a house fire disrupt your holidays. The most common sources of winter holiday fires are live Christmas trees and holiday decorations that are too close to a heat source, candles, and cooking fires. Although these fires are rare, they do occur, and they can be destructive and deadly.  The following are a few tips to help make your Holidays safe from fire.

When purchasing a live Christmas tree, safety starts before you even head to the tree lot.  If you live in a condo or apartment, there is likely a restriction against live Christmas trees.  Be sure to check with your HOA or management company for any rules or restrictions before choosing a tree. At the tree lot, look for a fresh, green tree!

Checking Your Tree

• Bend the needles.  If they break, the tree has probably already dried out.
• Grip a branch and slide your fist down it.  Most of the needles should stay on the tree.
• Check the trunk, especially at the bottom where it’s cut.  It should be covered in sap and sticky to the touch.
• Shake the tree.  If green needles fall everywhere, it’s too dry.

Before bringing the tree inside, shake it to dislodge loose needles or other debris.  Prior to placing it in the tree holder, make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk.  A freshly cut trunk will absorb water more effectively.  Use a tree holder that’s wide and strong enough to keep the tree stable.  

It is also very important to take care of your tree once it is inside. Fill the holder with water as soon as you set your tree up. Then, check it every day.  It needs to stay full!

Happy Holidays from our SERVPRO family to yours!

Preventing Grease Fires

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for your fire restoration needs!

Whether you are cooking in a restaurant or in your own home, a grease fire can quickly become a big disaster. Grease fires can present themselves as a difficult issue since they are notorious for being difficult to put out.

The first reaction to a fire is to pour water on it, which for grease fires, can actually spread the fire and make it worse!! Follow the correct steps below on putting out a grease fire.

How do I put out a Grease Fire?

1. Turn off the heat. Make sure to not pick up the pan. Picking up the pan can cause the fire to quickly spread to you or spill onto other surfaces in the kitchen.
2. Put a lid on the pan to cut off oxygen to the fire. Once it has sufficiently cooled down, you will be to move and clean it.
3. If the fire gets out of hand, make sure to call 911 to get assistance right away from the Columbus Fire Department.
4. NEVER pour water on an active grease fire or fan the fire. Both of these actions will only spread the fire.
5. Do NOT fan the fire with a dry or wet cloth, it can make it worse and spread the fire.
6. If all else fails, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.

How to Prevent A Grease Fire

1. Never leave your cooking unattended, always keep an eye on any pots or pans.
2. Make sure that you have a sufficiently sized lid for all of your cooking ware.
3. Heat the oils in your pans slowly, don't put your stove on the highest setting right off the bat.
4. Turn the heat off if you think your pans are getting too hot.

Due to the nature of a grease fire, it is highly recommended that you seek out the help of a professional like SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for fire restoration help. In addition to cleaning up any damage such as burned materials, soot, or grease, a professional can help your kitchen rid itself of the smoke scent.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team has the knowledge and decades of experience to help you quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire.

Are You Covered For The Next Storm?

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is prepared for the unexpected. Call our heroes today at 614-888-5700!

Bad weather can spring up without much of a warning. Most of the time when a flash flood or bad thunderstorm is threatening your area, you barely have enough time to find shelter. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they occur.

Do you have the correct insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of a disaster? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Thinking about these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier.

Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following:

• Water and Windstorm Damage
• Debris or Tree Removal
• Sewer Backup Due to Flooding
• Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding
• Additional Living Expenses In Case A Storm Forces You Out of Your Home

Once you have the proper home insurance coverage for storm damage, you can feel safer during the event of a disaster. Seeing your home damaged after a major storm can be heartbreaking. The best thing you can do for your family and your home is to begin the storm damage recovery immediately.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team is here to help after every storm. We are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year!

Keeping Your Store Clean

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Mold In Commercial Buildings

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Mold found on back side of baseboards in commercial building.

Just like in your home, you also need to be concerned with mold in commercial buildings. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as there is moisture and oxygen present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold starts to grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores, but you can control mold growth by controlling the moisture indoors.

In commercial buildings, moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters directing water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance

As mentioned before, the key to mold control is moisture control. Follow these mold prevention tips:

• Fix any leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
• Look out for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing the surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air.
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, properly flowing and unobstructed.
• Maintain a low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, 30-50% is ideal.
• Have your building and HVAC inspected and maintenance regularly.
• Clean up and dry out wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Never let foundations stay wet.

Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team for all of your mold remediation needs!

Don't Wait! Call SERVPRO To Start The Water Removal Process In Your Commercial Building

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Your janitorial team is NOT equipped to handle large water damage issues. That's why our SERVPRO team is here for you!

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Columbus properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is through creating airflow. SERVPRO use rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. These equipment work by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating against microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance it that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700.

First 48 Hours After a Flood

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait! The first 48 hours are critical!!

ACT FAST. The sooner you clear the contents out of your basement during a water incident, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition to your items and possessions.

When a finished basement experiences significant water damage, such as a basement flooding or a water pipe burst, timing is everything. Where the sooner you begin the disaster recovery process, the more likely you will be able to restore the condition of your possessions and the finished basement environment.

The first 48 hours are considered the most important time period to react, as it is crucial to preventing further damage to the basement and the items within, as well as preventing a wide spread mold problem. Below are the first steps to take, preferably within these first 48 hours.

1. Turn Off the Power. Never enter a flooded basement or touch the flood waters without cutting off the power.
2. Call your insurance company. Policies differ. Most require special flood insurance to cover ground water leaks, but homeowner’s insurance may cover damage from indoor plumbing and hot water heater leaks.
3. Get the water out as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to extract any standing water. If there isn’t a lot of water, you might try to get it out yourself, with a “floor sucker” or a shop-vac.

Dry everything out as quickly as possible

To prevent items and building materials from becoming ruined, dry your basement as soon as the water is removed. Ideally, the basement should be completely dry within 48 hours. After that, the potential for mold growth increases considerably. A professional restoration company might help expedite this process. Alternatively, you can consider acquiring a powerful basement dehumidifier.

Avoid a Toilet Overflow

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet overflows are more common than you think!

Overflowing toilets are every homeowner's worst nightmare. The mess and odors can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. That is why SERVPRO of Fairfield County is here to help!

A toilet overflow usually occurs when a blockage prevents water and waste from flushing down the toilet drain.  This backup prevents water and waste from flowing down the drain and causes your toilet overflowing.  As your toilet backs up, clean water and waste will overflow the toilet bowl.  If not cleaned up quickly, it may cause extensive water damage to your bathroom floor or even leak through the ceiling below.  Other common causes of overflowing toilets are sewage backups, septic tank issues, low flow toilets and malfunctioning plumbing.

Keep Your Toilet from Overflowing:

• Shop towels, hunks of hair, cat litter, and other products can clog the toilet
• Even toilet paper can clog a toilet if there is too much of it
• Flush in large batches if there is large amount of material
• Low-flow toilets save water and try patience – hold the handle down for a couple of extra seconds to make sure that there is enough water
• If the water in the toilet bowl is high, use a plunger to clear the drain
• Don't wait until the water is up to the bowl's rim – the water will have nowhere to go except the floor
• If a plunger doesn't work, call a plumber

If your home or business has water damage from toilet overflow, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700. We are ready 24/7 to make your damage “Like it never even happened.”

Candles May Smell Good, But They Can Start Fires

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Candles can be dangerous, consider the alternatives!

We all love candles. They are pretty to look at and get your home smelling wonderful. But unfortunately we need to remember that a candle is an open flame and can easily catch its surroundings on fire causing your beloved home to go up in flames.

First, lets take a look at the candle fire facts from the National Fire Protection Association to see just how common a candle fire is.

• There are 21 candle fires reported per day on average.
• Candles cause 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in house fires.
• 37% of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• 11% of the candle fires were a result of falling asleep while a candle was still burning.
• 60% of candle fires occurred when a flammable item was too close to the candle.

Fortunately, there are many great candle alternatives that make your home smell great or create a relaxing ambiance.

1. Battery-Powered Candles

While electric candles may not look or smell exactly like the real thing, they are a safe alternative to get the same ambiance. Plus, you don't need to worry about remembering to turn them off when you leave the room or house. You won't come home to an unexpected fire disaster.

2. Wax Warmers

These help spread the fantastic smell of melted wax through your home by using a wax warmer. These candle alternatives use battery power or electricity instead of an open flame to heat up the wax.

3. Fairy Lights

If your main goal is to add relaxed lighting to your home rather than release a scent into the air, fairy lights a great way to quickly light up a room or outdoor area. Fairy lights may be powered by battery or electricity, making them a much longer-lasting option than a candle.

4. Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oils can help add a scent to the room and might benefit your health too. There are many different diffusers to choose from, so you can easily find one that matches your home.

Our SERVPRO Team Will Eliminate Smoke And Odors In Your Columbus Home After A Fire

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fires can happen at any time, and the most common culprits are cooking and heating equipment. Residual damage such as fire odor, smoke, soot, and ash always happens after a fire. Some water damage also commonly occurs while extinguishing fires. All homes contain different materials that burn and create unique cleaning and restoration challenges.

To restore your Columbus home after fire damage, you need to take care of smoke, fire, and water damage. Our SERVPRO Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) have experience in addressing these issues. Smoke and odors can emanate from burned wood or paper and melted plastics. Smoke damage typically falls into 4 categories:

    •    Dry smoke – Usually results from fast-burning and high-temperature fires.
    •    Wet smoke – Results from smoldering or low heat fires. The smoke from a wet fire has a smeary, sticky texture, and a pungent odor.
    •    Fuel oil soot smoke – It results from furnace smoke returns, which cause oily soot.
    •    Protein smoke – Fires that burn plants, food, or other organic matter emit this smoke. It discolors varnishes and paints and has a pungent scent.

Smoke can penetrate walls and other surfaces quickly and drift through air ducts. Smoke odor can remain in furniture and clothing if it not deodorized properly. Smoke also penetrates cabinets and drawers, meaning that if you do not clean up your house properly, the odor can continue to re-occur for long periods.

Smoke can also ruin delicate works of art such as sculptures and paintings. The same acid that damages wood and metals can discolor the paint on canvas and the stone that makes up sculptures. When this occurs, the beauty of an art piece diminishes, and its monetary value reduces. We can work with a curator to restore ruined artwork.

Our fire damage restoration process is proven and thorough. It includes finding the source of the fire to determine the type of smoke and odors present in a home. Our technicians also determine if any areas of a house are wet because of firefighting efforts. We extract the water using shop vacs and dry the affected areas using air moving and dehumidifying equipment. We also remove any charred contents that could seal in smoke and smells like burned wood and insulation.

We can clean affected surfaces to eradicate the soils or soot particles. We perform several cleaning actions based on the affected surface and type of smoke particles present. Our technicians often perform mechanical action before other cleaning actions. Mechanical action is useful for pre-cleaning excess, non-greasy residues from surfaces before applying solvent-based or water-based cleaning products. Our SERVPRO technicians also treat affected surfaces for smoke scents using dry solvent deodorizers and thermal fogging equipment.

To deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700 to assist you. We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Unexpected Water Losses In Your Columbus Home

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods.

One of the biggest fears as a homeowner with a basement is your basement flooding whenever it rains. A valid and legitimate fear, this situation causes a myriad of repairs. All sorts of damage including ruined flooring and carpeting, rotted drywall, destroyed furniture, and the worst of all, mold growth can occur. These repairs can be time-consuming and costly, and your basement can even flood in dry weather.

Issues with your foundation drainage is a big cause for a flooded basement and flood damage in your Columbus home. However, the main reason for water in your basement is overflowing gutters. It is critical to keep your gutters clean to prevent water from seeping into your basement and causing floods. Quality gutter guards and even using an expert to clean your gutters out routinely keeps debris and leaves out of the gutters so they can function properly.

When your gutters do cause flooding in your basement, it can be quite overwhelming. You need to have professionals, such as SERVPRO, come to your home to help you get all the water out and repair the damages.

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the water has nowhere to go. It overflows over the gutters to the ground next to your house, only a couple feet from the foundation. As the ground is settling and moving, it stresses the foundation of your home which causes cracking, letting water enter your home. Hydrostatic pressure might force water in through the concrete. The main solution is to keep your gutters clean.

Flooded basements create not only a lot of possible damage but plenty of stress for you as well. At SERVPRO, we understand this, so we move quickly to get to your home after you reach out to us. We have the professional and industrial equipment to get all the standing water out of your home and use fans and dehumidifiers to finish the drying process. We have moisture meters to find any hidden water or mold growth as well.

When SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is finished restoring your home after your basement floods, it is "Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at (614) 888-5700 so we can get started as soon as possible.

Leave The Roof Tarps To Us!

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

This residential home needed a tarp after a recent storm.

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus we want to take the hassle and stress out of the board up and roof tarping of your home due to a disaster.

Whether your home or business was damaged by a storm, or other structural disasters, boarding up or tarping a damaged property is a burden that you as a homeowner shouldn't have to handle. Incorrectly boarding up or tarping your home can result in further damage, making the situation worse. Whether the further damage be from moisture or animal intrusions.

Our dedicated team of professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to help with in case you come across unexpected damage to your home or business.

Our trained and certified professionals are here to board up or tarp your damaged property, remediate the original damage and provide you with peace of mind while helping make it “Like it never even happened.”

Avoid These Dangers During a Flood

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Water Removal By SERVPRO Mitigates Damage to Your Columbus Home

SERVPRO Extracts Flood Waters to Mitigate Damage

Flood damage is exceedingly dangerous, for both homes and lives. Floods have the power to swamp and drown residents, as well as cause them serious injury or infection. To homes, they can seep and flow into not only furniture but also the structure itself, causing immense water damage. Furthermore, floodwaters are usually unsanitary and can cause dangerous airborne and water carried illnesses and mold, which may cause health effects. Avoidance is the best way to skirt issues and hazards caused by flooding. So watch out for heavy rains or floodwaters in the street, and keep upstairs if possible.
 
Infection and Illness
One of the most common injuries sustained after flood damage in Columbus is an infection. Floodwaters breed and transport dangerous microbes, and because they often mix with sewage and overflow materials, diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and others can occur. Any water ingested or entering wounds has serious potential to lead to illness or infection, hence why you should exercise extreme caution and avoid entering floodwaters when possible. Also, some microbes, pathogens, and viruses may spread through the air or emit toxic gasses, and so the air surrounding flooded areas may also be hazardous to breathe.
 
Cuts and Wounds
Floodwaters often carry shards of wood, glass, and ceramic that may cut or stab into exposed flesh. These can cause blood loss and pain, in addition to opening up a wound for infection. Should you be cut anywhere in a flood-soaked area, immediately seek to disinfect and bandage the wound to prevent acute infection.
 
Further Damage to the Home
SERVPRO lists on our website some ways that you can help clean up before our technicians arrive following a flood. Be careful to stick to these recommendations and avoid danger, as there is a chance that you may cause further damage to your home. Allow our trained IICRC technicians in water restoration to be the first to begin serious work, for the sake of both you and your insurance.
 
SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is a locally owned and operated company with trained technicians and high-quality equipment prepared to deal with any flooding disaster, large or small. Call us today at (614) 888-5700 for our help or services.

Who Should You Call After A Storm

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

This home experienced water damage due to cracks in the roof which lead to water making its way inside the home.

Who Do You Call?

When a storm comes down quick and fast, it often finds the cracks in the roofs, or the storm floods a part of your home and remediation is often needed. Most homeowners do not think about who their remediation company might be if needed. Most people may never experience something like this and the idea of a contractor coming into your home is sheer terror. With all the nightmare stories that exist about contractors, it is no surprise!

We Will Put You At Ease

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we want to put your anxiety about hiring someone to come and make repairs to your home. We are here to help you get your home put back together and walk you through the entire process. We want to make sure that you have the confidence when you hire us that we will get the job done efficiently and correct the first time. Things are going to happen, how we react to them and how we prepare for them is the difference.

Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team today at (614) 888-5700 for all of your storm damage needs. We are always here to help!

Restoring Your Columbus Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team can handle any size disaster!

Flooding and water damage events in Columbus 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 Northeast Columbus

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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.

Have Questions about Commercial Water Damage?
Call Us Today – 614-888-5700

Why Call Our SERVPRO Team For Commercial Damage?

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is here to help 24-7!

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we can help if your business or commercial property floods. You may be wondering why you would need us. Sometimes the damage of water is not as simple and just cleaning up the water. Call us 24/7/365 at 614-888-5700.

Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Often times, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture.  This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting.

IICRC Certified Firm

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is IICRC Certified!

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create 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 Northeast Columbus

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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.

What's That Smell? It Might Be Water Damage

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you smell something funny in your home, call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team!

Do you know when to be worried about a funny smell? Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble. Your nose is not the only way to spot water damage in your new home. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus technicians are IICRC certified and can help handle any moisture problems you may discover after moving in.

The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can call our team to help mitigate ongoing damages. With spring coming in central Columbus, some water damage will be easier to spot. When you notice a problem, a highly trained SERVPRO professional can assess the extent of your damages. We can use our specialized equipment to remedy the issue fast.

What should you keep an eye out for when you do your spring cleaning? Start at the top. When looking for roof damages, obvious water stains aren't the only problem. Swollen insulation is usually an indication of water retention. Check your flashing (where the roof meets the walls) for cracks and look for missing shingles as well as more obvious signs like holes. Look at door frames and molding. Unusual stains or dark spots on the walls can mean trouble.

Inside, make sure you check your appliances after you move in to be certain they are not leaking where you cannot see easily behind them. Cracked hoses and loose connections can be tricky. Ripples, buckling, and changes in texture can tell you the flooring has a water problem. Remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is.

Outside water damages and mold are often caused by improper drainage. Check your spouts to see that they are clear and make sure you do not have water pooling around the foundation of your new home. At the first sign of damage, you can call SERVPRO.

No one wants to find water damages in their new home this spring. If you do, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is available at (614) 888-5700 24 hours a day. We can make things “Like it never even happened.”

Drying Goals During The Water Restoration Process

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team uses state of the art equipment during the water restoration process.

Drying Goals During Water Removal In Your Columbus Home

Water damage technicians create a drying goal during your Columbus home’s initial assessment. The drying goal should indicate the condition of materials and contents once restored to their natural preloss dryness. Qualified technicians should always monitor the drying process to determine if current procedures remain in-line with any established goals.

A drying goal for water removal at your Columbus property is the intended result in affected areas after completing restoration services. Our dedicated technicians use years of experience, training, and advanced equipment to provide moisture content readings from dry, unaffected contents, and structure — readings in percentage for wood materials, and readings in points for non-wood materials.

Our SERVPRO technicians use drier air to increase the rate of evaporation while performing water removal services on your property – drier air means air with low humidity. A relative humidity (RH) of less than 40% is within the normal range for performing an effective drying solution. RH under 40% typically tells us that the air is dry and thirsty, allowing it to pull more water from wet materials within the affected area.

While measurements for RH does not guarantee that your structure is dry, reaching a low RH ensures that humidity within the affected area is decreasing. To determine whether the area is dry, SERVPRO technicians take specific humidity readings of the affected areas; these readings should match those taken in unaffected areas. We use moisture meters to measure the moisture content of wet materials found in your home.

SERVPRO water removal technicians set moisture content goals on a per-item basis – after establishing a drying standard and recording typical equilibrium moisture content (EMC). The dry standard is a moisture content reading taken from dry materials of the same type found in unaffected areas. We establish a dry standard or use a typical EMC of a material as a goal.  Once the readings match, the drying process is complete.

Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team for water removal, cleanup, and restoration services, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

Duct Cleaning For Your Commercial Property

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

What's lurking in your air ducts?

Commercial property managers and facility managers have a lot on their plate, keeping their properties clean and orderly. The one task that should be top of mind is duct cleaning, especially if you notice buildup or tenants complaining about respiratory irritation. Typically, you should have your building's ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Like a residential home, routine maintenance cleaning of your duct system will improve the air quality. Duct cleaning will also assist in the efficiency of your system and potentially prolong the life of the system itself. 

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus we offer commercial duct cleaning. Our team of dedicated and trained individuals focus on quality and customer relationships when handling your commercial property. 

If you're in need of duct cleaning for your commercial business, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to schedule your commercial duct cleaning.

Ahh! My Pipes Are Frozen!!

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, that's why our SERVPRO Team is always here to help!

The cold temperatures in Columbus can lead to a number of problems for local homeowners. One of which may include frozen pipes. A hard freeze can even lead to broken pipes or water damage in your home. Here are some things you may want to know about what to expect when your pipes freeze.

What To Do When Pipes Freeze

If you have a frozen pipe in your home there are a few things you can do

• Call a professional, like SERVPRO for help
• Keep your pipes open so the water has a place to go when thawed
• Apply gentle heat, like a hot towel or blow dryer, to the frozen area of the pipe

Why Pipes Freeze

During a hard freeze the temperature outdoors can drop so low that the cold can permeate the pipes. Any water inside will then expand. If there is not enough room inside the pipes, then the pressure can cause cracks which will lead to leaks when the water thaws. A water damage professional can help with repairs to your home if the leak causes damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Fortunately, there are a few prevention steps you can take to prevent the freezing of your pipes and subsequent water damage. These steps include draining the water from pipes that may freeze such as a sprinkler line, and disconnecting any hoses from your home. You may also want to close any indoor valves that supply water to outdoor lines. If the weather is especially cold you may want to let your faucets drip a little as moving water is less likely to freeze. It’s also a good idea to keep your home’s temperature above 55 degrees.

When a hard freeze occurs, the water in your pipes can freeze and cause some damage to your home. A professional can help with any repairs and cleanup you may need. If you know that the temperature is likely to get to freezing point, you may be able to take some steps to protect your pipes.

Our Compassionate SERVPRO Team Gives You A Five Star Experience Every Time!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our goal is to go above and beyond for each and every one of our customers!

Guess who’s one of the most highly recommended restoration company in the Columbus area? That’s right, it’s us! We don’t need to toot our own horn, because we’ve got over 300 reviews between our two locations to do that for us. We are really proud of them, because we’ve worked really hard to make sure each and every one of those reviews is well earned. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team strives hard to make sure every one of our customers has a five-star experience, no matter the size or type of job. Whether it’s a fire or a water loss, whether it’s a home or a commercial building. We want you to have the same experience no matter what, and if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.

Give our SERVPRO Team a call today at 614-888-5700!

Smoked Damaged Homes

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot buildup on the walls from a fire.

Not every fire results in an extensive amount of damage to homes. In fact many fires don’t require a large amount of demolition and rebuild; especially ones caused by cooking accidents. Grease fires, protein fires, contained fires or outdoor fires can all do a small amount of damage to homes but they can produce a lot more smoke and residue than homeowners realize.

That smoke, soot, and residue will go throughout your Columbus home covering all types of surfaces such as walls, counter-tops, cabinets, contents, and clothes. Smoke damage often leaves behind sticky residue, stains surfaces, odors, and can be toxic to breath long term especially for those with respiratory issues. The residue is not always visible either which is why the testing process is very important.

A home does not need to be severely damaged after a fire for you to call one of our experts for a free inspection of your home. The size and scope of damage after a small fire can be very surprising to many homeowners when our SERVPRO technicians do the inspection and show how far reaching smoke damage can be and what all is affected. In our inspection we use various cleaning tools and chemicals to determine the best way to restore your home to its before fire condition.

If you experience a fire in your Columbus home give our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus experts a call today!

How To Prepare For Winter Storms

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Be ready this winter!

Winter weather in Ohio can be hard to predict.  Even though we have not any snow yet this year, it is a good idea to prepare your home, car and surrounding area for any upcoming storms. 

Follow these helpful tips

Salt pavement around your house: the city is pretty good with clearing the roads around your home, however any sidewalks and pathways are left up to the homeowner to clear.  To make things easier on homeowners, once you are aware of any storm headed your way spread street salt on your driveway and walkway. Placing salt down prior to any snowstorm can reduce the ice that forms underneath piles of snow. 

Keep a steady drip:  With snow comes freezing and sometimes below freezing conditions leaving your pipes vulnerable and likely to freeze and in turn burst.  Having a settle but steady drip of warm water flow through will help keep your pipes from freezing during these conditions. 

Create a winter ready emergency kit: In an event of a snow storm the strength of it is always unpredictable.  To keep you and your family safe, create and keep a winter ready emergency kit available.  A few things to keep in the kit; bottled water, batteries, a functioning radio, different layers of clothing, blankets and non perishable food items.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus has a 24/7 emergency response team that is ready to handle any storm damage you may have in your Columbus home.

Why Choose A Team Who Is IICRC Certified?

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

With the proper training, our SERVPRO Team sets themselves apart to serve you!

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is proud to be an IICRC certified firm. IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. The goal of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when consumers hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry's "standard of care." The technicians of SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus sets themselves apart through training, experience, and comprehensive examination.

For more information about the IICRC, please visit https://www.IICRC.org/. 

Where Is The Water Hiding In Your Home?

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

A dishwasher leaked caused water damage to the kitchen in this home.

Sometimes water damage is sudden and dramatic: a pipe bursting, an appliance malfunctioning. But sometimes it sneaks up on us in the form of a slow leak that can go undetected for long periods of time.

Areas that are prone to cumulative water damage include cabinets under sinks and the areas around AC units, appliances and wobbly toilets. Water can also creep in around exterior doors and windows and under siding. There are many areas in your home that are vulnerable to slow water accumulation and all of them can lead to damaged drywall and flooring, mold, and rot.

If you suspect your home may have a moisture issue, contact the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. Our highly trained technicians have the state of the art equipment and hands on experience to find moisture where it is hidden and create a plan of action to make your home "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO Team is available anytime day or night. Call us today at 614-888-5700.

What To Expect After A Fire

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for assistance after a fire!

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we are here to help if your Columbus home or business suffers from damage due to a fire. 

Our SERVPRO Team Is Here To Help After A Fire

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today!

Our SERVPRO Team knows that even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus understands that when your business or commercial property has been affected by a fire, you need help fast. When you call our SERVPRO Team, our highly trained professionals will be on site quickly to assess the damage and begin the process of getting your building up and running.

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after a fire means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to doing what your business and building does best. 

If your business or commercial property has been impacted by fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus anytime, day or night at 614-888-5700. We are here to help you 24-7. Our SERVPRO Team makes your building "Like it never even happened."

Why Choose A Team Who Is IICRC Certified?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

With the proper training, our SERVPRO Team sets themselves apart to serve you!

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is proud to be an IICRC certified firm. IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. The goal of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when consumers hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry's "standard of care." The technicians of SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus sets themselves apart through training, experience, and comprehensive examination.

For more information about the IICRC, please visit https://www.IICRC.org/. 

Why Restore vs. Replacing

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

These items were able to be restored after a fire at a residential home.

When your home has been damaged by fire or water damage, our goal at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is to make your property "Like it never even happened," quickly and at the lowest cost to you.

Part of restoring your home and belongings is determining what items and structures can be saved utilizing our state of the art restoration techniques and equipment and what will ultimately have to be replaced. Insurance and restoration industry studies have concluded that restoring property after fire and water damage is less expensive than replacing. Restoring is also less disruptive to our clients, often allowing them to remain in their homes during the process and resume life as normal quickly.

As a preferred mitigation and restoration vendor for most major insurance companies, our SERVPRO Team is highly trained to determine when restoring can be accomplished with the high quality results that our clients deserve. This "restore" versus "replace" mentality can save money while preserving family heirlooms, keepsakes, and other items that are impossible or cost-prohibitive to replace.

If your home or business have been impacted by water or fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus today at 614-888-5700.

Leave The Biohazard Jobs To Us

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team is highly trained to handle all of your bio-hazard needs.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus professionals are trained to safely and effectively removed bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, along with state and local health regulations. We are equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, our team can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes, and offices.  

Bloodbourne Pathogens

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. Our SERVPRO team help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Spider Webs or Soot Webs?

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot tags. You can see how closely they resemble spider webs.

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 Northeast Columbus Team is here to help, we are the fire damage restoration specialists at your service 24-7!

Our SERVPRO Team's Storm Response

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today! We are faster to any size disaster!

Our team here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is always ready for whatever happens, no matter the time of day. Our crews are always on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When it comes to fire and water damage, our professionals work tirelessly to make sure our customers are satisfied and are explained each step of the cleaning process.

Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leading professionals in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, along with a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home or business and restore it back to pre-storm condition.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

If a storm hits your home or business, odds are you'll need help immediately. Our team's quick response will help prevent any secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

Our team has access to resources and personnel of over 1,800 franchises to handle major storms and disasters. Our team also has access to our exclusive Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located to respond to catastrophic storms and events throughout the country.

Locally Owned and Operated

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is locally owned and operated. We are actively apart of the community with you as well. When you have a storm disaster or flooding emergency, we are in the area and ready to help you.

If you experience storm damage, don't hesitate to call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team at 614-888-5700. We are always here to help!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus office at 614-888-5700 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Oh No! It's 2 Am, Who Do I Call?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

This flooded commercial building was caused by a recent storm. The sump pump was unable to keep up with the heavy rains.

Have you ever been sound asleep, and suddenly your phone rings. It's your nighttime maintenance technician notifying you that your building has flooded. And you exact thoughts are "Oh no, it's the middle of the night, who do I call?". The answer to that question is SERVPRO! We take the stress and headache away from you, making the process simple and stress free for you.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team is here for you not only during normal business hours but also during the night and the early mornings. We have a 24-7 on-call technician ready to address your next disaster and dispatch the next crew out to you.

At SERVPRO we understand that those disasters that happen in the middle of the night, need to be addressed immediately. We don't wait until the morning because we understand that your building needs to operate normally once the clock strikes 8 am. It is our duty to get your building back to a workable state for your staff and/or tenants.

The 2 am disaster calls are our favorite to respond to! Don't wait until the morning to address a disaster.  Waiting can cause secondary damage to your building, leaving the downtime on your building even longer.

Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team today if you experience an unexpected disaster at your property in the middle of the night. We are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to help you! We are only a call away!

Typical Causes of Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

This flooded building was caused by a coffee supply line coming loose.

Unexpected flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to access the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can instantly turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial building isn’t in pristine condition, there is a much higher chance of water damage occurring. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage in a commercial building:

1. Broken Pipes. Broken or cracked pipes are very common to occur in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have occupying that space.
2. Malfunctioning Sprinklers. It is a law that all commercial properties are equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. It works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is activated when the fire alarm goes off. This causes water damage in two ways. First, if there is a fire in the building, the smoke will set off the fire alarms, activating the sprinklers causing water damage. And second, if the sprinkler system malfunctions and activates on its own, causing the water to cover the entire building.
3. Backed Up Sewer Lines. Bathrooms are another common source of possible problems. Sewer lines can get backed up, releasing water into the building. This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled hazardous waste and other contaminants.
4. Damaged Appliances. Almost every office building has a kitchen or break room. Typically these rooms have a refrigerator or a dishwasher and when these appliances malfunction they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding entire room or more.

Preventative Measures To Avoid Water Damage

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen to anyone at any time, that's why SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is here for you!

We all know that prevention is the best medicine, but floods can happen at any moment from any number of causes. By completing regularly scheduled home maintenance and keeping an eye out for common warning signs, you can minimize the chances of a flood. However, nothing can give you a 100% guarantee of never having a flood. In that case, preparation is the best way to minimize water damage.

First, it’s a good idea to know your flood risk. Are you in a potential flood zone? Is your yard sloped away from your foundation? Knowledge is power so the more you know about how your home might flood, the more steps you can take to prevent it or minimize damage from it.

Using waterproof building materials is a great way to reduce damage from flooding and there are waterproof sealants and paints that can be applied to existing structures. In particular, there are many protective coatings for block or poured concrete walls which are common in basements.

Keep your valuables and irreplaceable items such as photo albums, yearbooks, and important documents on high shelves. Do the same with chemicals and paints. If they leak into flood waters, they could cause additional damage. Any items put away for storage should be in air and water-tight plastic containers. Never leave boxes or items on the floor; instead, invest in raised shelving units.

It may also be a good idea to raise appliances and electronics off the ground. Get wires and power strips out from behind your tv stand and organize them in a way that keeps them out of the flood danger zone. Put washing machines and dryers on cinder blocks or sections of lumber to reduce the chances that rising water levels will affect them.

If a flood does strike, turn off electricity, gas, and water lines and place buckets under active leaks. If the water is pooling slowly, soak up as much of it as possible to reduce the potential damage. Calling SERVPRO at the first sign of a flood is the best way to reduce water damage. Our highly trained technicians will solve your immediate problems and ensure you don’t experience lasting effects or further damage.

Flooding can happen to anyone. Take steps now to protect your home and keepsakes from water damage in the event of a possible flood.

We Are The Water Damage Experts!

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services can help get your property back to preloss condition. Call our SERVPRO team today!

Professional water removal services are readily available to you through our professional residential and commercial restoration processes. Don't leave anything to chance, see how our expert Technicians and advanced equipment made us a responsible trusted leader within the industry!
 
We have a highly efficient water removal team in Columbus that is eagerly waiting for your call! We'll work with you through everything and look forward to the opportunity to show you that our services are the best you'll find to assist you with your water removal needs!
 
Our SERVPRO Technicians are expertly trained to handle your water damage situation! Each Technician is certified to perform various functions required during different phases of our restoration process, and they desire to perform their assigned tasks as efficiently as possible to produce high-quality results for our customers.
 
The extraction equipment that our SERVPRO Technicians use is second to none; we spare no expense in providing our Technicians with the highest quality tools available. These extractors come in both portable and truck mounted variations, no job is too big or too small. While, submersible pumps are used to extract water exceeding two inches deep to help speed up the process.
 
Each extractor is made up of three main parts; a heater, a pump, and a vacuum system and their only purpose are to work together to perform a single function. They remove water!
 
Dehumidifiers are used throughout the process to assist in the drying process. These dehumidifiers are used to cycle the air in the surrounding area, run it through a cold evaporator coil. Inside of the evaporator coil, moisture is separated and captured in a collection tray; then warm, dry air gets pumped out of the dehumidifiers exhaust fan.
 
A Refrigerant or LGR Dehumidifier is used at the beginning of the process when the humidity is at its highest, while Desiccant Dehumidifiers only serve a purpose when structural materials are wet, but everything else is dry.
 
SERVPRO Technicians using this type of equipment ensure that we can perform our absolute best and provide our customers a level of service that is as fast, effective and efficient as possible!
 
Find your way to SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for any water removal services. Our fast, 24-Hour Services at your disposal seven days a week, including all Holidays! We'll help manage any paperwork involved in your case and walk you through the entire process. There is a locally owned and operated franchise near you!

Cleaning Soot In Your Home

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for your soot removal needs.

A fire produces soot, a black residue that is left behind when various materials are burnt such as plastics, synthetics, foam and wood. Soot can have damaging effects on your home. While it is advised to leave it to the professionals to clean up soot, you can make the cleanup process easier by following these safety guidelines.

• During the first inspection of a soot damaged room, refrain from touching anything. This prevents soot to from getting in areas that were unaffected.
• The best method for soot cleanup is by using dry-cleaning sponge or chemical dry sponge. If you attempt a wet method, the soot will smear, leaving behind a hideous stain.
• Always wear protective gear, such as masks, gloves, and long clothing that covers the skin.
• To minimize the inhalation of soot particles, keep the room properly ventilated.
• For easier cleanup, clear the room of unnecessary debris.
• Use proper cleaning methods when removing soot from the walls. Most homeowners think soap and water will do the trick but improper cleaning can cause the damage to spread or get worse.

Leave it to the professionals. Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team for fire damage cleaning and restoration.

We Are The Fire Damage Experts!

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is ready to restore your Columbus fire damaged property.

When a fire breaks out, business owners and homeowners will require specialized equipment and experience. Also needed are skilled experts who know how to handle all types of fires and the end results. SERVPRO adheres to The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification--IICRC guidelines, following best methods for fire damage restoration. This means that we are highly trained with constant continuing education in this field. We are team members of the National Disaster Recovery Team, part of the national franchises to help others in our area, and out of state. Our knowledge and experience help Ohioans with all of their natural disaster or accidental restoration needs. Let our experience and strong customer satisfaction achievements help you.

 
Along with our expertise, we work with the best equipment that is available in the industry. Our fleet of vehicles contains truck-mounted water pumps, portable pumping systems, air movers, dehumidifiers, ozone machines, foggers, and portable generators. Our supply of industrial chemicals, cleaners, and products is always top shelf. With a careful plan of action, we guarantee your satisfaction with the fire damaged restoration to your home or business.

We are a trusted leader in the disaster restoration industry. We help with Ohio's residential and commercial fire damage mitigation and reconstruction problems. Please call our experts anytime with our 24 hours a day emergency services, seven days a week. Our quick response to your disaster can help you avoid any further secondary damages and to prepare your property for restoration.
 
As a member of the community, we at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus are locally owned and operated. Contact us immediately when there is a fire or any other type of damage to your property. Call (614) 888-5700 and let us help you to restore your life and valuable property.

You Can Rely On Our SERVPRO Team For Flood Damage

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let a flood disrupt your life. Call our SERVPRO team!

If you’ve recently had a flood of significance in your home, or firefighters have used water hoses to extinguish a fire, you are probably experiencing some severe water damage to your home and possessions. It can be overwhelming for sure, and in this type of situation, it is important that you know professionals you can turn to, like our team at SERVPRO, to help you restore your property back to its preloss state.

Flood damage in Columbus of any kind can create quite the mess of things and will disrupt your daily routine. However, you can rest assured that the professionals at SERVPRO are trained to handle any situation like this properly so that they can have you back to normal as soon as possible. Water damage restoration is a process with multiple steps which need to be handled by our professionals who are licensed and certified water restoration contractors, both through corporate and IICRC training methodologies.

The Initial Visual Inspection
The first step will be to do an initial assessment to figure out the right action that is needed to reverse the adverse effects of the flood damage. After this is done, if there are no safety hazards, your contents will be secured, and the restoration can begin.

Extraction of Water
Containing the flood damage and getting rid of any standing water right away is the top priority. Anything that is wet such as pillows, throw rugs, toys, clothing, and the like are removed from the affected area. Our technicians will start to treat any wet surfaces such as ceilings, walls, or floors to help speed up the drying process. Baseboards may need to be discarded, along with any wet insulation. Cabinet drawers and doors will be opened to speed up the drying process. All wet surfaces will have to be treated.

Stabilizing and Drying
Once all the wet materials are removed, the drying process can begin. Technicians will use commercial grade equipment, including dehumidifiers, air movers, heaters and wood floor drying systems. Controlling the moisture is very critical in preventing the growth of mold and preserving your belongings and furnishings.

Reassessing the Damage
Once your home is dry, certified technicians will do another inspection to make sure there are no hidden moisture pockets which could result in further damage or mold growth. No guess work is involved because moisture sensors and thermal hygrometers will reveal hidden pockets of residual moisture.

Reconstruction
After the water damage has been mitigated and your home returned to a preloss condition, if there are any building materials which need replacement or structural damage, the last step is restoration. At the end of reconstruction, your home will be safe and secure once again for you and your family. "Like it never even happened."

Flood damage can be devastating. However, we at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus have the knowledge and training to restore your home. Give us a call anytime at (614) 888-5700!

Spring Showers Bring... Flooding?!

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus take care of your residential and commercial flooding needs.

We have all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. Large amounts of rainfall is not only common during this time of the year, at the beginning of spring but also in this region of the country. It has become something all of us Ohioans "put up" with in hopes of sunny, warm, and beautiful summer weather.

Unfortunately April showers not only bring May flowers, they bring rainy days. These rainy days often lead to flooded basements, sump pump overflows, and more water damage. Oh no! But have no fear SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is here to help 24 hours a day with any flooding disasters you may experience.

We have a team of trained professionals ready and waiting to help get your life back to normal. Call our SERVPRO team today at (614) 888-5700!

Procrastination Can Lead To Flood Damage In Your Columbus Home

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

Damage from Flooding Has Many Results

Putting off repairs until another time can allow leaks in pipes to become larger. These drips can suddenly become much greater, flooding your home. A pipe with a small crack can instantly turn into a broken conduit, sending water by the gallon into your living space. The same goes for joints that are not sealed or soldered correctly and come undone.

If you live in Columbus and this situation happens to you, here are a few things you should know about flood damage. Water can damage anything it comes into contact with, even if the water is clean. Pure water can easily become contaminated by things in your home. Flood damage, just like water damage, gets worse the longer it is allowed to remain present.

Water flowing down your stairway and gushing over the sides can accumulate in many different locations in your home. Water travels downhill, but it also can spread out and cover more surface area when covering something in a horizontal manner, such as it would on a table. Wood absorbs water much more slowly than your carpet, upholstered furniture, or mattresses can, but wood can still soak up enough to be damaged by it.

The water involved in a broken water line is clean, of course, but that does not mean that the water will remain clean. Carpeting, even in the most meticulously kept home, contains many contaminants. Water can whisk that up and carry it along, dropping different things here and there along the path of least resistance. When those same contaminants remained trapped in your carpet's fibers, they did little damage, but now they are free. Contaminants can include microbes such as bacteria and even parasites that may have been inactive until they were immersed in water.

Flood damage can happen with water of any type, clean or utterly filthy. Leaving clean water standing is obviously not conducive to remaining in your home, and SERVPRO can remedy that quickly with a pump truck. However, simply extracting visible water is not enough. Damaged walls must be replaced with new ones, and upholstered furniture must be completely dried and possibly aired out. Your carpeting may need to be removed, and new carpeting installed or, perhaps, cleaned extensively and then dried well. Most often, though, carpeting is usually destroyed by flooding, even if the water was from a clean source.

Because flooding creates a situation in your home that is hazardous to your health and safety in numerous ways, having professionals who are experienced in the complicated cleaning up this type of damage is critical. Incorrect methods, or incomplete ones, can create more harm, not less, in the future. Allowing flooded areas to remain contaminated because they cannot absorb any water, such as the undersides of cast iron tubs, puts your family at risk. Each SERVPRO technician treats your home with respect and care they would pay for their own, and we always take the time required to ensure that each job is complete and done correctly.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is always ready, day or night, to help you take the sting out of flood damage. We know flooding happens without warning, so we are always ready to take your call. Contact us at (614) 888-5700, for this and any other disaster in your home.

What To Do And Not To Do When Cleaning Up Vandalism Damage

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience vandalism at your property, call our SERVPRO team!

Vandalism at your property can happen when you least expect it. Taking fast action is critical. Here are some important tips to remember while waiting for SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to begin property restoration.

DO:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior using water as soon as possible.
• Use a shop vac to carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints. 
• Photograph and record all damage when possible.

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 that may be used for repair.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700 to help with your vandalism needs.

Maintaining Your Fire Sprinkler System In Your Building

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call our SERVPRO team.

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Sign Of Storm Damage On Your Home

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

This home was damaged by a tree falling on it after a storm.

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700 for any restoration needs you may have.

We are Your Local Cleaning Experts!

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700!

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Certification Is Key!

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained and always ready to help!

Certification is Key to Proper Water Damage Remediation

Flooding of any type will ruin some personal possessions (books, papers, and cloth) within minutes. In just a few hours, carpets and flooring can be destroyed as well as furniture. After only a day, walls can become damaged past repair and will have to be removed and replaced before a homeowner or renter can return to their house.

When it comes to water removal for our Columbus neighbors, we require our personnel to meet the high standards established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). SERVPRO also maintains an extensive inventory of specialized equipment built to extract flood water, regardless of the source and where it might be located in your home.

Each team member is trained on this equipment to quickly remove water. Since that is only the beginning, however, we also require them to become certified in five areas as determined by the IICRC. They are:

Water Damage - This overall course covers the many types of water damage and the effects it has on a home. Concentration is given to problems such as overflowing sewers and mold contamination.

Applied Structural Drying - This teaches each technician to use monitoring equipment, moisture extractors and specialized heaters and fans to dry walls and floors that have been under water.

Carpet Cleaning - Our team members learn to identify fabrics and the proper cleaning techniques required for each one. They also are taught to safely use the different cleaning chemicals available to us and how to use them with our vacuums and extractors.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning - Techs learn more fiber and cloth identification. Each person also learns about the specific cleaning issues needed to prevent fabrics from bleeding their colors, shrinking or otherwise becoming distorted from having been soaked.

Odor Control - Personnel learn to identify the source of odors caused by flooding or other water damage and the deodorization techniques available to combat them.

In addition to these areas, each technician is trained and qualified on every piece of equipment they might use on each job. Our inspectors also receive additional, specialized training to identify potential problems before they happen.

Get ahead of potential problems and call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to schedule an inspection. If you may have or suspect damage from previous flooding, call us today at 614-888-5700. We're ready to serve you.

Where Water Damage May Be Hiding In Your Home

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in this home was caused by a leaking dishwasher.

While damage from a flood is pretty noticeable, there are many ways water damage can happen to your home when you don’t even realize it.

Here are some common causes of water damage and how you can spot the warning signs.

Weather is a common cause of water damage. Rains (snow and ice during the winter) cause flooding that can get into your home. Ice is an especially insidious cause of water damage because it expands as it freezes, causing cracks that allow more water to enter your home.

Even if it isn’t raining or snowing there is still moisture in the air. Damp air can lead to condensation and water damage to your walls. This is especially true of basements, bathrooms, and other damp areas of your home that don’t get much airflow.

Appliances like your washing machine, garbage disposal, water heater, toilet, and air conditioner can all contribute to water damage if they leak or stop draining properly.

Water from our pipes and plumbing systems can also cause water damage. Leaks and drips can go on for months, or even years, raising your water bill and doing unseen damage to your home.

Since these are all the ways water can sneak into your home, what are the signs of water damage?

Here are a few warning signs that you have a water damage problem in your home.

Standing water – This may sound pretty obvious, but if you notice water pooling in your house you have a water problem that needs to be taken care of immediately.

Bad smells – While water doesn’t normally have much of a smell, the mold and bacteria that grow in damp environments can give off a distinct musty, wet odor. If you smell mold or mildew there is a possibility that you have a water issue.

Stains and spots – Stains on the ceilings or walls can be a sign of water damage. You might have a leaky pipe or roof. Call a professional to determine the cause of the problem and to clean up the damage before it becomes a serious mold problem.

Peeling paint – Paint damaged by water will start to peel, bubble, or flake off.

Uneven surfaces – Water damage can cause floors, ceilings, walls, and other surfaces to warp and feel uneven.

Cracks – Water is always seeking the path of least resistance out of your home. Water can enter through cracks and once water finds it’s way in, the crack will expand allowing even more to get into your home. Make sure you seal all visible cracks on your property.

If you notice your home has water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. Our team is always here to help!

Does Your Building Have The Flu? SERVPRO Can Help!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call our office today to get your building cleaned!

About Influenza (Flu)

Approximately 8% of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year. Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory sickness causing mild to severe symptoms. Those with the flu can spread it to others without direct contact. The flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Flu

Our SERVPRO team is here for you! We can treat your buildings for Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and many other harmful viruses. Our team uses a powerful, EPA botanical disinfectant that dries with no residue and is safe for use in the most delicate of applications like nursing homes and schools. Our staff would treat your building with a fogging process then go over heavy touched areas by hand.

Call our SERVPRO office today for more information!

How To Know If Your Walls Have Water Damage

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

This homeowner knew they had water damage by the discoloration they noticed.

Have you ever wondered if your walls have water damage? Sometimes it's not so easy to identify.  And, as you know, water losses don't typically happen during convenient hours of the day. It’s not always easy to identify if your walls are damaged, but here are some signs to look for.

Common Signs of Water Damage In Your Walls

1. Musty Odor: Water damage can often cause mold damage and/or mildew damage if left undetected. But unfortunately, mold isn't always visible. If you notice a musty odor, that's a sign there may be mold somewhere you don't see. You want to make sure both sides of your walls are checked and tested for mold damage. Most importantly, you'll want to find the source of your water issues so the mold doesn't return and cause more damage.
2. Visible Mold Growth On Walls And Baseboards: Always be on the lookout for visible mold growth, it comes in various sizes. Mold infestation can quickly spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. But you want to be careful because mold may cause health effects to you and your family, including your pet. That is why it is very important to contact trained professionals who have the proper training and experience to remove and remediate mold.
3. Discoloration: Discoloration is a key indicator that your walls are damaged as a result of water damage. The common colors associated with discoloration are yellow, brown, or copper.
4. Peeling Or Bubbling Paint And Wallpaper: The peeling or bubbling of paint or wallpaper is another key indicator that your walls are damaged. It is important to contact trained professionals to access your walls, to prevent further damage from happening down the road.
5. Warped Walls: Inspect your walls carefully to see if you have any warped walls. When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs too much water, it will start to bend and curve, which, in turn, can cause the wall to warp.
6. Water Stains: Inspect your walls carefully for any potential water stains. Water stains can easily be missed, especially if they are tiny in size. Since they can start out small, homeowners typically don't notice the water stains until they have increased in size, which, at that time, further damage may have occurred. It's a good idea to inspect around your windows and frames as well.

If you notice signs of water damage in your walls, don't hesitate to call our SERVPRO team! We are always here to help!

What Our Customers Can Expect When They Call Our SERVPRO Team

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can help you resolve your emergency water extraction problems!

You can never plan for a water loss to occur in your home or business but it’s a good idea to keep handy the name and number of a local cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO. A disaster like this may seem like the end of the world but to our SERVPRO team it’s just an average day. This is our specialty. Our job is to provide state-of-the-art service to our customers that are in need of water damage restoration experts.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. That is why it is imperative to call SERVPRO as soon as possible, so our team can start extracting the water.

Here is what you can expect when our highly trained technicians arrive at your home or business.

INSPECTION

Within two hours of receiving the loss notification, our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus restoration professionals will be on-site to help ensure your water damage is handled in accordance with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standards. Our team will inspect the affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage. We will review the inspection with you, answering any questions you may have before beginning the work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus professionals take the necessary steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal property and other contents from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the affected area for drying. Once the area is prepared for drying, our technicians will then place our state-of-the-art drying equipment strategically in the area. Our team will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step and can assist you with filing an insurance claim, should you choose to file a claim. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is a preferred service provider for most major insurance companies such as Nationwide Insurance, State Farm, Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance and Grange Insurance. We always keep a great working relationship with our local Insurance Adjusters and Claims Agents.

MONITOR

To help ensure the structure and contents of your home or business are dried to the appropriate IICRC Standards, a SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus professional will monitor and document the drying process. These updates will be consistently communicated with you and when applicable, to your Insurance Adjuster or Claims Agent. Continuous monitoring allows our trained technicians to better understand how the property is drying, and the equipment can then be adjusted to dry the area quickly and more cost effectively. The length of drying does depend on the severity of the loss.

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus will repair structural materials, reinstall carpers and cleaned affected areas of your property and contents. This is where our SERVPRO team lives up to our motto “Like it never even happened.” A final walk through of the property will be conducted with you to ensure your home or business was returned to its preloss condition.

When you contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus you can rest assured that you are in good hands and that we have you and your property’s best interest at heart.

How To Avoid A Contact Burn

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Beware of the hot stove!

This week is National Burn Awareness Week and SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus wants to make sure you and your family are safe when it comes to hot surfaces and objects. Follow the tips below!

DID YOU KNOW?

• According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, in 2018 roughly 70,000 people went to the hospital emergency department because of contact burns.
• About one-third of the patients were children under the age of five

TIPS

• Supervise children around hot objects at all times.
• Stand at least 3 feet away from hot outdoor objects. Keep area clear of trip hazards. Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect your feet from hot objects by wearing shoes when walking on hot pavement or sand. Keep pets off hot pavement too.
• Turn heating pads and blankets off before sleep.
• Have hot pads available whenever cooking. Long oven mitts are best when needing to reach in or over hot surfaces, such in an oven or over a grill. Assume all pots and pans are hot.
• Remember to treat items coming from the microwave as you would items from the oven. Limit microwave use by children.
• Unplug tools such as these when not in use, and always treat as if they are still hot. Keep out of reach of children.

What To Know About Ice Dams

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage caused by an ice dam, call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team.

For homeowners in Columbus, winter can bring a number of problems, from burst pipes to leaky roofs. Another issue you may not be aware of is the formation of ice dams. While it may not seem like much of an issue on its own, it can cause extensive water damage to your house which can then create more problems. Here are a few things that you should know.

1. What Are They?

As you may be able to guess from its name, an ice dam is a formation that keeps water from properly moving from your roof. They occur when snow melts and then refreezes into harder ice. They often form on the edge of the roof which can make it difficult for water to drain properly but can also show up in other areas. When this happens, the trapped water can begin to back up and cause damage to the roof and ceiling underneath it.

2. How Do You Prevent Them?

These formations occur because of melting and refreezing snow, so one tip for ice dam prevention is to keep the temperature of your roof cold enough to prevent melting. This is most easily done by keeping the temperature in your attic low. Proper insulation can help as well. Another method of prevention is removing snow from your roof immediately after a storm.

3. How Can You Remove Them?

If you already have an ice dam on your roof, then you should remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it from causing any damage. One way to do this is by using an ice melt product. Hot water steaming can do the trick as well.

While a winter storm and cold weather can often create frustrating problems, you do not need to handle them all on your own. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team is always here to help!

To File A Claim Or Not To File A Claim

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus works with your insurance company.

As a homeowner, renter or business owner it is important to fully understand your insurance policy. Every policy is different, with exclusions and named perils. Being knowledgeable about your insurance as much as possible will help you in deciding if it is necessary for you to file a claim in the event your home or place of business suffers water damage. Here are some things to consider before filing an insurance claim:

If the total amount of repairs is less than your deductible, avoid filing, especially if other claims have been filled in the last ten years.

If it is an uncovered loss, you are responsible for the mitigation and repairs, be aware of what is covered under your insurance.

Claim frequency could affect you in the form of non-renewal for being a high-risk.

If damage occurs due to lack of maintenance that is your own responsibility, do not submit a claim. But remember, continuously maintaining your home or business can get you better premiums in the future.

Ultimately, being aware of all exclusions and coverage limits is important by knowing your options in which direction you need to go to mitigate and repair damage that occurs on your home or business.

Dryer Vents Can Be A Fire Hazard

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire caused by a dryer, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are nearly 17,000 reported home clothes dryer fires every year. The fires caused by dryers results in around 51 deaths, 380 injuries and $236 million in property loss. The leading cause of these fires is failure to clean dryer vents. Follow these tips below to prevent a potential dryer fire in your home.

Signs Of A Clogged Dryer

• A musty odor on the clothes following the drying cycle.
• Clothes unusually seeming too hot to touch.
• Excessive heat in the room where the washer and dryer are located.
• The dryer vent flap doesn't open properly when using the dryer.
• Debris on the outside dryer vent opening.
• Large amount of lint build up in the lint trap after each cycle.
• Odor from dryer sheets used in each cycle.

How To Prevent A Dryer Fire

• Read the manufacturers' instructions and warning before installing. Have your dryer installed by a knowledgeable professional and ensure that the correct electrical plugs an outlets are used.
• Clean out the dryer lint filter before and after each load of laundry.
• Clean the filter with a nylon brush at least once every 6 months or more if it becomes clogged.
• Clean the lint out of the vent pipe every 3 months.
• Occasionally check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure it is not damaged.
• Put a cover on outside wall dampers.
• Make sure the outdoor vent cover is open when the dryer is on.

Causes And Signs Of Water Damage In Your Home

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

These homeowners knew they had water damage from the brown water spots on their ceiling.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus knows that when you experience unexpected water damage it can be costly and set you back. It can occur at any time. Here are some examples of situations that can cause water damage in a home:

• Problems with the HVAC system.
• Cracks in the foundation or walls.
• Severe storms, floods and other extreme weather.
• Leaky or busted pipes.
• Malfunctioning dishwashers or washing machines.
• Roof damage, such as missing shingles or cracked flashing.
• Leaks from toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Drainage problems on your property.

Water damage is recognizable when it’s caused by a flood, but with other causes, it is sometimes hard to spot. If you are unsure of what to look for, it can be easy to miss until it becomes a major problem. Here are the usual signs of water damage in a home:

• Paint peeling from your walls
• Mold growth (which can look like dark discoloration) on any surface
• Warping of your floors.
• A strong musty smell.
• Sagging in parts of your walls or ceiling.
• Stains or discolored patches on walls or ceilings.
• Water pooling in your yard after a storm.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you experience a fire during this holiday season.

This is the time of the year that people wait all year for. The time of the year where they can finally start decorating for the Christmas holiday. A live Christmas tree is a common choice for most homeowners. But did you know that Christmas trees alone result in 13 million dollars, annually, in property damage? When putting up a live tree in your home, the combination of the tree's dryness, electrical malfunction with lights and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination. Follow these tips below to prevent a potential fire this holiday season.

• When shopping for a tree, look for a fresh tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck off and don't break off easily from its branches. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire. 
• Always place your tree away from any heating sources like fireplaces, candles, radiators, heat vents or lights.
• Keep the base of the tree filled with water to avoid it drying out.
• Make sure your indoor and outdoor lights have been tested by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety. Throw away any damaged lights you may uncover.
• Make sure the lights your are using on the exterior of your house are labeled suitable for exterior placement. Plug exterior lighting into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all of your candles away from the tree, furniture and decor.
• Don't forget to turn all the lights off on the Christmas tree.

Leave The Drying Equipment On

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Leaving the equipment running can ensure your property will dry efficiently.

When you call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always following our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home or still running your business during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as microbial growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our helpful crew members.

Give SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus a call today at (614) 888-5700!

Reasons Your Carpet Smells

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you sniff out a bad carpet odor.

Have you ever been sniffing around wondering where a certain smell is coming from? Then you realize it is coming from your carpet. If your carpet has a bad smell, consider these possibilities, it may require a professional carpet cleaning. Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide the best treatment. 

• Moisture or dampness
  • Often times moisture can be trapped in the carpet and carpet pad leading to a musty odor. This can be caused by humidity, spills, potted plants dripping on them.
  • A flood in a finished basement can cause carpet odor. If the situation is not handled properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mildew and mold growth.
• Pet odor
  • When pets use your carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger around.
  • The smell of pet urine can sometimes return even after a carpet cleaning. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine.
  • The best solution for eliminating pet odors are dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products.
• Cigarette smoke
  • If someone smokes inside the home, the carpet can hold in the cigarette smoke odor.
  • While the person living there may not notice the smell, but visitors will.
  • A professional carpet cleaning is suggested to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, the carpet may need to be replaced.
• Old age
  • Carpeting is made from fibers that break down over time.
  • Carpet cleaning can't remove the old, musty smell from the carpet. It needs to be replaced.
  • Along with smell, old carpets start to release dust contributing to indoor allergies.
• Food and drink spills
  • Any food or drink spills on carpet can lead to odors.
  • Professional carpet cleaning is best to remove the smell.

Leave The Mold Remediation To Us

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold found in a commercial property.

If you see visible mold on your residential or commercial property, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home or business. 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 Northeast Columbus 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 Northeast Columbus 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 discover mold in your home or business, call our professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus.

No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small For This SERVPRO Team

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you experience a loss at your home or business.

No matter the size of your property's emergency disaster, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you. We treat all of our customers with respect and thoughtfulness, as we know that even though a job may seem "small" to us, it feels really big when it's happening to you! We treat even the smaller residential jobs with the same urgency that we do on a large commercial loss.

When it comes to larger property emergencies at a commercial building, our team is well equipped to get the job done! Not only do we have our team here in Columbus, we also have a warehouse full of equipment and crews ready to help out up in Cleveland. We have years of experience handling large floods that affect multiple floors of high rise buildings as well as large warehouses with hundreds of thousands of feet affected from a flood or infested with mold. 

Size doesn't matter to us! You can always trust in SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to take care of your restoration needs.

Preventing Your Pipes From Freezing In Your Home

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience burst pipes in your home, call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team.

As the temperature continues to drop, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting rises. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, burst pipes is the leading cause of property damage during the winter, resulting in $5,000 or more worth of damage. Follow the tips below to prevent your pipes freezing.

• Keep your garage door closed, especially if your water supply lines are located in the garage.
• Open all kitchen cabinets and doors. This allows the warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if you have sinks located on the exterior wall.
• Let cold water drip from your faucets. Running water through the pipes even a trickle can prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature during the day and night.
• If you plan on leaving, leave the heat set to no lower than 55 degrees.
• For long term, add insulation to your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

If you experience burst pipes in your home, call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team.

Employee Breakfast

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Family Employee Breakfast

With all the crazy disasters happening throughout the year, sometimes our employees don't have a chance to stop and bond with one another or even see each other around the office. That is why our SERVPRO team started putting on an Employee Breakfasts every month. It gives the employees a chance to take a break from their crazy work schedule, sit down and enjoy one anothers company before the work day starts. It also gives our owners a chance to recognize our employee's birthdays, work anniversaries and promotions.

Each breakfast consists of employees from all three of our franchises, SERVPRO of Northeast, Northwest and South Columbus. With our continuously growing team, we want each new employee to feel apart of our SERVPRO family.

We are so lucky to have such a great group of individuals that make our team successful!

Bio-Hazard Cleanup In Columbus

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

We are the industry leader in biohazard cleanup services. Our crew of professionals know the proper gear and techniques to provide high level service.

Biohazard Remediation, casualty cleanup, and suicide cleaning are never an easy situation a family should face. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus we recognize this and make it our goal to relieve the stress associated with a devastating loss. We follow strict cleaning guidelines to remove all hazards associated with bodily fluid, while assuring all of the contaminated materials are boxed properly and clearly marked as medical waste. Most homeowners don’t know that this type of loss is covered by insurance typically. Our office staff will communicate with your insurance company regarding your property and will continually be in an open conversation until the job is completed.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus has a fully trained team capable of dealing with all aspects involved with a loss this sensitive in nature. Please call us at 614-888-5700. We are always here to help!

Emergency Ready Profile

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

This is a free service offered by SERVPRO that provides you with all the information needed in an emergency that you can access directly from our app.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Reducing The Risk Of House Fires

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

This house fire was caused by a candle getting knocked off of a table by a family pet.

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 to 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 been 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.

Preparing You And Your Home For A Storm

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by a severe storm, damaging the interior of the home.

1. Maintain surrounding landscaping. In a heavy storm, dead tree limbs can cause damage to the exterior of your home or shatter a window if they get loose.
2. Secure fences. If you have a fence, make sure it is secured to help prevent it from lifting up and getting thrown against the house.
3. Secure outdoor furniture. Patio furniture and grills can damage the exterior of your home during heavy winds. Anchor your furniture or bring it indoors before a storm hits.
4. Check gutters. Prevent damage to the inside of your home by having your downspouts lead away from your home. Clear any debris that may be hiding in your gutters.
5. Protect critical areas. Wind can cause major damage to your home. Install temporary protection on windows, doors and garage doors.
6. Protect any valuables. Protect valuables by storing them in waterproof containers. Put any important documents in a safe deposit or fire safe box.
7. Have a basic emergency kit. Prepare your family’s emergency kit with enough food, water, and supplies to last for at least three days. Your emergency kit should include water, food, battery powered or hand cranked radio, hand crank flashlight, first aid kit, cell phone with charger and a local map.
8. Know your family emergency plan. Staying connected during an emergency is the most important. Establish a local place your family to meet during an emergency.

Help When You Experience Flooding

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus specializes in storm and flood damage restoration and have the experience and knowledge to handle the aftermath of flooding. Our professionally trained restoration crews can extract the water, demolition all damaged structure and place drying equipment to dry your home or business quickly. We have a full restoration team that can restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can 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 summer storms hit, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We have access to equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 614-888-5700          

Fire - Smoke & Soot

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Soot & Smoke Damage

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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 Northeast Columbus 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 – 614-888-5700

Restoring Commercial Properties

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Commercial Property

Flooding and water damage events at Columbus, Ohio 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. When an emergency arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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.

Dangers of Electrical Fires

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire

Like residential homes, commercial buildings are at risk of an electrical fires and you should take precaution to prevent these hazards. Electrical equipment, plugs and wiring can all causes a fire. Older buildings can have outdated wiring which poses additional risks. If you are in doubt, call a professional electrician.

Here are a few precautions you can make to minimize your risk of an electrical fire:

1. Outlet & power cords – Make sure outlets are updated and in good working condition. Outlet should not be warm to the touch or make cracking sounds and should fit snugly. Have a professional repair them if you experience any issues.
2. Cords & Wiring – Do not use a damaged cord. If your cords are frayed, pinched or pierced, throw them out. Damaged, worn, cracked or corroded electrical wires can increase the chance of an electrical fires.

The National Fire Protection Agency suggest calling a qualified electrician if you experience:

1. Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
2. Discolored or warm wall outlets
3. Flickering or dimming lights
4. Sparks from an outlet

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you do experience an electrical fire in your business at- 614-888-5700.

Fire Damage: What To Do Until Help Arrives

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking Mishap

Experiencing a fire, whether at your home or place of business, can be very scary and stressful. Once the fire is out, you may not know what to do to move forward.

After any fire damage situation, your first priority should be your safety. Is it safe to stay inside your house? If you do stay in the home, be sure to only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded 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 the 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 the heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in the sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

• Wash both sides of leaves on houseplants.

• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.

• Tape double layers of cheesecloths over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in and out of the HVAC system.

Don’t:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Professionals.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Professionals.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consumer any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They have be contaminated.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Water Damage: What To Do Until Help Arrives

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

What to do Until Help Arrives

Experiencing a flood or water loss, whether at your home or place of business, can be very scary and stressful. Once the source has been stopped, you may not know what to do to move forward.

After any water loss situation, your first priority should be your safety. Is it safe to stay inside your house? If you do stay in the home, be sure to only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

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 the 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.

Don’t:

• Don’t enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

• Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

• Don’t leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.

• Don’t leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.

• Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

• Don’t use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures is ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

Do:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

Don’t:

• Don’t spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

• Don’t turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

• Don’t use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

• Don’t use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Dangerous Wind Damage

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

With spring just right around the corner, thunderstorms can not only bring water damage to homes, it can also bring wind damage.  Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes.

Below are some steps to take if your home is damaged by wind.

Documenting Damage:

• Call and report your damage to your insurance company.
• From a safe location, take pictures of any damage.
• Inventory any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price, age, etc.
• If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.

Preventing Further Damage:

• If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
• Cover broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage. Save repair receipts for reimbursement. 

Repairs and Cleanup:

• Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until your property has been inspected by an insurance representative.
• If your roof needs to be replaced, hire a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured.
• Fallen trees or large branches also are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage.

If your home suffers wind damage, please contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for any board up, tarp up, tree removal, or roof replacement services.

Source: https://www.nationwide.com/wind-damage-claims.jsp

Be Prepared When a Storm Strikes

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Flooding

Floods can occur in every single U.S. state.  Below are a few steps to take before, during, and after a flood from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Before

• Know Your Risk:  Is your home or business in a floodplain?  Where is water likely to collect on the roadways you most often travel?  What is the fastest way to get to higher ground? Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time can save your life. 
• Assemble an Emergency Kit:  It is good practice to have enough food, water and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least 3 days in the case of an emergency. You should also have batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a battery-operated radio easily available.

During:

• Get to a Higher Ground:  Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground immediately
• Stay Informed:  Monitor local radio and television, internet and social media for information and updates.
• Practice Electrical Safety:  Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises --get out!

After:

• Contact Your Family and Loved Ones:  Let your family and close friends know that you’re okay so they can help spread the word. Register with or search the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well listings.
• Wait for the "All Clear":  Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you're given the all clear by authorities. If you choose to enter a flood damaged building, be extremely careful. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss the damage done to your property

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage.  Let us help you get your life back in order. 

Source:  http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

Spring Storm Dangers from Lighting Strikes

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Lighting Strike

Severe spring weather can bring many dangers to your family and property due to lighting strikes. Per the National Weather Service lightning strikes the United States about 25 million of dollars a year and insurance companies pay out millions of dollars in property claims each year from lighting strikes.

Lighting damage can affect your home several different ways, it can be a direct strike, enter through the ground or through wires or pipes. Anything that is conductive in a house has the potential for lighting to enter your home causing severe property damage. No matter how lighting enters your home, the damage can be extensive and devastating.  

SERVPRO'S across the country receive many calls each year for property damage from lighting strikes. If lighting strikes your home, you need to get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911. The fire department will be contacted, and they will search your home for any possible dangers.

When everyone is safe, and your house has been cleared your next call should be SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we can help with any damage from fire and water damage from a lighting a strike. Call us at 614-888-5700.

Dealing With Fire

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

These Walls Need Some Attention!

Why Hire SERVPRO?

When you hire SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, you will get trained and certified technicians to handle any loss to your commercial or residential property. We are here to help you through one of your worst days and make it #likeitneverevenhappened

We Create New Memories

On this commercial fire, there were over 30 separate tenant units that were affected and dozens of misplaced tenants. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus was called in to immediately begin remediation on the space and to help reverse the effects of the fire. The smoke and terror this caused, left several of the tenants with some bad memories. Our team was there quickly to help remove any of the bad memories and replace it with new memories!

Need some help?

If you need some help, please call us at: (614) 888-5700

We Provide Results

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Burnt Apartment Unit

Who Will Rebuild?

After the devastation a fire can cause, in most cases, there will be some element of rebuilding that will need to take place.  This fire was in a residential unit that will need completely gutted. After the fire department extinguishes the blaze, they must often poke holes to check for hot spots in the walls to make sure the fire is completely out with no chance or risk of flare up. This causes total devastation to the space and hiring a contractor is often needed.

We Are Your Solution!

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is a fully licensed and proven General Contractor that can help you fully restore your space. We can assign a project manager to your claim to walk you through a scene like this to completion to make sure that your space is brought back to life.

Call Today for A Free Estimate

Reach Us At: (614) 888-5700

Who Would You Call?

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding caused by a recent storm.

Who Do You Call?

When a storm comes down quick and fast, it often finds the cracks in the roofs, or the storm floods a part of your home and remediation is often needed. Most homeowners do not think about who their remediation company might be if needed. Most people may never experience something like this and the idea of a contractor coming into your home is sheer terror. With all the nightmare stories that exist about contractors, it is no surprise!

We Will Put You At Ease

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we want to put your anxiety about hiring someone to come and make repairs to your home. We are here to help you get your home put back together and walk you through the entire process. We want to make sure that you have the confidence when you hire us that we will get the job done efficiently and correct the first time. Things are going to happen, how we react to them and how we prepare for them is the difference.

Call Now With Any Questions: (614) 888-5700

Cleanup Is Tedious...

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning Soot From A Hallway: Before/After

Have You Ever Experienced A Mess Like This?

Commercial fires are among the most dangerous and scariest of losses that we encounter. It encounters someone’s business, or even their home if an apartment or Highrise catches on fire. This can leave a business without a place to operate, or tenants out of their homes. Either way, this makes hiring a contractor experienced in getting you back in business even more critical.

What Makes SERVPRO Different?

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we want you to know that you are hiring professionals who are trained in professional remediation. We follow all industry standards, and our crews are trained and certified in the work they are doing. Please call us with any questions to help get your business or home back to preloss conditions and get things put back together.

For A Free Consultation: (614) 888-5700

Cleanup Is Tedious...

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning Soot From A Hallway: Before/After

Have You Ever Experienced A Mess Like This?

Commercial fires are among the most dangerous and scariest of losses that we encounter. It encounters someone’s business, or even their home if an apartment or Highrise catches on fire. This can leave a business without a place to operate, or tenants out of their homes. Either way, this makes hiring a contractor experienced in getting you back in business even more critical.

What Makes SERVPRO Different?

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we want you to know that you are hiring professionals who are trained in professional remediation. We follow all industry standards, and our crews are trained and certified in the work they are doing. Please call us with any questions to help get your business or home back to preloss conditions and get things put back together.

For A Free Consultation: (614) 888-5700

Are You Ready For The Storm?

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Come Check Me Out!

Ready for the Spring?

Springtime is a good time to go over the checklist of things that we need maintain around our homes. Being prepared can help us save thousands of dollars in unexpected damages to our investment. Spring storms sometimes come at unexpected times and although we do everything we can to be prepared, sometimes we get caught off guard. Check up on your sump pump and make sure that it is ready to take on those spring storms. A quick test can save you a lot of headache in the long run.

What If I Get Caught?

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is always at your service 24/7. We understand the storms that can sneak up on you and we are here to help make the problem go away. If you have an unexpected loss that effects your home, please reach out to us at: (614) 888-5700. We will come out to your home, reverse the damages, and work with your insurance professionals to walk you through the process.

Spring Water Damage Prevention

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Sub Pump Failure

We are all excited for spring and the sunny days of summer but there are potential of water damage to your home that can be avoided. If you take time to check the following possible maintenance issues you will lessen your change of a water damage to your home.

1. Cleaning your gutters and making sure they are in good repair goes a long way in preventing water intrusion in your home.
2. SERVPRO receives many calls each spring for water damages caused when outdoor spigots are turned on. If you had not turned off and drained your water supply to your outdoor spigots last winter, you could have a damage pipe due to the heavy freeze. When you turn your spigot on make sure there are no leaks. Turn it off immediately before you have any damage occurs and have you pipe repaired.
3. Spring is a good time to inspect your roof. Ice damming is common in the winter months and this can damage your shingles, flashing, eves and overhangs.
4. Check that your landscaping slopped away from your home. If it slopes towards your home, so will the water from the spring storms.
5. Outdoor drains can get clogged with debris and leaves, make sure they are free of debris, so they are draining properly.
6. Your sump pump will be working over time so make sure it is working properly. If it’s old, this would be a good time to replace it before it fails.

Enjoy the warm weather and if you do experience an unexpected water damage call SERVPRO of NE Columbus at 614-888-5700 we are here to help!

Has Monday Ever Welcomed You Like This?

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Monday Morning River!

Ever Had a Day Like This?

If you have walked into your office or work and seen a disaster like this? Anxiety and overwhelming feelings immediately come to mind. One of the biggest questions is who do I call? What are the next steps? One of our customers experienced this recently on a Monday morning, and they knew exactly who to call. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is experienced in these situations.

SERVPRO Is Here to Help!

We are here to help you get things back in order! We specialize in things that you might categorize as your worst day and will get you back on track quickly. One call to us and we will start to reverse the horrible effects of a damaged water space just like this one. You care about getting back to work and getting things back to normal, and we want to be the ones to help and to get you back to “normal” as soon as possible.

You Are Not Alone!

So whatever problem you may be experiencing, we have helped hundreds of customers through this before. You are not alone. Our experienced experts will help you through every step of the process. We have teams that can jump into action, and make sure that your needs are taken care of, and you go back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Call to find out more! (614) 888-5700

Polar Vortex Commercial Damage

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded Restroom

The Northeast and Midwest experienced a polar vortex this winter that caused many issues for residential and commercial building owners. SERVPRO’s professionally trained technicians were quick to respond to many commercial disasters. The frigid temperatures and heavy snow were the two factors that causes flooding and frozen pipes.

This commercial water loss was caused by a main water line break. Time is vital in starting the drying process to avoid additional cost to structure and contents. If drying is delayed mold and mildew can begin increasing the cost of the loss and time you are out of business.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus understands the importance of getting your company back in business and will be available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please contact us at 614-888-5700.

Potential Devastation Water Can Cause

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Sprinkler Head Causes Huge Mess

Water in a commercial building can be potentially devastating. It has many negative reactions that can happen including mold, mildew, and a horrible smell. This loss was a picture of a sprinkler that froze and released during our recent cold spell. It’s saturated in entire room and soaked into the walls which needed mediation services. This customer works with SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus and called us immediately to mitigate their issue. Our professionally trained crews quickly responded to extract water, and then set up equipment to reverse the damaging effects of the water that was released from the sprinkler line. Because of the customers quick and immediate reaction to this problem, we were able to fully restore the space for them quickly.

Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 if you experience a water damage.

SERVPRO is Your Best Choice

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Who should you call?

If you happen to encounter a commercial or residential loss, many people ask, what do we do now? If you don’t have a relationship with a professional remediation company, it can be very confusing after a loss on who to call for help These losses range in all types from water, fire, or mold found during a routine inspection. The importance of working with a professional and trained mitigation company is necessary for most commercial building managers. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we want to work with you and help advise you of your best options to move forward after an unfortunate situation is unfolding. If you encounter a fire, we already work with all the major insurance companies, and probably know your adjuster. Mold is a routine problem for us, because we see it and remove it all the time. Water is also our bread-and-butter, as we work with many property managers to take care of water flooding issues and facilities that happen. Whatever your issue is may be, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is here to help you out of your unfortunate situation. Give us a call and we can advise you through any predicament. (614) 888-5700.

Why Cut Drywall

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Two Foot Flood Cuts

When mold is detected, drywall will very commonly need removed. Some people ask why? The reason is simple. Sometimes it is more cost effective and cheaper for the customer to remove and replace. This can be the case because of many uncontrollable reasons. Sometimes the atmosphere is too large to control, or it could be a matter of how severe the loss was from the beginning. Material and atmosphere play the biggest factors in whether something gets dried or not. Humidity levels may remain high, so we want to present the cheapest option, which is sometimes removal of the material for the customer. Typically, we will perform a 2’ cut. This is because a sheet of drywall is manufactured 4’ x 8’. Cutting it in half is usually the quickest, easiest, cheapest method to replace in the affected area; commonly referred to as a 2’ flood cut.

Routine Inspections

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Inspect Your Closets

This is a picture of a mechanical closet that mold was discovered during a quarterly routine inspection. The customer noticed it and called SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus to help provide a plan for remediation and take care of the problem. This is a great example of having a preventative plan in place to catch a small issue before it can turn into a very large issue. The mold in this area is not going to quit growing. If undetected, it can become a huge issue. But since it was noticed, it will be removed, and the spread of further damage will be prevented. This is very controllable, because of a simple plan for routine maintenance. Please have a plan in place to check spaces that you might not see you every day, it can save you money and headaches in the long run. If something is discovered, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, and we will come out to help you with your mold problem.

Timing is Everything

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Just a Little Trickle

Water can be devastating and very damaging to a commercial property or a residential home. This loss was from a commercial customer that discovered a defective bathroom facility and flooded the second floor. The tenant let the facilities manager know, and by the time they got on site, a slow overflowing trickle flooded an adjoining room with this much standing water. It was not anybody’s fault, and was not due to negligence, but very damaging and devastating. When the property manager called, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus responded with a crew on site within an hour. The crew began extraction and set equipment to reverse water damage and take care of the issue. With water, as in any disaster, timing is critical. Having relationships in place and working with a professional remediation contractor makes things go quicker and smoother. Please reach out to us, if you have any questions about emergency services and prevention concerning your commercial property.

Contents are Often Overlook in a Fire

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Contents are often easily overlooked in a fire. Most homeowners or tenants, are worried about the damage and devastation that a fire calls to the property. They’re worried about their couch, they are worried about their vehicle and their wallet, but it’s easy to forget many of the little things that can add up and cost a lot of money to a customer. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we make every effort possible to restore every item an article in your home or property that has been damaged or effected by a fire. This includes all of your electronics, DVD collections, clothes, shoes and all other personal items and keepsakes that can be restored. We know that our customers are in an uncomfortable situation with any type of loss, so that’s where SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus comes in to deal help you deal with the devastation of your loss. We are #HereToHelp 

Please call us 24/7 (614) 888-5700

Food Drive

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Food Drive Competition

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus we really do care about our community. We want to reach out to our neighbors and give back in every way possible. One of our SMRs, Brittany Washburn, decided that this year we were going to do a food drive to help get back to those who may be a need are hungry. The employees were divided up into six teams, she put together six boxes, and a point system to see who the winner was going to be. Each of us have a competitive spirit, and we all want to win. But the real winners in this effort, is obviously our community. We cannot wait until the results are tallied, and everyone we see who the winning team is going to be for this food drive. Our franchise owners, Ken Parker & Ron Pack, have decided to match our donation so this will double our efforts and go even further. We can’t wait to see just how much we can do to make an impact to end hunger. We know this effort is not going to solve every hunger problem, but we do hope that I can bring comfort in some way to our immediate community here in Columbus, Ohio.

Chili Cookoff

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

1st Annual Chili Cookoff

Our company is more than just an office, we are made up of individuals and people who enjoy what we do every single day. One of our office personnel, Tina, put together our first ever SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus chili cook off. We had six chefs enter the competition, but only one come out on top. Chris James, an estimator with us, used to be a chef in his prior life. Chris came our victorious with a great pot of chili that had a jalapeño kick to get first prize. Everyone was so happy to participate, and we look forward to making this an annual event for years to come here at the office. It’s great to work with a company that shows appreciation for their employees and let them have a little fun while at work!

Customer Service

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Damaged Carpet

If you ever wonder what makes the difference between all of the contractors you can choose from, the answer is simple. It’s customer service! Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus we strive to make every job the quickest and best quality that it can be. This picture is just a quick before and after photo of the small carpet patch to a much larger job. This is an example of the careful and attention to details that our project managers pour into your projects. Next time if you ever ask the question: Why SERVPRO? It’s because we care about every little detail of our work and your property. Our SERVPRO Corporate office has a 1-4-8 requirement for all SERVPRO job. Which means we must contact the customer within one hour, be on site within 4 hours and have the estimate to the adjuster in 8 business hours.

OHLA Conference

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

OHLA Conference

As a general contractor in Columbus Ohio, we at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus have the privilege to be part of many organizations. This particular picture is from the OHLA year end conference which we participated in right before Thanksgiving. We are also part of BOMA, CAI, IREM, and many other organizations to keep our skills in line with what is important to you as the customer. We have developed many great relationships through these organizations, as well as learned how your industry has changed so that we may better serve you. If you’ve ever wondered Why SERVPRO? Then just realize you’re picking a contractor that pays to learn more about your industry. We should make every effort possible to be involved in these organizations, not only is sponsors, but to educate ourselves on the industry that is so important to our customers.

Keeping Warm This Winter

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Keep Warm

Keeping Warm This Winter

As the winter season approaches and the temperature starts to drop more and more, we turn to anything that can keep us warm in our homes. From heating a certain room with our space heaters to cuddling up with your sweetheart in front of a warm fire, they can all potentially be dangerous. Here are some tips to keep you safe while turning up the heat.

Space Heater Safety Tips:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from your space heater. That includes bedding, furniture, and curtains.
• Create a 3-foot “kid free zone” around your space heaters and never use a space heater in a child’s bedroom.
• Never use extension cords.
• Turn off your space heater when going to bed or leaving the room.
• Never use a space heater in a wet or damp area unless it is specifically designed for it.
• Never put a space heater on the counter unless it is specifically designed for it.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure they are tested monthly.
• Only purchase “UL Listed” heaters. This independent organization does safety tests.
• Never use gas or oil-burning space heaters inside. Those types of space heaters are only designed to be used outside or in open spaces like a tent or porch.
• Make sure to read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions before and during use.

Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Before starting a fire, make sure the damper or flue is open. Keeping this open will draw smoke out of the house. Using a flashlight to look up the chimney can check the damper. Never close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry or aged wood in your fire. With dried wood, it burns with less smoke and burns more evenly. If you use wet or green wood, this cause more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney.
• Smaller pieces of wood positioned on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
• Make sure to clean out ashes from any previous fires. The levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less. A thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• You should get your chimney check annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is very important to check for animal nests or any other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
• The area around your fireplace should be clear of anything that is potentially flammable.
• Never leave the fire in your fireplace unattended. Make sure the fire is out completely before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Install both a smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Turkey Fryer Safety

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is known for having the most cooking mishap than any other day. In recent years it has become a Thanksgiving tradition to deep fry turkeys. Instead of taking hours to cook your turkey, deep frying turkey only takes around an hour. Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends and a few precautions can insure a fun and safe holiday.

1. Always use your turkey fryer outdoors away from anything that is flammable.
2. Never use your turkey fryer on deck or in your garage.
3. Do not leave your turkey fryer unattended.
4. Your turkey will need to be completely thawed and dry to prevent the hot oil from flaring up.
5. Children and pets should be kept away from the area where you are cooking.
6. Do not over fill your turkey fryer.
7. Monitor the temperature of the oil often to avoid overheating.
8. Protective gear is recommended, such as goggles and oven mitts.
9. Let oil cool completely before storing.

Enjoy a safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Things to Look for in Your Basement

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

Danger in the basement from foundation settling

Undetected problems can cause major issues that will lead to mold forming in unseen areas. This is a picture of a main water line that runs into a house in a basement closet. The house, over time had some settling to the foundation which caused the main water line to bend. Eventually, that bent pipe cracked and led to water leaking and seeping into the finished basement area. The saturation started to grow mold underneath the carpet and alerted the homeowner to call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus.

These types of problems are going to happen, and we perform remediation on these issues consistently. Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we realize that basements, if not finished, are not the place you look on a consistent basis. We urge you to look for some of these mishaps that can be very costly to maintain your home or office. We understand that everything is not going to be detected in time. This homeowner was very lucky to have caught this when they did and to minimize the damage!

If you catch yourself not so lucky, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is #HereToHelp Give us a call 24/7 (614) 888-5700

National Preparedness Month

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Every year the month of September is recognized for National Preparedness Month. It is a time where we can focus our attention on the importance of preparing our families, homes, businesses, and communities for an unexpected disaster or emergency that may threaten our lives, property, and homeland. This year’s theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How”. Take time to look over these helpful tips to better prepare you and your family for an unexpected emergency or disaster.

10 Things You Can Do Right Now To Be Better Prepared:

1. 1. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and check your access for emergency alerts
2. 2. Create and practice emergency communication plans
3. Assemble or update emergency supply kit
4. Conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions with family for local hazards
5. Participate in local preparedness training or class
6. Refresh yourself on lifesaving skills, attend a training class (example: CPR)
7. Make digital copies of all important documents
8. Make sure you have appropriate insurance for relevant hazards (example: flood insurance)
9. Make improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage
10. Conduct an exercise to test your emergency plan
11. Plan with your neighbors to help each other (example: create a group chat to stay in contact)

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit:

1. Water: There should be one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food: At least a three day supply of non-perishable foods
3. Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts
4. Flashlight
5. First Aid kit
6. Extra Batteries
7. Whistle to signal for help
8. Dust Mask to help filter out contaminated air, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to shelter in place
9. Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
10. Wrench or plier to turn off utilities
11. Manual can opener for food
12. Local maps
13. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Thing to Do Before Leaving for Vacation

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

Fun in the Sun

Summer is now in full swing! The flowers have all finally bloomed, kids are constantly screaming, and each day is hotter than the last. But the best part about summer is…yup you know it… VACATIONS!!! A period of time where you can get away from work; if only we could take a vacation every week! If you’re like us, we like travel to far destinations, most likely with a beach. Since all the good vacations spots are a good drive from Ohio that leaves your home sitting unoccupied for a while. When we leave our homes to go on vacation, we hope everything will be fine and nothing happens to it, but that isn’t always the case. Follow these tips to prepare your home so you don’t have a disaster ruin your paradise vacation.

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

When you close the valve on the main supply line, it cuts off water to the house but still allows your outside sprinklers to work. If you do happen to have a leak inside, the line will be under some initial pressure, but it won’t continue to spray water. Shutting off the main water supply takes a little time, but it will save you thousands of dollars in potential damage.

2. Check the Sump Pump

Rainwater can be a nightmare.  A lot of rainwater can cause your sump pump to back up and eventually fail altogether. If your sump pump fails when you’re gone and a major storm hits, you will be coming home to flooded basement. It’s important to check your sump pump before leaving. Dump a bucket of water in your sump pump to make sure it is working properly; the sump pump will turn on when the water fills it.

3. Turn Up the Thermostat—Don’t Turn Off the A/C

If you have a programmable thermostat, set and hold the temperature to have the house at 85 degrees while you’re on vacation, and then the day before you get back, have it go back down to 72 degrees. Even if you have a manual thermostat, it’s still worth it to turn the temperature up while you’re away to avoid wasting energy. Make sure you don’t turn off the air conditioner. It keeps the air circulating so it doesn’t have time to condensate. It is important to keep the house from turning into an oven. When you have a tremendous heat buildup, it can have an effect on certain surfaces in your home.

4. Unplug Electronics

If you have any of your televisions, computers, and other electronics plugged directly into the wall rather than into a surge protector, take the plugs out in case a power surge happens while you’re away. You can save money by turning off the surge protector and unplugging electronics. Even if electronics aren’t in use, they are still drawing power to them.

5. Light Rooms with Timers

Put timers on in different parts of your home to make your house appear to be occupied. It will be less appealing for burglars. The timers will turn on and off the lights at different times of the day and night, as if someone in the house were flipping a switch.

Summer Storms can Bring Flash Flooding

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Flood Damage

When we think of summer our thoughts go to sunshine, beaches and lemonade but summer storms can bring heavy rains and flash flooding. These storms can bring several inches or feet of water in a short period of time causing flooding and many dangers. The NSSC (National Sever Storms Laboratory) says that, “floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters and in the U.S., floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes and lighting.”

To keep your family safe during a flash flood, follow these guidelines:

• If you live in a flood zone, have a family plan.
• Always be alert of flash flood watches and if it turns into a warning get to high ground immediately.
• Never drive into high water, your vehicle can be carried away or flip over.
• Do not walk into highwaters, only six inches of rushing water can knock you over. Flooding water is also considered sewage because the contaminates it contains.
• Downed power lines can cause the water to be deadly.

When the water recedes, there are some precautions you can take:

• Make sure is it safe to return to the flood zone.

• Check your basement for water damage caused by the flood. Do not enter if there is standing water.
• Inspect structure for damage and any risk of collapsing.
• Check for fire hazards, gas leaks and water damaged electrical circuits.
• Look for cracks or damage to your foundation.
• Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors.
• Dispose of any food that was in the flood.
• Be caution of any animals that may have entered your home.

If your home is damaged by flooding, you will need a professional water damage restoration company to restore your home. Call SERVPRO of N.E. Columbus at 614-888-5700.

Have Fun and Be Safe This Fourth of July

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Fourth of July!

With the Fourth of July approaching next week, young and old are excited for their local fireworks displays around Ohio. NFPA reports that an average of 18,500 fires per year are caused by fireworks, these include 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.   Property damage, injury and even death are caused by these fires each year.  Many of the injuries are children and teens under the age of 15 years old.  Keep your family safe by enjoying fireworks presented by your local communities. 

Studies show that there is more property damage on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Check with your home owner’s insurance company on your coverage relating to fireworks. If you are involved in illegal fireworks you may not be covered. This could be a costly celebration!

If you do have a fire property loss, SERVPRO has professionally trained production teams that can quickly respond to your fire loss. We will send an estimator to your home to evaluate the loss and supply you with an itemized estimate for fire restoration and repairs needed in your home. If your damage is severe, SERVPRO can pack up your contents and store them until your home repairs are completed. SERVPRO will clean all cleanable structure and remove any structure that is not salvageable. Our trained construction department can replace any damaged structure.

Be safe and have fun this Fourth of July!

 Call SERVPRO at 614-888-5700 if you experience a fire loss.

Grilling Safety

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Grilling Safety

Spring is finally here! It’s time to get outside and dig out those grills that have been collecting dust in your garage. Barbeques are fun but it is important to keep your home, family, and guests safe. Every year, about 5,700 grill fires take place due to malfunctioning gas grills, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These grill fires equal up to an annual average of $37 million in damage, along with 100 injuries and 10 deaths. Don’t let one little mistake ruin your barbeque fun! Follow these tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to make sure you are safe when grilling.

General grilling tips

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

• Grills should be located well away from the home (at least 10 feet), deck railings, and out from carports and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.

• Keep your grill clean by getting rid of any grease of fat buildup in the trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

Before using your grill

• Check the major connection points between the gas tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, along with where the hose connects to the burners. If any are loose, tighten them.
• Check the propane tank hose for any potential gas leaks. To do that:
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  • Turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, the propane will start to release bubbles around the hose.
  • If you don’t see any bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles being released around the hose, turn off the tank and check the connections. You then should have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t seem to be stopping, call the fire department immediately!

When your grill is on

• If you are cooking and start to smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak immediately stops, make sure to get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell doesn’t seem to be going away, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Fire Damaged Home Restoration

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

A fire in your home can be devastating causing severe damage to your structure and contents. The restoration process is complex and requires expertise in fire restoration to restore your home to preloss condition. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus specializes in fire and water damage restoration and have highly trained professional fire restoration technicians and a full construction department to restore your home.

The restoration process will begin when you call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for your fire damage:

• Contact SERVPRO 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Our professional office personnel will schedule an estimator to your home to evaluate your loss and provide you with a detailed estimate.
• If any structure is compromised, we will schedule a crew to board-up or tarp your windows, roof or walls to protect against further damage and protect your home.
• When there is minimal or no structure damage, we will schedule a fire restoration technician to clean the soot from the structure and contents. Some items such as electronics and clothes will be removed and cleaned off site.
• When your fire loss is extensive and involves structure damage, you will not be able to stay in your home during the repairs and restoration. SERVPRO will pack, tag and inventory your contents and store them in our warehouse until your home is restored. Our professionally trained contents specialist will clean and re-box the contents in our warehouse.
• SERVPRO has a variety of cleaning techniques and equipment to restore your belongings to pre-fire loss condition.
• Once the soot is removed, and the demolition of affected structure is completed we will schedule our professional construction team to repair or rebuild the damaged structure.
• Your cleaned contents will be moved back to your home once the construction department has completed the rebuild.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 with your fire restoration needs.

Commercial Services SERVPRO Offers

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Ready to Assist Your Company with Any Loss

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is always ready to assist and you can trust the SERVPRO brand to get your company back in business after any loss. We can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering professional and superior service. Most people think of SERVPRO when they have a water damage, but we offer many other services.

Services SERVPRO can provide to your business:

• Commercial Water Damage
• Commercial Fire Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Commercial Duct Cleaning
• Commercial Carpet Cleaning
• Commercial Disaster Recover Team
• Odor Removal
• Bio-Hazard Clean Up

The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike your business. Regardless of your property type or size, we respond quickly to clean your property and manage your restoration project to its completion.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus should your business need assistance with any type of loss.

Water Damage Safety

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Beware! Falling Ceiling

Should you have the unfortunate experience a water damage, safety should be your number one priority. There are many safety issues you need to be aware of to protect your family. Two of the most common safety issues are “slips and falls” and electrical hazards, however, there are others.

Water Supply

• If possible, turn off the water supply to minimize the water damage and safety concerns. Take caution when entering all rooms with wet flooring to prevent injuries from “slips and falls.”

Electricity

• To prevent being shocked or electrocuted, do not enter a room with deep standing water that may be exposed to electricity.
• If the water is high enough to reach the electrical outlets, have an electrician inspect your wiring to prevent electrical shock.
• Have electrical appliances such as furnaces, freezer, washer and dryers dried and serviced by a qualified repairman if the water has reached their electrical unit.

Gas

• If you smell gas, turn off main valve and leave the area. Call the gas company immediately.

• Have gas appliances inspected by a qualified repairman if high water has reached their gas controls.

Structure Stability

• Water damage on a second floor can compromise the ceiling below. If you see sagging ceilings do not enter the room.

Sewer Damage

• Sewer backups can present diseases and bacteria and should never be cleaned without personal protective equipment.

If you have a water damage call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 to assist.

Types of Flooring SERVPRO Encounters During Water Damages

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Floor Drying System

SERVPRO encounters many types of flooring when servicing water damage losses. There are many variables that determine if the flooring can be saved. Since the arrival of laminate flooring in 1977 and the many new options and trends in flooring we are seeing less carpet.

The first factor in determining if SERVPRO can save your floor is if the water source is clean water or black water. Any water that is contaminated such as water from a drain back up, flooding or water damage that has sat for over three days is considered black water. In all these scenarios the flooring would be removed and disposed of.

If the water is clean and the incident has happened in the last several days, these are the determining factors in saving your floor:

• Carpet – Most times carpet can be saved. SERVPRO would extract the water and remove all of the wet pad. Dehumidifiers and air movers would be placed and monitored until the drying is complete. The pad would then be replaced, and the carpet would be re-installed and cleaned.
• Laminate Flooring – When water gets under laminate flooring, it will need removed and replaced with new flooring.
• Wood Floors – SERPVRO uses floor drying mats that can be successful in drying wood floors. The amount of water and the type of wood flooring is an important factor on saving a wood floor.
• Ceramic Tile – The determining factor for saving ceramic tile floors is what is under the floor. If the tile floor is laid over vinyl the floor cannot be saved.  

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus and we can assist you with your water loss and determine if your floor can be saved.

Why do I Have Mold in My Home?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a fact of life, it can be found everywhere. Mold requires several conditions before it can grow. According to Ecolife, “Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores: the spores are invisible to the naked eye and are able to float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on moist surfaces and find food. “Food” means virtually any organic substance, such as wood, paper, carpet, human food, and insulation.” If you discover a mold issue in your home, you have a moisture problem.

Check your home for the following possible issues:

• Roof leaks – Keep your roof in good repair and check your attic several times a year for moisture.
• Humidity – Hot humid summer day and rainy weather both can cause mold issues.
• Poor ventilation – Enclosed spaces in your home can be areas of poor ventilation. Make sure these areas have proper ventilation.
• Plumbing problems – Common plumbing problems that go unnoticed can also cause mold. Pipe leaks, toilet seals, ice maker hoses, etc. Check these areas often and correct any problems immediately.
• Flooding - If your home is affected by heavy rains, call a professional to properly dry the affected area.
• Foundation Problem – The soil around your home should always be sloped away from your home to prevent water from entering your basement.

If you have a mold issue or have questions regarding mold in your home call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus and we can send a professional estimator to assist.

"Faster to Any Disaster"

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Structure Drying

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus responded quickly when we received an emergency call early in the morning for a water loss at this local commercial building. Five Thousand square feet of the building was affected by water due to heavy rain in the Central Ohio. Our owner and professional crew were on site within hours to start the water mitigation. They immediately began extracting water and drying equipment was placed to dry the structure and contents. SERVPRO closely monitored the drying daily by taking moisture readings and repositioning the equipment as necessary.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus offers 24 Hour Emergency Services – We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle any size water loss. If an emergency arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus a call at 614-888-5700 and we will get you back in business!

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Demolition From Water Damage

Spring has officially arrived in the Columbus, Ohio area. Even though spring brings sunshine and flowers, it can also bring some nasty storms. During severe weather, your home can experience brutal conditions including water damage, flooding and destruction both inside and outside your home. Unfortunately, you can’t stop the weather but there are steps you can follow to help minimize the potential damage a storm may cause to your home.

1. Adjust your home water valves: If your city’s main sewer line often gets backed up during a heavy rainstorm, you could find yourself in a “crappy” situation. Consider installing an interior or exterior backflow valve to prevent your water system from being contaminated from water that is flowing backwards into your own supply lines.
2. Clean your gutter, drains, and downspouts: Leaves and other debris can often build up in your gutters and downspouts, blocking the flow of water. If the water has nowhere to go, then you have water overflow, which is not good. Make sure you clear out any excess leaves, twigs, and other debris, so the openings to the downspouts are completely clear. A garden hose can be used to check the flow of the water. If it is necessary, extend your downspouts by at least 10 feet from your home to get the water a safe distance away.
3. Cover air vents: One of the most common ways water can find its way into your home is through your air vents. If you’re aware that you will be experiencing heavy rains in the near future and have a high chance of flooding, use a thick plastic sheeting to cover your air vents from both inside and outside your home.
4. Have your roof inspected: Ideally, you should have your roof checked every year but you should always have it inspected before wind, rain, and snow sets in. A new roof should be inspected after the first five years, then again at 10 years, 13 years, 15 years, 17 years, and after that it should be every year. It is important to have your roof inspected so you can catch problems before it becomes a headache and possibly causes water damage.
5. Check your sealant: Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding your doors and windows. If you find gaps in the sealant, fill them in immediately. By filling in these gaps and holes in the sealant, it prevents rain water from finding its way into your home.

If water still manages to find a way into your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888- 5700. We’re always here to help!

Shower Damaged Caulking and Grout Caused Water & Mold Damage

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Shower Demolition

As your tiled shower ages, it is important to keep your caulking and grout in good repair. Water and mold damage is caused by deteriorating or missing caulking and grout which causes water to seep underneath the surface damaging your shower walls over time. Between 1965 and 1990 drywall was used behind tile and when it gets wet it expands and swells causing the grout to crack. In recent years they have started using cement board that do not swell when moist and can be treated with a waterproofing. This makes your shower less likely to have major water issues, but it is still important to check your caulking and grout regularly, making repairs immediately to prevent a costly project.

SERVPRO was contacted for a water damage in this home. After examining the area and performing a moisture check, it was discovered that the walls were wet due to damaged and missing grout.

Our professionally trained production crew removed all the damaged tile and drywall in this shower and the remaining structure was cleaned and treated for mold.

If you think you have a moisture problem in your shower contact SERVPRO at 614-888-5700

Common Causes of Home Fire

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Garage

Understanding the leading causes of home fires and what you can do to prevent them will keep your family safer. There is research by the National Safety Council that home fires have decreased over the years and most fires are preventable with some knowledge and care to minimize the risks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association these are the leading causes of home fires and preventable measures:

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires                Keep combustibles away from heat source                Keep pot handles inward

•                 Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
•                Do not leave the kitchen while cooking on the stove top

• Heating equipmentFlammable materials should be kept at a distanceWatch portable heaters and never go to bed leaving them on

• Keep children three feet away from heating equipment or fireplace
• Keep equipment clean

• Electrical distribution and lighting equipmentElectrical cords should be in good condition, check for frayed wiresCheck your light fixtures for the correct wattage and do not use bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage.

• Do not run cords under carpet
• Always have electrical work done by a professional

• Smoking is the leading cause of fire deathsSmoking materials should be keep out of the reach the children

• Always us an ashtray and don’t discard butts or ashes where they could encounter materials that can burn
• Do not smoke indoors. Death results from fires starting in family room, and bedrooms

Following these simple recommendations can help reduce the chance of a fire in your home. If you do experience a fire in your home, call your local fire department immediately.

SERVPRO is here to help, call us at – 614-888-5700.

Storm Damage in Blacklick

3/18/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to Basement

We received numerous calls over the past few weeks due to the flooding that has hit the Columbus metropolitan area.  A lot of these homes flooded due to sump pump malfunctions.  It is very important for Sump Pump's to be well maintained so that your basement does not get affected when heavy storms roll through the area.  The foullowing are 4 Tips for Sump Pump Maintenance:

1. Test it regularly:  You can test your sump pump to confirm it’s working properly. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. When you do this, the pump should turn on right away. Remove the water from the pit, then shut it off in a couple of seconds. Be sure that the float switch and the check valve can move freely and that nothing is in the way. In addition, check the discharge line to be sure it is not obstructed or frozen. Also, if the inlet screen is clogged, clear it of any residue or debris.
2. Change Batteries:  If your sump pump is backed up by batteries, be sure that the batteries are replaced every two to three years, or as directed from the manufacturer.
3. Clean It:  At least once a year, you should take out the pump. Begin by disconnecting it from the power. Flush it out well with water to remove any standing debris. While it’s out, remove stones, mud, debris, or anything else that is inside the sump pit. Then put the sump pump back in and reconnect it to the power. Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into it to ensure the sump pump still functions properly.
4. Be Sure the Outside of your Home is Well-Maintained:  Basement flooding can be incredibly damaging. To avoid this, seal any cracks in your walls, windows, or in the foundation. In addition, clean gutters and downspouts regularly so things can drain properly. Also, make sure that the grading around your home is designed properly. It should slope away from the foundation so water can be washed away. Water buildup can happen quickly. If your home’s exterior isn’t being taken care of, you could see damage in your basement right away. A sump pump works well in normal conditions, but it can’t overcome a faulty design.

Source:  https://meticulousplumbing.com/4-tips-sump-pump-maintenance/

In the even that your basement does end up flooding, contact SERVPRO of NE Columbus to make it "Like it never even happened."

The Myths About Mold

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Growth on Drywall

When it comes to mold, there are many misconceptions that leave homeowners confused and misinformed. Just by mentioning the word “mold” causes people to panic. Although mold can be a very serious problem and should always be taken seriously, it is critical to have all the correct facts, so you can make knowledgeable decisions when necessary.

1. “Bleach kills mold”  
2. Bleach is able to kill certain types of mold on nonporous surfaces, but it is uncertain on whether or not it can kill all types of mold on every surface. Most of the retail products out there only discolor the mold and are not suggested for porous surfaces for example, drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles and wood.
3. “Mold is only found in homes with water damage”

It is true that mold generally forms in any areas that have problems of water seepage or flooding but unfortunately all homes could potentially wind up with having a mold problem. Molds and mildews are present both indoors and outdoors, and when mold spores land on a surface that contains moisture, that mold can begin to grow.

1. “You don’t have to remove mold if you kill it” 
2. Even if you are able to kill the mold, there are allergens that live in mold that are still active. These allergens can even become airborne even if the mold is dead. Mold can also go dormant until conditions in the environment are optimal for regrowth. To protect yourself and your home, it is necessary to remove the affected area and remove the items that contain mold. You need to be cautious not to spread the mold spores to unaffected areas. Professionals, like us, are properly trained to handle mold allergens without further contaminating your home.
3. “A small amount of mold is nothing to worry about” 
4. A small amount of visible mold in your home may just be the tip of the iceberg. Chances are it has been growing for some time now and requires a certified mold inspector to further inspect the situation.
5. “Mold Remediation is easy to do on your own”

That is not always the case. When it comes to small areas of mold, it can be handled easily. But when the problem becomes pervasive, it is best to call the professionals. SERVPRO is always “Here To Help!”

SERVPRO Large Loss Response Team

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Large Loss Water Damage in Downtown Columbus

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT).  This means that our franchise has been qualified by SERVPRO's Corporate  office to handle Large Losses for the Commercial Large Loss Division.  The qualified franchises are required to work under a pre-arranged set of criteria to ensure that the work is completed to the highest of standards.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.  It is crucial that your business is back in service as soon as possible.

Our franchise is available 24/7 in the event of a disaster to your commercial property.  Whether your disaster happens at 2:00AM or on a holiday, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 to respond immediately to your businesses' needs.

Storm and Wind Damage

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Damage from a Fallen Tree in Dublin, OH

With spring just right around the corner, thunderstorms can not only bring water damage to homes, it can also bring wind damage.  Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes.

Below are some steps to take if your home is damaged by wind.

Documenting Damage:

• Call and report your damage to your insurance company.
• From a safe location, take pictures of any damage.
• Inventory any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price, age, etc.
• If you have pictures of your home before the damage, include them with your insurance claim.

Preventing Further Damage:

• If you suspect possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
• Cover broken windows and doors with tarps, heavy plastic or plywood to prevent further damage. Save repair receipts for reimbursement. 

Repairs and Cleanup:

• Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until your property has been inspected by an insurance representative.
• If your roof needs to be replaced, hire a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured.
• Fallen trees or large branches also are best removed by a professional tree service. This service may be covered depending on your policy coverage.

If your home suffers wind damage, please contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for any board up, tarp up, tree removal, or roof replacement services.

Source: https://www.nationwide.com/wind-damage-claims.jsp

Causes and Types of Water Damages

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage at Church

The moment you step on wet, soggy carpet your heart sinks knowing you have a water issue in your home. Water damages can cost homeowners both time and money to resolve. There can be many causes of water damage in your home from minor issues to major, costly problems. Water damage can start with a slow leak which takes months to notice to a broken pipe that results is massive amounts of water in a short time period.

No matter how your water loss happened, it is important to realize there are three categories for water which will determine how your loss will be remediated.

Clean Water – Is the least harmful form of damage and does not pose a threat to humans.

• Broken or leaking pipe
• Sink overflow

• Ice maker supply line
• Toilet supply line

Grey Water – Water will contain some microorganisms.

• Sink back up
• Sump pump
• Roof leak
• Leaking air conditioner
• Washing machines, dishwasher, water heaters

Black Water – This can be toxic and may contain bacterial diseases, chemicals, pesticides and microbes.

• Flooding
• Foundation problem
• Gutter problems
• Toilet Bowl overflow
• Sewer back-up
• Water damage that sat over 3 days

While you can not prevent all water damages, there are some precautions you can take to minimize your chances of a water loss as follows:

• Regular inspection and maintenance of your roof.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and installed properly.
• Address any foundation issues promptly. Yard should be sloped 6 inches over a 10-foot span away from your foundation.
• Test your sump pump twice a year by filling your sump pump pit with water to the float level. Make sure your sump pump turns on and the water level goes down.
• Have your air conditioner checked yearly.
• If you are leaving your home for an extended period, turn off your main water line and drain your pipes. This is most important in the winter months where your pipes could freeze if your home loses power.
• When you flush, make sure your toilet drains completely. If you do have an issue, turn the water supply line off and unclog your toilet.
• Inspect and replace worn pipe fittings and hose connections to household appliances once a year.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you have any questions regarding a water loss.

How SERVPRO Can Help with Your Fire Damage Loss

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help With Your Fire Loss

We never think it can happen to us, the trauma of having all our personal contents and our security threatened is too hard to even imagine. If you do experience a fire in your home, call for help immediately because time is important in minimizing your loss. Once the fire department has addressed the immediate threat, the fire marshal will determine the cause of the fire loss and will authorize the safe re-entry into your home.

The next phone calls you will want to make is to your insurance company and a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. Our trained office staff will ask you important questions regarding your loss and will schedule a professional Production Manager to your home to evaluate your loss.

The Production Manager will inspect your home and to determine the extent of the fire damage. This will include your structure’s interior and exterior and all your possessions. They are trained in determining what can be cleaned and what will need replaced.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus has a full-service construction division that can remove fire damaged structure and replace with new.

When the fire damage is severe enough that your home is not livable, it is often necessary to move your salvageable contents into our warehouse. Your contents will be inventoried, cleaned and returned once your home’s construction is complete.

Your Production Manager and Construction Project manager will work closely with you to restore your home to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is trained and prepared to handle any size fire loss. Call us at 614-888-5700.

Emergency READY Profile

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW.

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The

SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Minimizing Storm Damage with Trained Professionals

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Flood Damage

If you have ever endured storm damage to your Columbus home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home. 

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows:

• Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
• Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
• Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead. 
• Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO at 614-888-5700

Storm Damage in Blacklick

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to Basement

We received numerous calls over the past few weeks due to the flooding that has hit the Columbus metropolitan area.  A lot of these homes flooded due to sump pump malfunctions.  It is very important for Sump Pump's to be well maintained so that your basement does not get affected when heavy storms roll through the area.  The foullowing are 4 Tips for Sump Pump Maintenance:

1. Test it regularly:  You can test your sump pump to confirm it’s working properly. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. When you do this, the pump should turn on right away. Remove the water from the pit, then shut it off in a couple of seconds. Be sure that the float switch and the check valve can move freely and that nothing is in the way. In addition, check the discharge line to be sure it is not obstructed or frozen. Also, if the inlet screen is clogged, clear it of any residue or debris.
2. Change Batteries:  If your sump pump is backed up by batteries, be sure that the batteries are replaced every two to three years, or as directed from the manufacturer.
3. Clean It:  At least once a year, you should take out the pump. Begin by disconnecting it from the power. Flush it out well with water to remove any standing debris. While it’s out, remove stones, mud, debris, or anything else that is inside the sump pit. Then put the sump pump back in and reconnect it to the power. Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into it to ensure the sump pump still functions properly.
4. Be Sure the Outside of your Home is Well-Maintained:  Basement flooding can be incredibly damaging. To avoid this, seal any cracks in your walls, windows, or in the foundation. In addition, clean gutters and downspouts regularly so things can drain properly. Also, make sure that the grading around your home is designed properly. It should slope away from the foundation so water can be washed away. Water buildup can happen quickly. If your home’s exterior isn’t being taken care of, you could see damage in your basement right away. A sump pump works well in normal conditions, but it can’t overcome a faulty design.

In the even that your basement does end up flooding, contact SERVPRO of NE Columbus to make it "Like it never even happened."

Grove City Mold Remediation

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage in Grove City

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus offers mold remediation services.  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 614-888-5700

Workplace Emergency Preparedness

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Get Ready for Any Emergency!

Workplace Emergency Preparedness

The time to prepare for a workplace emergency is before it occurs. We never expect an emergency or disaster to happen in our home, workplace or community. The truth is an emergency or disaster could happen anywhere at any time. Having a well thought out emergency action plan is the best way you can protect your yourself, your family, your business and your employees. These unforeseen emergency situations can be natural or man-made and they threaten us by causing physical harm or environment damages.

Unexpected emergencies can include the following categories.

Weather emergencies:

Floods

Earthquakes

Hurricanes

Tornadoes

Environmental emergencies:

Fires

Toxic Gas releases

Explosion

Accidental or deliberate release of hazardous biological agents, or toxic chemicals

Pandemic disease

Man-made emergencies:

Civil Disturbances

Workplace violence

Deliberate release of hazardous biological agents, or toxic chemicals

Active shooter

Most people cannot think clearly and logically in a crisis. The first step in being prepared is to brainstorm all the potential emergencies that could disrupt your workplace. Once you establish your vulnerability you will want to address these objectives.

Steps to create an Emergency Preparedness Plan:

• The most important objective will be to prevent injuries or fatalities.

1. Who is responsibly to alert employees?
2. How will they be alerted?
3. Is evacuation required? What is the evacuation plan?
4. How to determine a safe meeting space?

• Call for help, fire department, police, medics etc.

1. What emergency phone numbers do we need?
2. Who will have access to this list?
3. Who is responsible to make the phone calls?

• When possible act to reduce the damage to your building and contents.

1. Where are the main shut off valves?
2. SERVPRO offers a ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) at no cost. We will send a SERVPRO representative to help you assess your facility.

After all emergency situations are analysis create your Emergency Preparedness Plan and put it in writing. It will then be important to set-up training for all employees. It is also a good idea to have practice drills to prepare employee and this also helps to evaluate your Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Business Suffers From Water Damage

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of NE Columbus at 614-888-5700

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Business Suffers From Water Damage

Let’s face it, water damage is threatening to your property’s value and can cause some serious, well damage. Whether you’re facing a storm; a flood; leaks from a weakened roof, HVAC or busted pipes; or experience overflowing appliances, water damage can wreak havoc in an array of emergency situations. To prevent further damage and to increase chances of salvation, it is critical to act quickly within the first 24 hours. Considering you have safely evacuated the premises and safety officials have declared it safe, follow these steps to immediately rectify your business from water damage.

Avoid Additional Risks

Upon returning to your property, survey the premises and document any visible structural damage that may further endanger you and your property. Look for signs of warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, and holes. If safety officials haven’t done so already, contact utility companies to cease all water and electrical sources. Even if the power is still out upon your return, physically turn off the main power line and individual fuses to avoid risk of electrocution should the power be reactivated.

Document Everything

While surveying your property, take photos and document all damages. Digital photos will allow you to properly store, back-up and transfer files quickly and conveniently. Be sure to document all damages prior to removing any water or starting on any repairs; otherwise, you risk decreasing the extent of your insurance coverage.

Contact your Insurance Provider

Contacting your insurance provider is critical immediately following water damage and your return to the property. Your insurance provider will be able to assess the situation, file a claim, determine whether or not the damage is severe enough to send an adjuster, and provide invaluable next steps. They will also ask for the documentation you’ve collected so it’s important to have that readily available. Pro Tip: if government authorities have declared your region a ‘disaster area’, property owners may have access to increased resources, services and financial assistance.

Secure the Property

Place board over broken windows, fasten tarps, and carryout other measures to avoid further leaks and water damage.  Be sure to document all of your efforts to secure your property from further damage.  If these precautionary steps are not taken and something else happens, additional damages may not be covered by your insurance provider.

Mitigate Mold Damage

It only takes 24-48 hours for mold to develop following a flood or water damage. If items have been wet for less than 48 hours, they may be salvageable. Remove wet contents such as carpeting and furniture as soon as possible. If an item has been exposed longer than 48 hours, it may be harder and more expensive to salvage. If possible, you can start the drying out process within 24 hours and eliminate mold and mildew growth by: 

• Removing wet furniture or lifting it off of carpet
• Place aluminum foil or other carpet separators on furniture to prevent carpet stains
• Remove and hang area rugs to dry
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out wet areas
• Turn air conditioning on to help remove humidity and speed the drying process

Contact A Professional Restoration Service

If any amounts of water need more than a mop and you’ve followed the immediate steps to secure your business, water removal may require professional attention. Professional Restoration Services have the expertise, training and equipment to quickly remedy water damages and help your business get back to working order faster.

National Burn Awareness Week: Children and Fire

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Let's Keep Our Children Safe from All Burns!

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

SERVPRO OF NE Columbus is here for you should you experience a fire in your home. Please call 614-888-5700 for help.

2017 SERVPRO Awards

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

2017 Customer Services Awards

2017 was a great year for SERVPRO of NE Columbus! Our SERVPRO team is proud of the recognition we received last year. We were honored to receive three distinguished awards for outstanding services in both our mitigation and repair divisions.

Our first award is the esteemed Nationwide Blue Hammer award. This award is given for being the top contractor in a five-state territory. The factors for consideration of this award are customer service, time in progress, performance objective monitoring and the number of jobs assigned. 

The second award was presented by Contractor Connection for being the top mitigation company in the Eastern Great Lakes division.

Lastly, we received The SERVPRO Heritage Gold Award from SERVPRO® Restoration Services. This award was given as recognition for being one of the top 25 franchises out of over 1700 franchises in the country.  The Heritage Gold Award is based on sales volume and excellence in service.

SERVPRO of NE Columbus strives to provide a superior level of service for our customers, offering emergency response 24 hours a days 7 day a week. We use technology developed over the years to provide electronic job files. We are a proud to be a preferred vendor for many national and local insurance companies. We handle any size job and offer services for both residential and commercial work.   

We are grateful for our exceptional SERVPRO team and believe that these awards show our commitment to providing our customers in Central Ohio extraordinary service.

 We will continue to strive to provide exceptional service and commitment to our clients / customers.

National Burn Awareness Week; February 4th - 10th

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Beware!

The first full week in February of every year is dedicated to Burn Awareness. According to the American Burn Association, National Burn Awareness Week gives burn, fire, and safety educators an opportunity to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and preventative message to the community.

Facts About Burn Injuries According To The American Burn Association:

• Burn injuries are continuing to be the top leading cause of accidental death and injury in the United States.
• Between the years 2011 and 2015, roughly 486,000 fire and burn injuries were examined at Emergency Departments across the US.
• Just in 2016, there were 3,390 civilian casualties from fires. Residential fires account for 2,800 deaths, non- residential fires account for 150 deaths, vehicle fires account for 355 deaths, and the remaining 85 deaths were due to outside and unrelated fires.
• One civilian death from a fire occurs every 2 hours and 35 minutes.
• 1 in 1,498 are the odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames or smoke.
• Fire flames, scalds, contact with hot objects, electrical and chemicals are all leading causes of burn injuries.
• In 2011 through 2015, nine out of ten people with fire and burn injuries were treated and released by emergency departments.
• Men are more likely to be burned and injured than women.
• Most of the burn injuries happen in the house (73%).
• Children and the disabled are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15.
• In 2015, for children age 1 through 4, fire or burn injuries was the 5th leading cause of death; 3rd leading cause for children ages 5 through 9; and 8th leading cause of death for those over age 65.
• In 2011 through 2015, children under the age of 5 are 2.4 times as likely to experience burn injuries; for young adults between the ages of 20 to 29 it is 1.5 times.
• Luckily with today’s advanced treatment, 96.7% of those treated will survive, but many unfortunately will have serious scarring, life long physical disabilities, and adjustment difficulties.

After looking at all these facts and statistics, it is clear to see why it is so important for the community to understand the dangers that come from fires and burns. When it comes to fire prevention, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to prevent possible disasters and injuries.

If you experience a fire in your home or business, please don’t hesitate to call us at 614-888-5700.

What is That Strange Odor?

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO with Your Odor Problem!

SERVPRO is best known for fire, water and mold remediation, but did you know SERVPRO also specializes in odor removal? Our professionally trained team are experts at deodorization. The source of the odor is varied and the difficulty in eradicating the problem is unique.

Here are the top four phone calls SERVPRO of NE Columbus receives regarding odor issues:

• Pet Odor
• Wild Animal
• Smoke
• Mildew

Pet Odor – This is probably the most common phone call we receive regarding odor. New puppies, elderly dog, cats and sick animals can create many odors SERVPRO can handle.

Wild Animals – Each spring we receive several calls from fanatic customers who left their dog out early in the morning only to be sprayed by a skunk. Their dog runs into their home and rolls over the sofa and carpet trying to rid themselves of the odor. Raccoons and bats have a tendency of seeking shelter in attics, which often results in a vile and poor smelling environment.

Smoke –  Realtors frequently advise smokers selling their homes to have the cigarette odor eliminated before the homes goes on the market. Cooking mishaps can also cause a lingering smell which SERVPRO can get rid of.

Mildew – There can be many causes of a mildew odors, all start with moisture.

Along with eliminating the source of the odor SERVPRO successfully uses a green technology unit call a Hydroxyl. This is a safe and highly effective compound that cleans, sanitizes and freshens the air.

SERVPRO is here to help! Call SERVPRO of NE Columbus at 614-888-5700 for an estimate to eliminate that strange odor.

Mold Could be Lurking in Your Home from Your Recent Frozen Pipe Break

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Beware of Mold Lurking in Your Home

Central Ohio has experienced two weeks of frigid temperatures and SERVPRO has received countless water damage claims resulting from frozen pipes. If you have experience a broken pipe and did not get a professional company to remediate your water loss, please consider the dangers of mold. Mold spores thrive on moisture and can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.

Here are some signs of mold to look for:

• Mildew smell
• Visual mold on walls or ceilings
• High humidity
• Wood warping
• Paint Peeling
• Respiratory heath issues

Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. Discovering the moisture source and resolving the issue will always be the first step in determining a plan of action. If the mold is excessive, the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional can evaluate the quality of the air inside your home.

Although mold is a part of our outdoor and indoor atmosphere, high levels or certain types of mold are harmful to humans.

There are groups of people who are most at risk when exposed to mold:

• Infants and children
• Pregnant woman
• The elderly
• People with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies
• People with weakened immune systems

Don’t let it grow! If you are experiencing any signs of mold, please contact SERVPRO of NE Columbus at 614-888-5700 and we will send one of our experienced estimators to help!

Beware of Fire Damage from Your Clogged Dryer Exhaust Duct

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Remember to Have Your Dryer Check to Prevent a Fire

Most of us don’t think about maintenance on our clothes dryers, but we should! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year there are thousands of home fires started by clothes dryers. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, which can result in a fire hazard. It is recommended you have your dryer exhaust system cleaned at least twice a year.

How to tell if you dryer vent is clogged

• Normal drying cycle is not drying clothes
• If it takes more than 40 minutes to dry a load of clothes
• Clothes smell musty after normal cycle
• Clothes are hotter at the end of the cycle
• Large amount of lint accumulates in the lint trap
• Your laundry area is more humid
• Burnt smell in your laundry room
• Outside dryer vent cover is not lifting

What you can do to reduce the risk

• Clean your lint filter after each load of clothes
• Use dryer sheet and fabric softener sparingly
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that is trapped
• Keep area around dryer free of dust and debris
• The duct line that vents outside should be as short as possible

There are tips online on how to clean you dryer vent system, but it is recommended you hire a professional. The cost is $100 - $150 depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.

SERVPRO of NE Columbus is here for you should you do have a loss from a dryer vent fire. Please call 614-888-5700 for help.

Steps to Take if You and Your Business are Victims of a Fire

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Studs

No matter the severity of damages, a fire is a chaotic occurrence for any business owner. In addition to loss, every hour spent restoring your business is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Once the fire has ceased and the site has been cleared, follow these steps to promptly restore order, productivity and profitability of your business.

Account for Everyone Affected

The safety of your employees and patrons is of the most importance. Be sure all of your employees and guests are accounted for proceeding the incident. Check guest sign-in sheets or logs if you use them or surveillance cameras to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Once accounted for, retrieve contact information so that you are able to get in touch with anyone affected by the fire. This may also include board members, external partners and customers. Don’t leave your staff and business partners in the dark regarding the future of your company. Any activities or services that need to be postponed or suspended should be clearly communicated and announced. Communication is key to help keep your staff calm and alerted.

Contact your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance agent to report the incident, damages and loss. The quicker you report the incident the quicker the rebuilding and reimbursement processes may begin. If you happen to rent or lease your space, don’t forget to contact your property owner or manager.

Document Everything.

Once the fire has ceased and you’ve accounted for everyone who may have been affected, survey your property for damages and take photos. Avoid costly mistakes and easily fetch important facts and numbers by documenting and organizing all records. Maintain phone call logs to include times and reasons for each contact. Keep all receipts to document any expenses paid for during your business’s recovery period. Insurance companies will require proof of claimed losses, so have pertinent documentation (receipts, user manuals, credit card statements, photos, etc.) easily accessible.

Recover Critical Data Servers: hard drives and computers that hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business. If damaged, you run the risk of losing data as well as exposing employee and customer information. Depending on your exact case, take the necessary steps needed to recover any sensitive data.

Safeguard Your Property

Once the property has been cleared by professionals, collect and remove salvageable valuables, paperwork and data devices. As a business owner, you are responsible for mitigating damages. If the fire has caused significant damage to the structure of the building (exterior walls, doors, windows or the roof) safeguard the premises. Temporarily patch any holes, pitch tarps or make arrangements to have the building boarded up to prevent further damage, vandalism and leaks. Remember to keep all receipts of expenses for reimbursement.

Proceed With Caution

It will be tempting get your business up and running as quickly as possible following the incident, but it is important to be patient and not to rush into any repairs. Contact experienced professionals to assist in the assessment of damages as they will have the knowledge, technology and resources needed to restore your space promptly and properly.

While any disaster to your business, big or small, can be worrisome - know that you have access to the resources to restore your business. Of US based businesses, about 60% have been able to reopen their doors after a disastrous fire and many have gone on to achieve great success and profitability. Above all, it is important to be smart and remain hopeful.

Falling Temperatures Can Cause Frozen Pipes

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Ohio’s Deep Freeze Caused this Frozen Pipe Break

As the new year begins with a blast of extreme cold we want to protect our homes from damage caused by frozen pipes. When water freezes it expands and can break your pipes causing flooding throughout your home. The structure damage from this type of loss can be extensive. The cause of most frozen pipe issues falls into one of three categories: Low temperatures, insufficient insulation or lack of heat.

Low Temperatures – As we welcome in 2018 many states are experiencing temperatures below 0 degrees. The low temperatures along with windy conditions are always a concern for frozen pipes. Check your home for any area that could be an issue. Unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages are prime areas of concern. There are products on the market to wrap exposed pipes to help eliminate the issue. Follow all manufactures instructions for safe use of these products. 

Insufficient Insulation – Even a small space can let cold air into your home. Examine all areas and seal any space where cold air could enter your home. Adding additional insulation where necessary.

Lack of Heat – Make sure you keep your heat on and raise the temperatures during these times of extreme cold. It is also important to protect your home if you are leaving for a weekend or longer. Have a friend or relative check on your home daily to make sure your heat is on and there are no issues with frozen pipes.  It can also be effective to open cabinets to allow warmer air to reach the pipes.

What you can do if you do have a frozen pipe

1. Shut off the water main supply line
2. Apply heat to the frozen pipe in attempt to thaw the frozen pipe. You could use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water.
3. Once the pipe has thawed, slowly turn on the water supply. Check the area of the frozen pipe to make sure there are no leaks.
4. If you do see any leaking, turn the water supply off and call your local plumber.

Should you experience a water damage caused by frozen pipes call SERVPRO of NE Columbus at 614-888-5700 and we will make it “Like it never even happened."

Turn and Test

11/3/2016 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross reminds us to Turn and Test on November 6

Great Advice from American Red Cross!

Did you know:

• Every day 7 people die in the United States due to a home fire
• You have two minutes- that 120 seconds – to escape a home fire
• On an annual average, the Ohio Buckeye Region of the Red Cross responds to over 3 home fires per day in our 45 counties!

The American Red Cross cares about your safety and encourages you to test your smoke alarms and replace your batteries as needed.  This is a lifesaving action of our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which rallies communities across the country to protest people from these every day disasters.

Home Fires are the most significant disaster our Ohio Buckeye Region faces. So this Sunday, November 6, we encourage you to TURN and TEST!

Upper Arlington Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

This Upper Arlington home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Upper Arlington basement could flood, including: 

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today -614-261-6666

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Upper Arlington and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 614-261-6666

Faster to your Westerville Water Damage Event

6/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NE Columbus provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Westerville

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of NE Columbus 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 NE Columbus 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 – 614-888-5700

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Hours 1 - 24:

48 Hours to 1 Week:

More Than 1 Week:

About SERVPRO of NE Columbus

SERVPRO of NE Columbus 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.

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Westerville Home

6/7/2016 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of NE Columbus is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create 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 NE Columbus

SERVPRO of Westerville 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.

Restoring Your NE Columbus Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at NE Columbus 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 NE Columbus

SERVPRO of NE Columbus 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.

When Storms or Floods hit Westerville, SERVPRO is ready!

6/3/2016 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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 Westerville, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 614-888-5700

Northeast Columbus 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of [Northeast Columbus provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Westerville, New Albany & Gahanna.

SERVPRO of  Northeast Columbus 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 - 614-888-5700

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 Northeast Columbus 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:

About SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

The pink ribbon is a symbol of awareness.

SERVPRO is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National Breast Cancer Foundations's mission is to help woman now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

Continental Building System's Golf Outing

9/26/2014 (Permalink)

Great Day and Great Cause!

Continental Building Systems golf outing benefited the 2nd and Seven Foundations. Great cause that promotes reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. 

Duct Cleaning

9/26/2014 (Permalink)

Did you know that our duct cleaning team here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is NADCA Certified. They are trained to handle any size job. Keep us in mind!